Study in Amsterdam
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About this Program
Take courses with other international and Dutch students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), ranked one of the top 100 universities in the world. With over 350 courses regularly taught in English and a focus on research and academic excellence, VU Amsterdam provides an ideal setting for study abroad. Students studying in Amsterdam can take electives in any available discipline. VU Amsterdam is a highly competitive program. Students will choose one of the following core tracks: - Business & Economics - Computer Science - Interdisciplinary Studies - Social Sciences & Humanities - STEM
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Courses with Locals
- Local University Program
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Dorm
- Apartment
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 24-30
- Credit System: ECTS Credits
- Typical Course load: 4-5
- Credit Per Course: 6
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU)
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 ECTS Credit = 0.80 SU Quarter Credits. Note: if credit conversion does not equate a whole or half quarter credit, credits will be rounded down to the nearest whole or half quarter credit per course
- Quarter Range: 18-22.5
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $12,000
- Spring Semester: $12,000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to CEA CAPA on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by CEA CAPA. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring: Mild and rainy, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). Tulips bloom during this season, making it a great time to visit gardens like Keukenhof.
- Summer: Warm and humid, with temperatures between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Ideal for outdoor festivals, bike rides, and exploring the countryside.
- Autumn: Cool and wet, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). The fall foliage makes it a picturesque time to visit parks and canals.
- Winter: Cold and damp, with temperatures between 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F). Snow is rare but possible; pack warm, waterproof clothing.
Travel Resources
- Air: The main international gateway is Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, one of the busiest airports in Europe. For more information, visit Schiphol Airport.
- Train: The Netherlands boasts an efficient rail network, operated by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), with international connections via Thalys and Eurostar. For more details, visit NS.
- Public Transport: Trams, buses, and metro systems operate in most cities. Bicycles are widely used, with dedicated lanes and infrastructure for cyclists. For more information, visit Public Transport Netherlands.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Popular sites include the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and Keukenhof Gardens, famous for its vibrant tulips.
- Language: Dutch is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and educational institutions.
- Festivals: Key festivals include King’s Day (celebrating the royal family), Amsterdam Dance Event (a major electronic music festival), and the Tulip Festival (celebrating the national flower).
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Dutch cuisine includes traditional dishes such as stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffles), Dutch cheese, herring, and pancakes (pannenkoeken).
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, especially in major cities. Gluten-free and other dietary options are also commonly offered.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in The Hague: John Adams Park 1, 2244 BZ Wassenaar (Phone: +31 70 310-2209)
- U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam: Museumplein 19, 1071 DJ Amsterdam (Phone: +31 20 575-5309 (Emergencies involving U.S. citizens only) For other inquiries: +31 70 10-2209)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: The Netherlands has a high level of accessibility, with modern public transport systems and facilities that cater to people with disabilities. More information can be found at Accessible Travel Netherlands.
- LGBTQ+: The Netherlands is highly progressive, being the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. Cities like Amsterdam have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and host annual Pride events.
- Religion: The Netherlands is religiously diverse, with a historically Christian majority and growing Muslim, Hindu, and secular populations, reflecting its multicultural society.
- Race & Ethnicity: The Netherlands is ethnically diverse, with significant immigrant communities from Suriname, Turkey, Morocco, and the Caribbean, though racial minorities may face occasional discrimination and social inequality.
- Gender: The Netherlands is a global leader in gender equality, with strong legal protections and progressive societal attitudes, though wage gaps and underrepresentation in leadership roles persist in some sectors.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by CEA CAPA.
U.S. passport holders are required to apply for a Dutch residence permit prior to departure (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). Further details about the residence permit process can be found at: https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/study/student-residence-permit-for-university-or-higher-professional-education. CEA CAPA will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in CEA CAPA’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.