Program Description

• Rigorous academic programs through a field-based, experiential approach
• Undergraduate research through an Independent Study Project
• Cultural immersion through fieldwork, language classes, and urban and rural homestays with local families
• A small group of students in each program, supported by SIT faculty and staff, homestay families, in-country experts, and community members
• Access to SIT's extensive local resources and networks
• A commitment to reciprocity as the foundation of our educational philosophy

Acquire an intersectional understanding of the complexities and paradoxes that surround issues of gender and sexuality in the Netherlands — commonly believed to be one of the world’s most progressive and tolerant countries.

Famous for its Red Light District, canals, and bicycles, Amsterdam is also an ideal city in which to explore the intersection of gender and sexuality with race, class, and religion. Meet with activists, academics, and professional sex workers and visit key places like the International Gay and Lesbian Archives and Information Center. In Utrecht and other Dutch cities, speak with sex educators, advocacy groups, and community organizers. Get a Muslim perspective on gender and sexuality during a two-week excursion to Morocco.

Highlights:

• Learn from experts in Amsterdam and other Dutch cities.
• Choose from a novice or advanced academic track.
• Volunteer with an NGO or grassroots organization in the Netherlands.
• Discuss sex workers’ rights at Amsterdam’s the Prostitution Information Center
• Gender roles and women’s movements in Morocco
• Visit Moroccan cities of Rabat, Marrakech, and the House of Memory in Essaouira

Academic Program

Students have the choice between two tracks of academic study; novice and advanced. Students that major or minor in Women’s Studies, Sexuality, Gender or Queer Studies will take the advanced track. Students attend two thematic seminars: Theory and Application of Feminist, LGBTQI, and Queer Studies (novice track) or Advanced Theory and Application of Feminist, LGBTQI, and Queer Studies (advanced track), and Migration, Gender, and Sexuality (taken by both tracks). Each seminar is led by a professor who provides a strong theoretical basis for the course, and also includes presentations, workshops, and guided site visits from local researchers, practitioners, and activists. This combination of the theoretical with on-the-ground practice provides a broad range of perspectives on sexuality and gender in Dutch and international contexts.

The semester concludes with a month-long individual, in-depth exploration of a topic of particular interest to the student. Some students produce a traditional essay or a creative project, and others perform an intensive internship at a Dutch organization. Recent students have evaluated anti-sex work organizations, produced a photo essay, written a zine, published a podcast, prepped a year’s worth of tweets for a global sex education NGO, and worked with the director of an Amsterdam museum to write a draft of an article on a manuscript in the museum’s collection. Many students find their ISP to be one of the most rewarding experiences of their entire college career.

You can learn more about the courses offered during the upcoming session on SIT's website.

Cultural Activities

The Netherlands: International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender program includes field-based learning opportunities for a broader and deeper understanding of the program’s theme. In addition to shorter, in-country visits, the program travels to Morocco, giving you additional insight on the issues of sexuality, gender, and migration from a different international perspective.

Specific cultural activities vary by session. You can learn more about the cultural activities offered during the upcoming session under the Excursions heading on SIT's website.

Program Dates

Fall semester is late August to early December.
Spring semester is late January to mid-May.

For more information

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with SIT, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa.
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu

Where You Will Study

The Netherlands

The Netherlands today is one of the world's most prosperous countries, thanks to its advanced industries and agriculture, its role in world trade and its large reserve of natural gas. A highly developed system of social welfare is meant to ensure that everybody in the Netherlands can share in this prosperity.

The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. About 16 million people live in an area of approximately 37,000 square km. Sixty per cent of the population lives in the western part of the country, which is called Holland. This name is often used to refer to the Netherlands as a whole.

Though the country may be tiny in size, its friendly people, fascinating culture and charming cities make it one of the most grandly charismatic places in all of Europe. Hope on a bike and explore the country's many picturesque windmills, canal cities and breathtaking garden. The Netherlands' central location in Europe makes it an ideal place to begin one's journey to other nearby countries.

Amsterdam

This program in based in Amsterdam, capital city of the Netherlands and commonly known as “Venice of the North." It's easy to feel at home with the more than 750,000 easy-going and welcoming residents of this cosmopolitan center, which still manages to retain its small-town feel. Study abroad in Amsterdam and you’ll experience a city that is full of life both day and night with world-renowned museums, art galleries, music, opera, theater, and dance, not to mention some of the most forward and liberal social ideas.

Morocco

Migration, particularly the immigration of Muslims, is the locus for tension all over Europe. In the Netherlands, much of the discussion focuses on Moroccans, one of the largest migrant communities, and often concerns issues of gender and sexuality. Previous Morocco excursions have included stays in Tangier, Rabat, Essaouira and Marrakech, with visits to Tetouan, Chefchaouen, and Safi. We’ll visit NGOs, cooperatives, museums and historical sites, and attend lectures with Moroccan activists and academics. Students will also have an opportunity to visit the ocean and the desert, shop in centuries-old souks or modern malls, and experience Moroccan cuisine.

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

Living Arrangements

After a brief orientation, you will live with a local family in the greater Amsterdam area for the whole of the program. Commute times may vary, taking up to 45 minutes. Your homestay family can help you understand and navigate life in this thriving city of canals. You’ll stay with real Amsterdammers who come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and include LGBT households, single parents, young professionals, traditional families, and retirees. The homestay experience is often described as one of the program’s highlights, and one of the most rewarding experiences of the semester. All families offer unique insights into sexuality and gender from a Dutch perspective.

Your host family will help you navigate the city, culture, and language. Think of them as your insider’s guide and private Dutch tutor who will help you integrate into your new host country. They can introduce you to the best of their neighborhoods – outdoor markets, the perfect café, a local shop – and advise you on the small towns and big cities you ought to visit while you are in the country.

Other accommodations during the program include hostels and modest hotels.

You can find more information about the living arrangements for the upcoming session under the section of SIT's webpage.

Passport

US Citizens

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.

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 a visa or leaving the United States.

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

Travel Arrangements (Flights)

Students will work with their program provider to make travel arrangements to their program site. The cost of travel is not included in the course fee. UI Study Abroad will not arrange a group flight to your study abroad destination.

Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received instructions on how to do so from your program provider.

Eligibility

This program is open to University of Iowa students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Clear interest and commitment- 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.
  
• Minimum 2.5 GPA- Students must have at minimum 2.5 GPA to participate in this program. Applications from students who have a GPA below 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 
  
• Good academic and disciplinary standing- Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. 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.
  
• Completion of at least one year of college level study prior to the start of the program- Applicants must have completed one year of college level study in order to participate in this program.
  
• Experience in Sexuality and/or Gender Studies- Applicants must have previous college-level coursework or other preparation in sexuality and/or gender studies, as assessed by SIT.
  
• Approval by SIT and UI Study Abroad- Applications will be reviewed by UI Study Abroad, and by SIT, and students will be accepted based on their review of their application materials.
  
• Attendance at mandatory orientation programming- Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programing presented by UI Study Abroad and SIT. 

Costs

Costs charged to the U-Bill

• Application fee (charged at the time of application, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Course Fee- Includes program course fee, tuition, housing, meals, pre-departure advising, airport pick-up for those on the group flight, orientation, and program-organized field trip and excursions. (charged shortly before departure)
• University of Iowa Study Abroad Administrative Fee (charged shortly before departure)
• The mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance (charged shortly before departure)

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

• Round trip airfare (paid by student directly to travel agent or airline- approx. 6-8 weeks prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Passport (paid by student prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Consular and visa fees (paid by student prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Textbooks, copyright permission fees, course packets, and other course-related materials (paid upoon arrival to your host country)
• Medical exam/immunizations (paid by student as needed prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Personal expenses and personal travel (paid by student as needed while abroad)
• Rental or purchase of required cell phone- does not include usage fees (paid as needed while abroad)

Cost Sheets

The cost sheet outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid purposes. It includes 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.

The cost sheet includes the Study Abroad Administrative Fee and Mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Travel Insurance. Please see the respective websites for further details. If the fee is inclusive of UI tuition, it is calculated by Current Tuition. There is a $50 application fee charged to a student's U-Bill at the time of application.

Estimated Cost Sheet

Spring 2024 Cost Sheet

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Most financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applicable to study abroad programs. Please check the Study Abroad website for information on financial aid and how it may be applied to studying abroad. You are also encouraged to speak with someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options. Scholarship opportunities exist for study abroad participants. Please explore Study Abroad’s websites for UI Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities.

SIT offers scholarships and grants that can be found on SIT's Scholarships & Grants web page.

SIT has a matching scholarship for Pell Grant Recipients. More information can be found on SIT Pell Grant Match Award web page.

How to Apply

1. Before initiating an application with SIT, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa.
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

Students will need to complete a University of Iowa Study Abroad application and a SIT Program Online Application. Information on these applications will come from the study abroad advisor. Final program admissions decision is made by SIT.

Application Deadline

Applications are due on February 24 for Fall.

Applications are due on September 24 for Spring.

Health & Safety Planning

Students are encouraged to review the following:

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Health preparation Guide for International Travel
This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad.
Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

U.S. Citizens will need a student visa to study abroad for a semester.

SIT provides Pre-Departure Documents to all program participants. One document is entitled Flight, Passport, & Visa Information. It is essential to read this document and understand what is required to obtain any necessary student visa and/or documents to participate in the program. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to secure any student visa or required documents to participate in the program.

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 a study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to the University of Iowa including but not limited to, billing, insurance, the Credit Approval Form (CAF), and transcripts. 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.

SIT Pre-departure Resources

SIT will provide you with a variety of pre-departure resources to prepare you for your study abroad experience. These will include

1. Flight, Passport & Visa Information
2. Country Overview & Packing Guidelines
3. Health Guidelines & Requirements
4. Mental Health, Counseling & Wellness Tips
5. Safety, Security & Health
6. Recommended Readings & Resources
7. SIT Study Abroad Student Handbook

It is your responsibility to thoroughly read this information and become familiar with it and refer back to it should you have questions. You will also receive information from your Admissions Counselor at SIT via email.