CIEE Business & Culture in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Location: Netherlands: Amsterdam

Term: Spring

http://www.ciee.org

300 Fore Street Portland, ME 04101 United States

Call Us

Phone: 207-533-4000;
Toll-free: 800.40.STUDY

Fax: 207-553-5000

Description

The current credit crisis proves that global developments in the business world are more than ever part of society as a whole. The effects of the shocks in the financial markets can be seen, read, and heard on a daily basis. The rapid changes and increasing complexity require well-educated academics and professionals who not only understand the current reality but are also able to grasp the reasons behind it. The Business and Culture program at the University of Amsterdam provides CIEE students a better understanding of the theories and tools that address the complexity of issues in today's global economy.

Academic Program
The CIEE Business and Culture program is designed for students who are majoring or minoring in business or economics and considering a career in the business world or who plan to explore graduate studies in business or pursue an MBA. Students can take courses from the areas of Business Studies, Economics, or Economics and Finance, either pursuing courses in one of these tracks or choosing courses from multiple areas. Of the 300 students in the Faculty of Economics and Business Bachelor's program, approximately 75 percent students are international and 25 percent are Dutch. The program is fully taught in English, giving CIEE students the opportunity to interact with Dutch and other international students on issues relating to business and economics.

Academic Culture
Students from the U.S. may notice a substantial difference between the educational style employed in their own countries and that used in the European system.

The European educational system allows students a high level of individual responsibility and initiative. Developing an independent and critical way of thinking is strongly encouraged. This academic environment will be part of the challenge for visiting students at the UvA.

The University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Economics and Business (and many other of its faculties) divide each semester into two eight-week blocks. FEB courses take place only during one block. All courses are 6 ECTS (3 semester/4.5 quarter hours U.S.).

Average class size at the FEB is approximately 75 students in the lectures and 40 in the tutorials.

The University of Amsterdam operates on a semester calendar, with each semester consisting of two consecutive eight-week class periods. The University's fall semester runs from the end of August to the end of December, and the spring semester runs from the beginning of February to the beginning of June.

The CIEE Study Center office is located on the Prins Hendrikkade on the eastern waterfront, within close proximity to the Faculty of Business and Economics academic buildings.

Highlights

  • Gain an insider's perspective on how business is done in the Netherlands and the European Union; visit Dutch and international companies and take advantage of an internship
  • Take a wide range of courses in business, economics, and/or finance
  • Study Dutch language and integrate into the Dutch and international student community through the International Student Network
  • Live in an accessible, multicultural European capital city, explore the region through program excursions, and cruise around the city on your bike

    Cultural Activities
    The CIEE Study Center in Amsterdam aims to provide an insider's perspective that most people, both locals and tourists, never see. This is done through excursions to unique destinations within the Netherlands or just outside of the Netherlands. Excursions include a visit to another historical Dutch city, an overnight trip to either Schiermonnikoog island (a UNESCO world heritage site), or a Dutch or other Low Country city such as Rotterdam, Maastricht, Luxembourg, or Brussels; a visit to the site of a typical Dutch product (a cheese farm, flower industry, or the Delta Works that protect the Dutch countryside from the sea); and a visit to a cultural venue such as a ballet or soccer match.

    University Life
    CIEE works closely with the UvA's International Student Network (ISN) during orientation and throughout the semester to ensure that CIEE students are well integrated into the international student body, working as much as possible against creating an American enclave. Students are matched with an ISN coach and student group at the beginning of the semester. Weekly gatherings are held throughout the semester as well as various cultural events and excursions.

    Furthermore, CIEE students have the opportunity to integrate within the Dutch student body as the FEB has their own student committee who organizes special events.

    Weekend Homestay
    For students interested in experiencing Dutch culture more in-depth, students have the option of participating in a CIEE-organized day and overnight stay with a host family outside of Amsterdam, included in the program fee.

    Immersion
    Company Visits
    As part of the optional Internship course, there are guided company site visits to allow students to explore various Dutch businesses and their practices, learning what models are successful and which are less successful. An example is a behind-the-scenes site visit to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with a KLM representative to learn the secret behind the strategically chosen blue uniform and KLM's business model and how it is implemented. Other guided site visits may include Philips Electronics headquarters in Eindhoven, a behind-the-scenes tour to Albert Heijn (the Netherlands' top supermarket chain), HEMA headquarters (the Target of the Netherlands), Aalsmeer Flower Auction, and a guest speaker from head of global marketing for Grolsch. All Business and Culture program students are invited and encouraged to participate in these visits.

    Volunteer Opportunities
    CIEE participants have several volunteer opportunities allowing them to connect and give back to the community in which they live. CIEE Business and Culture students can participate in the Native Speaker Project where CIEE students help disadvantaged middle school children from Moroccan and Turkish descent with their English language skills. There are also one-day volunteer events several times per semester in which CIEE students can participate.

    • Degree Level

    Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

    Cost in US$:

    Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

    Cost Includes:

    Cost Include Description:

    Credit Available

    no

    Experience Required

    yes

    • Overall GPA 3.0
    • 1 semester microeconomics, 1 semester macroeconomics, and 1 additional course in accounting, finance, management, marketing, mathematics, or statistics
    • Junior status strongly recommended
    • Highly qualified sophomores are accepted with UvA and CIEE approval
    This Program is open to

    Worldwide Participant.

    Typical Living Arrangements
    • Dormitory
    • Home-stays
    • Independent living

    Participants Travel to Netherlands

    Independently

    Application Process Involves
    • Letters of Reference
    • Other
    • Transcript
    • Written Application
    CIEE's Mission Statement

    Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

    Year Founded

    1947

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