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...

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.

Working in the Netherlands Internships and research projects are not part of the VU's exchange agreements with partners abroad, and therefore exchange students are not allowed to perform an internship during their stay in Amsterdam. For more information, you can view the VU's FAQ document.

Before departing for the Netherlands, you should exchange between about €50 - €150 in order to cover incidental expenses during your first few days in Amsterdam. Euros can be purchased at large banks in the United States and at most international airports. Dutch Bank Account Credit or Debit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express are NOT widely accepted in the Netherlands. The Maestro card is recognized across Europe and will be the most dependable way to access money during your semester. You will be issued a Maestro bank card by opening a Dutch bank account. Thus, we...

The OV Chipkaart is a public transportation chip card used to ride the buses, trams, and metro in Amsterdam. You will receive this card during orientation. The chip card works like a debit card. You will need to load money onto your card (this can be done at metro stations, the public transport office outside of Centraal Station and some larger stops), and your fare is deducted with each ride. This is one of the easiest ways to make use of public transportation in Amsterdam. Having a monthly pass is the cheapest means of utilizing the OV Chipkaart. It is also possible to buy individual tickets...

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While in Amsterdam, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Amsterdam Center staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Amsterdam experience. The IES Abroad Amsterdam Center is housed on two floors on the Geldersekade 101. Built in the early 1930s as a clothing factory, the building has recently been completely renovated. The IES Abroad Center has several study spaces, as well as classrooms and meeting rooms. The...

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 three ways that students go about fulfilling this requirement: Most popular: Having data upon arrival so that IES Abroad Amsterdam staff can use...

Course Load All students will take courses through the Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) at Nanzan University. You must carry a full load while studying abroad at Nanzan University, which is the equivalent of 15–18 IES Abroad credits per semester. Because there are so many different points and credit systems in the US, please check with the academic advisor on your home campus to ensure that credits will transfer. You will decide to follow one of the two tracks listed below: Modern Japanese Track (MJP) You will complete a language placement test and complete final registration for courses when...