amsterdam canal sunset buildings
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Inside World Governance

Program at Capacity | Contact CIEE to be Waitlisted

Social Change

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,450

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,450

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Enroll Now

Request Information

Program Overview
Get the inside scoop on how global institutions run and impact our lives. 

Whether you dream of becoming a diplomat or are fascinated about problem-solving on a global scale, this three-week adventure will open your eyes to the inner workings of global institutions and how their decisions affect communities around the world, including yours.  

From your home base in Amsterdam, travel to The Hague and Brussels to be where the action is! At The Hague, meet with policymakers and go behind the scenes at Dutch governmental institutions and the International Criminal Court. In Brussels, get the inside story on the decision-making bodies of the European Union. Using your firsthand experiences and studies of the UN, World Bank, and global NGOs, work in groups to debate positions on a current global challenge and evaluate how global institutions shape and steer world affairs.   

Soak in Amsterdam’s culture, too. Start with a canal cruise and keep going on foot to experience this vibrant city. Explore a former shipyard that has blossomed into an enormous cultural hotspot and learn how to make traditional Dutch food in the Jordaan. Visit significant sites, including the Anne Frank house and museums showcasing Amsterdam’s rich artistic heritage.  

The Take-Aways

Real-World Experience

Go behind the scenes at major European institutions. Get familiar with the workings of the United Nations. Come home with skills in research, analysis, and debate, and an increased understanding of power in world governance.

Credentials for Your Future

Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, a Digital Portfolio showing your learning and results of a Project and debate on a global challenge of your choice.

Life Skills and New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S.

45

hours of expert instruction

3

weeks pursuing your passion

1

life-changing experience

The Destination
  • city shot
  • city shot
  • city shot

The Destination

Welcome to Amsterdam, where old-world charm and progressive politics rhyme. 

Located in the heart of Western Europe, the Netherlands and its capital city of Amsterdam are home to a number of organizations that drive the worldwide political agenda. With more than 180 nationalities represented, this charming multicultural city also offers an inviting environment where you’ll quickly feel at home.  

Easy to navigate, the city boasts more canals than Venice and abounds with beauty. Treasures like the narrow, gabled houses stand shoulder to shoulder along the canals. Cobblestone streets lead to lively squares and street markets. Parks provide delightful greenspaces for “Amsterdammers” to picnic and barbecue. With over 6,000 historic buildings and more than 40 museums, Amsterdam is one of the most picturesque capitals in Europe and a unique destination for art lovers. Don’t leave without seeing masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Vermeer! 

Cultural Awareness

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Amsterdam. 

Daily Life

Daily Life

Monday–Friday

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places. 

  • Breakfast at the hostel 
  • Hands-on classes with expert instructors and guest speakers 
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators 
  • Out and about for a Cultural Activity 
  • Dinner at the hostel or out in the city 

Weekends 

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends 

 Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program. 

Housing

Hostel, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Weekly Learning Goals

Settle into Amsterdam. Trace the history of governing in The Netherlands, examine factors in international justice, and travel to The Hague. Start a Digital Portfolio to document your learning.

Dive into the history of European conflicts and European integration. Travel to Brussels to explore the European Union and its institutions and then debate their roles and challenges.

Investigate frameworks for international economic governance, such as the World Trade Organization. Explore the role of NGOs in current global crises. Develop a poster presentation for your Digital Portfolio and engage in debate on a global challenge. 

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Museums Galore!

By T.J. Slancauskas at CIEE

One of the many components of the Inside World Governance Program is experiencing various cultural activities that Amsterdam and the surrounding areas have to offer. Over the last two weeks... keep reading

From CIEE

A First-Hand Dutch Experience

By T.J. Slancauskas at CIEE

What does studying abroad look like? For many people, studying abroad looks like the typical University setting where students sit in a classroom in a foreign country and listen to... keep reading

From CIEE

IWG - Settling Into Amsterdam

By Jaakirah Reid at CIEE

Study abroad programs offer students a unique opportunity to expand their horizons, immerse themselves in different cultures, and gain invaluable educational experiences. High school students from around the United States... keep reading

Activities

Sample Activities

bikes along amsterdam canal sunny day

Just imagine all the fun you'll have!

  • Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city center and go biking in the Amsterdam Forest, the largest greenspace in the city. 
  • Encounter the canal belt's festive street scene at Amsterdam’s Albert Cuyp market, the largest open-air market in Europe and where you can try the tasty stroopwafel
  • Travel to tranquil Zaanse Schans and experience how the Dutch lived in the days of yore—caring for livestock, generating power with windmills, wearing clogs, and growing tulips.  
  • Let the giant stained-glass portraits of Dutch artists welcome you to the Rijksmuseum. Lose yourself in its world-renowned collections of art and find a masterpiece that speaks to you.  
  • In Brussels, engage in a simulation of the EU Parliament at work. Will you take the role of citizen, expert, or politician?  

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

What People Are Saying

  • "I loved walking past the canals and getting ice cream with our group and the Program Leaders. I also enjoyed our trip to Brussels. Overall, I had a lot of fun while also learning."

    Maria T., Global Navigator Alum

  • "The most unforgettable experiences were cruising the canals and the Pride celebrations. It was really beautiful to see that the Netherlands supports Pride and how they show support."

    Dayana V., Global Navigator Alum

  • "The program is a great way to learn new things, find amazing friends, and get out of your comfort zone. The 3 weeks were amazing and I grew a lot mentally!"

    Kristina S., Global Navigator Alum

  • "Not only is it a great experience, but it also provides young minds with a more expanded outlook and helps them develop humility."

    Parent of Global Navigator Alum

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. 
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page.

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee

$25

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2024 3 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Costs $6,450
Program Summer Session II 2024 3 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Costs $6,450

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to Local Phone and WIFI

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Our Staff

Our Staff

Gildas Fresneau

Center Director

Gildas holds a master’s degree in European Law from the University of Rennes (France). He worked in many roles within international higher education before joining CIEE as Center Director.

Ready to change your life?

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