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

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...

Students are able to receive letter-sized mail to the IES Abroad Center. Packages should be sent to your housing, as the front desk can keep them. If you are shipping a debit or credit card, we recommend that you disguise it as regular mail (i.e., put it in a birthday card or use a cardboard FedEx or UPS envelope). All of your mail should be addressed to you at the IES Abroad Amsterdam Center: Your Name c/o IES Abroad Amsterdam Center Geldersekade 101-D 1011 EM Amsterdam The Netherlands While you are free to receive mail addressed to you at the IES Abroad Center, you may also get it delivered...

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. 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.

CREA is the cultural organization of the Universiteit van Amsterdam. Griffioen is the cultural organization of the Vrije Universiteit. They both 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...

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...