By enrolling in this program, you’ll have the unique opportunity to choose from a large variety of Business and Economics courses at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). Located in Amsterdam’s business district, the School of Economics & Business Administration is AACSB-accredited and offers courses in Business Information Systems, Finance, International Business Law, Global Supply Chain Management, Organization Theory, and many other topics.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Business & Economics
At a Glance
Program Dates:
- Academic Year 2025: August 18 - May 30
- Spring 2026: January 26 - May 30
- Fall 2026: August 17 - December 19
Credits:
15 to 17 per Semester
Estimated Cost:
$24,950
Visa Required:
Yes
Housing:
Shared Housing
Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisites:
None
About the Program
Spring 2027
Program Dates:
Late January - Late May
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Maja Jukić
From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once your application is accepted, I will be sharing with you all the details you need to know before you depart. You can also contact me directly with specific questions and concerns.
About the Destination
Why Amsterdam?
Imagine studying international business and global economics in beautiful Amsterdam, one of Europe’s leading cities for business and progressive social and economic policy. It’s also a hub for entrepreneurship and start-ups. With its central location in Europe and full-member status in the European Union, the Netherlands is the perfect place to study abroad and understand not only business and economics in the Netherlands, but across all of Europe—its significant trading partners are Germany, Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom.
Fall Ball Abroad in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, student athletes have the option to add on a baseball or softball training program on top of their coursework. Fall Ball Abroad in Amsterdam provides college baseball and softball players high-quality coaching and access to world-class training facilities. Students who wish to participate will apply to an IES Abroad Amsterdam program, and once accepted, choose the baseball or softball add-on. We know how important it is to your sports performance to continue working and improving in the offseason. Why not work with international coaches and get stronger in Amsterdam?
Learn More About Fall Ball
The Student Experience
Amsterdam Cinema Guide
I made it my goal to visit as many movie theaters as possible while studying abroad in Amsterdam... here is my definitive ranking of all of the theaters I was...
Program Dates
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
January 26 - May 30
Application Deadline:
Fall 2026
Program Dates:
August 17 - December 19
Application Deadline:
Academic Year 2026-2027
Program Dates:
August 17 - Late May
Application Deadline:
Spring 2027
Program Dates:
Late January - Late May
Application Deadline:
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
While in Amsterdam, you will take 12-15 IES Abroad credits (a minimum of 24 ECTS) per semester at the Vrije Universiteit (VU).
Partner Institution
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), founded in 1880, enrolls about 25,000 students, offers courses in eleven faculties covering arts and science fields, and takes pride in a very student-centric teaching style. The VU is situated on a campus (unlike many European city universities), just outside of central Amsterdam, near the business district in South Amsterdam.
Originally set up as an institution of higher education separate from church or state, the current day VU takes this heritage seriously. Students will feel comfortable on campus, and can access the many resources available, including modern buildings and infrastructure, the Griffioen Cultural Centre, shops, cafés, and an extensive library.
The VU boasts a strong international environment; its goal is to have one in four students in its English-taught programs be an international student.
Courses
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional components. You will take 15-17 credits, depending on which courses you select.
The core of your class schedule will be courses offered at the local university, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), with one required IES Abroad course at the IES Abroad Amsterdam Center. Whatever your schedule ends up looking like, there are certain parameters to guide you.
- 1 IES Abroad course of your choice (required, 3 credits)
- 2-4 VU courses (required, credits vary)
- Up to 2 other IES Abroad area studies course (optional, credits vary)
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
IES Abroad Courses
Art (1)
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR/MA 240 - Experimental Media and the Internet in Contemporary Art | Spring | English | 3 |
Partner Institution Courses
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
You can find more information about past course options that have been offered at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) on their website. Course availability is not guaranteed. Following admission to the program, you will further receive specific course information.
Once you are on the VU website, please click on the “Programme” tab, “Bachelor’s courses,” and then on your desired faculty (i.e. department) tab for possible course options. Please pay special attention to any pre-requisites listed for courses you select. You are able to select courses from the following VU faculties:
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences
- School of Business & Economics
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Religion and Theology
Please Note the Following:
- Credits at the VU are listed in ECTS. 2 ECTS=1 U.S. Credit.
- Fall classes are offered in Periods 1 and 2. Spring classes are offered in Periods 4 and 5
Fall Semester Options:
During the Fall semester, IES Abroad students have the option to enroll in a Minor Programme. Minors are a series of academically-related courses, in the same discipline. They are organized by the VU and are specifically scheduled to avoid time conflicts and overlap. This is an easy way to select courses that fit well together.
VU Exchange Program
The VU offers many English-taught courses in a variety of subjects, ranging from arts & culture and social sciences, neurosciences and computer science, to economics and business administration.
Requirements
- 18 years of age
- In good standing at your home school
- 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
- Junior or senior standing when program begins
- To be considered of junior standing by the VU, applicants must have four complete college semesters (about 60 credit hours) by the start of the program. Transfer credits from AP/IB Exams are not counted towards this total.
- Final admissions decision rests with the VU University Amsterdam (VU)
- IES Abroad will not review Business & Economics Program applicants with cumulative GPAs below 3.0.
About the IES Abroad Center
IES Abroad Amsterdam
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Amsterdam Center is in the old city Center nearby the famous Nieuwmarkt Square, and easily accessible via public transport from Amsterdam Central Station. With plenty of study space, classroom areas, and meeting rooms, the Center is your study abroad hub.
IES Abroad Amsterdam Staff
Mara Borghesio
Operations Coordinator
Zeleni Friese
Housing & Student Life Coordinator
Anabelle Goulette
Student Affairs Cluster Lead & Student Affairs and Operations Manager
Flor Macías Delgado
Access, Belonging & Community Specialist
Irina Navarro Fernandez
Student Success Coordinator
Cathleen Owens
Team Lead Academic Programs
Penny Pierrinakou
Senior Academic Program Coordinator (VU, UvA, CvA)
Ellie Negka
Academic Program Coordinator (VU)
Sude Sehitoglu
Academic Program Coordinator (UvA)
Anna Waksmundzka
Student Life & Counseling Coordinator
Housing
Shared Housing
A home with amenities! In our housing, you will meet IES Abroad students, international students, travelers, and (young) professionals. During orientation you will get an extensive neighborhood tour from our onsite staff. Additionally, reception staff will be available to answer any questions you might have. All housing locations are in safe areas with public transport.
Option 1: You will have a single or shared room with an ensuite bathroom. Your room will be fully furnished with a bed, wardrobe, and shared kitchen,
Option 2: You will have a single room with an ensuite bathroom. Your room will be slightly larger than the Base option. Your room will be fully furnished with a bed, wardrobe, and shared kitchen. This option carries an additional cost.
Option 3: You will be centrally located in Amsterdam at this housing option. You will have a single room with an ensuite bathroom. Your bedroom will be furnished with a bed, wardrobe, and desk. You will share a kitchen with other IES Abroad students. This option carries an additional cost.
Field Trips
Even though your adventure starts in Amsterdam, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
1 day ($)
Fall & Spring
Den Bosch and Kamp Vught
Learn about the WWII history of the Netherlands with a visit to Kamp Vught, and explore the beautiful city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch (colloquially known as Den Bosch) with its beautiful medieval cathedral, underground canal system, and local delicacies.
Arnhem and Hoge Veluwe National Park
2 Days ($)
Fall
Explore this picturesque city close to the German border, climb the tower in St. Eusebius’s church, and visit the largest privately managed conservation area in the Netherlands, home to several endangered species and the second-largest collection of Van Gogh...
Gouda
1 Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Discover the home of the world-famous cheese where you can enjoy a cheese tasting, learn how to make your own stroopwafels, and see the charming architecture of the city.
Limburg
3 days ($)
Spring
Spend a weekend in the southernmost province in the Netherlands where you can explore charming historical cities such as Maastricht and Valkenburg, learn about its famous labyrinth caves, and stay in a medieval abbey part of the UNESCO national heritage...
Tulip Biking Trip
1 Day ($)
Spring
Put your biking skills to the test with this ride around the tulip fields in the beautiful Lisse region, with opportunities to stop at different locations and enjoy a nice picnic.
Cheese & Clog Making at Local Farm
1 Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Get introduced to Dutch culture by getting your hands dirty and making your own Gouda cheese wheel at this local farm! We'll not only be sampling cheese, but also traditional Dutch apple pie.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Spring 2026
Fall 2026
Academic Year 2026-2027
Spring 2027
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
$7.9 Million in Scholarships & Aid
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
Orientation
Health & Safety
With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
PRO-TIP
Apply for your passport today!
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Identity Resources
Contact a Previous Student
Student Ambassadors
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
Related Programs
Study Abroad
Study Abroad
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Winter Quarter - Psychology, Sociology & Political Science
Winter Quarter
None
Study Abroad
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Direct Enrollment - Conservatorium van Amsterdam
Fall/
Spring/
Academic Year
None
Study Abroad
The Student Experience
Things I Wish I Had Considered Before Going Abroad
A few things I wish I had thought of/researched before coming to Dublin.
Edinburgh, Copenhagen, Amsterdam
Journal entries from my recent travels.
Iconic Islamic Monuments in Andalusia
A guide to 3 of the most iconic Islamic monuments remaining in Andalusia!
How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.
