Your program starts in Amsterdam where you'll spend the majority of your semester. Then, finish the last two weeks of your program in London where you'll complete an academic field study.
Are you considering attending law school after graduation? Learn about comparative law in an international context while studying abroad with us in the Netherlands, where local students start their law degrees at the Bachelor’s level. This program gives you a glimpse of your future in law school and what sort of legal career you may enjoy. You’ll discuss major issues in law and society in a foundational international law class, and gain a micro-credential in sustainability through our equitable living course.
Enjoy the Activities with Fellow Study Abroad Students
Join in on field trips and activities to learn about Dutch culture.
Expand Your Transcript
Add international law and criminology experience to your transcript.
Gain Valuable Experience
Complete a research project and gain experience in writing case briefs.
Support the Global Good
Participate in an environmental sustainability course.
Fall 2025
Spring 2026
Program Dates:
August 25 - December 05
London: November 20 - December 5
Application Deadline:
Estimated Cost:
$
22,874
Program Dates:
Late January - Late May
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Claire Wendt
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!
As a major hub for international law, Amsterdam offers exposure to global legal practices. With the presence of institutions like the International Court of Justice, the European Union, and various non-governmental organizations, you’ll gain firsthand insight into how global law works in practice, fostering a truly international mindset.
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
While in Amsterdam, you will take 15-17 IES Abroad credits, with the choice to take one course at a prestigious local university, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU).
Courses
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional components:
PO/LW 350 Major Issues in Law & Society: A Comparative Context (required, 4 credits)
This IES Abroad-taught seminar is an introduction to international and Dutch law, with comparisons to U.S. law, culminating in a supervised research project. The course includes visits to Dutch and international courts.
ES/SO/PO 363 Equitable Living: The Human Right to Migration (required, 3 credits)
1 VU course (optional, credits vary)
Additional IES Abroad area studies courses (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.
Even though you will be taking mostly IES Abroad courses, you still have the option to enroll in one VU course.
You can find more information about past course options that have been offered at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) on their website. Course availability is not guaranteed. Following admission to the program, you will further receive specific course information.
Once you are on the VU website, please click on the “Programme” tab, “Bachelor’s courses,” and then on your desired faculty (i.e. department) tab for possible course options. Please pay special attention to any pre-requisites listed for the course you select. You are able to select a course from the following VU faculties:
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences
School of Business & Economics
Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Religion and Theology
Please Note the Following:
Credits at the VU are listed in ECTS. 2 ECTS=1 U.S. Credit.
Fall classes are offered in Period 1. Spring classes are offered in Periods 4.
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
Application Requirements
Passport & Visa Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
18 years of age
In good standing at your home school
3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
Junior or senior standing when program begin
Please note that transfer credits from AP/IB Exams are not considered when determining class standing.
Students are not permitted to travel in the Schengen Area between May 27, 2025 and August 25, 2025 (this does not apply to EU or military passport holders).
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.)
Passport Scan — Please provide a scanned copy of your passport. 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 on program and include at least 4 course choices in which you might want to enroll. Note that you are only listing preliminary course choices on this statement. Course offerings are subject to change. Please give a brief explanation of your current studies to provide a general overview of your academic background. Also mention previous study, volunteer, or work experiences overseas, if any. Be sure to write your name at the top of the statement.
Previous Travel Confirmation — In this form, students will confirm whether they will have traveled within the Schengen Area of the European Union within 90 days of the program start date.
(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.
If your cumulative GPA is below 3.00, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Professor Recommendation — Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.
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.
Schengen Area Travel Restrictions Due to the length of this program, students from countries not requiring visas to enter the Schengen Area will use 89 of their 90 visa-free days for this program. Therefore, students are not permitted to have any previous travel in the Schengen Area within 90 days of the program start date in order to participate in the Amsterdam - Law & Criminology program.
Visit travel.state.gov to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.
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
Housing
Short Stay Housing
Short Stay Housing
Short Stay Housing in Amsterdam: 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,
Short Stay Housing in London: When you arrive in London, you will be housed in suitable housing that our London semester students stay in.
Field Trips
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 ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
14 days
Fall & Spring
London
You will travel to London for an Academic Field Study at the end of the term for 14 days as part of your required core course, Equitable Living: The Human Right to Migration.
Keukenhof
1 Day ($)
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.
Rotterdam
1 Day
Fall & Spring
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.
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.
• 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
$750
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 VU Residence Permit Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad before arrival onsite)
$325
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.
With 75 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 your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work 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.
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.
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.
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