IES Abroad: Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities
- Location(s): Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad
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Are you eager to take an independent, fresh look at the world—and at yourself? Let Amsterdam redefine your perspective. This progressive city is known for its cutting-edge contributions to the arts, business, politics, and social policy, and for i... read more
All Reviews
During the spring semester of 2016, I spent an amazing semester abroad in Amsterdam. I decided to study in a place where I knew no one, but could easily communicate without being fluent in the native language. Amsterdam was the perfect fit for me. Studying government and gender studies, University of Amsterdam provided a welcomi... A student - Cornell University View Entire Review
I gained more independence, willingness to accept and overcome challenges, and a more global perspective. It was definitely worthwhile. A student - University of Minnesota - Twin Cities View Entire Review
Studying in Amsterdam with IES wasn't just a life changing experience, it was preparation for life after graduation and acceptance of a new life style and culture. Looking back on it, I wouldn’t have chosen another program or location. I met tons of other study abroad students from various countries who said they loved their pro... Abigail Z - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
This question is difficult to answer, as I feel like I've learned so much about Amsterdam and myself at the same time. Studying abroad allowed me to gain an understanding of what the world is like beyond the borders of America, which is something I think a lot of people start to forget, or just don't pay attention to. It was def... Charlotte W - North Carolina State University / NC State View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself as this was my first time living on my own. Also learned how to bike a whole lot better which is definitely a skill to hold on to. Became a better traveler, came out of my shell, and overall just a great personal growth and cultural experience. Lauren M - Macalester College View Entire Review
I LOVED Amsterdam. It's such a different environment from what we experience in the US, and also very unique in the social context of Europe in general. The other program participants came from all over the US, and came from very diverse backgrounds. If you have the chance to go, do it. I had the most amazing summer of my entire... A student - Indiana University - Bloomington View Entire Review
This past spring I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Amsterdam with the IES program. It was an experience that I will never forget and one that I am extremely grateful for. Amsterdam was an incredible city, practically a utopia -a word I and my friends/ family who visited me used to describe the city many times. Amsterdam ... Bahareh J - Johns Hopkins University View Entire Review
The IES program in Amsterdam was the most incredible thing I could have ever imagined. I know that always sounds cheesy to say, but there is no other way to describe it. I made some of the greatest friends I could have ever asked for, I was immersed in the culture, and I even learned some Dutch. But one of the most valuable thin... Matthew M - Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State View Entire Review
Broaden my world view, pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helped me find more self-confidence in my abilities Anna M - Illinois Wesleyan University View Entire Review
I have always had a passion for traveling, and this was the perfect opportunity for me to be based someplace really cool with a lot of things going on, but also the perfect gateway to the rest of Europe. I feel like I learned a lot about myself while I was there, and was given the time to do so. The Dutch's school system is diff... A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I gained the ability to start my life by myself in a different culture. I became more self-sufficient and independent. IES provides assistance but not living on a college campus provides more freedom to explore and live on your own. Caitlin S - Grinnell College View Entire Review
It's definitely cliche, but I feel as if I came back from studying abroad as a much more independent, sufficient and overall more well adjusted person. I experienced so much abroad that I never had before, and learned that I loved doings things I never thought I would like. Sarah G - University of Rochester View Entire Review

I had a lot more time to myself, and lots more free time than at home, which helped me to grow a lot; I became more confident, adventurous and self-sufficient. I made a few really wonderful friends. I fell in love with travel and want to go everywhere! definitiveleigh - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Cultural relativism is the single most important yet applicable concept to consider while studying abroad. Robert Lee Ramirez - DePauw University View Entire Review
I learned how to rely more on myself, I gained confidence in my abilities to meet new people and to become engaged in another culture. My time abroad was very worthwhile because not only did I learn a great deal academically but I also feel like I experienced valuable personal growth as well. Carli Snyder - Pacific Lutheran University View Entire Review
The program I was enrolled in allowed me to take some classes at the University of Amsterdam as well as with professors teaching at the IES centre. (Classes I took: Gender and Sexuality in the Context of Amsterdam, Dutch Language and Culture, Conflict Studies, Global and Local Complexity of Prostitution) The classes were very in... Meghna R - Grinnell College View Entire Review
As cheesy and overplayed as it is, studying abroad in Amsterdam has changed my frame of reference for everything from academics to international relations. I would repeat the semester in a heartbeat. A student - Oberlin College View Entire Review
I gained a lot of self-confidence about being on my own. It was definitely worthwhile. Kelsey G - Trinity University View Entire Review
I gained an amazing experience with some wonderful women. This summer was all about spending time with some incredibly intelligent women. This includes both the girls on the trip with me (we were in a unique group, there were about 25 girls and no boys), and the instructor of the art history course that I took, Anja Novak, and t... A student - Connecticut College View Entire Review
I became much more independent and gained a new appreciation/understand for the world. I also gained a new appreciation for the US A student - Indiana University - Bloomington View Entire Review
I gained knowledge about another culture, while also learning more about myself and where I come from. I became more independent and am able to travel confidently alone. Benjamin T - Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State View Entire Review
This was definitely a worthwhile experience. I met people I won't forget and had experiences that were absolutely amazing. I learned a lot about myself as well as about where I lived. A student - University of Michigan - Ann Arbor View Entire Review
I learned a great deal about art and the history of the city. The program was definitely worthwhile! Mark M - Tufts University View Entire Review
My experience was SO worthwhile. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I definitely would. I learned how to plan a trip, how to cook my own meals, how to create a successful and healthy daily routine and so many other things. I learned so much about myself and how to survive independently in a new, foreign location. Jessie D - Connecticut College View Entire Review
It was life-changing. The people in my program were some of the best friends I have ever made. I feel like Amsterdam is my home and I will definitely live there some day. It is safe, fun, has lots to offer during the day, parks, canals, bikes, it is paradise. A student - Trinity University View Entire Review
About
Our Study in Amsterdam Program takes advantage of the city’s unique balance of history and contemporary culture, and lets you structure your studies at the prestigious Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) and at the IES Abroad Center.
With a strong focus on internationalism, the UvA offers a wide range of courses for you to enroll in, including Conflict and Cultural Diversity, Globalization and International Relations, and Sociology.
You can also choose from IES Abroad’s course offerings, in studio art, Dutch language, research, and other subjects.
Amsterdam will be your classroom. Several courses include hands-on components to help you explore Amsterdam and its surroundings while learning about the city’s past and present. Study the history of Amsterdam by visiting some of the city’s historic spots, including Anne Frank’s home and the Rembrandt House. Explore the city’s well-known museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. Find out more about this diverse culture by hopping on a bike and touring the city’s historic neighborhoods. Meet the people of Amsterdam and discover just how diverse they are.
We want you to feel at home in Amsterdam, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in the city. From housing to cultural events, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Language Requirement(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Sociology
- Fine Arts, Studio Arts
Minimum GPA:
3.0Website
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