Skip to content

Programs : Brochure

This page is the brochure for your selected program. You can view the provided information for this program on this page and click on the available buttons for additional options.

IES: Amsterdam (Outgoing Program)

Print  Share

Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Education Abroad Adviser: Sara Paliga Click here for a definition of this term Housing: Apartment, Dormitory
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 3.0 Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: 3 - Junior
Click here for a definition of this term Graduate/Undergraduate: Undergraduate Type of Program: Direct Enrollment, Study Center
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: Dutch, English Click here for a definition of this term Language Requirement: 0 semesters
Click here for a definition of this term Internship Available: No Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study: Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Anthropology, Art History, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Business, Classics, Communications, Computer Science, Criminology, Data Sciences, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Economics, Ecosystems, English, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Studies, Film Studies, Finance, Food Science, French, Geography, Geosciences, German, Global Studies, Health and Human Development, History, Human Development and Family Studies, Information Sciences and Technology, Information Systems, International Business, Linguistics, Literature, Management, Marketing, Mathematics, Media Studies, Nutritional Sciences, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Public Relations, Religious Studies, Risk Management, Russian, Sociology, Spanish, Statistics, Sustainability, Visual Arts, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Program Description:

Overview

Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or above
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
  • Junior standing or above at the start of the program 

Program Description 

Penn State Education Abroad approves four (4) IES semester programs in Amsterdam. Students will choose from one of these program tracks: 

Business & Economics

Imagine studying international business and global economics in beautiful Amsterdam, one of Europe’s leading cities for business and progressive social and economic policy. It’s also a hub for entrepreneurship and start-ups. With its central location in Europe and full-member status in the European Union, the Netherlands is the perfect place to study abroad and understand not only business and economics in the Netherlands, but across all of Europe—its significant trading partners are Germany, Belgium, France, and the United Kingdom.

By enrolling in this program, you’ll have the unique opportunity to choose from a large variety of Business and Economics courses at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). Located in Amsterdam’s business district, the School of Economics & Business Administration has applied for AACSB accreditation and offers courses in Business Information Systems, Finance, International Business Law, Global Supply Chain Management, Organization Theory, and many other topics. You can also supplement your studies at the VU with an IES Abroad course taught at the Center in Art History, Art, Cultural Studies, Dutch, or Gender Studies.

Law & Criminology

Are you considering attending law school after graduation? This program gives you a glimpse of your future in law school and what sort of legal career you may enjoy. Learn about comparative law in an international context while studying abroad with us in the Netherlands, where local students start their law degrees at the Bachelor’s level.

By enrolling in this program, you add international law and criminology experience to your transcript—a great talking point when interviewing for law school or your first job. Enroll in the IES Abroad-taught core course, Major Issues in Law & Society: A Comparative Context, and three Law- or Criminology-related courses at the renowned Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). As part of the core course, you will complete a supervised research project. In addition, you will gain experience in writing case briefs, as well as participating in a moot court.

Taking VU classes with Dutch and international students, you gain a valuable international perspective that only comes with study abroad. Past courses that students have taken include Human Rights & Migration, Politics of International Security, and Ethics & Integrity of Governance, among others.

Psychology & Sciences

Study Psychology, Health, Computer Science, or Earth and Life Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). Located in the South of Amsterdam and boasting a diverse student population, the VU offers a wide array of courses in Psychology and the sciences taught by professors and researchers who are among the best in their fields. By taking classes with Dutch and international students, you’ll gain a valuable international perspective that only comes with study abroad.

Your English-taught courses may have you talking to practitioners and experts in the field, monitoring your heart rate to track first-hand how stress affects your life, diving in to the laboratories, visiting patients at a clinic, or helping to program a robot. You may also choose to expand your studies with an IES Abroad-taught course on Cross-Cultural Psychology, Sexuality and Gender, Studio Art, or Art History.

Social Sciences & Humanities

Are you eager to take an independent, fresh look at the world—and at yourself? Let Amsterdam redefine your perspective. This progressive city is known for its cutting-edge contributions to the arts, business, politics, and social policy, and for its importance in the history of Europe and the world.

Our Social Sciences & Humanities Program takes advantage of the city’s unique balance of history and contemporary culture, and lets you structure your studies at the prestigious Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) and at the IES Abroad Center.

With a strong focus on internationalism, the UvA offers a wide range of courses in many areas of study, including Conflict & Cultural Diversity, Globalization & International
Relations, and Sociology. You can also choose from IES Abroad’s course offerings in Studio Art, Gender Studies, Dutch language, and other subjects.

Dates

Academic Year: mid August - late May
Fall: mid August - mid December   
Spring: late January - late May

Refer to the IES Amsterdam website for the specific dates, if available. 

Location

Known for its liberal views and open-minded attitude, the residents of this cozy city welcome you to study abroad in Amsterdam. You can ride through the scenic canals, visit the Anne Frank House, take a walking tour of the city’s different neighborhoods, and meet professionals working at local and global organizations while studying abroad in Amsterdam, where every day is brings something new to explore. You’ll adore the lovely canals and old European charm that make up this enchanting city. Because the city planning hasn’t changed much since the 19th century, you’ll appreciate the architecture and historic homes that color the city, not to mention the tulips. And you can’t leave without seeing the windmills!

Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation

In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Anthropology, Art History, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Business, Classics, Communications, Computer Science, Criminology, Data Sciences, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Economics, Ecosystems, English, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Studies, Film Studies, Finance, Food Science, French, Geography, Geosciences, German, Global Studies, Health and Human Development, History, Human Development and Family Studies, Information Sciences and Technology, Information Systems, International Business, Linguistics, Literature, Management, Marketing, Mathematics, Media Studies, Nutritional Sciences, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Public Relations, Religious Studies, Risk Management, Russian, Sociology, Spanish, Statistics, Sustainability, Visual Arts, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Course Listings

To find courses on each program track at IES Amsterdam, follow the instructions on the IES Amsterdam websites under the "Academics" tab.

To see what Penn State students have previously taken on this program, see the Historical Course List, which is meant to be a guide as to what courses might be available and how they might transfer to Penn State. Courses listed here may not be offered during the semester you attend the program and the credit amount or course title may have changed. 

Note: You are not limited to choosing classes on the program Historical Course List. You should consult the full list of courses on the IES Amsterdam website before choosing a program.

Course Selection

To find appropriate courses that will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
  • Research courses available on your program
  • Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements 
  • Keep in mind that courses abroad may change or may be unavailable for your selected term, so you will need to discuss possible back-up course options
  • To register for courses on this program you will work with IES directly

Track-specific course information

Business & Economics

  • 3-5 required Business or Economics courses at the School of Economics & Business Administration (VU) 
  • 1 optional IES Abroad area studies course

Law & Criminology

  • Required IES Abroad core course on Law: PO/LW350 Major Issues in Law & Society: A Comparative Context.
  • Law- and Criminology-related elective courses at the VU 
  • Dutch language and culture or Dutch History courses at the IES Abroad Center or VU 

Psychology & Sciences

  • 3-5 required Psychology or Science courses at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) 
  • 1 optional IES Abroad area studies course 

Social Sciences & Humanities

  • 1 or more Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) courses (at least one UvA course is required)
  • 1 or more IES Abroad course(s) 

Academic Policies

  • You must enroll in a minimum number of 15 credits and a maximum number of 18 credits 
  • You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
  • World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad
  • You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad
  • If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation 

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Penn State Global website for information on the course equivalency process.  

Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:
 
Grade Conversion Scale
Host Institution Grade Penn State Grade
 A A
 A- A-
 B+ B+
 B B
 B- B-
 C+ C+
 C C
 D D
 F F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
 3 3 
 

Housing and Meals

Housing

  • Shared Student Apartment - Live in a single room in a mixed gender apartment suite with five to six other students. You share a kitchen, bathroom, and living spaces. Located in Amsterdam South, just a five-minute walk from the VU academic buildings. 
  • Shared Studio - Share a spacious double room in a studio apartment with an IES Abroad student or another international student. Each room is equipped with a kitchenette and an en-suite bathroom. A resident assistant lives on-site. (Social Sciences & Humanities program only)
  • Private Student Residence - Live in a single room with a private bathroom. You share a kitchen with other students on your floor. The building features 24-hour reception and a gym. This option carries an additional cost. 
Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions. 

Meals

No meals are included on this program. 
 

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

Fall Costs
Spring Costs*

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser. 

*Students choosing to study for an Academic Year on an IES program will receive a tuition reduction on their spring semester bill. 

Scholarships 

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Penn State Global. 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. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.

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.
 

Life Abroad

General Information 

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility 

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Penn State Global Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.
 

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Penn State Global website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Penn State Global website. 

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Penn State Global website. 

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Penn State Global website. The IES deadline for this program is not flexible. Make sure your entire IES application is complete before their deadline. 

Contact Education Abroad 

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website. 

Education Abroad Advisers 

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Penn State Global website. 

Social Media

Facebook   Snapchat   Instagram   Pinterest   Twitter   Flickr   Youtube


For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Penn State Global Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
 


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2022 07/15/2021
** 		Rolling Admission 02/02/2022 06/04/2022
NOTE: Start date marks arrival in host country. End date marks departure from program housing.
Fall 2022 03/01/2022
03/11/2022 08/22/2022 12/24/2022
Academic Year 2022-2023 03/01/2022
03/11/2022 TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Students will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.

Indicates that deadline has passed