Urban (Re)Development in Berlin & Amsterdam
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About this Program
INFO SESSION: Jan 14th (4pm) Casey 515 & Jan 24th (10am) Casey 515, please RSVP at zwood@seattleu.edu. The urban experience is an ever-changing environment, always responding to transitions in society; whether through demographic shifts, changes in economic conditions, or conflicts and crises. This course will focus on the urban (re)development that has been taking place in the European context, and the impact that this has had on neighborhoods, the economy, the people, the environment, and the many forms of resistance in response. The history and modern redevelopment of our host cities of Berlin and Amsterdam are individually unique, and serve as fascinating case studies that allow students to examine urban redevelopment through the lens of a foreign context but also expand our imagination about what is possible as we interact with the dynamics of our own cities. Students will ponder issues like the effect of globalization, gentrification and displacement, policy innovations to protect affordability, public transportation, social movements, and the extensive use of the arts as public expression. The required study abroad component includes a 12-day journey together, to marry an intellectual exploration of Berlin and Amsterdam with a deep and intense experience, first-hand. This experiential component will teach us practical and applicable tools to navigate “foreign” space, communicate with locals as a confident and humble global citizen, and significantly enhance our leadership and team-building skills. Our exploration will take us down both traditional tourist paths, and many off-the-beaten-track experiences hearing from locals about their cities. SU Course(s): PUBA 3910 or UCOR 3600
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Program Highlights
- Course(s):
- PUBA 3910
- UCOR 3600
No valid text given- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Experiential Immersion
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Hotels
- 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: 5
- Credit System: Quarter Credits
- Typical Course load: 1
- Credit Per Course: 5
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: Seattle University
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 Quarter Credit = 1 Quarter Credit
- Quarter Range: 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.
Fees not specified
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
For undergraduate students participating in Faculty-Led Short Term programs, you will be billed Seattle University (1) Summer Tuition, (2) Technology Fee, (3) Wellness Fee, (4) Global Medical Insurance, and (5) Program Fee for the term abroad.
For graduate students participating in Faculty-Led Short Term programs, students are billed Seattle University (1) Graduate Tuition, (2) Technology Fee, (3) Global Medical Insurance, (4) Wellness Fee, and (5) Program Fee for the term abroad. These and estimated additional expenses are outlined in the program’s detailed Budget Worksheet. Students are encouraged to complete the Budget Worksheet and discuss applicable financial aid with Student Financial Services.
Payment
For undergraduate students participating in Faculty-Led Short Term programs, you will pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. In addition to a 1-3 credit Spring Quarter course, you will enroll in and be billed Seattle University tuition for a 2-4 credit summer course at the discounted summer rate. The remaining program fee that will be charged to student account once enrolled in the associated course(s), charged during Summer Quarter.The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill.
For graduate students participating in Faculty-Led Short Term programs, you will pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term you are abroad, Summer Quarter.
Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual. 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
- Contact Zachary Wood (zwood@seattleu.edu) for application steps and deadline.
- For Short-Term Faculty Led programs, you will be enrolled in a Spring Course (1-3 credits) on-campus for pre-departure preparation and a Summer Course (2-4 credits) for immersive academic content abroad. Undergraduate students will receive institutional aid to fully offset the summer tuition for these programs.
- Questions? Email Zachary Wood (zwood@seattleu.edu)
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Berlin Summer: Warm weather between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.
- Amsterdam 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.
Travel Resources
- Germany
- Air: Major international airports are located in Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin.
- Train: Germany has an extensive rail network operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB), including high-speed trains (ICE) connecting major cities. For details, visit Deutsche Bahn.
- Public Transport: Buses, trams, and metro systems operate in most cities, with highly efficient transportation networks. Cycling is also popular with bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Netherlands
- 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
- Germany
- Historical Sites: Key attractions include the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, and remnants of the Berlin Wall.
- Language: German is the official language, though English is widely understood, especially in urban areas and educational institutions.
- Festivals: Notable festivals include Oktoberfest (celebrated in Munich), the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), and Germany’s famous Christmas markets.
- Netherlands
- 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
- German Cuisine: German food features hearty dishes such as bratwurst, pretzels, sauerkraut, and beer. Regional variations include schnitzel and spaetzle.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, especially in larger cities. Gluten-free and other dietary preferences are also catered to.
- Dutch 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 Berlin: Clayallee 170, 14191 Berlin (Phone: +49-30-8305-0)
- 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
- Germany
- Accessibility: Germany offers generally good accessibility, with modern buildings and public transport equipped for individuals with disabilities. More information can be found at Accessible Germany.
- LGBTQ+: Germany is progressive and accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in cities like Berlin and Cologne, which have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and events like Pride parades.
- Religion: Germany is religiously diverse, with Christianity being the dominant faith, alongside growing Muslim, Jewish, and non-religious communities, reflecting its multicultural society.
- Race & Ethnicity: Germany is home to diverse ethnic groups, including a significant immigrant population, but racial minorities may experience discrimination and disparities in social and economic opportunities.
- Gender: Germany has strong legal protections for gender equality, though women face ongoing challenges such as wage gaps and underrepresentation in leadership roles.
- Netherlands
- 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 the German government and Schengen Zone.
U.S. passport holders do not need to apply for a visa before traveling to Germany and can enter Europe/Schengen Zone on a 90-day “tourist visa” which is provided on arrival in Germany (Non-U.S. citizens may need to apply for a Type–D national visa before traveling to Germany and should consult their respective consulates). The application process varies by Consulate and student location but may require travel to the nearest Consulate to apply in-person. Seattle University's Education Abroad can provide additional supporting visa application documents for Non-U.S. citizens, if applicable; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in 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.