Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.5 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
Program Description
This program is designed to examine social problems and criminal justice in the Netherlands, and to compare and contrast the Dutch approach to the American approach in dealing with these issues. For example, while the United States is struggling with an opioid crisis, the Netherlands enacted social programs years ago that have essentially eradicated heroin use. Students will engage in direct experiences with the Dutch system of tolerance and social welfare, while also seeing some of the problems that the country faces. Students will observe Dutch ideology and practice in the design, rationale, and implementation of criminal and social justice. Examples of this approach can be seen in various fields, such as the legalization of prostitution, the legalization of soft drugs, the medical instead of criminal justice approach toward hard drugs, and the way in which issues like juvenile crime, euthanasia, and same-sex marriage are dealt with.
This four-week program, based in Rotterdam and in Amsterdam, will deal with issues of criminal and social justice from a Dutch perspective and will explore such issues as the history of this approach, its rationale, and the way it works out in daily practice. We will also take a look at recent changes, such as in the globalization of the economy and the threat of international terrorism, which changed the "crime landscape" in The Netherlands.
The lecturers in this program will come from different backgrounds and will include academics, policymakers, and professionals in the field. Students will attend class and participate in field trips during the week and will have free time to travel on weekends. In recent years, trips have included visits to the Anne Frank House, the International Criminal Court, Dutch Parliament, the Red Light District, Rotterdam Harbor, police stations, prisons, domestic courts, and coffee shops.
Students this summer will have the option of participating in two weeklong subprograms led by current and former Anne Frank House and Museum educators. "From Nuremberg to the Hague" focuses on the evolution of international law and institutions intended to investigate, prosecute, and try crimes against humanity and other human rights violations. If feasible, the program will include a trip to the International Criminal Court to observe a trial.
"Revisiting Public History" considers the importance of memorialization in response to human rights violations. Students will create video documentaries about monuments dedicated to the memory of human rights victims, events, and activists. The finished videos will be published to an Anne Frank House and Museum YouTube channel.
Dates
Summer: July 1 - August 6, 2023
Program Costs
Summer Costs
For more information on program costs, please be sure to review the budget sheet. These budget sheets include information on costs that are billable to the bursar bill, as well as estimated additional costs. Costs vary by program, so it is important to review this information carefully.
Please note that tuition rates may vary depending on major and class standing.
Scholarships
The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Global Programs. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.
Student Aid
Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid.
Withdrawal & Refund Policy
Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies.
After Commitment
Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred.
Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. For faculty-led freestanding programs, there is a specific withdrawal penalty schedule.
Education Abroad makes every attempt at keeping the program and administrative costs to a minimum. However, when you commit to participating in a program, Education Abroad begins to make financial commitments on your behalf. In case of withdrawal, the following fees will be charged to your Bursar account
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Upon Commitment - 90 Days Prior to Departure: 25% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
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30 - 89 Days Prior to Departure: 50% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
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29 Days - Departure Date: 100% Program Fee + EA Admin Fee
Following the start of the summer semester, any adjustment of tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. More information can be found on the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
After the Start of the Program
If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.
For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
