For two weeks, you explore, analyze, and discuss the European Union’s unique economic and political partnership, building an understanding of the complex inner workings between its 27 member states. At the heart of this program is an introduction to the history and political system of this bloc, which has delivered over half a century of peace, stability, and prosperity. You gain a detailed overview of its most important institutions and their interactions, you dip into policymaking, and you build a practitioners’ view of European integration, the functioning of the EU, and the challenges it faces.
IES Abroad Amsterdam Study Tour on the European Union: History, Politics, & Policy
![windmills near a lake in Amsterdam](/sites/default/files/styles/media_gallery_preview/public/ies/2022-09/Amsterdam_Zaanse%20Schans_Field%20Trip_Andrew%20Maris.jpg?h=a5eb5da0&itok=-O6ywuYG)
![a student's face from their eyes up in front of pink and yellow tulips](/sites/default/files/styles/media_gallery_preview/public/ies/2022-08/Amsterdam_Amsterdam_Tulips_Stavroula%20R%20Kyriazis.jpg?h=40954205&itok=KHkJKJtB)
![an assortment of food on a table in Amsterdam](/sites/default/files/styles/media_gallery_preview/public/ies/2022-08/Amsterdam%20Food%20-%20AngieFan.jpg?h=4521fff0&itok=8qTdWYeW)
![boats sit in Amsterdam Centraal Canal in front of traditional Amsterdam architecture](/sites/default/files/styles/media_gallery_preview/public/ies/2022-06/Amsterdam_Centraal_Canal_Boats.jpg?h=93d5a11e&itok=0SY2nAxj)
![windmills near a lake in Amsterdam](/sites/default/files/styles/media_gallery_preview/public/ies/2022-09/Amsterdam_Zaanse%20Schans_Field%20Trip_Andrew%20Maris.jpg?h=a5eb5da0&itok=-O6ywuYG)
![a student's face from their eyes up in front of pink and yellow tulips](/sites/default/files/styles/media_gallery_preview/public/ies/2022-08/Amsterdam_Amsterdam_Tulips_Stavroula%20R%20Kyriazis.jpg?h=40954205&itok=KHkJKJtB)
![an assortment of food on a table in Amsterdam](/sites/default/files/styles/media_gallery_preview/public/ies/2022-08/Amsterdam%20Food%20-%20AngieFan.jpg?h=4521fff0&itok=8qTdWYeW)
About the Program
Program Advisor
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At a Glance
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
About the University
About IES Abroad Amsterdam Center
Amsterdam’s IES Abroad Center takes you to the enchanting heart of local Amsterdam, to a welcoming part of the city. Here, at your study abroad hub, you meet friends for life and dive into European charm. In this renovated 1930’s clothing factory, history hangs on the walls. And as you study in the well-equipped classrooms and student library or hang out with friends new and old in the lounge, you look over one of the canals at the epicenter of the Amsterdam experience.
IES Abroad Amsterdam Staff
Courses
Academics
Rigorous coursework will provide an overview of the European Union and further examine its origins, institutions, and policy processes. You will participate in theoretical and policy-related discussions about the EU and obtain a practitioners’ perspective on European integration, the organization’s political and economic functions, and the challenges it faces. With your classmates, you’ll work in small groups to create and present your own policies which follow the EU’s distinctive framework of policymaking.
Site Visits, Workshops & Guest Lectures
Your learning will go beyond the traditional classroom, with a series of site visits, workshops & guest lectures. These interactive learning components will enhance your understanding of the EU and sharpen your public-speaking and presentation skills.
Day Trips
Day trips will take you into the very heart of the EU, with visits to governmental and education entities in Brussels and The Hague. These excursions will explore the inner workings of the EU and the unique dynamic between the organization and national governments.
Cultural Activities
To give you time to digest the academic elements of the program, IES Abroad staff will organize unique cultural experiences and share their local knowledge, so you can explore Amsterdam.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by the program, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You will need to supply additional information throughout the process, and our helpful team will alert you via email or your MyIESAbroad Student Portal whenever this is necessary.
Language Test Score Requirements
Each study tour has slightly different language requirements, based on the complexity of the program content. The language requirements for this program are one of the following:
- CET-4 (China): 493
- CET-6 (China): 450
- Duolingo English Test (DET): 105
- IELTS: 6.5
- iTEP: 4.5
- TOEFL: 79 iBT
- TOEIC: 685
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Summer 2024 Study Tour
Program dates:
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
Housing Information
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You will stay in a fully-furnished single-occupancy room at a residence hall within a 30-minute commute of the IES Abroad Amsterdam Center. Your accommodation will be equipped with a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, gym, laundry, 24-hr reception and much more!
About Amsterdam
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Why Amsterdam
Firmly facing the future, Amsterdam is an innovative, creative city that draws on its learnings from the past to carve an exciting path forwards. Its canal cruises, flower markets, and outstanding museums are fantastic to explore, and the quirky, laidback lifestyle is something everyone should experience at least once.
The Student Experience
![studying.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_card/public/2022-11/studying.jpg?h=aafe62e2&itok=_d9Q0Os1)
New Student, New Classroom
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Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
Commonly Asked Questions about Study Tour Programs
Student Blogs
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Broaden your horizons: How studying abroad expands cultural awareness
Learn how a study abroad journey can change your worldview, build your international network, and boost your career prospects.
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Fast track to fluency: Study abroad language immersion
Immerse in a new language and culture while studying abroad to fast-track fluency faster than classroom learning.
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Upcoming Events
Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.
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