Summer in Amsterdam
Summer 2021 Early July 2-Week Online Courses Amsterdam

About the Program

Spend your summer in Amsterdam learning in an intensive, highly interactive, small classroom environment and experience the vibrant culture of the Netherlands’ capital city. 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. Whether you want to learn about computer science or food security, global health or entrepreneurship, Amsterdam promises you an unforgettable summer.

Program Notes

Summer 2021 Update: VU Amsterdam is offering a mix of in-person and online courses for Summer 2021. Please note, the university will decide in May 2021 whether in-person courses are feasible and, if not, all courses will be switched to an online format. Even though you select online courses, you have the opportunity to travel to and stay in Amsterdam while completing your coursework.

Program Structure

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. 

Summer courses meet for a minimum of 45 U.S. contact hours and are awarded at 3 U.S. credits. If you choose to enroll in one session, you’ll receive 3 credits for two weeks of class. If you choose to enroll in two sessions, you’ll receive 6 credits for 4 weeks of class.

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.

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.

Utrecht

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Located in the center of the Netherlands, Utrecht is the capital city of the country’s second smallest province. As a long-time religious center, this is the perfect place to explore a medieval town, canals, cathedrals, museums of religious art, and a monastery. Waiting outside the city center is a fantastical castle with an actual moat and extensive landscaped grounds just waiting to be explored.

Haarlem

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You can’t visit the Netherlands without taking a trip just outside Amsterdam to the city of Haarlem. While it used to be a major trading port, this city remains famous as the center of the flower-growing district. Feast your eyes on the fields upon fields of tulips, the incredible art museums, and the old defensive city wall. Music lovers can’t miss visiting an organ played by Handel and Mozart, and history buffs will need to check out a museum which preserves a hiding place for Jews in World War II.

Leiden

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This city situated in the Dutch province of South Holland is known for the oldest university in the country. Leiden University was founded in 1575, and is home to the famous Leiden Botanical Garden, where the tulip was first introduced to Western Europe. This city has a wealth of museums, classic windmills, gothic Churches, and an old fort from the 11th century to experience.

Maastricht

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Travel down to the southernmost tip of the Netherlands to explore the city of Maastricht. Walk down the cobblestone streets of this medieval town and take in the vibrant, student-centric cultural scene. From boutique shops to incredible restaurants, from imposing gothic architecture to an 18th century military fort and World War II era network of caves, this city has a lot to offer. With fascinating influences from neighboring Germany and Belgium, this city will give you a broader European experience.