Amsterdam Summer - Society, Culture & Gender in Amsterdam | IES Abroad

Amsterdam Summer - Society, Culture & Gender in Amsterdam

This program is temporarily suspended for Summer 2021. Explore our other study abroad programs for 2021, as well as details on our health & safety protocols, travel guidelines, refund policy, and more.

Summer 2021

As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to cautiously assess how we can deliver safe, quality programming this summer.

While some of the details of this program may need to shift for Summer 2021—such as housing and field trips, based on changing travel/quarantine regulations—you can rest assured knowing that the essence of this program will stay the same, including the academic focus and the opportunity to learn both inside and outside the classroom.

As always, every decision we make for this term will be guided by our Students First philosophy, which puts you, your well-being, and your academic and personal growth at the forefront. Our advice? Give yourself the chance to study abroad this summer by submitting an application, and know that we’re planning for all of the what if’s so you can have a safe, healthy, and study abroad-filled summer. We and our refund policy have your back.

Why Amsterdam?

Amsterdam, a city long associated with notions of tolerance and openness, is the perfect place to study Gender through the lenses of Art History, Literature, and Sociology. We invite you to explore Amsterdam’s history and present, and to consider how these notions are—or are not—changing.

What You'll Study

Amsterdam is your classroom, with course-related trips to world-class museums and notable Amsterdam sites playing a major role in each course. For example, you will study the representations of gender and sexuality in Rembrandt’s work and visit the Anne Frank museum.

This program also takes you on a four-day program-related trip to Berlin to further investigate your topics of study.

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$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from participating in an IES Abroad Program. This is why we commit more than $6 million to our scholarship and aid programs.

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Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad experience possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.

We offer unique courses that explore the themes of gender and sexuality through an in-depth and interdisciplinary approach. Our world-class professors enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.

Enroll in two 3-credit courses in a variety of disciplines, all taught under the shared theme of Gender Studies, for a total of 6 credits.

Courses

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.

NOTE: IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

Art History
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
AH 340 - Art, gender, sexuality in seventeenth-century Amsterdam	Summer	English	3

Gender Studies
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
GS/LT 336 - Gender and Sexuality in Dutch Literature from 1700 to the Present	Summer	English	3
SO/GS 340 - Sex and Science: Dutch Medicine and Intersexuality	Summer	English	3
SS/SO/GS 316 - Introduction to the study of sexuality and gender in the context of Amsterdam	Summer	English	3

Literature
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
GS/LT 336 - Gender and Sexuality in Dutch Literature from 1700 to the Present	Summer	English	3

Sociology
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
SO/GS 340 - Sex and Science: Dutch Medicine and Intersexuality	Summer	English	3
SS/SO/GS 316 - Introduction to the study of sexuality and gender in the context of Amsterdam	Summer	English	3

Social Studies
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
SS/SO/GS 316 - Introduction to the study of sexuality and gender in the context of Amsterdam	Summer	English	3

Field Trips & Events

Although your adventure begins in Amsterdam, our field trips take you to other great destinations in Europe to provide contrast and context for what you are learning. These trips are included in the program fee. Here are a few possible destinations:

Berlin
4 Days
This required overnight weekend trip to Berlin includes a guided visit to the first LGBTQ+ museum, a city bike tour, a visit to the city's largest flea market, and a visit to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.

Delft
1 Day
Tour the city of Delft, Vermeer's birthplace, and get inspired to paint your own traditional Delft blue porcelain tile.

IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.

Course-Related Trips

As part of your studies, we organize a one-weekend course-related trip to Berlin every summer. In addition, we organize course-related trips around Amsterdam that complement IES Abroad courses and contribute to your general knowledge of Dutch culture and society. These course-related trips are mandatory.

Daily Life

Part of making you feel at home in Amsterdam is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.

Orientation

Our orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Amsterdam staff, your fellow students, and the city of Amsterdam.

Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. In fact, during your first two days in the Netherlands, you'll go on a field trip to the Zaanse Schans and boat tour of Amsterdam's historic canals as part of your orientation. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.

Housing

We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best restaurants—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Amsterdam, it will feel like home.

Summer Housing - You will be placed in a single room with internet access. Your housing will have access to a kitchen and in-house laundry facilities (the laundry will come with a fee). You will also be within walking distance from public transport.

Get to Know Your New City

Cycle Everywhere

Rent or buy a cheap bike and get around Amsterdam the way the Dutch do!

Enjoy Traditional Dutch Dishes

From excellent coffee and sweet stroopwafels and poffertjes (tasty little pancakes), to more unusual fare like thick fries with Dutch-Indonesian peanut sauce or stamppot (a hearty dish of potatoes, onions, kale, root vegetables, and sausage), eating in Amsterdam is a real treat.

Shop the Amsterdam Street Markets

Stock up on fresh produce, cheese, and other food, as well as souvenirs and gifts at the Albert Cuypmarkt. Or dig for the perfect find at the IJ-Hallen vintage market.

Appreciate Art

Amsterdam is home to so many art museums, from the “big ones,” like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum to lesser known gems like the Museum Willet-Hothuysen and the Foam Photography Museum.

Swing Out Over Amsterdam

For a thrill, try riding the swings found on the observation deck on the new A’DAM Tower. Or just marvel at the beautiful 360° views of the city.

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.

Term: Summer 2021
Term	Tuition	Housing	Insurance	Total
Summer 2021	$5,395	$1,815	$135	$7,345

Scholarships & Aid

Featured Scholarships

Summer Need-Based Financial Aid

Up to $1,000

Open to students who apply to and attend an IES Abroad or IES Internships summer program.

Criteria reviewed to determine award:

Level of financial need as determined from infromation provided on the application. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients.
IES Abroad program location.
IES Abroad membership status of home campus

Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs

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$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

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Our Center

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 Geldersekade is located in the old city center, a stone's throw from the famous Nieuwmarkt Square. Due to its proximity to Amsterdam Central Station, the IES Abroad Center is easily accessible via public transport.

Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.

Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
Meet with staff in their offices
Meet up with friends in the student lounge
Study in the student library

Other features include: high-speed internet, printing facilities, photocopier and scanner access

Our Staff

Chantal Omloo

Center Director

Chantal Omloo earned an M.A. in the History of International Relations at the University of Utrecht and an MSc in Development Studies at the School for Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Her academic focus was centered on economic development in Sub Saharan Africa and she has published a number of articles in this field.

Prior to joining IES Abroad in 2001, Chantal worked for Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), an NGO based in the United Kingdom. Chantal managed customized programs for IES Abroad out of the London Center before moving back to her native Netherlands to become our Amsterdam Center Director.

IES Abroad Amsterdam Staff

Flor Macías Delgado
Student and Diversity Affairs Specialist

Anabelle Goulette
Student Affairs and Housing Manager

Diana Kaekebeke
Academic Programs Manager

Faculty

Depending on your program, you will be taught by faculty from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, Universiteit van Amsterdam, or the IES Abroad Amsterdam Center.

Health & Safety

With 70 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 what time zone you’re in.

In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.

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student in denim jacket looking over shoulder and smiling

How We Support You

We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:

International health insurance through CISI 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
Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
And more!

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