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Location
  • Netherlands
    • Amsterdam
Term
Summer
Subject Areas
Advertising Anthropology Archaeology Architecture Arts Biochemistry Biology Business Chemistry Classical Studies Communications Computer Science Conflict Studies Criminal Justice Cultural Studies Earth Sciences Economics Education Film Global Studies History Humanities Journalism Law Life Sciences Literature Marketing Peace Studies Philosophy Political Science Psychology Service Learning Sustainable Development Theology +24

Program Details

Program Type
Direct Enrollment
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment
Language
English

Pricing

Starting Price
1000
Price Details
The tuition fee of a two-week course will range between €1000 - €1150 (excluding housing). This includes: an orientation program, pick up service from Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, on-site support, 24/7 emergency assistance and a transcript of records after completion of the course.
Jun 22, 2020
Jul 17, 2019
Wish List
30 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Spend your summer studying a challenging and interdisciplinary topic in the vibrant UNESCO World Heritage city of Amsterdam. The VU Amsterdam Summer School offers small-scale courses in a wide range of exciting fields at an excellent research university, VU Amsterdam. Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a historic city with a modern and creative feel. It is the most international city in the world, a true metropolis, bustling with student life. It is considered a very safe and friendly city in a country where English is widely spoken.

The VU Amsterdam Summer School offers courses in three consecutive blocks during the month July and August. It is possible to combine two courses in order to create a four- or six-week programme.

Included in the tuition fee: airport pick-up service, an orientation program, on-site support, 24/7 emergency assistance and a transcript of records after completion of the course. Housing is available both on and off campus.

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Program Reviews

4.77 Rating
based on 26 reviews
Leave a Review
  • 5 rating 76.92%
  • 4 rating 23.08%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.75
  • Support 4.7
  • Fun 4.65
  • Housing 4.75
  • Safety 4.8
Showing 9 - 16 of 26 reviews
Armando
Male
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I am from UCLA

Jul 17, 2017

Overall, this program has been a motivating and self-reflecting experience for me. I have learned so much about myself academically and of course about the class. I learned about the African diaspora in the Europe and how I can relate it to a US context. I also learned about how the Netherlands still encounters microaggressions which often times it goes unheard of. I would recommend this course to anyone who is willing to learn about race and racism on a broader/international perspective as not all students are dutch.

What would you improve about this program?
N/A
67 people found this review helpful.
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Mihaela
31
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great way to learn and live in a new city :)

Sep 1, 2016

The Amsterdam Summer School at VU was amazing! Although the two weeks flew by, I made great connections and friends from all over the world and learned so much about Dutch culture, helping me feel A LOT more comfortable living in Amsterdam after the course. I would definitely do the Amsterdam Summer School program again as everything about it was perfect including: housing, curriculum, and the welcome events planned by the program leaders :)

69 people found this review helpful.
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Mahreen
41
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer School At VU !!

Jul 28, 2016

The decision to study at VU turned out to be really great. It was a perfect blend of providing upto date knowledge along with providing you the opportunity to visit beautiful sights of Amsterdam and explore Dutch culture.
The 2 weeks course was very well organised with updated lecture contents and hands on practical experience to gain insights on data analysis.
Additionally, the various excursions(within and outside Amsterdam) really made it amazing.
The staff at VU is very helping and supportive. It was so nice to meet people from diverse backgrounds and sharing their experiences.

75 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Debasish
34
Male
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amsterdam Summer School: Learn and Fun

Jul 26, 2016

Amsterdam Summer School organized by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is one of the very good places in the globe where one can build and develop one's field of interest with Friendly Faculty. The organizers are very friendly and helpful. They help the student's to know Amsterdam and it's neighbourhood areas better by organizing trips/ Events. Pub Quiz, Selfie contest are another 'Add- On's to the school which make you know Amsterdam in Better way.

Amsterdam Summer School will always be in it's way to show the light to develop one's career and our society better way.

Thank You

What would you improve about this program?
I think, the Programmes are absolutely fine. But, 15 days would not be enough to learn a subject better.
75 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Adarsh R Nair
Adarsh R Nair
31
Male
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time in Amsterdam.

Jul 15, 2016

First of all Amsterdam is am awesome place to be visited atleast once in a life time. I am lucky that i was able to find this program from Amsterdam Summer School of Vrije University. The courses were good like all programs of 2 week duration. Our knowledge database is anyway improved. Moreover they gave us 3 tour that can be chosen from 4. I anyway took 2 only. The guides were too good that we just feel like they are one among our batch mates only.

What would you improve about this program?
It could be more planned to make people from all backgrounds adapt to it.
65 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Jana
35
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Internation Criminal Justice

Jul 14, 2016

International Criminal Justice course offered by VU Amsterdam Summer school belongs to one of the best study experiences I have ever had. The 2 weeks program consists of 10 lectures, 2 days of visiting ICC, ICTY and ICJ and other activities such as paintball with Red Cross. The organisation of course allows students from diffrent background (law, criminology, psychology, international reelations etc.) attend the seminar so the lively discussion on every single lesson is guaranteed.

75 people found this review helpful.
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Anupoma
32
Female
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Summer in an amazing city!

Jul 13, 2016

In such a historical city like Amsterdam , getting the chance to spend summer with amazing diverse background people is one opportunity to must avail. VU staffs and Netherlands's cultural diversity would amaze you for sure and would help to broaden your perspective . Roaming around in the city , cruising in beautiful canals and of course getting to see the Van Gogh's masterpieces were like cherry on the top along with some extra summer credits. So, why not taking this incredible opportunity in such a great city!

73 people found this review helpful.
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Jessica
29
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

International Criminal Justice course

Jul 13, 2016

My short 2 weeks at VU was something I am happy to have taken part in as it was truly memorable. The classes consist d of not only lectures but trips and excursions which really made the course enjoyable - for example paint balling according to the rules of humanitarian law gave us an insight into the law in a fun and unique way. Not only this, we went to ICC and the Peace Palace plus other places!
The city also offers lots of activities to do in your spare time so there was never nothing to do and with many people on the course you get a chance to meet people from all over the world!

What would you improve about this program?
The program could be improved by having cheaper tuition fees
81 people found this review helpful.
Helpful

Questions & Answers

Does this program allow you to be independent most of the time?

I could do pretty much I wanted to do. I didn't sign up for any excursions (we had only one trip to firefighters training center which was part of learning program). After the end of classes in each day I could do what ever I wanted to do and with who I wanted to. I took "Big Data in Society", maybe some other curriculum they have more field trips inside program.

By Risto Hinno on January 3, 2017

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Jessica Pena

Program
VU Amsterdam Summer School
Jessica is a graduate student working towards a master's degree in World History. She has previously lived and studied in Japan and wants to work in the field of International Education as a Study Abroad advisor or director of International Programs.
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Why did you pick this program?

I am currently an intern at my university's Study Abroad and International Programs Office. Previously I had lived in Asia, but I had never traveled to Europe.

My boss, the assistant director, encouraged me to travel to a new part of the world so that I can grow both professionally and personally. When deciding what program to choose, I chose Amsterdam in the Netherlands because I had heard that it was a beautiful city and that our previous students had loved the program.

What is the most important thing you learned abroad?

The most important thing I have learned about traveling abroad has been as much about myself as it has been about the world. I am a first generation college student, and my parents have not only never lived in a foreign country, they have never lived out side of New York City.

No one in my family had ever traveled before and I had to do everything on my own. As a result I became more independent, and learned that I have absolutely no limitations. If I set my mind to something, I know I can accomplish it. I also learned that I can overcame any challenge that comes my way. I made a lot of mistakes, but I learned from every single one of them.

What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?

I encourage all of my friends to travel, study or live abroad. I think the best time to travel is when you are still in school. Once you graduate you wont have the same opportunities, and I really believe living abroad is something everyone should do.

I tell everyone that it will change you, how it will change you, however, is different for everyone. Even if it is for a short time it changes you. You grow so much as a person and you can't even imagine it until you have experienced it.

What was the hardest part about going abroad?

The hardest part about going abroad is having to leave your friends and family behind, and start over from the beginning. I knew when I traveled abroad that I wasn't going to be able to go with friends, but if I didn't go alone, I wouldn't have been able to go at all.

It was very hard at first, especially because when I first studied abroad I was shy and had trouble making friends. However, after a couple of weeks I was able to form new relationships, and during my time abroad I have met people from all across the world, and became exposed to new perspectives. The friends I made will stay with me for the rest of my life, and if I would have never met them if I had stayed home.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

This past summer with the Amsterdam Summer School I had the proud record of being the only student to attend every excursion. There was days when this wasn't easy. Half of the excursions were on Wednesday after a long day of class and the other half were very early in the morning on Saturdays. On one trip we had was a long bike ride, over an hour and a half, to a museum inside a national park.

I hadn't rode a bike in a long time and fell behind rather quickly. I eventually came up upon a group of fellow students who were lost. When I asked them if they were with the school, they looked at me and asked "Who are you?" They made sure I got to the museum safely and we ended up becoming great friends.

On another day we went to the Hague during a huge storm. Some students left early, but five of us stayed. I ended up having a blast and making even more great friends. My biggest advice now is to never skip an event and never go home early!

What made this trip meaningful to you, or how did this trip change your perceptions, future path?

Traveling abroad this past summer has completely changed me as a person. Before studying in Amsterdam I was planning on getting a full time job after graduation and was thinking about things such as getting my own apartment or a car.

I really thought my days of traveling the world were behind me and that it was time for me to focus on stability. But after living and traveling in Europe over the summer, my passion for travel has been reignited. I realized that while I am still young I should try to make the most of my life and that means taking advantage of every opportunity that comes my way.

I learned that I being adventurous, meeting new people, and exploring the world around me does not have to only happen when I am abroad, I can make it a part of my every day life no matter where I am. Furthermore, I fell in even deeper love with the field of International Education, and know now more than ever that this is what I want to do with my life.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Sanne Boomsma

Program
VU Amsterdam Summer School
Job Title
Amsterdam Summer School Director

What position do you hold at Study Abroad in Amsterdam? What has been your career path so far?

female headshot

Sanne: I’ve always wanted to work in study abroad, therefore being the director for the Amsterdam Summer School certainly is a dream job. Right after completing my Master’s degree I started looking for jobs within study abroad, but it took a few years before I got here.

My last job was as a project manager organizing business trips for entrepreneurs to emerging markets. And although it was an exciting job that gave me the opportunity to travel and see the world, I really felt may heart lay with students more than businessmen. It has now been five years that I have been working for VU University Amsterdam, and over a year that I started with the Amsterdam Summer School.

Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?

Sanne: Yes, and I couldn’t get enough of it! Which is certainly an important reason why I wanted to work in the field. I did a language course and later on also a summer course in Spain. Both triggered my interest for more, therefore I decided to study abroad in the USA for a semester and later on do the research for my Master’s thesis in the Philippines. The more you travel, the more confident you become in going abroad on your own, and the more the world really starts to feel like your playground.

Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?

Sanne: During your college years you will of course learn a lot about your subject matter of choice, but it is also a time in which you really get to know and develop yourself as an individual. Studying abroad in a country with a different culture and language can be like a mirror, it is really enlightening to see how you react in new surroundings, rather than staying in your comfort zone. It may feel a little scary before you go, but it is a wonderful confidence builder that you will cherish for a lifetime.

What was your favorite traveling experience?

woman in new york

Sanne: It is difficult to choose between my study abroad experiences and also other travels. Studying abroad for a semester in the USA gave me the real American college experience, and it was a really fun and enjoyable time.

Doing my research in the Philippines was more of a challenge, because I didn’t have the safety net of a university setting and because the Philippines is in many perspectives far more different from the Netherlands than the USA. But at the same time that is exactly what was so special about it, I was able to see a completely new world and from it get a better understanding of the whole world.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Sanne: All students that return from studying abroad talk about what a great experience it was for them personally, which is a wonderful reminder of why I love this job. But my favourite stories are, I just cannot help it, when students return and tell me they have found the love of their life abroad!

About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a comprehensive research university, ranked amongst the top 100 universities of the world. Since its founding in 1880 interdisciplinary research questions from society have been leading in its education. Throughout the past century, the university has continued to expand. It now comprises eleven faculties and has...

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