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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Science, Liberal Arts & Business Courses with Locals
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Location
Amsterdam
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Host University
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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Term
Academic Year 1 2025
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Program Dates
Mid Aug, 2025 - Late May, 2026
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Program Length
Academic Year
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Application Deadline
Apr 01, 2025
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Apr 15, 2025
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Credit
48 - 60 ECTS Credits
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Eligibility
3.00 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$43,950
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
In this interdisciplinary and academically rigorous program, you will have the opportunity to study alongside Dutch and other international students for a semester or full academic year at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). Course offerings are highly specialized, focusing on research methodology across various disciplines including earth and life sciences, business and economics, social sciences, and humanities.
VU's academic year is divided into six intensive "periods", or blocks, with the option to take two or three classes per period. Please find below the breakdown of these periods within ISA's program offerings*:
Fall 1: Periods 1-2 (Mid August - Mid December)
Spring 1: Periods 4-5 (Early February - Early June)
Academic Year: Periods 1-5 (Mid August - Early July)
*These are the general timelines for VU's respective periods, but they are subject to change from year to year. Exact program dates will appear on our website as they are confirmed by the host university.
All students will make course selections upon application to the program. This is a tentative selection, as enrollment is not confirmed until VU confirms that the stated pre-requisites have been met.
Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex
We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.00.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
- You must hold a Sophomore standing or above during term of study.
- The following application materials are required to complete your application: valid passport copy, photo, VU application form. Please contact ISA if you expect any issue in receiving your passport before the application deadline.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception*
Airport Reception*
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
*Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs, as well as programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions*
Excursions*
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
*Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, some summer sessions, as well as some programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
ECTS Credits
48 - 60
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
24 - 30
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
36 - 44
Academic Information
Program end date:
- The last scheduled date of exams may be near the winter holidays, however, students are free to depart Amsterdam sooner if they do not have exams on this day.
- The Fall exam schedule tends to be available around July; please request the schedule from your ISA Amsterdam Program Manager if you would like to ensure that your exams will end prior to the winter holiday. You may adjust your course schedule through VU Amsterdam's add/drop period as needed.
- Should you wish to remain in your housing in Amsterdam through the winter holidays, please be in touch with ISA to formalize this request.
Course Availability
- The courses listed below are based off of last year’s course offerings and ISA will inform students of course updates as they become available.
- All students are required to indicate course selection upon application to the program. This is a tentative selection as all course eligibility will be determined by VU and there will be an add/drop period on-site.
- Additional upper division courses may be available.
- Students are expected to complete self-study hours every night in order to keep up with class material.
- Requests for detailed course descriptions can be made to the Amsterdam Site Specialist.
Course Selection
- Eligibility for courses is dependent upon the fulfillment of the posted pre-requisites. Please note that local VU students are on an academic track very different than in the US; they do not take general education courses and are often at a higher level of study than their US counterparts within the same discipline.
- All course selections are dependent upon approval from VU.
- It is recommended that students take only two courses during the initial period of their time abroad, allowing more time to adapt to the differing academic structure and lifestyle.
- Students choosing the 1A programs should be especially mindful of the condensed academic structure, requiring flexibility with the differing academic culture and a highly disciplined study schedule.
- To avoid scheduling conflicts VU recommends that, whenever possible, students register for classes within the same faculty (department) during the same period.
- VU has identified various tracks, which they call minors, and are a combination of five related courses to be taken within one semester. Enrolling in a track will evade scheduling conflicts and ensure course continuity.
- The academic structure at VU is different than in the US with exams totaling up to 100% of final grade. Please consider each course’s assessment techniques as you make your course selection.
- Academic Year students will take courses in periods one through five. There may be the option to add a sixth period, please contact the Site Specialist for more information.
Course Credit and Transcripts
- Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.
- ISA recommends 3 U.S. semester credits/4.5 quarter units for every 6 ECTS. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by the student's home university.
- Upon program completion, students will receive an official transcript issued by VU. The transcript will reflect ECTS credits for all courses taken.
Honors Courses
- High-achieving students participating in this program may enroll in honor courses.
- These courses are smaller, more intensive, and discussion-based.
- Interested students will submit a motivation letter and must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and should reach out to the Amsterdam Program Manager.
- Requests for detailed course description can be made to the Amsterdam Program Manager.
Courses
select allclear all
Course Disclaimer
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
U.S. Team
Drew Beasley
Program Manager, Czech Republic, Germany, & the Netherlands
Drew's journey in experiential education all started while traveling through Indonesia and Fiji on his gap year. Feeling refreshed and transformed, Drew embraced every opportunity to study abroad while attending DePaul University. Drew has studied film in Rome, received a teaching certificate in Prague, backpacked through Patagonia, and lead diving trips in Belize. When not abroad, Drew works closely with the Gap Year Association and currently serves on their board of directors. At ISA, Drew is thrilled to help students study abroad and fall in love with new cities and countries around the world.
Jessie Llerena
Region & Account Manager, Europe
Born and raised in New Jersey, Jessie graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A in Psychology. Her love for traveling started at a young age from visiting family back home in Ecuador. She is passionate about helping people and delivering high quality care. In her free time, she likes to spend time with family and friends, play with her dog, Cash, work out, and travel (of course!). Jessie finds that studying abroad is important to learn about different cultures, as it creates lasting relationships and memories. She is excited to be a part of the ISA team and to support students through their studies overseas
AMSTERDAM TEAM
Lindsey Turneau
Resident Director, The Netherlands
Lindsey Turneau
Resident Director
Lindsey studied American History at Meredith College, where she was fortunate enough to study abroad three times (an Italy/ England program, Sweden & Sri Lanka). Studying abroad changed her perspective on the world and quite frankly, her life! Since 2008, she and her husband have lived in Singapore, Italy, Poland, Denmark and now The Netherlands. Two kids and a cat later, she’s very happy to share everything she loves about Amsterdam and Dutch life with students. In addition to travel, she is most happy being with her family and riding her bakfiets!
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
Living in ISA housing will allow you the opportunity to experience aspects of the local lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. Regardless of your housing option, you will commute to your host university by public transportation or bike. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations, however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Student Residence
While in Amsterdam you will be housed at an apartment-style student residence. The location may vary and will be in the greater Amsterdam area, accessible via public transportation and/or bicycle. Bedrooms and living spaces may be individual or shared, depending on availability.
You will pay a $300 refundable security deposit if living in this ISA housing option. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property, or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is a unique yet charming cosmopolitan city and the heart of international affairs, home to the European Union, the UN, the European Parliament, and NATO. Multicultural and multilingual, Brussels is the perfect example of a global society that has managed to retain its own distinct personality. You will visit historical landmarks around the city like the Royal Palace, St. Michael's Cathedral, and the famous Mannequin Pis. Downtown, you will find quaint alleys lined with picturesque restaurants, delicious sweets shops, cute boutiques, and cafés galore.
Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is a unique yet charming cosmopolitan city and the heart of international affairs, home to the European Union, the UN, the European Parliament, and NATO. Multicultural and multilingual, Brussels is the perfect example of a global society that has managed to retain its own distinct personality. You will visit historical landmarks around the city like the Royal Palace, St. Michael's Cathedral, and the famous Mannequin Pis. Downtown, you will find quaint alleys lined with picturesque restaurants, delicious sweets shops, cute boutiques, and cafés galore.
Domestic Day Excursion
ISA will provide a day trip within the Netherlands. Possible excursion locations include The Hague, Utrecht, and Rotterdam. Locations will be determined on-site depending on scheduling availability as well as student preferences.
Domestic Day Excursion
ISA will provide a day trip within the Netherlands. Possible excursion locations include The Hague, Utrecht, and Rotterdam. Locations will be determined on-site depending on scheduling availability as well as student preferences.
Zaanse Schans
The historic and well-preserved village of Zaanse Schans offers a glimpse into what life was like in the Netherlands during the 18th and 19th centuries. Located along the Zaan River and lined with iconic windmills, Zaanse Schans is a charming city where you will learn about how windmills were used to fuel a variety of industries. On this excursion, you will have a guided tour of the city and will visit the Zuiderzee Museum of cultural heritage and maritime history.
Zaanse Schans
The historic and well-preserved village of Zaanse Schans offers a glimpse into what life was like in the Netherlands during the 18th and 19th centuries. Located along the Zaan River and lined with iconic windmills, Zaanse Schans is a charming city where you will learn about how windmills were used to fuel a variety of industries. On this excursion, you will have a guided tour of the city and will visit the Zuiderzee Museum of cultural heritage and maritime history.
VU Domestic Excursion
Each semester, VU facilitates a mandatory overnight excursion within the Netherlands. This takes place during the first week of the program and is included in the program price. Possible destinations include Friesland, Maastricht, Leiden, Slot Assumburg, or Efteling.
VU Domestic Excursion
Each semester, VU facilitates a mandatory overnight excursion within the Netherlands. This takes place during the first week of the program and is included in the program price. Possible destinations include Friesland, Maastricht, Leiden, Slot Assumburg, or Efteling.
VU International Excursion * Optional
Each semester, VU facilitates an overnight excursion outside of the Netherlands. This is an optional excursion and is offered for an extra fee. Possible destinations include Munich, Luxembourg City, or Antwerp.
VU International Excursion
Each semester, VU facilitates an overnight excursion outside of the Netherlands. This is an optional excursion and is offered for an extra fee. Possible destinations include Munich, Luxembourg City, or Antwerp.
Cultural Activities in Amsterdam
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Amsterdam. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Amsterdam special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included a walking and canal tour of the city, cheese and wine tasting, tour of Dutch National Opera and Ballet, stroopwafel tasting, and attending a classical musical rehearsal concert at the Royal Concertgebouw.
Cultural Activities in Amsterdam
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Amsterdam. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Amsterdam special.
These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included a walking and canal tour of the city, cheese and wine tasting, tour of Dutch National Opera and Ballet, stroopwafel tasting, and attending a classical musical rehearsal concert at the Royal Concertgebouw.