Are you interested in learning about Anne Frank, retracing her life to better understand the content and reasons for her internationally recognized piece of literature, and deepen your understanding of the living memorial that students walk by daily on our campus? Did you know that the University of Iowa is home to an Anne Frank tree—grown from the original horse chestnut tree that she looked at and wrote about in her famous diary? Your instructor secured this honor with a proposal to the Anne Frank Center. The tree was planted in 2022 and has been thriving in Iowa soil ever since.

 

In three weeks, you will familiarize yourself with Anne Frank’s life and legacy by following in her footsteps in Amsterdam, the city in which she hid, when life in Germany became too dangerous. By understanding Anne Frank, you will gain insights into the Netherlands during WWII and the Nazi occupation. How did the Dutch cabinet and people respond? Did they adjust, collaborate, or resist? Moreover, you will learn from and honor young people who have and continue to express themselves during times of struggle.

Academic Program

Syllabus

A syllabus for this course will be available by January 2026.

Faculty Director

This course is led by Professor Kirsten Kumpf Baele, Director of the University of Iowa's Anne Frank Initiative and Distinguished Associate Professor of Instruction in German

Transcripts and Grading

The course provides 3 semester hours (s.h.) of resident credit.

Participants are awarded a University of Iowa transcript, and are graded using U.S. letter grades.

Applying credit toward a UI degree

Unless UI Study Abroad has an approval on file for the courses you take abroad to be applied toward a specific major, minor, certificate, or general education requirement, you will receive general elective credit for your course.

If you plan to apply the credit you receive for your program course to a major, minor, certificate, or general education requirement, contact your UI study abroad advisor for details on the process. 

Cultural Activities

Excursions around Amsterdam will be a key part of this program. Expected excursions include:

• Anne Frank House
• Statue of Anne Frank
• Dutch Resistance Museum
• Hollandsche Schouwburg
• National Holocaust Museum
• Jewish Cultural Quarter
• Auschwitz Monument in Wertheim Park
• Merwedeplein
• Anne Frank Mural – NDSM-Plein (art by Eduardo Kobra)

Several lectures from local experts are also planned. Expected lecturers include

• Ronald Leopold, Executive Director of the Anne Frank House
• Dr. Laurien Vastenhout, Researcher and Lecturer at the NIOD/University of Amsterdam
• Dr. Sofie Decock, Associate Professor in Applied Linguistics at the German Section of the Department for Translation, Interpreting and Communication at Ghent University
• Marc Verschooris, former lector at the Hogeschool Ghent

A final list of events will be available by spring 2026.

Program Dates

Dates for the Summer 2026 session are expected to be May 18, 2026 - June 7, 2026. Dates for summer 2026 will be finalized by fall 2025.

For More Information

For more details about this program please contact Faculty Director Prof. Kirsten Kumpf Baele or Study Abroad Program Coordinator Cory Petersen.

Where You Will Study

Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capitol and largest city of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, vibrant cultural scene, and progressive atmosphere. With a population of over 930,000 in the city proper and nearly 2.5 million in the metropolitan area, Amsterdam offers a dynamic urban experience in a compact and bike-friendly setting. The city is home to world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, historic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and Royal Palace, and a thriving arts and nightlife scene. Known for its openness and diversity, Amsterdam is one of the most multicultural cities in the world.

Netherlands

The Netherlands, often informally referred to as Holland, is a vibrant and progressive country in Northwestern Europe known for its flat landscapes, innovative infrastructure, and strong international presence. With a population of over 18 million, it is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, yet it remains a global leader in agriculture and sustainability. The country is home to dynamic cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht, each offering rich cultural experiences and modern amenities. Dutch society is known for its openness, social tolerance, and high quality of life, making the Netherlands an attractive destination for international students seeking a globally connected and inclusive environment.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

Accommodations are arranged by our partners in Amsterdam prior to departure. Amenities vary by session, but typically include a fully furnished apartment with private bedrooms, and a shared kitchen and living area. The accommodations include wireless internet service. Students are expected to keep their apartments clean and in the order they were during move-in. Any damage will be assessed at the end of the program.

Accommodations are provided for the duration of the program only. It is not possible to get into the apartments before the official start of the program.

Passport

All students need a valid passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Important notice for students without a valid passport or whose passport will expire within the next 12 months:

US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.

Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-US Citizens

Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.

Travel Arrangements (Flights)

UI Study Abroad will designate a suggested group flight by early spring. The UI faculty director will fly to Amsterdam from the U.S. on the suggested group flight, and will accompany students on the suggested flight to the airport when they depart Amsterdam at the end of the program.

Participants will make their own travel arrangements to Amsterdam with guidance from UI Study Abroad and are advised to take part in this suggested itinerary.

The cost of travel is not included in the course fee.

Arrival arrangements at the airport in Amsterdam and transportation to the program site will be based on the suggested flight. Alternative arrangements for transportation from the airport to the program site for students who do not participate in the suggested flight can be made with guidance from UI Study Abroad on a case by case basis.

Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received instructions from UI Study Abroad. Plan to purchase your plane tickets by early April.

Local Transportation

Amsterdam has an excellent public transportation system. A transportation pass for each student is included in the program fee. Amsterdam's modern, international airport provides a hub to all major European capital cities.

Eligibility

This program is open to students attending U.S. institutions, and who fulfill the following requirements:

• Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa, or at another U.S. college or university where the applicant is enrolled in a degree program. Students placed on either academic or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad on a University of Iowa program. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who are not in good standing at any point overlapping with the program dates will have their acceptance revoked, and will be responsible for the associated late withdrawal fees.
  
• Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA: Students must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA to participate in this program.
  
• Completion of at least one semester of college-level study: First-year student applicants should be prepared to provide at least two academic references when submitting their application materials.
  
• Approval by faculty director and UI Study Abroad: Applications will be reviewed by the program’s faculty director, and students will be accepted based on their eligibility, a grade report, and a statement of purpose.
  
• Attendance at mandatory orientation programming: Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programming.
  
• Clear interest and commitment: This program is open to students of all academic backgrounds. Students must demonstrate a clear academic or personal interest in the program’s subject matter and a commitment to engage responsibly in coursework abroad.
  
• Demonstrated preparedness and maturity- Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel. Students must demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.
  

There is no Dutch language requirement to participate in this program. The course is taught in English.

In addition to the requirements above, preference is given to applicants who:

• Have completed at least two prior semesters of college-level study: Preference is given to UI students who have already completed at least two semesters of college-level study at the time they submit their application.

Participants who are enrolled at institutions other than the University of Iowa

Students who attend institutions other than the University of Iowa must also contact their home school study abroad office to review any additional study abroad requirements.

Costs

Students will be responsible for paying many of their program costs through their University of Iowa U-Bill, while other costs will be out-of-pocket costs paid by the student directly to vendors before and after going abroad. Refer to the cost sheets below for details on the costs associated with this program.

The cost sheets outline the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid purposes. They include fees charged on students’ U-Bill as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic.

Costs for future sessions are usually similar to the current session, however students can expect a modest increase in overall costs each session. Final cost sheets for future sessions are typically available early in the semester before the session begins.

Cost Sheet

A cost sheet for the summer 2026 session will be available by winter 2025 - 2026.

Calculating Fees

The cost sheets are based on the fees described below:

• University of Iowa Study Abroad Administrative Fees
• University of Iowa’s CISI health insurance
• Program course fees, housing, flight, and other costs of attendance

Cost sheets do not include the following optional costs:

Personal Travel Costs

Costs for personal travel are not included in the cost estimates provided on the cost sheet. If you plan to travel outside of your host city or country during or after your study abroad program, you will need to budget for additional funds to cover the cost of your personal travel.

The cost of personal travel depends entirely on each student’s individual spending habits. Estimates for personal travel costs provided by past students on this program vary significantly from $400 to as much as $3,000 or more.

Costs charged to the U-Bill

• Application fee (charged at the time of application, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Course Fees Includes tuition, housing, program-related excursions, travel stipend for travel in Amsterdam, some meals (charged shortly before departure)
• Study Abroad Fees (charged shortly before departure)
• CISI Health Insurance (charged shortly before departure)

Out-of-pocket costs (not charged to U-Bill)

• Food (paid by student at their discretion while abroad)
• Round trip airfare from Cedar Rapids (paid by student directly to travel agent or airline- approx. 6-8 weeks prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships are disbursed)
• Passport (paid by student prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships are disbursed)
• Immigration fees (if required, these fees are paid by student upon arrival in Netherlands. See the Immigration/Visa section under the Predeparture tab for more information.)
• Medical exam/immunizations (paid by student as needed prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Personal expenses (paid by student at their discretion while abroad)
• Cell phone (paid as needed while abroad)
• Textbooks (paid as needed while abroad)
• Personal travel expenses (paid as needed while abroad)

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students are encouraged to apply for the Need-based, Merit, and Leona Zaharis scholarships awarded by UI Study Abroad, along with any other scholarship they are eligible for. More information is available on the Scholarships for Study Abroad page.

Students who receive a Federal Pell Grant are eligible to apply for the Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship, an external scholarship awarded by the Department of State. Learn more on the Gilman scholarship website .

Financial aid received to attend the University of Iowa (scholarships, grants, and loans) may be applied toward the program cost. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

Application Deadlines- The application deadlines for some scholarships are before the program's application deadline. Students can apply for scholarships even if they have not yet submitted their application to the program. See below for the application deadlines for the most common scholarships for the winter session. Be sure to check the deadline for any scholarship you are applying for and apply as soon as you can!

• Merit-Based Scholarships
  
• Need-Based Scholarships
  
• Leona Zaharis Scholarship
  
• Student Impact Grant
  
• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship and A Morse-Gilman Application Scholarship
  

How to Apply

Students Attending the University of Iowa

• Meet with your academic advisor(s) to discuss how this program might fit your graduation plans, and to ensure that it meets your academic and personal goals.
• If you and your academic advisor agree that this program is a good match for you, complete the UI Study Abroad application. Please note that the non-refundable $50 application fee will be charged to your U-Bill as part of this online application.
• Submit the online application before the application deadline.
• The faculty director and your study abroad advisor will review your application materials and, if you meet the requirements for the program, you will be contacted with your acceptance status within several weeks.

Students Attending Other Institutions

• Contact the study abroad office at your home institution and ensure you follow all of the policies and procedures required for you to participate in this program.
• Contact UI study abroad advisor Cory Petersen by email at cory-petersen@uiowa.edu to request an application for the program.
• Complete the UI Study Abroad application. Please note that the non-refundable $50 application fee will be charged to your U-Bill as part of this online application.
• Submit the online application before the application deadline.
• Shortly after submitting your application materials, you will be contacted by Iowa’s partner institution in Netherlands with additional materials that must be submitted directly to them.
• The faculty director and your study abroad advisor will review your application materials and, if you meet the requirements for the program, you will be contacted with your acceptance status within several weeks.

Post-Acceptance

Confirmation

If you are accepted to the program, you will be asked to commit to participating in your program by submitting the University of Iowa Confirmation of Participation form by early March.

After you have formally confirmed your plans to participate, you will work both with UI Study Abroad and our partner institution abroad. Follow instructions from both. Later in the semester, your UI study abroad advisor will contact you regarding orientation sessions, registration, and other required UI procedures and documentation.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Summer 2026 is expected to be February 17. The application deadline will be finalized by January 2026.

Health & Safety Planning

Students should carefully review the following materials starting at least two months prior to departure:

Prepare for Departure

Health and Safety

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Immigration/Visa

All program participants are required to complete immigration requirements to enter and study in your host country. UI Study Abroad and your program provider/host institution abroad will provide you with immigration instructions prior to departure.

Note that permission to enter and study in your host country is provided exclusively by the host country’s government based on that country's immigration requirements. Your host country’s immigration requirements may include considerations related to specific national origin, national heritage, criminal background status, and similar issues that can make it impossible to receive permission to enter the country in some cases. Contact your UI study abroad advisor for more information.

It is essential that you thoroughly review all of your immigration materials before you leave for your host country to ensure that they are absolutely complete and accurate. It is entirely your responsibility to ensure that all of your immigration materials are in order and fully accurate before you leave for your host country. If any of your immigration materials contain inaccurate information of any kind, contact your UI study abroad advisor immediately to discuss your options.

Do not take steps to complete your host country’s immigration requirements until you receive more information from UI Study Abroad.

Review the UI Study Abroad Travel Documentation website for further guidance on the immigration/visa process.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your UI study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.