The City
A major European center of commerce and culture, Amsterdam is a lively combination of old and new, with picturesque canals, beautiful 17th century architecture, world-renowned museums, and an international harbor and airport. Its strong international heritage is due to its role as a major seaport for explorers and merchants and as a haven for persecuted foreigners. Today, the city’s cosmopolitan nature is represented in its arts, music, restaurants, social life, and open and tolerant atmosphere. A traditional center for education and the arts, Amsterdam has inspired talents such as Rembrandt and van Gogh and offers an ideal environment for intellectual and extracurricular pursuits.
The University
Founded in 1632, the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) is the second largest and most international university in the Netherlands. To attract some of the best students from around the world, UvA has developed strong academic programs in English, which currently offers 30 international certificate, masters, and PhD programs. The university enrolls close to 25,000 students in seven faculties, including over 2,500 international students and researchers from over 100 countries.
The Program
Boston College students are fully immersed in the university, taking regular courses in English and socializing with their Dutch and European counterparts. A broad curriculum is offered across a number of disciplines.
Most students participate in the International School for Humanities and Social Sciences (ISHSS), which offers courses in a variety of fields, including European studies; ethnicity and nationalism; gender, sexuality and culture; political science and international relations; sociology; and European communication studies. Additionally, the Amsterdam Courses in Economics (ACE) program provides students with Dutch, European, and other international perspectives on economic issues.
Course selection
BC students must take a minimum of 30 ECTS credits per semester in order to earn full BC credit. Fall semester and full year students are encouraged to take an intensive Dutch language course offered in August. Spring students can take this course during the semester.
Orientation/Academic support
Students participate in an introduction program offered by the International Student Network at the start of each semester. Onsite support is offered by the program in which the student is enrolled.
Housing
Students are typically housed in university dormitories in the city. Rooms are single or double occupancy with shared or private baths and shared kitchens.
Activities
The International Student Network (ISN) offers a variety of social activities, including a mentor program, excursions, and social events. The University also offers a variety of clubs, although most activities are conducted in Dutch. Students who make an effort to learn the language and communicate with the Dutch students are warmly welcomed.
