Learning Abroad Center
Canals in Amsterdam

Sex Education in Amsterdam

Europe
LAC Program

The Netherlands has defined itself as a leading country of positive sexual health education and outcomes. Immerse yourself in Dutch culture and learn from their model of sexuality and sexual health education.

Program Details

Location
Location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Term
Term
Summer Session
Housing
Housing
Hostel
Hotel
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
English

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
GPA
2.5

About

The Netherlands has defined itself as a leading country of positive sexual health education and outcomes. Due to the country’s openness and an emphasis on early conversations about sex and sexuality among parents, peers, and educators, sexuality in the Netherlands is seen as a healthy part of human development. Immerse yourself in Dutch culture and learn from their model of sexuality and sexual health education. This program integrates excursions to other areas around the Netherlands to bring course concepts to life.

Program Model

Instructor-Led

Housing & Meals

You will live in shared accommodations. Welcome and farewell meals and some additional meals are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be taken at local eateries.

Excursions

Excursions may include:

  • Welcome canal boat tour of Amsterdam
  • Nemo Museum exhibit
  • Women on Waves
  • Atria Institute on Women's Equality
  • Red Light District Tour by the Prostitute Information Center
  • NGO Profor Foundation
  • Day trip to Hague
    • Humanity House
    • The Peace Palace
  • The Transketeers
  • Day trip to Utrecht
    • Queer Walking Tour of Utrecht
    • Rutgers Sex Educator Session at Feminist Book Store

Flight

All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.

It might be possible to deviate your return flight. Inquire with your program contact if interested.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
  • Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
  • Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches

Faculty & Staff

This program is led by Kristen Mark. Dr. Mark is the Joycelyn Elders Chair in Sexual Health Education, Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, and Professor in Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School's Institute for Sexual and Gender Health (ISGH). Dr. Mark has led a similar seminar multiple times to the Netherlands.

Program Structure

Program Level
4000 or 6000-level coursework
Courseload

One 3-credit course

This seminar has all instruction abroad during Summer 2025. It is a 2+ week study abroad program led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:

  • Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
  • Small groups of 15–25 students
  • No prerequisites or language requirements
  • Included excursions and cultural activities
  • Instruction in English

Coursework

This program will appeal to you if you are looking to develop a deeper understanding of Dutch culture as it relates to sexuality and education, as well as learn about sexual health understanding and practice in the Netherlands. Coursework will include participation during class discussions and field excursions, reflection-based writing, and a photojournalism project curating impactful images while abroad.

Receive credit for: HSEX 4950 or HSEX 6950

Approved for required course of Sexuality Education offered in the graduate certificate and graduate program.

Approved for Psychology Elective course for Majors (PSY 3xxx - non-specific Elective)

Academic Registration

If confirmed, you will be registered for your course by the Learning Abroad Center once registration opens for your term abroad. Make sure you have no holds that would prevent registration.

If you haven't already, communicate with your academic adviser(s) as applicable to review the course for your major, minor, or college requirements. University of Minnesota students should use the Academic Planning Form (PDF), located on your confirmation checklist.

Dates Details

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

Program TermProgram DatesApplication Deadline
Summer 2025June or July 2025—TBD (2 weeks)March 15, 2025

Program dates are subject to change.

If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.

Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.

Information Sessions

Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.

DateTimeLocation
TBDTBDTBD

Orientation Dates & Locations

Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation—which is mandatory—and in-person or online program-specific session with program leader(s). All meetings are required and failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad. The online orientation module is found on your application checklist and is due by your first orientation session.

You will be notified of the official date and time of required orientation sessions or will be contacted to send availability in order to schedule sessions. Reach out to your program leader directly for any concerns about orientation session date and times. You will receive applicable orientation materials from your program leader either in advance or after the orientation session(s).

 

Fees

Summer 2025 Cost of Participation forthcoming

The cost of participation includes educational costs, group flight airfare, program administration, housing, some meals, international health insurance, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, and local transportation. Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. Generally, program fees range between $6,500–$8,000. You must also budget for visa, passport and passport photos, meals not included, spending money, and miscellaneous living expenses.

Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

This program is considered part of summer enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Summer 2023

Sexual Health & Sex Education in the Netherlands

Summer 2023

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $4,616
International health insurance $39
Housing and/or mealsBreakfast each day and a welcome and farwell meal are included. $895
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $1,595
Total Program Fee $7,545
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $-500
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $7,045

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $0
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents $0
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $150
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $0
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeNot all meals included $750
Essential daily living expensesWorking cell phone required $150
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $900

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $8,095
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $200
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.

 

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:

  • Application Essay

Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.

If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.

Next Steps

  1. After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
  2. Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
  3. If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
  4. Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
    • Passport Information
    • Emergency Contacts
    • Health Information Form
    • Online Health & Safety Orientation
    • Release & Waiver
  5. You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Jemma Lund at [email protected], or call at 612.625.8827