Leiden University, The Netherlands
The Washington College in The Netherlands Program is a Tuition Only Exchange Program based at Leiden University (LU). LU is a fully accredited, classical university at which over 15,000 students are enrolled. Leiden is a picturesque town with 114,000 inhabitants, close to Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague. Public transport facilities are excellent. Life in Leiden is influenced to a great extent by the relatively large number of students who live and study in this historic town. The promotion of international exchanges is one of the main priorities of Leiden University. The university has many contacts with academic establishments abroad, and a considerable number of courses, in various disciplines, being taught in English.
Leiden University is known for the high quality of the education and research facilities provided. The university libraries contain 3 million books and periodicals, including a unique collection of old manuscripts and maps. The university also houses an elaborate collection of prints and drawings, a collection of plants and herbs in the botantical garden, and the national herbarium, and industrial Bio-Science Park is associated with Leiden University.
Faculty
Classes will be taught by LU faculty members. The exchange student advising is done by the International Exchange Office.
Requirements
All well qualified second semester sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to apply for the exchange program with LU. This program is open to students in all majors. Students should meet the following prerequisites:
- Must have at least a 3.2 GPA. Strong academic record. Evidence of good character, maturity, and motivation.
- Ability and willingness to adapt to a foreign environment.
The cost of international travel between the United States and The Netherlands; local transportation while in The Netherlands; housing costs; meals; book costs; student government fees; extracurricular activities; health insurance; expenses while Leiden University is not in session; and personal expenses are the responsibility of the student applicant unless other arrangements have been made. Students should make an appointment to speak to the Director of Student Financial Aid to discuss the financial aspects of the program they plan to attend.
Living Arrangements
The Coordinator of the Study Abroad Program and the International Exchange Coordinator of Leiden University will assist students in arranging suitable accommodations.
Curriculum
Students will be able to take courses in the following disciplines: Law, English, Foreign Languages, Philosophy, Social Sciences, History, Mathematics, Arts, Environmental Studies, International Studies, Political Science, and Natural Sciences. There is a Dutch language course offered prior to the fall semester at an additional charge.
Approximate Semester Dates
- Fall Semester: Early September to early December.
- Spring Semester: Early February to end May.