The program at the CIEE Study Center in Amsterdam is designed to provide students from a wide variety of academic backgrounds with the opportunity to explore the social, political, environmental, and cultural realities of Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

What You'll Learn
Students learn about contemporary Dutch social policy and/or environmental engineering and sustainable innovation. In the Social Policy course, students study their surroundings from a sociological and anthropological view and examine where policy and practice work and don't work. In the Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Innovation course, students analyze environmental issues and practice in Dutch society. Students study their surroundings from a geographical, demographical, environmental, and business point of view.

Program Snapshot

• Study contemporary Dutch social policy and/or gain a greater understanding of the innovative ways in which the Dutch  approach their environment
• Live in the youthful, environmentally-conscious country of the Netherlands
• Frequent outings provide a behind-the-scenes look at sites most tourists never see
• Cultural and educational activities related to the courses
• Overnight excursion to Gelderland in Session I and Zeeland in Session II

Subjects
Dutch Studies
Environmental Studies

Eligibility

•  2.75 GPA

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center in Amsterdam was established in 1993; the summer program began in 2007. The summer program includes two three-week sessions; the first session takes place entirely in Amsterdam, while the second session begins in Amsterdam and continues in Groningen.

The CIEE summer sessions are ideal for students interested in social policy or environmental studies. The summer courses, Contemporary Dutch Social Policy and Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Innovation in the Netherlands, allow students to develop a better understanding of Dutch social policies and its interest in sustainable living. In addition to a classroom component, the program also involves field visits and excursions.

Academic Culture
The courses include a combination of lectures, active participation, guest speakers, and guided site visits. Students visit organizations related to discussions held in each course and are asked to give a presentation of their findings. The course is evaluated based on active participation, a presentation, and a final 15-page paper on one of the themes discussed in the course.

Where You'll Study - CIEE Study Center in Amsterdam, Netherlands
The CIEE Study Center in Amsterdam is located on the Prins Hendrikkade on the eastern waterfront, steps from Amsterdam's Central Station and in close proximity to the University of Amsterdam. In Groningen, students study at the University of Groningen which is spread across Groningen's historic center. Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen is the second oldest university in the Netherlands. Students can take part in a rich academic tradition while enjoying the studentcentered city.

Program Requirements
All students take the required course during each session, Contemporary Dutch Social Policy in Session I and Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Innovation in the Netherlands in Session II.

Credit
Total recommended credit for each session is 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours. Each course has 45 contact hours.

Cultural Activities and Field Trips
In addition to numerous day trips and activities associated with each course, one overnight excursion is offered during each three-week session. During Session I, students venture to the Bergh Castle in Gelderland which served as a major stop during the time of the Hanseatic League. The Hanseatic League was an alliance of trading guilds that established and maintained a trade monopoly over the Baltic Sea, to a certain extent the North Sea, and most of Northern Europe for a time in the late Middle Ages and the early modern period, between the 13th and 17th centuries.

During Session II, students travel to Zeeland in the South of the Netherlands. Zeeland is known for its oyster and mussel farms as well as for its beautiful beaches. Students are exposed to traditional coastal Dutch fishing villages and explore the Delta Works, an engineering wonder that protects the Netherlands from the traitorous North Sea.

Application Deadlines
Summer 2009 - Session I: 4/1/2009
Summer 2009 - Session II: 4/1/2009
Summer 2009 - Sessions I + II: 4/1/2009

Duration
Summer 2009 - Session I: 3 weeks: early June - late June
Summer 2009 - Session II: 3 weeks: late June - mid-July
Summer 2009 - Sessions I + II: 6 weeks: early June - mid-July

Orientation
At the beginning of the program, a mandatory orientation organized by CIEE staff is held to introduce students to Dutch culture and the academic program. It also provides students with practical information about living in the Netherlands. Orientation is maintained on a group and individual basis throughout the program.

Housing and Meals
Housing is included in the program fee. Students are placed in single rooms in residence halls with shared shower and kitchen facilities. Residence halls are within a short walk or bike ride to class. Meals are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the student. Meals may be taken at affordable restaurants, in the University cafeteria, or prepared in the residence's kitchen facilities.

Internet
Internet cafés are available throughout the Netherlands. The residence halls offer wireless access and students are encouraged to bring wireless-enabled laptops.