Criminology Study Abroad Programs in Netherlands

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!

During my time with IES Abroad, Amsterdam, I took classes in Communication and Media Studies at Vrije University, explored the city and surrounding countries, and was able to experience many aspects of Dutch living and culture through the sponsored field trips and taking a Dutch language class. I really enjoyed the different style of education, the VU emphasizes less time in the classroom in favor of independent reading and studying. There were several group projects, which allowed me to get to know my classmates. A highlight of the outings that IES Abroad organized was the trip to Hoorn, where we explored a cute lakeside town with historic architecture, and then took a boat back to Amsterdam. I highly recommend this program for its support of students, commitment to ensuring students can experience the Netherlands' culture and lifestyle, and exciting location.

When I was first looking into studying abroad, Amsterdam was not on my radar. Originally, I wanted to go to a bigger city like London or Paris. I was very confident I was going to go to one of those locations. After doing more research, I realized that Amsterdam aligned with what I wanted in a city. It was small enough for me to know where everything was, but almost everyday I was able to learn/explore something new. Whether it was walking by the canals or exploring a new museum, I was never bored. It sounds cliché, but Amsterdam will forever hold a special place in my heart. When I would travel on the weekends to other places, I would be excited to be back in my home country. I felt so safe and so at peace with where I was at. Also, I took classes at the University of Amsterdam. Unlike Penn State (My home university), the University of Amsterdam classes were spread across the city. I had to plan out my day to get to class, which was very different compared to what I am used to where I would just walk a couple minutes over to my class.

I had a great time studying abroad with ISA. They took care of all the logistics so it was a smooth transition and I was able to focus on having fun in Amsterdam with a side of studying ;) The VU had many classes that fit into my preexisting biology major, so I was able to get the credits I needed. It was really easy to make friends both within the ISA program, as well as within the building we stayed in, since many other people studying abroad also lived there. I will always remember the adventures I had in Amsterdam and beyond with my friends, and am still in touch with many of them today!

I had the best time studying abroad in Amsterdam. I chose it because I knew fewer students went there, and I'm so happy I did because I felt like I had a more personalized experience, which was exactly what I was looking for. There were only 9 students in my program, so I got the opportunity to become close with each of them, along with our program director. The experiences included in the program were once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that allowed me to explore a new city and culture while still learning and having fun. The housing was great! Even though it was a metro ride from the city, it was a quick trip and I loved living alone, but near all my friends, with restaurants and grocery stores a short walk away. I was also able to travel all around Europe while studying abroad, and while I loved exploring new places, I was always happy to come back to Amsterdam as it felt homey and safe to me while I was there.

I stayed an extra year in college to do this program specifically--that's how valuable I knew it would be. And after the program ended, I loved Amsterdam so much I extended my stay with the help of IES to live abroad for an extra 3 months. The academics were top-notch and flexible. I designed my schedule around the courses I wanted, which I could take either with IES or at a Dutch institute (I did a mix). The IES law course was one of the best criminology courses I've ever taken, with all-around knowledge from a great professor who made the class worth every second. My courses at the Vrije Universiteit (VU) were challenging but incredibly rewarding. Navigating the academic differences is certainly a task that takes time, but I networked with students, professors, and IES staff to ensure that I was completing my work to the Dutch standards. My program was tight knit, so we bonded through fun cultural trips together and in our shared kitchen mostly. I cannot rave enough about the IES Amsterdam staff. Every single person was available and prompt in answering any question I had. I've never had better communication from a group of people in my life. And they didn't just treat us like lesser students, but respected us as adults and tailored each meeting and activity to fit what our interests were. I do not know one person in our program who did not fall in love with how darling Amsterdam was. There is no shortage of things to do, and travel between cities is very easy to figure out. I wish I could continue studying in Amsterdam because I enjoyed it much, but I know that I will for sure end up visiting again. As a plus, the IES network is amazing. During my travels I have met with other IES students in Germany and France! Definitely worth it to do an IES program, especially to Amsterdam!

First of all, Amsterdam is an incredible city to live in! I lived right outside the city center near Vondelpark, and I felt at home very quickly. Naturally, it took me a little while to adjust, but before I knew it I felt very comfortable going about life in Amsterdam. Dutch culture and life in Amsterdam is very unique and something that is easy to appreciate. Even though I have only been back in the United States for 1.5 months, I am already looking forward to my next visit! Secondly, the IES Abroad staff are amazing. During our orientation they educated us on Dutch culture and customs, and took us on various field trips around the Netherlands. Even after orientation, the staff were extremely accessible and made sure to check in with us periodically. I had a great experience with IES Abroad and I would highly recommend spending your time abroad with them!

IES Abroad Amsterdam is a great hybrid between a direct enrollment option and an American study abroad parent program. I was fortunate enough to take classes at the University of Amsterdam and with guest professors at the IES Center. The IES liaisons to the university were very helpful and accessible, but as a whole I wish I'd spent more time at the university itself, and some people on my program didn't have any classes there at all. The IES workers planned free social gatherings in the city for us, as well as mental health breaks like yoga classes and paid field trips, like to see the Dutch National Football Team and spending a weekend in Belgium, to help us get to know the area. They were always available in case of emergency and helped those who needed medical support. Amsterdam is a great place to go for a semester abroad because it's very easy to travel around Europe from the city by bus, train, or plane, and the Netherlands is a wonderful country to explore. Amsterdam itself is huge, but IES made sure to place me in an apartment close to my university and was willing to help me acquire a bike to travel the city, which is by far the most-used means of transportation. Dutch adults are usually fluent in English, so even if you don't take a Dutch course, you'll be able to get around fine – though I strongly suggest trying to pick up some Dutch, which will require a lot of effort because of the prevalence of English. Grading in the Netherlands is very harsh, and students don't have GPAs at the universities, so be prepared for a very different academic sphere. Many classes base the overwhelming majority of their final grades on a single final exam or project, which is very intimidating. I enjoyed all of my classes and professors, both in and out of the university. Amsterdam is an expensive city, especially near the center. Groceries are a good price, but going out to eat or grab a cup of coffee can be costly. Bring your own cold medicine and pain medications, because you will have trouble finding those things in the Netherlands. I wish more advice like that was given to me pre-departure, but after the first couple weeks I figured everything out. IES makes sure to send a newsletter with events around the city every two weeks so we have plenty to explore. Overall, a very well-organized, well-run, kind program.

I didn’t want to be that person who said study abroad changed my life, but now I realize they are right — my experience abroad was life changing. This summer (2019) I had the incredible opportunity to travel abroad with IES to Amsterdam. Making it to Europe has always been a dream of mine, and when I saw the immerse and customizable curriculum that IES has to offer, including a course on Intersexuality and its history in Dutch medicine as well as a gendered approach looking at 17th century art history, I knew this program was right for me. Since pre-departure, the IES Staff made the process incredibly easy — consistent emails and working alongside the study abroad office kept me ahead of schedule and prepared for in advance of boarding my flight. This communication remained if not flourished as the program began and I was starting my summer in a new country. The summer went by quick (sad), but by the end I can say that I left with a completely new cultural perspective, an expansive amount of knowledge, a ton of new experiences (and photos!), and of course 20 new friends. I thank the IES Abroad Faculty for the incredible experiences I got to live out this summer, and hope that the many prospective students of the program have an amazing time in the upcoming semesters!

Spending a semester abroad in Amsterdam was an awesome experience that I am so grateful for. Not only did I meet amazing people in the program, I got to live in the city and experience so many different things about Dutch culture. The living accommodations were fantastic and I was able to live comfortably and travel quite a bit. Not to mention the school system in the Netherlands allowed me to have a lot of extra time and learning outside of the classroom. I visited world class museums and saw masterpieces. I explored Amsterdam's historic streets and wandered Vondelpark where I found the Picasso sculpture. The program was very supportive and I really enjoyed my time abroad.

This is experience was an incredible way to try something new. I really pushed myself to explore things I had never done before. With the support there to catch me when I would fall and stumble, I was given the unique opportunity to do what I wanted without the fear of being on my own if I needed help. I made life-long friends, travelled to places I had never even heard of and tried to make the of 4 short months in a new environment.

IES Amsterdam was the most incredible time of my life. This city provided unlimited amounts of opportunities to get involved in the community and explore the in's and out's of this city! The staff was extremely helpful in providing us with the knowledge of what was going on every week and providing options of all different interests and costs. They facilitated our academics, housing and periodic events in new parts of the city to keep us engaged. I had an amazing time in Amsterdam and everyday I wish I could go back.

IES Amsterdam set me up for a great semester at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. While the academics were very different than my home school, I was given resources for a smooth transition. Overall, I enjoyed my classes and was glad I was exposed to a different educational system. Outside of academics, I was given the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus Student Network international orientation weekend, where I made amazing connections with students from both America and other countries from all over Europe. This was a defining factor in my abroad experience and I recommend any student studying abroad in Amsterdam to participate. This orientation weekend was one of many events offered for international students studying in Amsterdam, and there was a constant stream of resources about traveling, night life, culture and music.

Studying abroad at IES was the best experience of my life. In fact, I had such a good time that it feels like a dream when I remember it, as if it did not even happen to me. Of course this would not be possible without IES. The IES staff within Amsterdam were some of the most friendly people I've ever met. Additionally, I experienced the same kindness from the professors who gave lectures through IES.

I loved my time in Amsterdam. The city was the perfect mixture of old and new! The people were extremely welcoming and always open to interesting discussions. Amsterdam is extremely safe and It was so easy to feel at home. The school system is very different but it was great to learn about the differing systems and the pros and cons. Overall, the semester left me refreshed and I wish I could have stayed. IES did a great job making sure we were safe and ready for anything that was thrown at us!

There is a reason Amsterdam has a reputation for being a great city. From nightlife to museums to shopping to a combination of modern technology and historic architecture, Amsterdam has it all. Since I grew up in a suburb and go to school in a college town in the United States, I wanted to experience the thrill of a big city, and Amsterdam did just that for me. There is always something to do in Amsterdam, and I wish I had more time to live there and experience everything I missed out on. Housing should be in the city center, to allow for easier access (there would be less need for Uber, public transport stops around 1230am) to attractions, nightlife, and better culture immersion. This could also allow for more interaction with students from other Study Abroad programs. I also would have benefitted from a mandatory foreign language requirement to make daily life more interesting, even though most everyone speaks almost fluent English. Also would have enjoyed taking more IES Abroad classes and less at the University of Amsterdam, and more organized/mandatory trips out of the country.

I had the most amazing time in Amsterdam studying Law and Criminology with the IES program. I was able to figure out that law was the path I want to take in my life by solely focusing on that aspect during my time abroad. I was able to pick classes that fit my interest and had wonderful access to help if I ever feel I needed it. I met the most amazing people through our international apartment from all over the world. I wish I could participate in this program every year.

Studying abroad in Amsterdam was one of the best decisions I have ever made. IES Abroad provided all participants with an extensive orientation program that lasted a few days, and by the end, we all felt extremely ready to take on anything that happened to us in the city. Our housing was located incredibly close to the center of the city, and IES was able to help us get discounts on renting bikes for all of us to get around. Biking became a huge part of life and was one of the most memorable parts of living in Amsterdam. Our IES classes would frequently take field trips, and we would all have the option to ride to the destination on our bikes together. Our program group grew very close and my roommate and I are still very good friends (I'm going to visit her soon!). Alongside taking classes at the IES center, we had the option to take classes at the University of Amsterdam, which was located only 10 minutes away from our housing. Taking classes at the UvA really expanded my world view, as I had classes with students from many different countries. I became friends with people from Germany, Indonesia, and Amsterdam! IES also organized program-wide field trips and excursions that really helped get us out into the culture of the Netherlands. We went on biking trips to see the tulips and windmills, we went on a weekend trip to Rotterdam to see some cool modern architecture, and we also visited the Delft where we made our own Delft Blue tiles. Now that I'm back home, I miss Amsterdam every single day. And I'm incredibly grateful to IES for giving me the opportunity to have this experience.

Amsterdam is a great study to spend an entire semester or even a whole year in. After my first semester was up, I tried to find ways to stay the entire year. The entire IES staff is extremely helpful and friendly. They are always there to answer any questions or concerns you may have. They are your first point of contact when you first get to this new country and they were able to help me with every question I had. IES does a wonderful job at organizing program wide trips and activities. These activities force you to do things you typically would not go out and do on your own, such as several day trips around The Netherlands, outside of Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a great place to try new things and make new relationships. It is located centrally in regards to other European countries, making it easy to travel to other countries for just a few days. Overall, the city itself and the IES staff made my experience one I will never forget.

I had an incredible time on IES Amsterdam - Study in Amsterdam. The support from the IES staff as well as at the University of Amsterdam was more than helpful. I felt safe and comfortable during my time abroad. Housing, although sometimes complicated, was also very good. Location wise and the condition of the apartment was great. The only negative was courses. While I enjoyed the classes I ended up taking, it was difficult (near impossible) to take courses I needed. We didn't know what our schedule would be until days after arriving, which can be a negative for certain students. In the end, Amsterdam was the best city to spend four months in and I appreciated all that IES did for us, including organized field trips and tours.