1. Go Abroad
  2. College Study Abroad
  3. Study Abroad Programs
  4. Sustainable Smart Cities
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Sustainable Smart Cities

Study Program

Tentative Dates

-

12 weeks

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

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! 

Explore our sustainable smart cities courses

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

Experience
  • amsterdam biking abroad
  • bikes along amsterdam canal sunny day

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. 

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. 

canal boats abroad amsterdam

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.  
schoonschip amsterdam abroad

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

amsterdam study abroad CIEE theater
From CIEE

Pathé Tuschinski Movie Theater in Amsterdam

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

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

amsterdam study abroad CIEE outdoor
From CIEE

Embracing Sustainable Travel

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

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

amsterdam study abroad CIEE
From CIEE

Reflections on Studying Abroad in Amsterdam

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

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

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.  

students enjoy dutch pancakes abroad amsterdam
amsterdam housing hotel jansen cafe

Residence Hall Dining

amsterdam housing hotel jansen bedroom

Residence Hall Standard

amsterdam housing social hub bed
amsterdam housing social hub gym
Amsterdam housing social hub study area
amsterdam housing social hub lounge
Academics

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. 

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.  

Recommendations

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Amsterdam Sustainable Smart Cities students enroll in courses for a total of 12-14 credits per semester. At least one course in the area of sustainability is required. Students select from:  

  • CIEE courses  
  • Up to two ASU online courses (max 8 total credits)  

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-14 U.S. semester credits/18-21 quarter credits.    

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours  
  • CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours)  
  • CIEE Service-Learning Project: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 seminar hours (15 seminar hours, 90 service hours)  
  • ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes.  

CIEE courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time.    

Attendance is mandatory for CIEE courses.

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.  

Class Format

CIEE classes are for CIEE students only. Classes are small, typically with up to 15 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.  

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.  

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. In CIEE courses, students are graded on the basis of attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. 

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

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 
 
Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems

Pathways to Sustainability

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

 

Program Options
Program Options
  • Building Sustainable Cities
  • Sustainable Development in the 21st Century
  • Business and Sustainability
  • Engineering, Sustainability, and Society
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Environmental Psychology
  • Dutch Public Health
  • Cross-Cultural Psychology
  • Beginning Dutch
  • Contemporary Dutch Social Policy
  • Decriminalization & Legalization in The Netherlands
  • Gender and Sexuality in The Netherlands
  • Masters of Dutch Art
  • Political and Economic Development of the Netherlands and the EU
  • Race in the Netherlands
  • Intercultural Communication and Leadership
  • International Management
  • International Marketing
  • Internship Seminar
  • Service-Learning Project
  • Directed Independent Research 

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

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.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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.

See Scholarships

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

Staff

Our Staff

Kallan Picha

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

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

Cathelijn Kuis

Student Life Director

Cathelijn studied Journalism (BA) and American Studies (MA) at the University of Utrecht.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

Apply Now

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Contact Us

You might also like

Amsterdam
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands

Semester in Amsterdam

  • Study Program

Spend your semester living and learning in one of Europe’s most vibrant and historic cities.

See All Programs
Request Info