Interdisciplinary Studies

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Interdisciplinary Studies

About the Program

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.

Program Notes


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.

Requirements

Overview

Location:

Amsterdam

Dates:

mid Aug 2026 - late Dec 2026

Price:

$23,795

Credits:

12 - 15

Deadlines

Apply By:

2/15/26

Withdraw By:

3/15/26

Requirements

Copy of Passport
Program Participation Agreement
Complete Application
$95 Online Application Fee
Transcript - Official

Eligibility

Course Prerequisites:

Some courses may have prerequisites.

Education Completed:

1 Year of College completed prior to program start

Minimum GPA:

3.0

Get a Flight Credit worth up to $500 when you apply with code* by May 30, 2025

Where You'll Study

12-15

Credits

Program Structure & Courses

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.

Brain And Mind Track Course Structure

Available Levels

Courses

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
Nature versus Nurture - Period 1 300 En 84 3
Course Name Level Lang Hours Credits
Brain in Trouble-Period 2 300 En 84 3
Cognitive Neuroscience - Period 1 300 En 84 3
The Developing Brain- Period 2 300 En 84 3

Interested in taking your career to the next level?

Where You'll Stay

*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.

Excursions

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.

What's Included in your Program

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.

  • Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
  • Visa & Immigration Advising
  • Financial Advising
  • Tuition and Registration
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Onsite Orientation
  • City Tour
  • Onsite Staff Support
  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance
  • Travel Medical Insurance
  • International Emergency Service Support
  • Welcome & Farewell Events
  • Centrally Located Housing
  • Wellness Activities
  • Cultural Engagement
  • Excursions
  • Student Clubs & Organizations
  • Host Institution Services & Amenities
  • Official Transcript(s)
  • VU Scholarship Opportunities

Sample Calendar

The calendar for this program is coming soon; please check back later.


Sample Budget

The sample budget is unavailable at this time. Please check back later or ask your CEA CAPA Admissions Counselor/Site Specialist for a comparable program's sample budget.