Program Description

Experience the rich history and culture of the Netherlands while studying at Utrecht University, one of the largest and oldest universities in the Netherlands. Students interested in directly enrolling at a foreign institution will find this exchange program with Utrecht University an excellent opportunity to take courses in English in the humanities, social sciences, and other fields, while students with proficiency in Dutch will be able to take advantage of the university’s wide array of courses and subjects.

Founded by Romans in 48 A.D., the city of Utrecht is situated in the center of the Netherlands and enjoys a great reputation among students, who make up a large part of its diverse population of nearly 300,000. Utrecht’s many medieval churches, canals, marketplaces, and terraces offer old world charm while its large student population also makes it a young, colorful city with many cultural and social activities. The city’s proximity to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague make Utrecht an excellent base for visiting other parts of the Netherlands or greater Europe.

Academics

Founded in 1636, Utrecht University (Universitet Utrecht) is one of Europe’s leading research universities, recognized internationally for its high-quality, innovative approach to both research and teaching. With eight faculties, 3,500 academic staff, forty-seven Bachelor’s degree programs and 175 Master’s degree programs (eighty- eight of which are taught in English), Utrecht University offers courses in a huge range of disciplines to its 28,000 students. Every year, more than 1,000 international students from all over the world come to Utrecht to participate in academic programs taught in English. The university offers over 100 courses taught in English and a full program of courses in Dutch, as well as Dutch language courses at its affiliated James Boswell Institute.

Housing

The Utrecht University International Office arranges accommodations for exchange students in housing located throughout the city. Exchange students live in furnished, private rooms, sharing units with either Dutch students or landlords, or with other international students. Students prepare meals in cooking facilities in their units or purchase food at university cafes and restaurants.

Excursions and Activities

During the first week of classes, exchange students participate in an orientation arranged by the Utrecht University International Office designed to help them get acquainted with the university and get to know other students.

During the semester, students may get involved in a wide range of activities at the university, such as one of the many student organizations, the Olympos Sports Center, which offers classes, sports clubs, and facilities for over thirty different sports, and the Erasmus Student Network, whose social activities and mentor program assists international students with integrating into Dutch life.