Study Abroad in
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) was founded in 1880 and is now ranked one of the top 100 universities in the world. With a focus on research and academic excellence, VU Amsterdam hosts about 25,000 students a year, and 14% of them are international. Higher education in the Netherlands is world renowned and regulated by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). All Bachelor programs are accredited through the NVAO.

VU Amsterdam was the first university in the Netherlands to be established without interference from the church or the state. In fact, Vrije Universiteit literally means Free University. That secular tradition continues in the university’s work to create its own study programs with an emphasis on a personalized approach to teaching and learning. The campus is easy to navigate, thanks to the single-building complex design, and students quickly feel at home.

The university has a wide variety of academic offerings, with over 350 courses regularly taught in English. Like many Dutch institutions, VU Amsterdam puts a heavy emphasis on academic responsibility and independence. Instructors expect students to be active listeners and participate in classroom discussions. There is a high level of classroom interaction, a strict adherence to attendance policies and school rules, and direct honesty in grading, with no grade inflation.

When you study at VU Amsterdam, you’ll be just 15 minutes by bike from the city center. International students are actively welcomed, and encouraged to take part in arts, sports, and cultural programs through the student center and the ERASMUS Student Network (ESN). You can even expand your horizon by joining student clubs, participating in free workshops, or joining a volunteer program. From the campus bike repair shop to volleyball courts to film screenings and the on-campus grocery store, VU Amsterdam creates a cozy home away from home for all students.

Credit Transfer Information

VU Amsterdam awards credits based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) system. CEA CAPA credit hour recommendations for semester programs are based on the following conversion: 2 ECTS credits equals 1 U.S. semester credit. Whereas CEA CAPA credit hour recommendations for summer programs are based on the following conversion:15 contact hours equals 1 U.S. credit.
Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.

Transcript Information

Students receive a transcript from VU Amsterdam upon successful completion of the program. The transcript will reflect ECTS credits for each course.

Accreditation

VU Amsterdam is fully recognized by the Dutch Ministry of Education as a research university. All bachelor's and master's degree programmes at VU Amsterdam are either accredited by or in the process of being accredited by NVAO (Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatieorganisatie,) the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders. This body was established by international treaty and guarantees the quality of higher education in the Netherlands and Flemish-speaking Belgium through the accreditation of study programs. VU's Business School is also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Grading

Classroom and Information

• Dutch and international faculty teach all courses.
• The semester is divided into Periods. Two Periods in the Fall and two or three Periods in the Spring. Exams, presentations, or projects generally due at the end of each Period. Each faculty member will outline specifics on the first day of classes.
• Exams, homework assignments, and final exams will be administered.
• Class attendance is 100% mandatory and monitored by professors. Some professors allow 1-2 absences, but this is detailed on the first day of class.
• Most classes do not meet on the same day each week, and some can even meet multiple times per day.
• Teaching styles in the Netherlands may differ from those in the U.S. Be prepared to adapt to different classroom structures and coursework expectations.
• Grades are typically based on a mid-term and a final exam, and sometimes on only one exam. Cramming does not work.
• Class sizes range from about 10-25 students in seminar classes and 300-500 students in large lecture classes. However, in all classes, small group work and independent learning is emphasized.
• Many of your peers at VU Amsterdam will be Dutch, but you will also attend class with other CEA CAPA students and other international students.

Amenities

Clubs & Organizations

Student Government

Student Center

Student Lounge

Study Room

Study Area

Counseling Services

University Library

Computer Lab

Computers

Printing Facilities

Student ID

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Academic Advising

Tutoring

Fitness Facilities

Student Sports Teams

Dining Facilities

Banks & Post Office

On-campus ATM

Lockers