Amsterdam Semester
Unique Experiences
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN AMSTERDAM'S RICH FLAVORS
WITH SMALL-GROUP CHEESE-TASTING ACTIVITIES, COOKING WORKSHOPS, OR LOCAL BREWERY TOURS
EXPLORE THE CITY'S ARTISTIC SPIRIT
BY VISITING WORLD-CLASS MUSEUMS LIKE THE VAN GOGH MUSEUM AND THE RIJKSMUSEUM
DISCOVER AMSTERDAM'S HISTORIC CHARM
WITH A STROLL THROUGH THE PICTURESQUE BEGIJNHOF COURTYARD AND AN AFTERNOON EXPLORING THE ICONIC WINDMILLS AT ZAANSE SCHANS
165
CANALS WEAVE THROUGH THE CITY
8
WINDMILLS STILL STAND IN AND AROUND AMSTERDAM
1,281
BRIDGES CONNECT THE CITY'S CHARMING NEIGHBORHOODS
Your Destination
What was once a small fishing village in the 12th century has bloomed into the cultural capital city of the Netherlands, one of the top financial centers in Europe, and the biggest city in the country. Yet its 60 miles of historic canals lined with gable-roofed homes make this city still feel cozy and unmistakably one-of-a-kind!
When you study abroad in Amsterdam, you’ll experience one of the most innovative and multicultural cities in the world. Students can learn all about Amsterdam’s culture, language, and history on a uniquely designed program. With world-renowned museums, art galleries, and theaters, Amsterdam provides students with an international study abroad experience that they’re sure to remember.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Amsterdam.
Excursions & Activities
Each CIEE program has frequent cultural excursions and tours uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance cultural immersion. At CIEE Amsterdam, you might have the chance to:
- Travel overnight to experience life in another Dutch city or slip out of urban life at a coastal preserve
- Take day trips that highlight Dutch innovation and lived reality outside the city rings of Amsterdam by embarking on a winter getaway to the Frisian city of Groningen, an architecture and social housing-focused visit to Rotterdam, or a trip to Utrecht's working-class districts
- Experience a world-class Dutch theater or dance performance at a historic concert hall
- Join a story-telling tour experience told by former asylum seekers on a refugee boat used to transport hundreds of displaced persons into Europe
- Explore Amsterdam's world-famous canal belt on a private canal cruise or leave the city behind and paddle a canoe through the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest)
Program Blogs
Finding a Slice of Home at the Waterlooplein Market
By: Sophie Cook Hi! My name is Sophie and I am a Tulane student studying in Amsterdam. Before coming abroad I did not have a strong opinion on where I... keep reading
Amsterdam Top 5 Museums to Visit
By: Emma Janssen Amsterdam is a bustling city with incredible tourist attractions that you must see when you’re here! Having spent almost three months studying abroad in Amsterdam, I’ve had... keep reading
Top 20 Things to Do in Amsterdam
Want to learn about the best things to do in Amsterdam? When you are a tourist, you hear one side of the story of Amsterdam, but when you are living... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
Our Semester in Amsterdam program provides a variety of housing options ranging from Standard Housing to Select Plus Housing in various locations across the city.
While the historic CIEE Center is small, most students live just outside the touristy picturesque area but within the city ring – about 30 to 45 minutes from CIEE Amsterdam. This is where many Amsterdam residents live, immersing students in local culture.
CIEE primarily works with larger housing providers, so most students will live with other CIEE students. While location, room size, and kitchen arrangements may vary, all students in Amsterdam have single rooms and bathrooms, ensuring both company and privacy.
Each location in Amsterdam – East, West, North, or Center – offers unique benefits. Some housing includes a free bike program, others a private kitchen, or gym. Amsterdam's well-organized and relatively safe public transportation system makes it easy to explore the city and country and get to classes. While public transport costs can be relatively high, the cheapest option is to explore the city by bike and experience Amsterdam like a true local.
Standard Housing: Includes a single room in a residence hall within 45 minutes’ commute of CIEE Amsterdam with access to laundry and kitchen facilities.
Select Housing: Includes a more spacious single room in a residence hall with a private kitchen within a 45-minute commute of CIEE Amsterdam with access to laundry facilities. Select housing has limited availability and requires an additional fee.
Select Plus Housing: Includes a single room in a residence hall or shared apartment within 15 minutes of CIEE Amsterdam with access to laundry and kitchen facilities. Select Plus housing has limited availability and requires an additional fee.
Meals
Residence Halls/ Apartments: Students staying in apartments and residence halls are responsible for their own meals.
Academics
The academic experience at CIEE Amsterdam combines rigorous coursework with experiential learning, offering students an immersive approach to studying abroad. Courses run Monday through Thursday, allowing for a concentrated schedule that balances classroom instruction with co-curricular opportunities such as site visits, guest speakers, workshops, and laboratory work. These experiences provide valuable cultural and professional perspectives, connecting theoretical learning with real-world applications. Smaller class sizes and a seminar-style format foster active participation and deeper engagement with course material, creating an environment where students can fully explore their academic interests.
Course Information
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2025 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Kallan Picha
Center Director
Kallan has more than 15 years of experience working in international higher education for both universities and providers and is passionate about expanding opportunities for students to experience the transformational power of studying abroad.
Tamisha Bouknight
Academic Director
Tamisha holds a graduate degrees in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology and has worked in higher education since 2007.
Cathelijn Kuis
Student Life Director
Cathelijn studied Journalism (BA) and American Studies (MA) at the University of Utrecht.
Get Started
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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