Location
  • Netherlands
    • Amsterdam
Term
Fall, Spring, Summer
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, Work study, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
High School Diploma Associates Bachelors
Housing
Dormitory Host Family

Pricing

Price Details
Please contact CEA for pricing details.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Classes Travel Insurance
Aug 31, 2023
Mar 11, 2024
16 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

The five programs offered in Amsterdam include Business & Economics, STEM in Amsterdam, Social Sciences & Humanities, Interdisciplinary Studies, and our new Honors Program. Aside from your core program classes, you'll have a variety of elective courses from Art Management, to Anthropology, Biology & many more.

Founded in 1880, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) is ranked one of the top universities in the world -- hosting about 25,000 students per year (14% of whom are international).

When you’re not studying or in class, enjoy CEA CAPA excursions & cultural engagements to help you get the full experience of living abroad. Take a trip to Utrecht or visit the iconic Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, home to over 7 million flowering bulbs.
CEA CAPA ensures your housing, health, safety, social engagement and other needs are taken care of. Giving you the best possible study abroad experience is our top priority.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

CEA CAPA provides, in conjunction with Diversity Abroad, Destination Guides which provide resources and tips for Black/African-American students, Latinx students, Asian American students, and all other students of color.

LGBTQIA+ Support

Through our personalized advising, CEA CAPA takes steps to understand the needs of a diversity of student identities like the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition to diversity and identity training, CEA CAPA leadership engage in continuous department level project work to identify and revise policies and practices using the appropriate Justice, Equity, Diversity or Inclusion lens as a frame to reduce bias and barriers that impact students, faculty, and staff. CEA CAPA is intentional in elevating diverse student voices and providing a platform for a broad array of identities to share their experiences abroad. The CEA CAPA World Blog promotes stories and personal experiences from the perspectives of diverse student bloggers and vloggers.

Neurodivergent Support

CEA CAPA is willing and able to assist students with learning disabilities and physical disabilities. Students are requested to disclose disabilities through the application health forms as part of their application and in discussion with their application advisor or program manager. The earlier CEA CAPA is made aware of learning or physical disabilities the better we can work with the student, institution, and overseas team to tailor an Individualized Education Program if necessary to support the student.

Impact

Sustainability

CEA CAPA makes a conscious effort to create study abroad experiences that leave a positive impact on host communities. Each location implements a variety of strategies to support the local community and promote sustainability. Examples include:

Use of recycling bins in Study Center locations and in CEA CAPA housing

Signage in CEA CAPA housing urging students to limit water and electricity usage

Students are often given reusable bags and water bottles upon arrival to limit single plastic use

Students are provided with instructions for acquiring transportation passes to promote use of public transportation rather than taxis

Program Highlights

  • In partnership with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), one of the top universities in the world.
  • VU scholarship opportunities.
  • STEM and Honors programs available.
  • Excursions included.

Scholarships

CEA CAPA Scholarships and Financial Aid

CEA CAPA is committed to increasing access to study and interning abroad. We offer more than $2 million each year in scholarships, affiliations, and grant programs.

Value
$100 - $5,000

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 8 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.65
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.9
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Default avatar
Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad in Amsterdam

I studied abroad in Amsterdam this past fall and I had an amazing experience! I went into the program knowing no one and I ended up making so many great friendships that have already lasted beyond the program. I loved Amsterdam as a city and was able to explore so many cool neighborhoods and local spots. I felt very supported by CEA CAPA my whole time abroad and I knew they were there at whenever I needed any support. Amsterdam is definitely a newer, smaller program (my year only had 19 students) but I definitely recommend it as the city is amazing and the smaller group allows for deeper connections to be formed.

Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Anna! So glad you loved Amsterdam and got the chance to make friends and explore everything it offered. It's wonderful you felt so supported by CEA CAPA your whole time abroad! Thanks for reviewing.

Default avatar
Angela
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience of my life

Studying abroad in Amsterdam was the most incredible experience of my life. As a political science minor, I was able to take an International Criminal Justice class where we took a field trip to the International Criminal Court. That was something unique to Amsterdam that really changed my experience for the better. I met the most amazing people that I still talk to today and I can say without a doubt they made my experience so amazing. I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and went abroad!

What was your funniest moment?
The funniest moment I had was just being in class with all of the new friends I made. One time, a classmate accidentally broke his chair and fell on the ground. I spent the entire class laughing, even the professors were laughing at it. It was one of those "you had to be there" moments.
Pros
  • Easy transportation
  • No language barrier
  • Lots of history
Cons
  • Food not as accessible to people with dietary restrictions
7 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Evan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Advisors and Easy Biking

I loved my time studying abroad with CEA CAPA in Amsterdam. From the moment our group arrived at the airport, our on-site advisor, Frans was there to guide us and make sure we got the most out of our time abroad. He gave us a comprehensive tour and orientation to the city during out first few days. CEA CAPA includes to cost of a semester long bike rental int he total cost of the program, so one of the first things we did upon arrival was to pick out a bike. Frans took us on several excursions and activities in the city throughout the semester which were super fun. Classes at Vrije Universiteit were challenging but not overwhelming.I made a ton of good friends and had such a good time in Amsterdam last spring. If I could go back I would've gone for the whole year.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Bitterballen. Fried gravy balls that are a surprisingly tasty bar snack in The Netherlands.
Pros
  • Frans
  • Biking
  • Cool University
Cons
  • Cost
  • Cold
  • I would've stayed longer
9 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sophia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cannot Recommend Amsterdam Enough!

I am so grateful for my time in Amsterdam with CEA CAPA; the whole thing was such a dream. I enrolled in the program to finish my psychology minor, which was a discipline I had begun to fall out of love with (it often begins to feel rather technical and cold), but taking a class with CEA CAPA's university partner entirely reminded me why I was interested in the field to begin with--for the betterment of lives. Every day I sat next to someone from a different country, and our conversations about what constitutes humanity reached a great depth between the sorts of experiences we have alike and otherwise. Amsterdam itself is so remarkable as well; it has a charm entirely its own. With this program, students stay in the Zuid district (which is more on the business side of things than Amsterdam's iconic old town) which creates a really nice balance between the bustle of the more famous part of the city and the upscale district where the university is (the program directors taught us how to use the metro; we would take it into Centrum whenever we wanted to after class). I cannot express enough: I really really loved my time here. I hope you get the chance to miss it as much as I do now; it is such a gift!

Pros
  • Super friendly and helpful staff on all ends of the program
  • Incredible academic partnership
  • Beautiful, vibrant city at your fingertips
33 people found this review helpful.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Sophia! Your 5/5 review of Amsterdam sounds as remarkable as you describe it. Thanks for sharing about your experience and your time there with CEA CAPA.

Default avatar
Melisa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An experience I will never forget...

As a Political Science major, I wanted to study something that correlated with my interests. After some research, I saw that Amsterdam offered an International Criminal Justice course and decided that this was the trip for me. The city was vibrant, welcoming, and a place I was able to call home very quickly. Fortunately, English is widely spoken throughout the entire country. The main source of travel for many locals is public transportation and biking. The public transportation becomes very easy to figure out, but make sure you are always watching out for bikers! If you decide to rent a bike for your stay, make sure you are pretty proficient and know your way around. In regards to class, the professors were very experienced in their field of study and had amazing credentials. Make sure you are attending class and are aware that the Dutch education system is pretty rigorous.

Pros
  • The staff and locals were so kind and made everyone feel comfortable
  • The city is easy to maneuver
  • English is widely spoken
Cons
  • Professors can grade harshly and may lack sympathy
37 people found this review helpful.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Melisa! Thanks for sharing your experience connecting to Amsterdam and your tips and advice as well. It sounds like you had a wonderful time there!

Default avatar
Morgan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CEA Capa Amsterdam Review

I loved the organization of the program and the friendships I had the ability to build. Not only did the university have great academics but the excursion activities were so amazing in getting closer with the other members of my program. I loved Amsterdam so much and am so happy with the connections I made. Getting to experience all that the city of Amsterdam had to offer was such a unique experience, and being able to enjoy it with great friends I made through my abroad program, it was even more fun.

Pros
  • Access to a multitude of resources
  • Own room in housing
  • Very accessible city to travel in
Cons
  • Housing a bit outside the center of the city
  • Can be hard to financially navigate
  • Public transport in the city closes early
33 people found this review helpful.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Morgan! Amsterdam is so unique and I'm glad you got to experience it with us! Thanks for sharing your feedback. :)

Default avatar
Elizabeth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer in Amsterdam

Hello everyone! My name is Elizabeth and I just completed my CEA program. Studying abroad in the Netherlands was a wonderful experience, in which I explored many beautiful places. Also, I was able to meet amazing people from different backgrounds and make tons of connections. The Summer in Amsterdam program by CEA was an excellent opportunity for me to travel and study at the same time. This experience has provided me with many memories and brought people into my life. One thing that I wished I did was research more about my host country before going, that would've helped me a lot throughout my stay. Still, it was a beautiful experience.

Pros
  • Meeting new people.
  • Exploring.
  • Traveled to other countries in Europe.
Cons
  • Homesickness.
  • Cost of living.
  • Reverse culture shock.
32 people found this review helpful.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Elizabeth! So glad you got to explore where you studied abroad. Amsterdam is amazing! Thanks for your feedback.

Default avatar
Chloe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CEA Amsterdam fall 2022

I had an amazing experience studying abroad in Amsterdam. I learned about Dutch culture. There were many adventures. Overall CEA did an amazing job. They did housing, and day trips and they got me a bike. It made my transition so much easier. There were orientation events to help me meet people within my program as well as through the school. Within the first week, my CEA group got a tour through the city and we learned how to use the bike paths before having to do it ourselves as well. Also for people who want to travel events planned through CEA were so much fun but they were not mandatory so if I wanted to do something on my own there were no issues with it. The safety app they made us download helped me to feel safe no matter which country I traveled to. If I were to study abroad again I would 100% go with CEA.

Pros
  • Central Location for Traveling
  • Beautiful
  • So many things to do
Cons
  • none!
46 people found this review helpful.
Response from CEA CAPA Education Abroad

Hi Chloe! Thanks for sharing your feedback with us. We're glad your Amsterdam experience was educational and exciting. We especially love that you felt safe everywhere you travelled and are excited you'd recommend this program again in the future.

Questions & Answers