Description

The summer Contemporary Netherlands Studies study abroad program at the CIEE Study Center in Amsterdam is designed to provide students from a wide variety of academic backgrounds with the opportunity to explore the social, political, environmental, and cultural realities of Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Students learn about contemporary Dutch social policy and/or spatial planning, studying their surroundings from a variety of perspectives. In the Dutch Experience course, held in Groningen, students develop an understanding of how the Netherlands deals with economic, environmental, and settlement challenges within the context of globalization, climate change, and sustainability. In the Social Policy course, held in Amsterdam, they take a sociological and anthropological view and examine where policy and practice are and are not successful.

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center in Amsterdam was established in 1993; the summer program began in 2007. The summer program includes two three-week sessions. The Society, Environment, Transportation, and Space: The Dutch Experience session takes place in Groningen, while the Contemporary Dutch Social Policy session takes place entirely in Amsterdam.

Contemporary Netherlands Studies is ideal for students interested in social policy or environmental studies. It allows students to develop a better understanding of Dutch social policies and the country's interest in sustainable living. In addition to a classroom component, the program also involves guided site visits and excursions.

Academic Culture
Both courses include a combination of lectures, active participation, guest speakers, and guided site visits. Students visit organizations related to the themes covered in the course and are asked to give a presentation of their findings. Students are evaluated based on active participation, a presentation, and a final 15-page paper on one of the themes discussed in the course.

Highlights

• Study spatial planning and the environment in the North of the Netherlands (Groningen) during Session I and gain a greater understanding of the innovative ways in which the Dutch approach their environment
  
• Study contemporary Dutch social policy in the capital of the Netherlands (Amsterdam) during Session II and learn more about Dutch policies concerning subjects like prostitution, drugs, and abortion
  
• Live in the practical, environmentally-conscious country of the Netherlands

Students participating in the Dutch Social Policy program in Amsterdam venture into the Dutch countryside, which offers them insight into typical Dutch rural life as an alternative to the city. By participating in both sessions, students are exposed to the various landscapes and people living throughout the Netherlands.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• City And Regional Planning
• Environmental Studies
• Geography
• Town And Country Planning
• Urban & Regional Planning

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, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

Overall GPA 2.75

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory

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
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

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