Our Social Sciences & Humanities Program takes advantage of the city’s unique balance of history and contemporary culture, and lets you structure your studies at the prestigious Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) and at the IES Abroad Center. With a strong focus on internationalism, the UvA offers a wide range of courses in many areas of study, including Conflict & Culture, Globalization & International Relations, Migration Studies, and Sociology.
Take Classes Like a Local
Attend courses with incredible students from all over the world.
Learn About Arts and Culture
Take an IES course in Art, Sociology, or Dutch.
Enjoy the Activities with Fellow Study Abroad Students
Join in on field trips and activities to learn about Dutch culture.
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.
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 Destination
Why Amsterdam?
This progressive city is known for its cutting-edge contributions to the arts, business, politics, and social policy, and for its importance in the history of Europe and the world. The IES Abroad courses offered in this program are taught by international faculty from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Rent or buy a cheap bike and get around Amsterdam the way the Dutch do!
Enjoy Traditional Dutch Dishes
From coffee to stroopwafels, eating in Amsterdam is a real treat.
Appreciate Art
Visit world-renown art museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.
Swing Out Over Amsterdam
Try riding the swings on the observation deck of the A’DAM Tower.
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?
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...
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore Dutch language, culture, and the arts. The world-class professors and course options at the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
While in Amsterdam, you take 15–17 credits per semester. UvA courses and IES Abroad courses are worth up to 6 credits each.
“There is something intangible about attending international university, walking over that bridge that passes under the giant social sciences building, meeting students from all over the world, and having it dawn on you every morning when you arrive on campus or in the evening when you descend the metro to commute home that you're studying in Amsterdam, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity you'll never forget.”
Emma B. • Sarah Lawrence College • Amsterdam – Social Sciences & Humanities
Partner Institution
Universiteit van Amsterdam
Universiteit van Amsterdam
The Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) prides itself on its wide range of multidisciplinary offerings and its strong focus on internationalization. These qualities are reflected in the large number of international and study abroad students at the Universiteit. Rooted in 17th century Amsterdam, the university is known for its rich intellectual, artistic, and commercial history, and for its contributions to contemporary scholarship, business, and politics.
The Social Sciences & Humanities Program is part of the Amsterdam Exchange Program - Social & Behavioral Sciences.
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, Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA), 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)
1-4 courses at the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) (at least one UvA course is required, credits vary, minimum of 6 UvA credits)
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.
As an IES Abroad student, your course of study falls largely under the Amsterdam Exchange Program - Social & Behavioral Sciences within the College of Social Sciences. Requests to take a course outside of the Social & Behavioral Sciences are handled on a case-by-case basis, as the individual departments at the UvA have the final admission decision to each specific course.
Course Lookup
To look up Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) courses, first navigate to the UvA's website. Once on the main UvA page, click on the "course" button. On the bottom right corner, click "all courses". This will take you to the catalog for the 2025-2026 academic year. Once on this page scroll down until you see the "programme tab", then click "show all". Click until you reach "Exchange Programme College of Humanities" or "Exchange Programme Social and Behavioral Sciences". IES Abroad students are eligible to enroll in classes ONLY offered through these programs.
Visit the Social & Behavioral Sciences course catalog to get a sense of courses that may be offered during your term abroad.
Courses at the UvA are listed in ECTS credits. 2 ECTS credits equal 1 U.S./IES Abroad credit. For example, a course worth 12 ECTS is worth 6 IES Abroad credits.
You can select from courses in:
Anthropology
Art
Conflict and Cultural Diversity
Dutch Society
Ethnicity, Migration, & Nationalism
Geography Planning & Development
Gender & Sexuality
Globalization & International Relations
Media & Communication
Politics, Governance, & Democracy
Sociology
Urban Studies & Global Health
Depending upon availability, you may also take classes in the Faculty of Humanities in one of the following areas:
Arts & Media Studies
English & Literature
European & American Studies
History
Philosophy & Discourse
Please note that these opportunities are limited. We recommend having backup courses in this Faculty in case your top choices are full.
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
Application Requirements
Acceptance Process
Passport & Visa 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, applicants must have four complete college semesters (about 60 credit hours) by the start of the program. Transfer credits from AP Exams are not counted towards this total.
For those interested in taking Psychology courses at the UvA, courses may have a pre-requisite of having taken 5 Psychology courses (or 15 credits) at the university level before the start of the program. Some courses may also have a statistics pre-requisitie. AP/IB courses will not be considered.
Acceptance to this program is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, as there are a set number of enrollment spots available.
Final admissions decision rests with the Universiteit van Amsterdam
Please note: the Study Amsterdam program will not review applicants with cumulative GPAs below 3.0.
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Color Copy of Passport Photo Page — Please provide a scanned copy of your passport information and signature page(s). If you do not yet possess a passport or if it is not valid for six months past the end date of your IES Abroad program, we will accept a copy of your passport application; and we will also require that you provide the following information (as it will appear in your passport): first and last name, date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY), gender, and place of birth.
Academic Statement of Purpose — This 500-word statement should state what academic area of study you hope to pursue while in Amsterdam and include at least four UvA course choices in which you would want to enroll. Please visit the UvA website to view a tentative list of courses offered at UvA through the Undergraduate Certificate Programme in Humanities and Social Sciences. You may take courses in any of these clusters. Note that you are only listing preliminary course choices on this statement; course offerings are subject to change. Master's level courses are not open to IES Abroad students. Please give a brief explanation of your current studies to provide a general overview of your academic background (but don't specifically list all classes taken to date). Also, mention previous study, volunteer, or work experiences overseas, if any. Be sure to write your name at the top of the statement.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
Acceptance to this program is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, as there are a set number of enrollment spots available. The enrollment status will be regularly updated below:
Fall 2026 Program Enrollment Status: Filling (Spots Available)
To ensure that this program is a proper fit for admitted students, IES Abroad has identified majors that best fit with the course offerings at the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA).
You can use this list of majors as a starting point to discern if this program is a good fit for you.
African American Studies
American Studies
Anthropology
Art History
Child Development
Communications
Creative Writing
Cultural Studies
Education
English
Film Studies
Francophone Studies
Gender Studies
Global Studies
Government
History
Human Development
International Affairs
International Relations
International Studies
Journalism
Media/Media Studies
Philosophy
Political Science
Public Policy
Sociology
Women's Studies
Writing
Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP
Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:
You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends
Visit travel.state.gov to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.
Apply for a Residence Permit
Once you are accepted to the program, you will need to apply for your Dutch Residence Permit. You will complete the first part of the application online several months prior to departure. Once you arrive in the Netherlands, you will complete the final steps to obtain a Dutch Residence Permit. Learn more about what to expect.
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.
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
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
Rotterdam
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
1 Day ($)
Spring
Keukenhof is one of the world's largest flower gardens. Take in over 7 million followers, including 4.5. million tulips and a variety of sculptures at this historic park.
Texel
2 Days ($)
Fall & Spring
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.
Zaanse Schans
Half Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Enjoy a cycling trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, a quintessential Dutch town, famous for its windmills.
Cheese & Clog Making at Local Farm
1 Day ($)
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.
Maastricht
2 Days ($)
Spring
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.
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.
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:
$5,990
• Option 1: Short Stay Housing (no meals provided)
+$0
• Option 2 : Short Stay Housing (no meals provided)
+$750
• Option 3: Short Stay Housing - City Center (no meals provided)
+$1,500
Health Insurance
$300
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)
$24,750-$26,250
+
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Cost
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)
Cost
Required UvA Residence Permit Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad before arrival onsite)
$280
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$500-1,900
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$220
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Short Stay Housing (no meals provided)
$1,950
• Option 3: Short Stay Housing - City Center (no meals provided)
$1,950
• Option 2 : Short Stay Housing (no meals provided)
$1,950
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
$410
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$400
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$40-220
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,400
Total Other Estimated Expenses
= Total Estimated Budget:
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:
$6,040
• Option 1: Short Stay Housing (no meals provided)
+$0
• Option 2: Short Stay Housing (no meals provided)
+$1,100
• Option 3: Short Stay Housing - City Center (no meals provided)
+$1,800
Health Insurance
$300
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)
$24,950-$26,750
+
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Cost
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)
Cost
Required UvA Residence Permit (VVR) Fee - Paid directly to the UvA
$283
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$800-1,500
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$220
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Short Stay Housing (no meals provided)
$2,040
• Option 2: Short Stay Housing (no meals provided)
$2,040
• Option 3: Short Stay Housing - City Center (no meals provided)
$2,040
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
$430
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$400
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$40-220
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,500
Total Other Estimated Expenses
= Total Estimated Budget:
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location
Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities Academic Year Fees
Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Cost
Tuition
$37,220
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:
$12,080
• Option 1: Short Stay Housing (no meals provided)
+$0
• Option 2: Short Stay Housing (no meals provided)
+$2,200
• Option 3: Short Stay Housing - City Center (no meals provided)
+$3,600
Health Insurance
$540
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)
$49,840-$53,440
+
Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Cost
School of Record transcript (if required)
$475
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)
Cost
Required UvA Residence Permit (VVR) Fee - Paid directly to the UvA
$283
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$900-1,800
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$440
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Short Stay Housing (no meals provided)
+$4,080
• Option 2: Short Stay Housing (no meals provided)
+$4,080
• Option 3: Short Stay Housing - City Center (no meals provided)
+$4,080
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
$850
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$60-300
Local Transportation
$800
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$40-440
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$5,000
Total Other Estimated Expenses
= Total Estimated Budget:
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location
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.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
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.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
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.
“There is something intangible about attending international university, walking over that bridge that passes under the giant social sciences building, meeting students from all over the world, and having it dawn on you every morning when you arrive on campus or in the evening when you descend the metro to commute home that you're studying in Amsterdam, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity you'll never forget.”
