Interdisciplinary Studies Available Sessions
Get a Flight Credit worth up to $500
when you apply with code* by March 15, 2024
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.
Program Notes
VU Amsterdam is a highly competitive program. Students applying for this program in the Fall semester will be waitlisted for admission, and will know their acceptance decision no later than March 30. We encourage you to work with your CEA CAPA Student Advisor to identify a backup program option.
Requirements
- Overview
- Location:
- Amsterdam
- Dates:
- 7/21/24 - 8/3/24
- Price:
- $4,395
- Credits:
- 3
- Deadlines
- Apply by:
- 3/30/24
- Withdraw by:
- 4/27/24
- Application Requirements
- $95 Online Application Fee
- Complete Application
- Program Participation Agreement
- Transcript - Unofficial
- CV/Resume
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.
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.
3
Credits
All Levels Course Structure
Courses
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings may not be finalized until the start of the term; we’ll post an updated list when the host institution finalizes its offerings.
*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.
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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.
Sample Budget
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we’ve included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover “reasonable” costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.
Sample Calendar
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
Speak with an
Admissions Advisor
Schedule an appointment to speak with a study abroad expert.
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