Location

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Program Description

Information Session

September 24, 2024 from 6:00- 8:00PM, Studio Center, 110 W Grace St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. Free pizza and refreshments provided!

This study abroad program is based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with excursions to Rotterdam, Haarlem, and The Hague. Summer in The Netherlands offers an interdisciplinary experience open to all majors with courses in art, design, the humanities, women’s, gender, and sexuality studies, and health sciences. We explore the rich past of The Netherlands from the 17th century (The Golden Age) to the present to learn about Dutch culture and its impact on life in The Netherlands today. The course will feature excursions to world-renowned museums and institutions, visits to several firms and organizations, and encounters with engaging cultural experiences.

Summer in The Netherlands offers an interdisciplinary perspective of this unique culture, with lectures from local experts in each field of study, visits to both innovative and established museums like the Rijksmuseum, and field projects with local organizations and nonprofits.

COURSES OFFERED (two selections required)
ART 392: Special Topics in Art: Dutch Art & Culture
GRPH 392: Special Topics in Graphic Design: Dutch Form, Style, and Context
GRPH 340: Poster Design
HUM 251: Modern Perspectives: Dutch Modernity in The Humanities (17th century - present)
WGSS 300: Gender and Sexuality in The Netherlands (3 credits)
HTH 391: Special topic in health sciences: Health Sciences in The Netherlands (3 credits)
ARCD 392: Topics in Architectural Design: Sustainable and participatory design (3 credits)

PROJECTS

Individual major projects will be offered by discipline but are designed to be complementary and are collaboratively developed by faculty members. Courses include digital journals to document and contextualize cultural encounters and experiences while abroad. These are informed by pre-departure content delivered via Canvas and at our spring gatherings. Some students will participate in service learning and others will craft essays,  creative visual projects, or collaborative, research-based projects. An exhibition and celebration of all student work takes place in the fall following the study abroad, showcasing students' unique learning experiences abroad to the entire JMU community!

Learn more about the program on their webpage and Instagram.

Location Description

One hundred sixty-five canals give Amsterdam its unique charm. The Dutch capital is full of life, day and night, with world-renowned museums, art galleries, music clubs, and theaters. It is a truly international and multicultural city; with 180 different nationalities represented, Amsterdam boasts one of the most diverse populations in the world. Locals are easy-going and welcoming to foreigners, and English is the unofficial second language. With over 830,000 inhabitants, Amsterdam offers the advantages of a cosmopolitan center with a small-town feel. Because the city is so compact, it’s easily navigable via foot or bike.

Director

Director: David L Hardy | hardydl@jmu.edu | Graphic Design

Co-Director: Molly O'Donnell | odonnemc@jmu.edu | English

Accommodations

Student accommodations will be in shared rooms within an apartment, with kitchens. Accommodations are near transportation with access to rail, bus, and tram service.

Meal stipends cover one meal for every weekday of the program. There is also an included group meal every week, at various restaurants.

Additional Items to Consider

• Visas, immunizations, or background checks are NOT required for US passport holders.

• Laptop and smartphone or camera required (projects will require access to the internet).

• Some coursework is required prior to departure, including lectures, readings, viewings, and quizzes.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Open to all majors and academic levels, including graduate students

Open to non-JMU students