
Eddie Kaake
CES Maastricht
AlumniI had known from a young age that I wanted to study far from home, but due to the illness of one of my parents, I was afraid to make that jump. After ...
Read Full Interview

CIEE College Study Abroad
13
Your CIEE Social Sciences + Humanities program in Amsterdam lasts a full semester. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activi
See All 13 ProgramsIES Abroad
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You have the opportunity to directly enroll as a fully matriculated student at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam (CvA). The CvA is the largest and most diverse music conservatory in the Netherlands, specializing in performance, composition, and theory. Students who are highly motivated, independent,
See All 8 ProgramsForum-Nexus Study Abroad
97
Experience an unforgettable summer taking classes and traveling through Europe! The Ultimate Summer in Europe program is a multi-city summer study abroad program that visits some of Europe's top cities. Classes are taught by an international team of professors who travel with you. In the evenings an
See All 9 ProgramsCEA
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Whether it is in historic Rome or in romantic Paris, you will enjoy a truly enriching and exciting study experience abroad! Don’t miss this chance to broaden your knowledge while ticking off some items on your bucket list. Aligning a study abroad program with an engineering major can pose a challen
See All 3 ProgramsSIT Study Abroad
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Explore the complexities and paradoxes of gender and sexuality in the Netherlands and Morocco. In Amsterdam, study how gender and sexuality intersect with race, class, and religion, while interrogating the city’s reputation for tolerance through theory, policy, and lived experience. Learn directly f
See All 5 ProgramsWorldStrides
2
Experience Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ vibrant capital city known for its iconic canals, world-class museums, and welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. Study alongside Dutch and international students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), an interdisciplinary university offering academically rigorous cou
Santa Barbara City College
1
Experience the perfect blend of Art and Science in three of the most important countries for the subjects. Learn about the fundamentals of studio art and explore all the sciences (biology, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, geography, mathematics, physics, etc.) and their interdependence.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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Study abroad in Amsterdam and spend your semester in one of the world’s most multicultural cities! Stroll along its picturesque canals, explore world-class museums, and join in vibrant festivals that showcase the city’s rich history, culture, and spirit of openness. Known for its freedom of express
See All 6 ProgramsLanguage Vacation
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This is the most intensive language immersion program that Language Vacation offers. The program is perfect for individuals who do not want a classroom setting and like tailor-made private tuition and enjoy the experience of living with a host family abroad. Students learn Dutch at their own pace
International TEFL and TESOL
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Immerse in the land of tulips, windmills, and forward-thinking education as you embark on an inspiring teaching journey in the Netherlands. Use the coupon code GoAbroad15 upon checkout to receive 15% off any course. Take advantage of our Super Sale! Choose from a selection of accredited online TEF
The National Registration Center for Study Abroad
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The National Registration Center for Study Abroad offers Dutch language courses in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Group, private, or semi-private Dutch language classes are provided by teachers at the participants' lodging. Teachers are highly trained professionals with years of experience in teaching Dutc
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Stay in the 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.
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.
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
Forum-Nexus was incredibly well organized from start to finish. Travel between cities was efficient, and I still had the freedom to explore on my own. The Independent Cultural Visits pushed me to get out and discover each place. Laura did a great job in International Business, and I learned a lot. The teachers and staff were nice and caring, and Adam was the best! It was the adventure of a lifetime, and it showed me I can do new and scary things. I’d recommend it 100%. You won’t experience anything like it.
Program: Study Business Abroad with CEA
My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.
Program: Study Business Abroad with CEA
My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.
Program: Nursing, Pre-Med, and Biomed Summer Program in Europe
Forum-Nexus was a wonderful experience, and I would rate it 9/10. I loved traveling to so many places, meeting new people, and learning through the classes and professional visits. The program was well balanced, and the staff were supportive and helpful. I especially enjoyed the independent cultural visits and the opportunity to experience different cities. Some professional visits, such as Heineken, felt a little long, and the Paris hotel was not ideal. Overall, I learned a lot, made great memories, and would definitely recommend Forum-Nexus to others.
Forum-Nexus was an amazing experience. I made many new friends, enjoyed the professional and cultural visits, and loved the balance between school and fun. The staff was amazing, and I would definitely recommend it.
Program: STEM & Art in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands
I thikn the most worthwhile is when all of us go through things togther and work together the last two days to finish our final project. I think it is a great idea to put a big final projectd combined both art and graphic design
I had a really good experience with Forum-Nexus overall. The program gave me the chance to travel a lot, meet great people, and learn more about different countries in a way that felt interesting and personal. I liked that the staff was friendly and helpful, and the hotels were some of the best I’ve stayed in. Some visits were better than others, but the overall balance of academics, free time, and cultural experiences made the program worth it. I’d recommend it to other students, especially if they want to make friends and grow through travel.
This summer abroad program was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as an undergraduate.” “It was thoughtfully organized, with a great balance of academics, cultural exploration, professional visits, and enough independence to grow on my own.” “The instructors were engaging, knowledgeable, and encouraged real discussion, which made classes feel useful beyond the classroom.” “I especially liked being able to connect what we learned to our travels.” “The staff was welcoming and supportive throughout, and I’d absolutely recommend the program to other students.
I would recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a friend easily. I had such a great time, with my peers and teachers throughout these three months. I was always able to ask a CIEE staff member any questions and they would help me immediately. I felt straight at home when arriving, and I believe many people I recommend will feel the same.
Program: SIT Study Abroad: Netherlands: Perspectives on Sexuality
My semester with SIT was one of the best of my life. My class on queer and feminist theory grew my comfort and knowledge within the subject, both academically and practically. The hands-on experiential learning component is central to the SIT curriculum and allowed us to continuously apply what we learned in the classroom to the real world. I've learned so much about the Netherlands and its history, peoples, and politics. From classes to my homestay to the people I met when I explored the city, I have grown significantly in my understanding of myself, the Netherlands, and the world at large. The homestay was absolutely a highlight of my time with SIT. I felt loved, cared for, and greatly supported. I was able to continuously work on my Dutch language skills with my homestay, too. Overall, I could not recommend this program enough.
I believe if any student can participate in this program, they should take real advantage of it. They offer a lot of subjects, Economics, Art, Business, Culture, Design, Sociology, History, Political Science. The knowledge one gain is massive and in a lot of disciplines. I am really happy to participate the connections i made is totally worth it. Forum Nexus staff are very knowledgeable, they know what they are doing. not to mention that they are easily approachable and always prepared for any problems could occur.
Program: International Business, Economics & Finance in Europe
the environment was really fun, lots of free time. i am happy that i chose to participate in this program. regarding the staff, i love the energy and positivity they were giving us all the time. the hotels were pretty great and the locations were amazing. I totally recommend this program, for the professional visits; i really learnt a lot, and the cultural visits; didnt feel a chore at all!, things that you need to visit and do when you visit Europe. I am really thankful to be going with such a group, they will be my all time friends!
IES Abroad Amsterdam has friendly staff that were always kind and responsive. All my questions were answered and we had multiple pre-departure sessions. I really recommend Amsterdam to anyone who is a history buff! With IES Abroad, you can access almost any museum you want for free. It was so fun to explore the city using museums as my guide. For any travelers, Amsterdam has a big airport, that flies direct to most places. While the prices aren't as low as London, planning your trips in advance or being flexible to different spots or cities will give you so many options for cool weekend trips. For people who love night-life, there is an amazing scene in Amsterdam! Intimate bars, crazy clubs, Amsterdam definitely has options, and I had so much fun exploring the different scenes. If you love a cozy rainy day, Amsterdam will provide! Amsterdam is often rainy and cloudy. I got very lucky my semester; it was sunny and beautiful almost the entire time! Compared to my home college in Minnesota, the weather was wonderful even in February. Keep in mind your preferences while choosing a location. Safety wise, I would say being smart is the most important thing. Amsterdam felt super safe, even when I was exploring the city alone. Pickpocketing is not a large issue here. Be smart, and you will have a wonderful time!
Program: CIEE Summer Comparative Public Health Systems II + III
I would confidently recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a friend or peer because of the amount of support I received in CIEE. CIEE also offers programs that are not only academically enriching but also culturally immersive.
My time with Forum-Nexus was fast-paced, exciting, and educational. It was the perfect mix of classes, studying, sight-seeing, socializing, and learning first-hand. I learned a lot from the International IQ class and it prepared me to visit each city on the itinerary. My hospitality internship allowed to me communicate and network with the international hotels and restaurants we stayed at and visited. Forum-Nexus allowed me to step-up and take advantage of being abroad.
Joining Forum-Nexus was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Traveling across Europe while taking classes gave me a unique blend of academic learning and cultural immersion. Every city brought new perspectives, professional visits helped me understand international business at a deeper level, while group activities and friendships made the journey even more memorable. The program pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me adaptability, teamwork, and global awareness. I left with stronger career skills, a network of friends from around the world, and countless memories that I’ll cherish forever.
Program: SIT Study Abroad: Netherlands: Perspectives on Sexuality
When I first applied to the program, it was because I was rejected from another one, and I had to quickly pivot if I wanted to get outside of the United States. I had a friend who had studied in Amsterdam the year prior and had amazing things to say. I chose this program because being part of the queer community, I wanted to learn more about it. I never really threw myself out there, and what better place than Amsterdam? From the orientation week we had, I was already making conversation with both students and admin alike, it was a nice transition from the United States to something completely new. Once classes started, it felt like a nice ritual. Wake up, take the metro, go to class, see your friends and classmates, and learn about theories you have never even thought about before. In between classes, the amazing diva program coordinator, Emily Bulato, would take us on site visits or bring guest lectures, which would further our understanding of what it means to live in the Netherlands. Ahmed will cook meals twice a week and provide such delicious tastes to your palate. Jonathan will always look out for you, and have so much to say on queer theory and film. Fiona helps with resources, but also has so much to say. Also, you get to go on a two-week excursion to Morocco? I feel like this was actually my favorite part of the whole program, being able to be with your cohort and explore a country much different than the Netherlands. From the beaches, to the food, to the guest lectures and site visits, it was a break that gave me so much emotion. In the four-week period, I was able to work on my own time, watch plays on the SIT dime, and write a paper I could have never even imagined writing. All of this culminated in what was the best 104 days of my college experience, and if I could do it all over again, I would. Granted a huge part of it was the students who were with me as well, but it was amazing. I truly am glad I was rejected from that program, because had I known what could have been... I would have been devastated.
Program: SIT Study Abroad: Netherlands: Perspectives on Sexuality
Studying abroad can be a scary process just because of how new and broad everything is, but in my humble opinion, SIT Netherlands does a damn fine job. This semester wasn’t obscenely easy, but it wasn’t terribly difficult either, which is what you want in a study abroad program! It challenges you to learn even more, but also leaves plenty of space for exploring Amsterdam as a city and to just live in that space. I personally was nervous about the home-stay experience, but I genuinely have loved it and joining them has been one of the highlights of the semester. I cannot wait to visit again someday, both my family and the program staff. For me, they were the ones who made this program so special, because they are all so passionate and knowledgeable about the city and the experiences that you’re having, because they’ve been there and seen it before! As you and your classmates/friends are growing in the space together they are definitely a resource to lean on. Finally, some food recommendations! Chun lives up to the hype, De Winkel 43 has the best apple pie I’ve ever had, I’m addicted to stroopwafels, I’ve swapped eating fries with ketchup to with mayonnaise, and McDonald’s is… just McDonald’s. PS: Ahmed on staff is a fantastic cook!
Program: SIT Study Abroad: Netherlands: Perspectives on Sexuality
Studying in Amsterdam with SIT was so much fun. The courses were interesting and well organized, we built an amazing community with students and dedicated program staff, and I loved getting to explore Amsterdam which is such a cool and interesting city. Living in a homestay immersed me in Dutch culture and allowed me to form close bonds with a Dutch family. I really loved the ISP period which allowed me to chose my own research topic that I was super passionate about and create my own schedule which gave me free time to travel and get to know Amsterdam. Also the program staff always provides delicious snacks and Ahmed (the office coordinator) is an amazing cook. I highly recommend this program!!
I am so happy, I will be recommend it to everyone at my home place. It has been so cool to basically have a guided yet laid back tour across Europe. You are all amazing, perfect balance of there to support us but still give us tons of freedom. Went to 2 professional visits, but they were super cool. felt I learned a lot and they were interesting. The independent cultural visits were encouraging us to get out and see the amazing sights is perfect. It made me appreciate where i was so much more. The accommodation was amazing!
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Eddie Kaake
CES Maastricht
AlumniI had known from a young age that I wanted to study far from home, but due to the illness of one of my parents, I was afraid to make that jump. After ...
Read Full Interview
Hannah Khalil
CES Maastricht
AlumniAs someone who grew up in a very urban environment, when looking at where to study abroad during my junior year of college, I wanted to go somewhere t...
Read Full Interview
Chris Fields
CES Maastricht
AlumniThroughout my college experience, I had family, friends, and colleagues who had each studied abroad at some point in their lives. Each of them gave no...
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Will Chamblee
University Studies Abroad Consortium
AlumniI was inspired to study abroad at Maastricht University in the Netherlands by my desire to experience a new culture, gain a global perspective, and ch...
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Kinley Anderson
University Studies Abroad Consortium
AlumniI have always had a love for travel. My desire to see the world beyond the states led me to study abroad. My mom also studied abroad in her college da...
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Corynne Rittner
CES Maastricht
AlumniI had the opportunity presented to me through my home university back in the US. I lineally did not intend to travel abroad in college when I entered ...
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Lindsey Campbell
CES Maastricht
AlumniComing from a multicultural upbringing, I had a lot of family support for my decision to study abroad, which I am so grateful for! Not studying abroad...
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Lana Quint
CES Maastricht
AlumniEver since I was little, I have had a passion for art. However, Nevada, unfortunately, lacks art museums and diverse art collections. So, I decided it...
Read Full InterviewAugust Eberl
CES Maastricht
Alumni
Ana Arellano
CES Maastricht
AlumniI honestly don't have a definite answer but I would say that it was something along the lines of me wanting to explore and to just put myself out ther...
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Haley Crowley
CES Maastricht
AlumniMy mom studied abroad in Europe during her senior year of college and was a huge advocate for it!
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Tess Kucera
CES Maastricht
AlumniI was inspired to go abroad because I wanted to be able to experience another culture and build relationships with people from around the world. I als...
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Sydney McSharry
SIT Study Abroad
AlumniI have always loved traveling. Once I saw that this program was an option for me, there was no way I could pass it up. I had never been overseas befor...
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Elizabeth Kanovsky
CES Maastricht
AlumniI had only been outside of North America once before I started college. Going abroad was always a goal of mine, even before I knew I was going to a sc...
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Carli Snyder
IES Abroad
AlumniI study European history, but before leaving for my semester abroad, I had never been outside of the United States. I was really excited about the opp...
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Jessica Pena
VU Amsterdam Summer School
AlumniI wanted to have experience studying in Europe.
Read Full Interview
Mark Meiselbach
IES Abroad
AlumniI chose to study abroad to gain new experiences that I could not get back at Tufts. For me, going abroad represented not only a chance to study someth...
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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