CIEE College Study Abroad in Amsterdam, Netherlands

I loved my experience with CIEE because they took care of a lot of logistics. This included housing and my visa. From there on, I got to focus on enjoying the culture of the Netherlands and engaging with Dutch locals. They really gave me a lot of freedom in class choices and were very hands off — which I preferred. Then I got to explore however I wanted.

Regarding academics, it was great to learn economics in another country. Economics is very popular in the Netherlands and finance is an elite field in the country too. I found the courses were very easy, and so did many of my peers. I almost never attended classes, certainly never took notes, and only completed the finals. I received the equivalent of a 3.8 with very minimal effort. This can be great if you're focusing on learning in the culture, rather than within the classroom.

I recommend this program for very independent students who are looking to grasp global insight through experience.

I studied abroad with CIEE this past fall in Amsterdam. I was impressed by how receptive and helpful the staff in the Amsterdam office were, and I really built a strong connection with them. I participated in CIEE teach, I was a member of the Student Representative Council, and I participated in a homestay up one weekend up north in Groningen - these are examples of my favorite activities that I got to do as a CIEE student. My favorite memory was through CIEE teach, when my Dutch students said goodbye to my friends and I by performing a dance for us and giving us chocolates for their Sinterklaas holiday.

CIEE was very helpful during orientation (and after) in getting us accustomed to how the UvA operates. I also took courses with CIEE, as they had a more familiar grading standard. Both my UvA and CIEE courses were challenging, and it was cool learning about European politics and social policies while living there. As far as housing goes, that is the factor that influenced me choosing this program - CIEE guarantees housing in Amsterdam, which is an incredible promise that they uphold for students, since the housing market in Amsterdam is very competitive. I stayed in a single with a full size bed and private bathroom in The Student Hotel Amsterdam West, which was a ~25 minute bike ride from UvA. I loved this experience, the friends I made through it, and the memories I created will be cherished forever -- and I didn't go in thinking this is how I'd feel. Trust me, the folks at CIEE really did their best in shaping this experience for me and 90+ other students, and they are always receptive to improvements. If you're looking for a program thats challenging, with good staff support, independent housing, and in a central location for European travel, this program is for you.

Want to to go to a place where everything looks like a movie? Amsterdam is the place , if that's not already intriguing then listen to why Amsterdam may want to be the next place on your list . Amsterdam is known for it's beautiful tulips along with their canals found all over the city , along with flowers and architecture you will be amazed in learning the transportation services in The Netherlands . The Dutch are HUGE on biking so a lot of the time you will deal with bikers instead of cars , as there are many different things you may not be used to in your home country there's no need to fear on being different because this country is known for their acceptance of all people . Whether you like to go out for a night in the city , or sit at a canal and relax peacefully what ever you are into I can almost guarantee you will feel at home in Amsterdam , if you are considering studying abroad , don't consider it any more , just do it.

Not going to lie, the thought of leaving family behind and traveling to a completely foreign country for four weeks was daunting at first. However, with the help of CIEE’s pre-departure programs and the constant flow of communication and information between the students and staff really helped alleviate the fear. Instead, with the talk of exploring the city's nightlife, trying all staples of the Dutch cuisine, the nervousness transformed into excitement and a thirst for adventure!

The lasting friendships, the scrumptious stroopwafels, the eye-opening lectures, the bustling nightlife have helped make my first study abroad experience an amazing one; one that has greatly exceeded beyond my expectations and what I hoped to have achieve in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Amsterdam is an incredible choice for abroad: while there are a lot of cultural values and practices similar to American culture, it allows for critical reflection and comparison on both places. The classes are really well done and suited to the needs of American students while providing the invaluable experience of taking classes alongside Dutch students at the University of Amsterdam. The program is incredibly well run, and the staff is always there to help. Amsterdam is a gateway to many countries in Europe, although there is so much to see in the Netherlands itself. They also have incredible programming outside of the classes itself, like day trips, DEI discussions, and cultural activities, alongside the ISN program at the University of Amsterdam that fills in the gaps. It is 100% a city-based program, which many people forget, so there is a commute and there isn't a true campus like many schools in the U.S., which is a change, but further allowed me the freedom and exploratory opportunities that I wanted.

Amsterdam is such an amazing city and I am so glad I came on this CIEE program this semester. CIEE staff was very helpful and supportive throughout my time in Amsterdam. They also planned fun and interesting excisions for us throughout the semester. For my semester in Amsterdam, I chose to live with a host family. Living with a host family allowed me to learn so much about Dutch culture and feel more comfortable during my time here. I was able to travel around Europe and throughout the Netherlands. These past four months have helped me learn so much about myself and the world around me. I have experienced so many amazing thing and seen so many beautiful places. I have made friends and memories to last a lifetime. While I am sad that the semester is coming to a close, I know that this will not be my last time in this city that I now feel so connected to.

This program is absolutely amazing! I had the privilege of staying with a host family, which made my experience a lot better. My favorite memory would be sitting at the dinner table and eating with my host family and their friends. It allowed me to learn a lot about the culture in the Netherlands and to share my culture with them as well. Future participants should know that Amsterdam has a lot to do and they should take advantage of it. Go out and explore, there is so much to see! However, be careful not to overwhelm yourself, remember that studies are important too. I arrived back from the program not too long ago but I know that my life post-program will be affected in a positive way. I feel more open to change and experiences and that helps me grow as a person. I would advise keeping a journal. I did not do it but I wish I had. I would also advise keeping a budget for expenses. Separate your budget by categories: daily expenses, travel, shopping, etc. It will help you be aware of what you have and what you can spend. Most of all enjoy the experience to the fullest! It is a once in a lifetime experience

I had an incredible time in Amsterdam Spring 2018! The CIEE staff was helpful when they needed to be, and I made incredible friends. I was in a location where I got to travel all over Europe, which made up some of my favorite experiences. The academics were really interesting and my teachers were innovative and understanding. Amsterdam is such an unbelievable city and I would HIGHLY recommend this program to anyone looking for a great time!