Parlez-vous français? It is important to realize that by choosing to study in France, you are choosing a very immersive program. With hard work and enthusiasm, you have the potential to emerge from your term in France as a much better French-speaker than you were before you arrived. Accordingly, your center enforces a strict French-only rule. While you are at the Center, whether in class or not, you are expected to speak only French. Likewise, while with your host family, your apartment, residence hall, or out with friends French is expected. It is natural that you will want to call home and...

Freedom of Speech The French constitution and law allow for freedom of expression, but there are some restrictions on hate speech. Strict antidefamation laws prohibit racially or religiously motivated verbal and physical abuse. Written or oral speech that incites racial or ethnic hatred and denies the Holocaust or crimes against humanity is illegal. Authorities may deport a non-citizen for publicly using “hate speech” or speech constituting a threat of terrorism. ( State Department) Political demonstrations in France occur frequently. Demonstrations can be unpredictable, and even peaceful...

You’re about to start a great adventure abroad, and we couldn’t be more excited for you! Our team of expert study abroad professionals put together this predeparture guide to share important details you need to know before you embark. From getting a passport and planning travel, to budgeting and academic planning, your predeparture guide gives answers to your questions (and questions you didn’t even know to ask!). If you have a specific question not answered in this guide, feel free to e-mail study@IESabroad.org or call 800.995.2300 and your message will be routed to your Program Advisor. What...

IES Abroad policy requires that all students obtain a functioning cell phone with calling and texting capabilities by the end of their first week of the program. Students are required to carry their cell phones at all times and be able to respond immediately in case of emergency. During orientation, IES Abroad staff will provide you with more information about this policy and give you recommendations for local service providers. In general, there are four ways that students go about fulfilling this requirement: Most popular: Having data upon arrival so that IES Abroad Amsterdam staff can use...

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 REC 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 orientation sessions once you arrive in Amsterdam. These sessions are mandatory, unless otherwise specified. These sessions will likely be from 9am-5pm, so you should not plan anything during that first week you arrive. 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...

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...