Study Abroad in Amsterdam
College Study Abroad
Explore Amsterdam with CIEE
Get ready to experience life on two wheels when you study abroad in Amsterdam, Netherlands, a city where canals, culture, and creativity intersect. Here, your routine might include biking to class past 17th-century townhouses, browsing vintage shops at Waterlooplein Market, or catching an outdoor film in Vondelpark. Dive into Dutch life with coffee and a stroopwafel, weekend visits to renowned museums like the Van Gogh, and cozy evenings in a canal-side café. With a strong academic tradition, a deep appreciation for the arts, and a progressive spirit woven into daily life, Amsterdam study abroad offers a one-of-a-kind adventure rooted in history and innovation.
Top Activities in Amsterdam with CIEE
Every CIEE Amsterdam study abroad program includes frequent cultural excursions uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Amsterdam, past excursions have included:
- Embark on overnight trips to dynamic cities like Rotterdam, Maastricht, or The Hague, each with a unique blend of history and modern innovation
- Pedal through postcard-like landscapes on bike tours through Amsterdam’s countryside, passing windmills, tulip fields, and charming villages
- Experience a world-class symphony orchestra at the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
About CIEE Amsterdam
Situated in the heart of the Plantegebuurt in Amsterdam East, CIEE Amsterdam boasts four classrooms, a student lounge with complimentary books, an office space, Wi-Fi access, and a charming outdoor patio.
Academics in Amsterdam
CIEE Amsterdam
CIEE Amsterdam is located on the Rapenburgerstraat in the historical Plantage district of Amsterdam. Now an educational facility, this site has been a gunpowder factory in the 17th century Jewish girls' orphanage throughout the 18th century.
Located five minutes by bike or 15 minutes on foot from the main UvA campus and 30 minutes away from the VU Campus, CIEE Amsterdam is very centrally located and well connected to public transport, allowing student easy commutes to housing, classes, and cultural activities throughout the city.
University of Amsterdam (UVA)
UvA is the third-oldest university in the Netherlands and one of the largest universities in Europe, serving more than 40,000 students from 100+ different nationalities, divided across seven major faculties. CIEE students take classes at two different mini campuses: The historic inner-city campus and the newly designed “Roeterseiland” campus.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
With a student body of 30,000, the VU is the smaller – but just as established – second research university in Amsterdam. Unlike the UvA, the VU occupies a centralized campus located in the southern part of the city in Amsterdam’s Zuidas knowledge district.
Community Impact Initiative in Amsterdam
CIEE’s Community Impact Initiative invites you to connect more deeply with Amsterdam by becoming an active member of its community. You’ll work alongside local organizations on projects that reflect real, on-the-ground needs, building relationships, gaining cultural insight, and contributing to meaningful, lasting impact. Your experience may span key focus areas like Food Security, Community Development + Public Health, and Youth Development + Education initiatives.
In Amsterdam, your service work may include:
- Sharing low-cost, community meals and connecting with local residents through Resto VanHarte
- Supporting newcomers with refugee backgrounds through community-building at BOOST
Study Abroad Programs in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
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...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
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- Amsterdam, Netherlands
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- Amsterdam, Netherlands
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- London, England
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
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- London, England
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
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- Amsterdam, Netherlands
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- Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Pocket Guide to Amsterdam
Currency
Euro
Spoken Languages
Dutch, English
Available Transportation
Bikes, tram, bus, subway, feet
Famous Local
Carice van Houten – Dutch actress whose role as Melisandre on Game of Thrones brought her worldwide fame (and an Emmy nomination!)
Climate
Cold rainy winters; comfortable summers, mild spring and fall
Places to Explore
Amsterdam has 1,281 bridges – three times as many as Venice, Italy
Airport
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Social Norms
Calling the Netherlands "Holland" is a little bit of a faux-pas - Holland refers to only two of the 12 provinces that make up the country
What to Pack
Umbrella, comfortable shoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Amsterdam is a great location for students looking to study abroad in Europe because it’s a highly bike-able city that provides students with a quintessential Netherlands experience. Students can immerse themselves in centuries of old architecture and beautiful landscapes, while attending world-renowned universities.
Studying abroad in Amsterdam provides students with a safe multicultural atmosphere that’s easy to travel by bike, train, or car. In addition, universities in Amsterdam offer a wide variety of courses for students looking to study Dutch, film, art, design, medicine, and so much more.
Tips for studying abroad in Amsterdam include keeping your wits about you when traveling in crowded areas, pack an umbrella for the fall, and explore the Netherland’s scenic bike rides along the coasts. CIEE encourages students to select courses that pique their interest, explore different areas of the city as much as they can (e.g. Albert Cuyp Market, Bloemenmarkt, and Rokin), and chat with locals.
In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Amsterdam.
For more detailed information on diversity in Amsterdam, visit our Diversity in Amsterdam page.
The cost of studying abroad in Amsterdam varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Amsterdam study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Amsterdam. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Amsterdam to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
Study Abroad Amsterdam Blog
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