UNIVERSITEIT VAN AMSTERDAM
http://www.ishss.uva.nl/index.html

LOCATION
   Located in the capital of The Netherlands the Universiteit van Amsterdam, founded in 1632, has a strong historical bond with Amsterdam. With 750,000 inhabitant's Amsterdam is in The Netherlands a major cosmopolitan centre with a "small village atmosphere". The several
university buildings are spread through the city.

 THE UNIVERSITY
   The Universiteit van Amsterdam is one of the four 'classical' comprehensive universities in The Netherlands.
   The Universiteit van Amsterdam is divided into seven major faculties: Sciences, Economics, Humanities, Law, Medical Sciences and Social Sciences. The Universiteit van Amsterdam offers a complete range of University courses at both undergraduate and graduate level (http://www.uva.nl/English).

INTERNATIONAL AND INTERDISCIPLINARY PROFILE
   The Universiteit van Amsterdam has over 22,000 students, of which 2,500 are foreign students and researchers coming from over 100 countries.
   The UvA offers over forty international studies programmes.
   Next to the European SOCRATES exchange programmes the Universiteit van Amsterdam has exchange programmes with 37 universities worldwide.
   One of the largest International Study Programmes is the interdisciplinary International School for Humanities and Social Sciences, which offers non- degree programmes and Master's programmes in the fields of Humanities and Social Sciences, including Political Sciences and International Relations. The International School for Humanities and Social Sciences hosted 340 students in the year 2000-2001 (MA students, exchange students and TIRES exchange students).

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

   Before the start of each trimester new foreign students can take part in the two to four day Orientation Programme organised by the UvA's International Student Network to get introduced to the University and the student's facilities. During the year the International Student Network organises several social activities for foreign students and their Dutch student mentors.

 LANGUAGE SKILLS
   All non-native speakers of English wishing to study at the International School for Humanities and Social Sciences must submit a TOEFL score (minimum of 213), an IELTS score (minimum of 6.5) or Cambridge Certificate (EFL A+, CAE B+, CPE B).

INFORMATION FOR TIRES EXCHANGE STUDENTS


ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE IN TIRES RELATED ISSUES
   TIRES exchange students should be interested in topics related to Transnationalism, International migration, Race, Ethnocentrism and the State. A proof of academic experience in TIRES-related issues is required. TIRES exchange students will take part in the non-degree programme (Certificate Programme) of the Department of Social Sciences of the International School and must meet the entry requirements as set by the International School.

COURSE OFFERINGS
   Students can choose from a wide range of courses offered by the International School for Humanities and Social Sciences, such as:
· Global Migration: Humanitarian Issues in the 21st Century
· Political Islam
· Abandoning Development: Africa and the Contemporary International-Political System           
· Development Aid and Local/Global Transformations
· Experiencing Differences
· Human Geography of Europe
· Anthropology of Ethnicity and Nationalism
· Framing the Nation
· Gender and Ethnicity
· International Migration in a European Context
· Political Violence in Asia
· Race and Ethnic Relations in Education
· Transnationalism, Media and Diasporas

   Please note that the courses of the International School for Humanities and Social Sciences are at either undergraduate or graduate level and that students should have the appropriate level to enter the course.

VISA REQUIREMENTS
   Students coming from The United States of America do not have to apply for a visa before coming to The Netherlands. They are required though to report to the Aliens Police after arrival. The Office of Foreign Relations of the Universiteit van Amsterdam will inform the students on this matter.

HEALTH INSURANCE
   Medical insurance is compulsory. The student should take care of student medical insurance policies. The Office of Foreign Relations of the Universiteit van Amsterdam can advise the students on which insurance to take, including liability and luggage insurance.

HOUSING
   The International School for Humanities and Social Sciences applies for their students for housing at the Housing Office of the Universiteit van Amsterdam. The Universiteit van Amsterdam has student houses on different locations in the city. However, since there is a severe housing shortage it is not guaranteed that all students will get accommodation through the Universiteit van Amsterdam. In the latter case students are advised to arrive early in Amsterdam and find accommodation themselves. More information will be sent to the students by the Housing Office.