Amsterdam Center Emergency From the US: 011.31.6.5367.5021 From the Netherlands: 06.5367.5021 Emergency contacts are on-site IES Abroad staff, and they speak English. Please do not (and remind friends and family not to) use these numbers except in cases of real emergency and to keep in mind time differences.

Social Media Instagram: @iesabroadamsterdam YouTube: IES Abroad Amsterdam playlist Learn from Past Students Read student blogs. Contact a past participant.

CREA is the cultural organization of the Universiteit van Amsterdam. They organize activities in the arts and artistic education such as courses, working groups, and projects in the area of drama, dance, photography, film, visual arts, etc. We strongly encourage you to become an active participant of the Amsterdam community. While you can do this by joining a local arts class, or a sports group, volunteering is a great way to give back to your host community. We will typically share volunteering opportunities twice during the semester (at the beginning and mid-way) and advertise additional...

Sports & Fitness Gym memberships are available through the VU and the UvA for a nominal fee. Students attending either university can sign up for either a VU or UvA membership. The main VU Sports Center is located at the Uilenstede Campus, near the VU. However, there is a smaller location on the main campus. The main USC Sport Center is located near the UvA Science Park campus. There are also about 30 student sports clubs that you can join alongside other Dutch and international students. For more information on membership fees, please check the Sports Centers websites.

There will be mandatory orientation sessions once you arrive in Amsterdam. These sessions will allow you to meet other students in the program, review health and safety procedures, understand academic expectations, and get familiar with the campus and city of Amsterdam. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, and other important topics are also covered. Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore the city before classes start in order to help you feel at home in your new environment. Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons and...

Diversity Abroad At IES Abroad, our faculty, staff, and programs are committed to recognizing and acquainting students with the diversity that exists within the Netherlands. IES Abroad students are continually provided with opportunities to explore the cultural richness of their host environment and learn about economic, social, and political status of local populations. Here are a few resources that you might find useful: Diversity Commitment Navigating Diversity & Identity Abroad Social Identity Resources Identity in the Netherlands Racial and Ethnic Minority Students Students considered...

Visit the State Department's Information page for detailed information about safety in the Netherlands.

Food & Drink Groceries per week, if you cook every meal at home €100 Breakfast at a restaurant €10-15 Lunch at a restaurant €10-20 Dinner at a restaurant €20-40 Soft drink €4 Coffee €4-6 Housing Key replacement fee (if key is lost, stolen, or damaged) €25-75 (Depending on housing) Local transportation Weekly tram and bus pass €40 Monthly tram and bus pass €100 Bike Rental and lock €60-1000 for full term Personal Necessities Toiletries per week €5 Laundry per week €10 (for detergent or other supplies) Social Activity & Entertainment Movie Ticket €14 Concert/Theater performance Varies Museum...