VU Amsterdam Summer School

Name: VU Amsterdam Summer School
Brand: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
SKU: 42180
Rating: 4.77 (26 reviews)

Read 26 reviews

4.77 Rating

Leave a Review

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

View Other Details

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.

Last Updated: Jun 22, 2020

Last Reviewed: 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.

Request Info

Video and Photos

View All Photos

Related Programs

Program Reviews

4.77 Rating

based on 26 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Study

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 25 - 26 of 26 reviews

Amsterdam is a lovely city. Beautiful canals, nice people, museums and loads of fun all in one place.

I took a Dutch language and culture course, because I thought it can help me to fit in better, know the place in depth and get the most out of the overseas adventure. In two weeks time, I am happy to be able to order drinks in Dutch and to understand some phrases around myself.

And VU's team was supportive in the summer programme. The pick-up service, opening party and introduction programme were satisfactory. Overall, this is a pretty well-built programme.

I had a lot of fun studying a neurodegenerative disease course at VU. The content and lecture material was current, new and exciting as well as informative and challenging to the students. Housing organised by the Summer School at the Student Hotel was brilliant - I thought. Rooms were clean, individual bathrooms, gym and lounge areas within the main building. And most importantly, a bicycle to ride to uni! Also got to meet some really amazing people who's rooms would be a couple doors away.

Staying in Amsterdam, I had an absolute blast. Everything was close to get to, central wasn't too far and there was always something to do. The classes also finished at a reasonable hour so students had free time to explore the city. The course was enough to study for and learn from, but not too much that it became a burden. So, you get to work hard AND play hard~

Definitely recommend!

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.

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.

View Entire Interview

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.

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...