Study Psychology, Health, Computer Science, or Earth & Life Sciences at the AACSB-accredited Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). Located in the South of Amsterdam and boasting a diverse student population, the VU offers a wide array of courses in Psychology and the sciences taught by professors and researchers who are among the best in their fields.
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.
As one of the most international cities in Europe, Amsterdam is rich in culture, full of open-minded people, and has everything you could want in a big city. Yet Amsterdam still maintains a laid-back feel and is a very easy city to get around in. It’s also incredibly beautiful. It should come as no surprise, then, that Amsterdam is high on Mercer’s 2018 Quality of Living Ranking, which also means it is the perfect place to study abroad!
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?
With my study abroad coming to an end soon, I wanted to reflect on my experience in Amsterdam. Was it worth it?
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 take 15-17 IES Abroad credits (a minimum of 30 ECTS) per semester at the Vrije Universiteit (VU).
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.
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.
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.
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR/MA 240 - Experimental Media and the Internet in Contemporary Art | Spring | English | 3 |
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:
Please Note the Following:
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.
*Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam will review individual student transcripts and pre-requisites, and is the final decision maker on course options.
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.
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.
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.
Visit Rotterdam, a major port city in the Dutch province of South Holland. Take a guided walking tour, visit the famous cubic houses, and enjoy a museum visit or free time.
Keukenhof is one of the world's largest flower gardens. Take in over 7 million followers, including 4.5. million tulips and a variety of sculptures at this historic park.
Join us for a weekend away in one of the Dutch Islands, Texel. Come bike around, explore the Northern Sea and its dunes. We'll be taking a ride on a shrimp boat and visiting a local seal sanctuary.
Enjoy a cycling trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, a quintessential Dutch town, famous for its windmills.
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.
Explore this university city with its beautiful medieval architecture and lively arts and culture. Visit the famous labyrinth caves of Limburg, and take a walk in the spectacular hilly countryside.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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