Amsterdam, Netherlands

Psychology & Sciences

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Direct Enrollment
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Shared Housing

Credits:

15 to 17 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Yes

About the Program

Study Psychology, Health, Computer Science, or Earth and Life Sciences at the 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. 

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Take Classes Like a Local

Gain a valuable international perspective that comes with study abroad.

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Gain Valuable Experience

From talking to practitioners to helping to program a robot.

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Broaden Your Horizons

Take a IES course in Psychology, Sexuality and Gender, or Art.

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Enjoy the Activities with Fellow Study Abroad Students

Join in on field trips and activities to learn about Dutch culture.

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Late January - Mid May

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

Claire Wendt headshot

Claire Wendt

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Why Amsterdam?

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!

Learn More About Amsterdam

Get to Know Your New City

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Cycle Everywhere

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

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Enjoy Traditional Dutch Dishes

From coffee to stroopwafels, eating in Amsterdam is a real treat.

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Appreciate Art

Visit world-renown art museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.

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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?

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The Student Experience

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Housing

A clean bedroom with a window, modern chairs, a bed, a desk, and a television.
  • 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.

Base Option: 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,

Premium Option: 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.

Premium Plus Option: 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. 

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 take 15-17 IES Abroad credits (a minimum of 30 ECTS) per semester at the Vrije Universiteit (VU).  

Partner Institution

Students celebrating outside on Vrije Universiteit's campus. One student is wearing a blue VU flag.
  • Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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.

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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), and sometimes supplemented by IES Abroad courses. Many students opt to take all of their courses at the VU. Whatever your schedule ends up looking like, there are certain parameters to guide you.

  • 2-5 courses at the VU (2 required, credits vary)  
  • Up to 3 IES Abroad area studies courses (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

Disciplines (17)

Art (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
AR/MS 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. 

Visit Website

*Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam will review individual student transcripts and pre-requisites, and is the final decision maker on course options. 

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.

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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. 

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.

windmills near a lake in Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans

Half Day ($) Fall & Spring

Enjoy a cycling trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, a quintessential Dutch town, famous for its windmills.

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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.

A student walks along a stone path in Maastricht on a bright day.

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.

Spring 2024

Tuition
$
16,980
Housing
$
5,485
Insurance
$
230
Total
$
22,695

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
17,309
Housing
$
5,595
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
23,149

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
$
31,140
Housing
$
11,190
Insurance
$
490
Total
$
42,820

Spring 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 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.

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About the IES Abroad Center

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. 

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Amsterdam
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Amsterdam. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the University
Participate in a VU-led orientation to get to know the VU staff and facilities, and join the European Student Network’s (ESN) orientation for international students.
Learn from the Locals
All students have the option to join the European Student Network’s (ESN) orientation for international students, led by Dutch students, to learn from locals.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Dutch culture and get to know the other students.

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 which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" 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.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 29 - June 01

Application Deadline:

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

August 19 - December 21

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Late August - Early June

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Late January - Mid May

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Acceptance Process
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age
  • In good standing at your home school
  • 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
  • For those interested in taking Psychology courses, you must have taken five Psychology courses at the University level before the start of the program. AP courses will not be considered.
  • Junior or senior standing when program begins
    • To be considered of junior standing by the VU, applicants must have completed four full college semesters by the start of the program (about 60 credit hours). Transfer credits from AP Exams are not counted towards this total.
  • This is a competitive program. Applicants will be selected based on an overall evaluation of your application and the comparative qualifications of other applicants.
  • Final admissions decision rests with the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
  • Please note: the Psychology & Sciences program will not review applicants with cumulative GPAs below 3.0. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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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.

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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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