Study Abroad Programs in Amsterdam, 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

It helped to open my mind and learn how to navigate being alone in another country. Also introduced me to new experiences. I loved the staff. I particularly loved the energy that Hugo brought as well as his wisdom. Professional visits were unique experiences that gave us opportunities not everyone would get part in. Hotels were really great. My level of international IQ certainly improved. I also have new perspectives given we have also seen the countries that we learned about first hand. I have much more of a grasp on the understanding.

Independent cultural visits went well. as expected. many of the ICVs were things i planned on doing. I was unimpressed by the professional visits they felt very uninteractive. Organization needs improvement, sticking to the syllabi. I am happy that I came here I have made amazing friends and I have been able to visit places that I would never have ever known about. IT was a great experience but somehow expensive for my budget.

I am happy that I chose to participate because I made good friends and amazing memories and explored the world in a more independent way that allowed me to be more confident in myself as a person, friend, and traveler.

I really enjoyed this program I had so much fun more than what i expected the staf was all awesome! all were very friendly and helpful no matter what was the situation they seemed very welcoming and caring

Honestly, had a very great experience I loved that we kept moving to different places. got to see and learn so much! I am happy that i chose to participate, this is once in a lifetime opportunity that i will always remember.