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International Affairs

University of Amsterdam
 
     
AT A GLANCE:

Homepage:
http://www.uva.nl

Location:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Language:
Dutch, English

Cost (2009-2010) :
Year: $8,479 (Nebraska resident)
$20,029 (Non-resident)
Semester: $4,374 (Nebraska resident)
$10,149 (Non resident)

Subjects :
European studies, social studies, Dutch, law, graduate-level international relations

Application Deadline :
Year: March 1
Semester: September 1

Housing :
Apartments

Download as a PDF file :
Amsterdam.pdf
  
The University Community
 
The University of Amsterdam, founded in 1632, is one of the leading universities in the world. With more than 22,000 students and an academic staff of about 5,000, the University offers a full range of programs in virtually all disciplines with about sixty four year-degree options leading to the doctorandus, or the meester for law, degrees that approximate the U.S. master’s level of study. The University of Amsterdam also offers postgraduate courses of study leading to advanced research-based degrees akin to U.S. doctorates, as well as professional courses of study and postgraduate teacher training programs.

The city of Amsterdam is an exciting, cosmopolitan environment with all the opportunities of a world-class city and all the friendly, informal amenities of an unpretentious Dutch town. Almost everyone is proficient in English. Famous for its system of canals, Amsterdam is very accessible to students in many ways. Most university buildings are located in the center of the city within walking distance of commercial, entertainment, and cultural areas. Public transportation on trams and buses is inexpensive and convenient. Food and flowers are plentiful, as are parks and recreational opportunities. As a cultural center, Amsterdam provides a wide array of concerts, lectures, and recitals in addition to many of the premier art museums in the world. As a hub of western Europe, Amsterdam is only a few hours from London, Paris, Brussels, and many German cities.
 
 
Courses of Study
 
The University of Amsterdam has developed a number of international programs taught in English for which UNL students are eligible. Programs for undergraduates are offered through the International School for Humanities and Social Sciences. Offerins include a comparative program studying contemporary European societies through the social sciences (political science, economics, philosophy, etc). Courses are also available in history, art, and culture. In some cases, the introductory courses of the international graduate programs are open to undergraduate exchange students. Graduate students may study international relations, law, and educational sciences. In conjunction with the programs taught in English, UNL students may enroll in intensive Dutch language courses. Course descriptions are available on the following website: www.ishss.uva.nl

Students in the Netherlands are respected as mature adults. They are expected to attend lectures and tutorials, read independently, and conduct research as part of their program of study. To enhance learning, students are given opportunities to work on projects in cooperation with one another. Faculty members generally are accessible and guide students in their work.
 
 
Living Arrangements
 
The University of Amsterdam, like all universities in the Netherlands, has no campus. The University Foreign Relations Office assists exchange students in finding accommodation in student flats (apartments) or in buildings owned or leased by the University. Although few of these accommodations are located in the center of the city, most rooms are in the close neighborhood of the city. Many students take public transportation or ride bicycles to their classes. Students may prepare their own meals, but most students eat at one of the inexpensive student-run cafeterias of the University. Exchange students may request a Dutch student mentor to introduce them to the University and the city.
 
 
Duration
 
The academic calendar has recently changed to a semester basis. The fall semester begins at the beginning of September and ends at the end of January. The spring semester is from February through June.
 
 
Type of Program
 
The exchange program is based on an agreement between the University of Amsterdam and UNL that allows a reciprocal exchange of students. The number of students selected to participate in the exchange varies from year to year and depends on the balance of the exchange. The goal of this agreement is to exchange five students each way each year.

Outside of this bilateral exchange agreement, UNL students can also apply to the University of Amsterdam through the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). Financial arrangements for the ISEP program are similar, though not identical, to the bilateral agreement. (See ISEP materials).

Credits earned at the University of Amsterdam are transferable to UNL through department validation. UNL students remain eligible for most scholarships and other forms of financial aid they would normally receive.
 
 
Am I eligible to apply?
 
Any UNL undergraduate with junior status or above, in good standing, is eligible to participate in the exchange. A 3.0 GPA is preferred. UNL graduate students may apply for the graduate-level programs with the approval of Graduate Studies and their graduate committees. Some previous course work at Amsterdam in the desired area of study is expected.
 
 
Applications
 
You need following Applications for this program :

Form A :: General Information
Form B :: Statement of Purpose
Form C :: References, 2 of these
Form E :: Proposed Plan of Study
Transcripts

These applications forms are available at International Affairs or www.unl.edu/iaffairs
 
 
When should I apply?
 
The application deadline for the academic year program is March 1. The application deadline for the second semester program is September 1. Early application is advised.
 
 
How much will it cost?
 
2009-2010: For Nebraska residents, the academic year program costs $8,479; a semester program is $4,374. For non-residents, the academic year costs $20,029; a semester program costs about $10,149. The cost includes tuition, fees and insurance. Transportation (about $850), books, room and board and personal expenses are not included.
 
 
What about transportation?
 
A list of suggestions for student discounted airfare is available from International Affairs.
 
 
What else will I need?
 
Passport pictures; passport and visa information; books and materials about living, traveling, and working abroad are available in the International Affairs resource center at 420 University Terrace, 472-5358.
 
 
Can I get more information?
 
Complete course descriptions, more program information, and general books about the Netherlands are available in the International Affairs resource center at 420 University Terrace, P.O. Box 880682, Lincoln, NE 68588-0682; 402/472-5358.

Academics: Students should discuss study plans with their regular academic advisors for information about studying in the Netherlands and/or Western Europe.

Financial Aid: For information about applying your financial aid to study abroad programs, contact a study abroad financial aid adviser in the UNL Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, 402/472-2030.

Administrative Details: For applications and details about studying abroad, transferring credit, etc., see additional handout materials or contact a study abroad advisor at International Affairs, 420 University Terrace; 472-5358.

Related Programs: Additional UNL exchange programs in Europe include German universities in Bayreuth, Hannover, and Heidelberg ; United Kingdom universities in Lancaster and Aberdeen; and several sites through the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) of which UNL is a member institution. Several non-exchange programs in western and eastern Europe and the United Kingdom have also been approved for UNL students.

Contact :
International Affairs
420 University Terrace
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 68588-0682
(402) 472-5358
E-mail: iaffairs@unl.edu