Our Social Sciences & Humanities Program takes advantage of the city’s unique balance of history and contemporary culture, and lets you structure your studies at the prestigious Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) and at the IES Abroad Center. With a strong focus on internationalism, the UvA offers a wide range of courses in many areas of study, including Conflict & Cultural Diversity, Globalization & International Relations, Migration Studies, and Sociology.
Take Classes Like a Local
Attend courses with incredible students from all over the world.
Learn About Arts and Culture
Take an IES course in Art, Sociology, or Dutch.
Enjoy the Activities with Fellow Study Abroad Students
Join in on field trips and activities to learn about Dutch culture.
2025 Fall
Program Dates:
August 18 - December 20
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Lindsay Smith
Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
This progressive city is known for its cutting-edge contributions to the arts, business, politics, and social policy, and for its importance in the history of Europe and the world. The IES Abroad courses offered in this program are taught by international faculty from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Rent or buy a cheap bike and get around Amsterdam the way the Dutch do!
Enjoy Traditional Dutch Dishes
From coffee to stroopwafels, eating in Amsterdam is a real treat.
Appreciate Art
Visit world-renown art museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.
Swing Out Over Amsterdam
Try riding the swings on the observation deck of the A’DAM Tower.
Fall Ball Abroad in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, student athletes have the option to add on a baseball or softball training program on top of their coursework. Fall Ball Abroad in Amsterdam provides college baseball and softball players high-quality coaching and access to world-class training facilities. Students who wish to participate will apply to an IES Abroad Amsterdam program, and once accepted, choose the baseball or softball add-on. We know how important it is to your sports performance to continue working and improving in the offseason. Why not work with international coaches and get stronger in Amsterdam?
Thanks to my Dutch art class, exploring museums in the NL has been one of my favorite ways to immerse myself in Dutch culture. Here are some of my favorites.
A home with amenities! In our housing, you will meet IES Abroad students, international students, travelers, and (young) professionals. During orientation you will get an extensive neighborhood tour from our onsite staff. Additionally, reception staff will be available to answer any questions you might have. All housing locations are in safe areas with public transport.
Base Option: You will have a single or shared room with an ensuite bathroom. Your room will be fully furnished with a bed, wardrobe, and shared kitchen,
Premium Option: You will have a single room with an ensuite bathroom. Your room will be slightly larger than the Base option. Your room will be fully furnished with a bed, wardrobe, and shared kitchen. This option carries an additional cost.
Premium Plus Option: You will be centrally located in Amsterdam at this housing option. You will have a single room with an ensuite bathroom. Your bedroom will be furnished with a bed, wardrobe, and desk. You will share a kitchen with other IES Abroad students. This option carries an additional cost.
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore Dutch language, culture, and the arts. The world-class professors and course options at the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
While in Amsterdam, you take 15–17 credits per semester. UvA courses and IES Abroad courses are worth up to 6 credits each.
“There is something intangible about attending international university, walking over that bridge that passes under the giant social sciences building, meeting students from all over the world, and having it dawn on you every morning when you arrive on campus or in the evening when you descend the metro to commute home that you're studying in Amsterdam, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity you'll never forget.”
Emma B. • Sarah Lawrence College • Amsterdam – Social Sciences & Humanities
Partner Institution
Universiteit van Amsterdam
Universiteit van Amsterdam
The Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) prides itself on its wide range of multidisciplinary offerings and its strong focus on internationalization. These qualities are reflected in the large number of international and study abroad students at the Universiteit. Rooted in 17th century Amsterdam, the university is known for its rich intellectual, artistic, and commercial history, and for its contributions to contemporary scholarship, business, and politics.
The Social Sciences & Humanities Program is part of the Amsterdam Exchange Program - Social & Behavioral Sciences.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional components. You take 15-17 credits per semester. These credits can be a combination of IES Abroad area studies courses (up to 3 per semester) and courses offered at the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA), known for strong offerings across disciplines. If you want to take all of your courses at the UvA, that is also an option.
1-5 courses at the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) (at least one UvA course is required, credits vary, minimum of 6 UvA credits)
One or more IES Abroad course(s) (optional, credits vary)
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
As an IES Abroad student, your course of study falls largely under the Amsterdam Exchange Program - Social & Behavioral Sciences within the College of Social Sciences. Requests to take a course outside of the Social & Behavioral Sciences are handled on a case-by-case basis, as the individual departments at the UvA have the final admission decision to each specific course.
Course Lookup
To look up Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) courses, first navigate to the UvA's website. Once on the main UvA page, click on the "course" button. On the bottom right corner, click "all courses". This will take you to the catalog for the 2024-2025 academic year. Once on this page scroll down until you see the "programme tab", then click "show all". Click until you reach "Exchange Programme College of Humanities", "Exchange Programme Social and Behavioral Sciences", and "Exchange Programme UvA Economics and Business." IES Abroad students are eligible to enroll in classes ONLY offered through these programs.
Visit the Social & Behavioral Sciences course catalog to get a sense of courses that may be offered during your term abroad.
Courses at the UvA are listed in ECTS credits. 2 ECTS credits equal 1 U.S./IES Abroad credit. For example, a course worth 12 ECTS is worth 6 IES Abroad credits.
You can select from courses in:
Anthropology
Art
Conflict and Cultural Diversity
Dutch Society
Ethnicity, Migration, & Nationalism
Geography Planning & Development
Gender & Sexuality
Globalization & International Relations
Media & Communication
Politics, Governance, & Democracy
Sociology
Urban Studies & Global Health
Depending upon availability, you may also take classes in the Faculty of Humanities in one of the following areas:
Arts & Media Studies
English & Literature
European & American Studies
History
Philosophy & Discourse
Please note that these opportunities are limited. We recommend having backup courses in this Faculty in case your top choices are full.
You may also register for only one Faculty of Economics and Business course, whose Amsterdam school of Business (ASB) is EQUIS-accredited.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Even though your adventure starts in Amsterdam, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
1 Day
Fall & Spring
Rotterdam
Visit Rotterdam, a major port city in the Dutch province of South Holland. Take a guided walking tour, visit the famous cubic houses, and enjoy a museum visit or free time.
Keukenhof
1 Day ($)
Spring
Keukenhof is one of the world's largest flower gardens. Take in over 7 million followers, including 4.5. million tulips and a variety of sculptures at this historic park.
Texel
2 Days ($)
Fall & Spring
Join us for a weekend away in one of the Dutch Islands, Texel. Come bike around, explore the Northern Sea and its dunes. We'll be taking a ride on a shrimp boat and visiting a local seal sanctuary.
Zaanse Schans
Half Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Enjoy a cycling trip from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans, a quintessential Dutch town, famous for its windmills.
Cheese & Clog Making at Local Farm
1 Day ($)
Fall & Spring
Get introduced to Dutch culture by getting your hands dirty and making your own Gouda cheese wheel at this local farm! We'll not only be sampling cheese, but also traditional Dutch apple pie.
Maastricht
2 Days ($)
Spring
Explore this university city with its beautiful medieval architecture and lively arts and culture. Visit the famous labyrinth caves of Limburg, and take a walk in the spectacular hilly countryside.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Optional Enrollment in Dutch course at INTT (per block)
$400
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
Premium - Residence Hall (no meals provided)
$750
Premium Plus - Apartment (no meals provided)
$1,500
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
UvA Residence Permit Fee
$250
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,200-1,800
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$110
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Hotel (with kitchen access)
$4,700
Premium Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$4,700
Premium Plus Apartment (with kitchen access)
$4,700
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$500
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$25-405
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,300
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Amsterdam - Social Sciences & Humanities Academic Year Fees
Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
$31,140
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
$11,190
Base (no additional cost)
• Hotel (no meals provided)
Premium (additional cost, see below)
• Residence Hall (no meals provided)
Premium Plus (additional cost, see below)
• Apartment (no meals provided)
Health Insurance
$490
Total IES Abroad Program Fee
$42,820
+
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Optional Enrollment in Dutch course at INTT (per block)
$800
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
Premium - Residence Hall (no meals provided)
$1,500
Premium Plus - Apartment (no meals provided)
$3,000
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
UvA Residence Permit Fee (if on program for Academic Year)
$250
UvA Residence Permit Fee (if on-site and then extend to Academic Year)
$500
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,400-2,100
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$220
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Hotel (with kitchen access)
$9,400
Premium Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$9,400
Premium Plus Apartment (with kitchen access)
$9,400
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$60-300
Local Transportation
$1,000
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$25-810
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$4,600
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on February 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
• Short Stay Housing - City Center (no meals provided)
Health Insurance
$245
Total IES Abroad Program Fee
$23,843
+
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Optional Enrollment in Dutch Course at INTT (UvA):
$415
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)
Premium - Residence Hall (no meals provided)
$750
Premium Plus - Short Stay Housing - City Center (no meals provided)
$1,500
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required UvA Residence Permit Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad before arrival onsite)
$250
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$800-1,300
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$220
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Short Stay Housing (with kitchen access)
$4,800
Premium Residence Hall (with kitchen access)
$4,800
Premium Plus Short Stay Housing - City Center (with kitchen access)
$4,800
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$390
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$35-250
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,100
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad. The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Amsterdam Center is in the old city Center nearby the famous Nieuwmarkt Square, and easily accessible via public transport from Amsterdam Central Station. With plenty of study space, classroom areas, and meeting rooms, the Center is your study abroad hub.
Student Affairs Cluster Lead & Student Affairs and Operations Manager
Flor Macías Delgado
DEIA, Belonging & Community Specialist
Chloe McLaughlin
Academic Administrator
Irina Navarro Fernandez
Student Success Coordinator
Cathleen Owens
Team Lead Academic Programs
Penny Pierrinakou
Senior Academic Programs Coordinator (UvA and CvA)
Shae Torres
Academic Programs Coordinator (VU)
Anna Waksmundzka
Student Affairs Coordinator
Orientation
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
To be considered of junior standing, applicants must have four complete college semesters (about 60 credit hours) by the start of the program. Transfer credits from AP Exams are not counted towards this total.
This is a competitive program. Applicants will be selected based on an overall evaluation of your application and the comparative qualifications of other applicants.
Final admissions decision rests with the Universiteit van Amsterdam
Please note: the Study Amsterdam program will not review applicants with cumulative GPAs below 3.0.
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Color Copy of Passport Photo Page — Please provide a scanned copy of your passport information and signature page(s). If you do not yet possess a passport or if it is not valid for six months past the end date of your IES Abroad program, we will accept a copy of your passport application; and we will also require that you provide the following information (as it will appear in your passport): first and last name, date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY), gender, and place of birth.
Academic Statement of Purpose — This 500-word statement should state what academic area of study you hope to pursue while in Amsterdam and include at least four UvA course choices in which you would want to enroll. Please visit the UvA website to view a tentative list of courses offered at UvA through the Undergraduate Certificate Programme in Humanities and Social Sciences. You may take courses in any of these clusters. Note that you are only listing preliminary course choices on this statement; course offerings are subject to change. Master's level courses are not open to IES Abroad students. Please give a brief explanation of your current studies to provide a general overview of your academic background (but don't specifically list all classes taken to date). Also, mention previous study, volunteer, or work experiences overseas, if any. Be sure to write your name at the top of the statement.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
Acceptance to this program is highly competitive. To ensure that this program is a proper fit for admitted students, IES Abroad has identified majors that best fit with the course offerings at the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA), which will be a factor in the admissions process. All admissions decisions will be made after the application deadline. Students will be notified of their admissions decision within two weeks of the application closing.
You can use this list of majors as a starting point to discern if this program is a good fit for you.
African American Studies
American Studies
Anthropology
Art History
Child Development
Communications
Creative Writing
Cultural Studies
Education
English
Film Studies
Francophone Studies
Gender Studies
Global Studies
Government
History
Human Development
International Affairs
International Relations
International Studies
Journalism
Media/Media Studies
Philosophy
Political Science
Public Policy
Sociology
Women's Studies
Writing
Passport & Visa Requirements
Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP
Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:
You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends
Visit travel.state.gov to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.
Apply for a Residence Permit
Once you are accepted to the program, you will need to apply for your Dutch Residence Permit. You will complete the first part of the application online several months prior to departure. Once you arrive in the Netherlands, you will complete the final steps to obtain a Dutch Residence Permit. Learn more about what to expect.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
Here I talk about a spontaneous trip to Paris, initially hindered by a booking mishap, turned into an adventure filled with delicious food, stunning sights, and...
“There is something intangible about attending international university, walking over that bridge that passes under the giant social sciences building, meeting students from all over the world, and having it dawn on you every morning when you arrive on campus or in the evening when you descend the metro to commute home that you're studying in Amsterdam, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity you'll never forget.”Emma B. • Sarah Lawrence College • Amsterdam – Social Sciences & Humanities
