Sustainable Smart Cities
Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in Amsterdam lasts a full semester and provides an in-depth look at how the Netherland's capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Amsterdam while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary cultural and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Amsterdam!
Unique Experiences
LEARN ABOUT THE AMSTERDAM CITY DOUGHNUT
TO EVALUATE THE FIRST VISUALIZATION OF ITS KIND THAT SHOWCASES ECOLOGICAL LIMITS AND UNDERSERVING SOCIETAL NEEDS
TAKE AN URBAN WALKING TOUR
AND VISIT THE IMPACT HUB, KIT, AND THE SDG HOUSE TO LEARN ABOUT THE UN’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
NETWORK WITH AN AWARD-WINNING DESIGN STUDIO AND THINK TANK
TO LEARN ABOUT ITS DEDICATION TO DEVELOPING HOLISTIC URBAN SOLUTIONS AND TACKLING GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES
Your Destination
Amsterdam is a sustainable smart city renowned for its innovative urban planning, cycling infrastructure, and commitment to renewable energy. As a leader in green initiatives, the city integrates smart technology, efficient public transport, and eco-friendly design to enhance urban living. Students can explore historic canals, world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, and thriving entrepreneurial hubs. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Amsterdam offers an inspiring and forward-thinking study abroad experience.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Amsterdam will open doors for you to explore Netherland’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Visit the Waternoods museum to explore the innovative engineering used in water management
- Take a guided tour of Schoonschip, a sustainable floating residential neighborhood
- Volunteer at Taste Before You Waste, a foundation with the mission to reduce consumer food waste and responsible waste-free consumption
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Pathé Tuschinski Movie Theater in Amsterdam
By: Ellie Stein If you are a movie lover like me, Amsterdam’s 1920s movie theater will be one of your favorite spots to visit in Amsterdam. The art deco style... keep reading
Embracing Sustainable Travel
By: Mya Cummins When I decided to study abroad in Amsterdam with CIEE, I knew I’d be stepping into a city famous for its canals, art, and rich history. What... keep reading
Reflections on Studying Abroad in Amsterdam
By: Ava Pugh I have the fondest memories of my seventh-grade spring break in Amsterdam, including boat tours on the canals, biking through tulip fields in the Dutch countryside, and... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
While the historic city center is small, most students live just outside the touristy area but within the city ring (30-45 min from the CIEE Center), where many Amsterdam residents also live.
Students in Amsterdam have single rooms and bathrooms.
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 safe public transportation system makes it easy to explore the city and country and get to classes. While public transportation costs can be relatively high, the cheapest option is to explore the city by bike.
- Standard Housing: Includes single accommodation in a residence hall with a shared kitchen, within a 45-minute commute of CIEE Amsterdam.
- Select Housing: Includes single accommodation in a residence hall with a private kitchen, within a 45-minute commute of CIEE Amsterdam. These rooms are more spacious than the standard rooms offered. Select housing requires an additional fee.
Meals
Residence Halls/Apartments: Students staying in apartments residence halls are responsible for their own meals.
Academics
CIEE Amsterdam: Study in the heart of the Plantagebuurt in Amsterdam! CIEE Amsterdam boasts four classrooms, a student lounge with complimentary books, an office space, and a charming outdoor patio.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | ASU Courses (online) |
Building Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Business & Sustainability Engineering, Sustainability & Society Sustainable Tourism | Introduction to Sustainability Sustainable World Pathways to Sustainability |
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Health Professions and Related Programs
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
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.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
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 Spring 2026 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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