- Search for 16 organizations offering a total of 30 Study Abroad programs -
Easily the most popular city in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is known as the creative, cultural and financial center and is the beating heart of the country. With its mix of cobblestone paths and busy streets, Amsterdam manages to feel like a bustling village with all the amenities of a modern city. This lovely and surprising city has more canals and bridges than Venice. Live and study abroad in Amsterdam — there are some great programs in this picturesque place.
Some of Amsterdam’s charming, iconic architecture. Photo by Jonathan Miers
The city is located in the western Netherlands, less than 20 miles from the North Sea and just off a large inlet. Amsterdam’s past, present and future is filled with water. It started out as a fishing village and rose to its prime in the Golden Age of the Dutch, when Amsterdam was the country’s main port and the richest city in the world. The 165 canals of Amsterdam run crisscross throughout the city and are officially an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearly 1,300 bridges cross the many canals, and “the bridge was open” is a tardy Amsterdam schoolkid’s version of “the dog ate my homework.”
Life In Amsterdam. The city itself enjoys the a mild climate that can be somewhat unpredictable, but the summers are warm and the winters cold. The famous tulips bloom around the city in early spring and make the countryside look like an endless velvety rainbow. Some of the most well known areas for viewing the blooms are in villages under an hour away.
Stay in city limits and see amazing architecture during the day and enjoy a thriving nightlife afterwards. The Oude Kerk, or old church, is built in the Gothic renaissance style and is a popular tourist site located in the heart of the Red Light District. Rembrandt Square pays homage to the famous artist with a statue and streets lined with typical Dutch pubs offering authentic Dutch music and food.
Known for its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming people, it is a city where friends can be easily made and students will quickly feel immersed. Although the official language is Dutch, it is estimated that up to 90 percent of the people speak English as a second language so students can learn another language but also find many programs taught in English.
Studying Abroad In Amsterdam. A few of the many options include the study abroad program with Council on International Education and Exchange (CIEE), which provides students in the social sciences and humanities an opportunity to gain credits while adding a research component. The program is taught in English and offers courses in everything from Anthropology to Finance and Film to Tourism. It includes excursions to several cities and plenty of opportunities for volunteer work and university involvement. Other study-abroad programs in Amsterdam include SIT Study Abroad’s interesting course on International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender, and Eastern Michigan University’s European Cultural History tour, which hits Amsterdam on its multi-country summer abroad program.
Business students should look into Vrije University of Amsterdam’s International Business Administration Program for the chance to earn a degree abroad in Amsterdam. Students from more than 50 countries and the Netherlands are brought together to learn cross-cultural management and marketing. The program is taught entirely in English and can be completed in only three years. With versatility for housing arrangements and third-year electives, the program provides students with a great education all in the heart of Amsterdam’s busy business district.
The Original Dutch Treat. The food in Amsterdam is as warm and inviting as the people. Meats, breads and pastries are very popular. It is very typical in Amsterdam to serve a meal with a little sweet treat on the side. Coffee comes with a small cookie; poffertjes, small, fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar, can be found along almost any street through the colder months. Sinterklaas, or The Night of Saint Nicholas in early December, is accompanied by chocoladeletters. The large letters are made of chocolate then decorated and passed between friends, family — and of course left in shoes as a sweet surprise.
Stamppot is a staple of the more savory variety. It consists of mashed potatoes mixed with a variety of vegetables and topped with a smoked sausage. The hearty meal will leave anyone full and comforted.
Fast Facts About Amsterdam
Population: Around 800,000; largest city and capital of the Netherlands
Good To Know: In Amsterdam, the bicycles outnumber the people
Claim To Fame: More canals and bridges than Venice
What You’ll See: More than 50 museums, colorful buildings, lush public parks and gardens
Official Language: Dutch
What To Call The Locals: Amsterdammers
Author - Annie is originally from Nebraska and graduated with a BA in Mass Media Communications and a minor in Graphic Design from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She spent her last semester studying and volunteering abroad in Lima, Perú fueled by a desire to learn Spanish and experience the culture of South America. She has dreamed of traveling for as long as she can remember and started saving by putting dollar bills in a shoebox as a child. She interned in videography and worked as a Production Assistant for the local television station in college. After graduation, she worked as a newspaper reporter and in bilingual customer service before finding her ideal position as a Content Manager with GoAbroad. Her free time is filled with hiking, volleyball, and eating ice cream.
Global Semesters
Global Learning Semesters has 45 programs in 8 different locations. Programs are offered in Cyprus, Spain, France, England, China, Austria, Mexico, and Argentina.
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Syracuse University
Our programs allow you to customize an international experience that meets your linguistic needs--and your professional and personal goals. Choose from exciting and challenging locations across the globe. Browse our extensive courses and programs of study that allow you to combine liberal arts and professional degree courses
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IES Abroad (Institute for the Int'l Education of Students)
With more than 90 programs in 32 cities, IES Abroad is dedicated to broadening our global reach and continuing our commitment to offering students outstanding academic options coupled with every-day opportunities for cultural immersion.
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CIEE
This program 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.
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GlobaLinks Learning Abroad
The Netherlands is a small country with big character and a lot to explore. Jumping on a bike, like the locals, is one of the best ways to begin an adventure. And with the flat land, peddling around is a fairly easy task. Windmills and tulips line the laid-back countryside, while the fast-paced European lifestyle is easily spotted in the larger cities.
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SIT Study Abroad
The Netherlands program of SIT Study Abroad lets international students study the nation through courses on Sexuality and Gender perspectives. The program is offered during the fall and spring semesters, and is based in the unique city of Amsterdam.
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American Institute For Foreign Study
Explore European Art and Architecture in the Netherlands with the American Institute of Foreign Studies (AIFS). Students travel to multiple countries in Europe in this four week study abroad program. Participants visit the Rijks museum during their stay in Amsterdam, exposing them to hundreds of Dutch historical artifacts. This program is open to American participants only.
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VU University Amsterdam
VU University Amsterdam has 1 program in 1 location. The program is offered in Netherlands
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Eastern Michigan University
Our Cultural History Tours are unique travel-study programs that combine all the excitement and adventure of extensive travel with the academic rigor of the finest university courses. The result is truly the opportunity of a lifetime.
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University of Amsterdam Graduate School of Social Sciences
The Graduate School of Social Sciences is a dynamic, multifaceted institution marked by high academic standards, an international atmosphere, and a vibrant academic community.
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Greenheart Travel
Greenheart Travel programs focus on the homestay experience, as it is by far the best way to improve your language skills and gain a firsthand understanding of another culture. By living with a family, you are given the opportunity to share in meals, conversation, and the daily life of the country visited.
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Antioch Education Abroad - Antioch University
Antioch Education Abroad (AEA) is an integral component of Antioch University, a visionary academic community composed of 5 campuses. Since the 1950s, Antioch Education Abroad has been a pioneer in global education, offering courses that integrate resourceful academic content with cultural immersion.
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