Description

The Social Sciences study abroad program in Amsterdam, Netherlands is geared for advanced undergraduates with a strong interest and background in the social sciences and humanities who seek course work with a research component, are able to work independently, and wish to live and study in an increasingly international and multicultural European capital city.

Academic Program
The CIEE Social Sciences program at the University of Amsterdam was established in 1993. The CIEE program falls under the College of Social Sciences (CSS) which offers Bachelor's level programs in English. CIEE students have choices among a number of humanities and social sciences courses. CIEE students also have access to regular UvA courses taught in English if they meet the course prerequisites.

Academic Culture
Most classes offered at the University of Amsterdam are small in size, consisting of 30 students or less. Most meet twice a week: once for a two-hour lecture and once for a two-hour seminar or discussion class.

Classes comprised of so many different nationalities offer a wide range of perspectives. This diversity enables students to analyze and discuss issues from multiple viewpoints. Participation in the CIEE Study Center at the University of Amsterdam not only helps students develop a better comprehension of Europe in an international comparative perspective, but also enhances their ability to communicate with people from other countries, important in light of today's globalization and increasingly international work environments. Approximately 50% of the international students at UvA are from Europe, 25% from the United States, and 25% from Canada, Australia, and countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.

The University of Amsterdam operates on a semester calendar, with each semester consisting of two consecutive eight-week class periods.. The University's fall semester runs from the end of August to the end of December, and the spring semester runs from the beginning of February to the beginning of June.

The CIEE Study Center office is located on the Prins Hendrikkade on the eastern waterfront, within close proximity to the UvA academic buildings.

Highlights

• Gain an insider's perspective on Amsterdam and the Netherlands through the CIEE course and unique field visits focusing on contemporary Dutch social policy
  
• Take a wide range of courses in the humanities and social sciences
  
• Study Dutch language and integrate into the student community through the International Student Network
  
• Live in accessible, multicultural Amsterdam and explore it on your bike
  
• Give back to the community in which you live and connect with Dutch locals through volunteer opportunities

Excursions include a visit to another historical Dutch city, an overnight trip to either Schiermonnikoog island (a UNESCO world heritage site) or a Dutch or Belgian city such as Rotterdam or Maastricht or Ghent and Bruges or Brussels, a visit to the site of a typical Dutch product (a cheese farm or the Delta Works that protect the Dutch countryside from the sea), and a visit to a cultural venue such as a ballet or soccer match. Students also have the option of staying overnight with a host family outside of Amsterdam.

Volunteer Opportunities
CIEE participants have several unique volunteer opportunities allowing them to connect and give back to the community in which they live. Opportunities include the Regenboog safehouse where students contribute to the Decycle Project working alongside socially marginalized Dutch locals making products out of recycled material (such as belts, journals, handbags, and jewelry) to sell at a Goodwill shop in Amsterdam city center. Another volunteer project is at an artist community at a former ship building yard that houses more than 160 artists' studios, an indoor skateboarding rink, cafes, festival terrain, and the headquarters of various corporations including MTV, Hema, and Redbull. Here students either pursue research on how this space is currently being used or help with the upkeep of the area. Another project in which CIEE students participate is Native Speaker, a program where CIEE students help 12-13 year olds from Moroccan and Turkish descent with their English language skills. Furthermore, there are one-day volunteer events several times per semester.

University Life
Students are encouraged to sign up for activities provided by the International Students Network (ISN) of the University of Amsterdam. After the CIEE orientation, CIEE students join the ISN orientation. Students will be spread out over different international student groups, with whom they attend different (cultural) activities. Subsequently, CIEE students can attend events throughout the semester, as well as expand their network of international and Dutch friends. The ISN develops activities which help students meet other international students and facilitate the adjustment to living in the Netherlands.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, host university identity card, foreign police registration fee, a museum card, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 3.0
• Junior status strongly recommended
• Highly qualified sophomores are accepted with UvA and CIEE approval

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947