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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.
Requirements
Overview
Amsterdam
early Jul 2027 - early Aug 2027
$7,595
5 - 6
Deadlines
4/1/27
5/1/27
Requirements
Eligibility
2.5
Some courses may have prerequisites.
2 Years of College completed prior to program start
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
5-6
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
The summer is divided into two intensive block sessions, each of which are two weeks long. You’ll enroll in 1 course per two-week block session. You have the freedom to customize your summer, by choosing to enroll in one, or two blocks sessions. Different courses are offered during each block session, and we encourage you to review all course offerings before making a selection.
You will select your session(s) and course(s) prior to departure. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. Some courses do fill up quickly. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses 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.
Students receive a transcript from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam upon completing the program.
The majority of VU summer courses meet for a minimum of 45 U.S. contact hours and are awarded 3 ECTS credits by VU, while some courses meet for 60 contact hours and are awarded 4 ECTS credits by VU. If you choose to enroll in one session, your VU transcript will reflect 3-4 ECTS credits* for two weeks of class. If you choose to enroll in two sessions, your VU transcript will reflect 6-7 ECTS credits* for 4 weeks of class.
* CEA CAPA recommends 3 – 4 U.S. credit hours for each VU summer course. These credit hour recommendations are based on the contact hours assigned by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam): 15 contact hours equals 1 U.S. credit. Please check with your home institution advisor regarding credit hour transferability.
Classes meet at various times, Monday-Friday. Active learning components required by the course may be schedule any day of the week.You will select your session(s) and course(s) prior to departure. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. Some courses do fill up quickly. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses 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.
Students receive a transcript from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam upon completing the program.
All Levels Course Structure
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Venture Creation in the Amsterdam Entrepreneurial Ecosystem | 300 | En | 40 | 2.5 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Analysis in R | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Criminal Justice | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governing Climate Change: Theory and Practice | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Development: Global Trends via Local Case Perspectives | 300 | En | 46 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Leadership and Organisational Behaviour: A Global Perspective | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logic as a Tool for Modelling | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dealing with Your Feelings: The Art and Science of Emotion Regulation | 300 | En | 50 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Constructions of Race in the Netherlands | 300 | En | 46 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Football Behavior Management | 300 | En | 48 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Learning in the Age of AI | 400 | En | 48 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Health | 400 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human AI | 300 | En | 60 | 4 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
Where You'll Stay
We offer different housing options to match your budget, preferences, and study abroad goals. 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.
Global Housing Standards
Learn more about what's included with CEA CAPA housing.
Learn more about what's included with CEA CAPA housing.
Read More
Global Housing Standards
Your housing abroad is more than a place to sleep, it's a place to feel at home.
Health & Safety
Health and safety are a top priority when selecting and reviewing program housing. When evaluating housing, CEA CAPA considers several factors including the surrounding location, commute time to academic or internship settings, as well as the condition of the building exterior and interior, common areas, the individual housing unit, and other living spaces. CEA CAPA works to ensure that program housing meets established minimum health and safety guidelines and aligns with best practices in the field.
Cleaning Services
Regular cleaning of communal areas for programs longer than 4 weeks.
Wi-Fi
Reliable internet access is included in every housing option we offer.
Students Per Bedroom
Typically 1–2 students per bedroom, with a maximum of 3 per room.
Commute Time
Housing is located within 60 minutes of campus by foot or transportation.
Temperature Control
Cooling and heating appliances are provided (AC not always included).
Kitchen Access
A shared space with basic utensils, refrigerator, freezer, and a stove, oven, or microwave.
Laundry
Access to laundry is guaranteed onsite or within walking distance. Drying racks included.
Study Space
A desk in your room or a table in a common area.
Storage Space
Practical, modest storage space for personal belongings.
Linens
Pillows, blankets and sheets.
Global Housing Standards apply to CEA CAPA-sourced housing only, beginning Summer 2026.
Housing provided by partner universities may differ slightly.
ApartHotel Private Room
Summer Only
Discover the authentic rhythm and vibrant energy of life in Amsterdam from your private room in an aparthotel. Conveniently located near your local university, you'll have access to public transportation, allowing you to explore the entire city. The building features shared kitchens on each floor and an onsite café.
This housing option is included in the program price.
Additional Options
Summer only: Private rooms with kitchenettes in a building with an onsite restaurant may be selected on the housing application for a supplemental fee. Supplemental fees may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
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.
- Airport Welcome
- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- 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.