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Experiential Learning Opportunities
Interdisciplinary Studies
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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
Amsterdam
mid Aug 2026 - late Dec 2026
$23,795
12 - 15
Deadlines
2/15/26
3/15/26
Requirements
Eligibility
Some courses may have prerequisites.
1 Year of College completed prior to program start
3.0
Where You'll Study
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 abo...
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
Grade conversions from CEA CAPA partner institutions abroad to a US grading scale are determined in consultation with our School of Record and benchmarked with other peer institutions in the field.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
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
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.
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Studio Apartment
Available:
Summer - 4-week programs
Live in a modern and vibrant studio apartment residence building with other international, Dutch or US students with convenient access to public transportation. Students will be placed in a studio apartment in a furnished private room, with a bed, desk, chair, and shelves. Meals are not included but a limited kitchenette is provided. Access to meaningful communal areas and amenities, such as lounge, game rooms, study spaces, shared laundry facilities, onsite restaurant and supermarket. The buildings have 24-hour reception and security. This option is for independent & outgoing students interested in meeting others beyond CEA CAPA.
Typical Commute
- VU Amsterdam: 25-40 Minutes by Public Transportation
Meals Included
N/A
Roommates
- Single, private room
Unit Amenities
- Small kitchenette available
- Bed linens included
- Internet access
- Closet / Dresser
- Desk and chair
- Shared living space – Indoors and Outdoors
- Private bathroom
- Shared laundry facilities
- Restaurant & supermarket on site
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.