Summer in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Summer in Amsterdam

About the Program

Spend your summer in Amsterdam learning in an intensive, highly interactive, small classroom environment and experience the vibrant culture of the Netherlands’ capital city. All courses are taught in English at VU Amsterdam and use interdisciplinary perspectives, welcoming students from any academic background. Many courses incorporate experiential learning activities that enhance your study program as they take you into the city. Whether you want to learn about computer science or food security, global health or entrepreneurship, Amsterdam promises you an unforgettable summer.

Requirements

Overview

Location:

Amsterdam

Dates:

late Jul 2025 - early Aug 2025

Price:

$4,595

Credits:

3

Deadlines

Apply By:

4/1/25

Withdraw By:

5/1/25

Requirements

CV/Resume
Copy of Passport
$95 Online Application Fee
Program Participation Agreement
Complete Application
Transcript - Official

Eligibility

Minimum
GPA:

2.5

Course Prerequisites:

Some courses may have prerequisites.

Education Completed:

1 Year of College completed prior to program start

Get a Flight Credit worth up to $500 when you apply with code* by November 17, 2024

Where You'll Study

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) was founded in 1880 and is now ranked one of the top 100 universities in the world. With a focus on research and academic excellence, VU Amsterdam hosts abo...

Clubs & Organizations
Clubs & Organizations
Student Government
Student Government
Student Center
Student Center
Student Lounge
Student Lounge
3

Credits

Program Structure & Courses

The summer is divided into two intensive block sessions, each of which are two weeks long. You’ll enroll in 1 course per two-week block session. You have the freedom to customize your summer, by choosing to enroll in one, or two blocks sessions. Different courses are offered during each block session, and we encourage you to review all course offerings before making a selection.

The majority of VU summer courses meet for a minimum of 45 U.S. contact hours and are awarded 3 ECTS credits by VU, while   some courses meet for 60 contact hours and are awarded 4 ECTS credits by VU. If you choose to enroll in one session, your VU transcript will reflect 3-4  ECTS credits* for two weeks of class. If you choose to enroll in two sessions,  your VU transcript will reflect 6-7 ECTS credits* for 4 weeks of class.

* CEA CAPA recommends 3 – 4 U.S. credit hours for each VU summer course.  These credit hour recommendations are based on the contact hours assigned by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam): 15 contact hours equals 1 U.S. credit. Please check with your home institution advisor regarding credit hour transferability.

Classes meet at various times, Monday-Friday. Active learning components required by the course may be schedule any day of the week.

You will select your session(s) and course(s) prior to departure. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. Some courses do fill up quickly. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.

Students receive a transcript from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam upon completing the program.

All Levels Course Structure

Courses

The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.

*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.

Course Name Level Lang Hours Credits
Football Behavior Management 300 En 48 3
The Entrepreneurial Mind: Strategising for a New Venture 300 En 50 3
Course Name Level Lang Hours Credits
Global Health 400 En 45 3
Course Name Level Lang Hours Credits
Logic as a Tool for Modelling 300 En 45 3

Interested in taking your career to the next level?

Where You'll Stay

*Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.

Excursions

Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.

What's Included in your Program

From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in Amsterdam. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.

  • Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
  • Visa & Immigration Advising
  • Financial Advising
  • Tuition and Registration
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Onsite Orientation
  • City Tour
  • Onsite Staff Support
  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance
  • Travel Medical Insurance
  • International Emergency Service Support
  • Welcome & Farewell Events
  • Centrally Located Housing
  • Wellness Activities
  • Cultural Engagement
  • Excursions
  • Student Clubs & Organizations
  • Host Institution Services & Amenities
  • Official Transcript(s)
  • VU Scholarship Opportunities

Sample Calendar

The calendar for this program is coming soon; please check back later.


Sample Budget

This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we've included a range of costs.

Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover "reasonable" costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.

Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.

Description Low-Cost High-Cost
Program Fee
Tuition and fees, registration, orientation, airport pickup, welcome and farewell receptions, housing, official transcript, cultural excursions/activities, student support services, CEA On-site Staff and administrative costs.
$4,595
$4,595
International Airfare & Transfers
Cost varies depending on time of purchase, point of origin and time of travel.
$800
$1,600
Immigration Requirements
Includes passport and additional requirements such as visa, entry and exit fees, French Carte de Séjour, French University Administrative Fee (if applicable), or Italian Permesso di Soggiorno.
$165
$165
Books, Materials and Supplies
Includes books, school supplies, art supplies, and course fees. Does not include fees or supplies for optional courses. This cost varies depending on the course choices of the student.
$28
$98
Meals
Includes the average expected cost for meals in housing option without a meal plan, such as daily groceries and eating out at restaurants. 
$168
$476
Personal Expenses
Includes telephone, laundry, local transportation, personal necessities and upfront payments for potential doctor visits. Please note, certain locations may require deposits to secure spots in CEA organized activities and excursions (deposits are returned at the end of the program if student attends activities/excursions or cancels participation before set deadlines). Some of these costs vary according to the spending habits of the student.
$140
$280
Travel Expenses
Includes additional travel outside of CEA excursions. This cost varies according to the spending habits of the student.
$140
$560
TOTAL EXPENSES $6,036 $7,774