
If you are undecided about your major or career path or if you are interested in exploring a totally new subject from multiple perspectives, the Interdisciplinary Studies program is for you! All courses are taught in English at VU Amsterdam and use interdisciplinary perspectives, welcoming students from any academic background. Many courses incorporate experiential learning activities that enhance your study program as they take you into the city. Fall semester students will enroll in a specific Program Track of 4 courses related to one theme, or ‘Minor Programme’ as it is called by VU Amsterdam. Summer students take one themed course at a time.
VU Amsterdam is a highly competitive program. Students applying for this program in the Fall semester will be waitlisted for admission, and will know their acceptance decision no later than March 30. We encourage you to work with your CEA CAPA Student Advisor to identify a backup program option.
Amsterdam
8/17/19 - 12/21/19
$19,995
12 - 15
Closed
4/30/19
1 Year of College completed prior to program start
Some courses may have prerequisites.
3.0
You’ll enroll in one thematic Program Track from the offerings in Interdisciplinary Studies. The semester is divided into block periods. Block periods are each 8 weeks, with 7 weeks of classes and 1 week of exams. You will take two pre-determined classes during Period 1 and two pre-determined classes during Period 2. Be sure to check pre-requisite requirements listed in the course descriptions to check you are eligible for the program you wish to join. See the program tracks available in the drop-down below.
You will receive a transcript with 4 courses, equal to 12 US credits. You may also choose to add on a Dutch Culture course, for 3 US credits, which runs during the evenings and wont conflict with your other classes. If you choose to add the Dutch Culture elective you will take 5 courses for 15 credits. Courses are generally awarded 6 ECTS credits, which transfer to 3 US Credits per course.
Classes generally meet Monday – Friday. Active learning components required by courses may be scheduled any day of the week. Classes are not necessarily offered on the same day each week.
Prior to departure, you will indicate your preferred thematic Program Track and one alternative Program Track should the first be unavailable. It is in your best interest to have another alternative Track approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines. Registration for all classes will take place before you arrive on campus, so you will have your finalized schedule in place early.
Academic accommodations are available at VU Amsterdam for students who provide documentation from a psychologist or health care provider. Policies at VU may differ from those available at your home university. Please contact CEA CAPA directly if you will be applying for academic accommodation so that we can connect you with the correct application procedures.
Students receive a transcript from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam upon completing the program.
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
Discover Dutch: Language & Culture | 100 | Ot | 84 | 3 |
Imagining the Dutch: Themes Dutch History | 200 | En | 84 | 3 |
Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
American Literature 1914-present-Period 2 | 200 | En | 84 | 3 |
Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
American Film - Period 2 | 300 | En | 84 | 3 |
Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
Social History of the United States- Period 1 | 200 | En | 84 | 3 |
Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduction to American Studies - Period 1 | 100 | En | 84 | 3 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
*Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in Amsterdam. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
Date | Description |
---|---|
August 17
|
Arrival/Program Begins
Official Program Start Date. Student must arrive at the AMS airport on this date between 9am - 2pm local time to be eligible for airport pickup. Students will then be transferred to their assigned housing. |
August 17
|
Orientation
Mandatory CEA Orientation will be held in the afternoon/evening. |
August 18 - 30
|
Orientation
Mandatory Orientation/Introduction at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam). |
August 19
|
Cultural Activity
Mandatory CEA Orientation City Tour. |
September 02
|
Classes Begin
Period 1 Classes begin at VU Amsterdam on this day. |
October 21 - 25
|
Final Exams
Final Exams for Period 1 classes are held this week. |
October 28
|
Classes Begin
Period 2 Classes begin at VU Amsterdam on this day. |
December 16 - 20
|
Final Exams
Final Exams for Period 2 classes are held this week. |
December 21
|
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day. |
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we've included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover "reasonable" costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.