Netherlands
Dates
May 20 – June 17, 2026
Subjects
Fashion Design & Merchandising, Graphic Design, New Media, Education, Honors
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The Netherlands are a group of provinces located in north-western Europe. The region is below sea-level and is best known for its many canals, picturesque windmills, colorful flower fields, and an abundance of art, culture, and history. It is equally renowned for its cutting-edge transportation network, urban design and merchandising, and the associated areas of place branding, sustainability, commercial and social responsibility, international criminal court, and global multicultural hotspot. Open to all majors, the KIIS Netherlands 4-week program focuses on Fashion Design and Merchandising, Graphic Design and New Media, and Education. The program will be based in the cities of Rotterdam, The Hague, and Amsterdam.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
The Netherlands is internationally famous for the quality and variety of its cheese. We visit a family-owned Gouda cheese farm to learn about the steps involved in the cheese-making process, from cow to table to export. The husband and wife owners explain how cheese is produced and distributed, their sustainability practices, and the overall joys and challenges of cheese farming.
We visit The Hague, the largest Dutch city on the North Sea coast. The city is home to the country's parliament, supreme court, and the U.N.’s International Court of Justice, one of the most important courts in the world. The Hague is known as the home of international law and arbitration.
The Dutch have built and crafted Rotterdam to be at the forefront of urban planning. A city that has cubed houses, an indoor market hall, modern sculptures, and the iconic Erasmusbrug bridge is bound to have a strong identity in terms of place.
Studying leading-edge hydrology at Rotterdam's RDM facility. The facility houses creative and innovative entrepreneurs in the manufacturing industry.
Amsterdam Noord, often described as a village within a city, is just a quick ferry ride from the Amsterdam train station. There we can explore historic villages, museums, cafes, and scenic countryside on a leisurely walk or bike ride.
What's Included
Program Cost: $5,575 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), two meals per day + personal expenses (approx. $500-$1000 depending on your food tastes/spending habits/optional independent travel preferences), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Student Voices
“Studying abroad in the Netherlands was one of the best decisions I have ever made! I visited four cities and each one provided new insights about the culture, environment, and history of the Netherlands. I studied International Criminology and International Political Economy. Even though I got the credit through Western Kentucky University, transitioning the credit to my home school was effortless. Now I am ahead in my class credits, and I had the time of my life.”
– Jenna, Netherlands
“We really enjoyed each other’s company. With so many pairs of eyes on the street, we caught the major sites of interest and many of the neighborhood’s finer points during even the most casual walks around Amsterdam.”
– Isaac, Netherlands
“One of the best ways to learn about a place is through its art and you’ll learn a tremendous amount about the Netherlands visiting places such as the Rijksmuseum and the Mauritshuis. In addition, you’ll get to see breathtaking masterpieces by famous artists such as Van Gogh, Vermeer, Hals, and Rembrandt.”
– Chris, Netherlands
“Visiting Amsterdam Noord’s NDSM former shipyards was incredible. I gained an understanding of how the energy of diverse groups of people comes together to create a place–a city within a city.”
– Chris, Netherlands
“I loved Utrecht’s vibe. The streets and canals are easy to navigate, it’s very rich in history, and the restaurants and shops have real personality.”
– Kat, Netherlands
Take Your Education Further
Description
Dates
May 20 – June 17, 2026
Subjects
Fashion Design & Merchandising, Graphic Design, New Media, Education, Honors
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The Netherlands are a group of provinces located in north-western Europe. The region is below sea-level and is best known for its many canals, picturesque windmills, colorful flower fields, and an abundance of art, culture, and history. It is equally renowned for its cutting-edge transportation network, urban design and merchandising, and the associated areas of place branding, sustainability, commercial and social responsibility, international criminal court, and global multicultural hotspot. Open to all majors, the KIIS Netherlands 4-week program focuses on Fashion Design and Merchandising, Graphic Design and New Media, and Education. The program will be based in the cities of Rotterdam, The Hague, and Amsterdam.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
The Netherlands is internationally famous for the quality and variety of its cheese. We visit a family-owned Gouda cheese farm to learn about the steps involved in the cheese-making process, from cow to table to export. The husband and wife owners explain how cheese is produced and distributed, their sustainability practices, and the overall joys and challenges of cheese farming.
We visit The Hague, the largest Dutch city on the North Sea coast. The city is home to the country's parliament, supreme court, and the U.N.’s International Court of Justice, one of the most important courts in the world. The Hague is known as the home of international law and arbitration.
The Dutch have built and crafted Rotterdam to be at the forefront of urban planning. A city that has cubed houses, an indoor market hall, modern sculptures, and the iconic Erasmusbrug bridge is bound to have a strong identity in terms of place.
Studying leading-edge hydrology at Rotterdam's RDM facility. The facility houses creative and innovative entrepreneurs in the manufacturing industry.
Amsterdam Noord, often described as a village within a city, is just a quick ferry ride from the Amsterdam train station. There we can explore historic villages, museums, cafes, and scenic countryside on a leisurely walk or bike ride.
What's Included
Program Cost: $5,575 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), two meals per day + personal expenses (approx. $500-$1000 depending on your food tastes/spending habits/optional independent travel preferences), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Student Voices
“Studying abroad in the Netherlands was one of the best decisions I have ever made! I visited four cities and each one provided new insights about the culture, environment, and history of the Netherlands. I studied International Criminology and International Political Economy. Even though I got the credit through Western Kentucky University, transitioning the credit to my home school was effortless. Now I am ahead in my class credits, and I had the time of my life.”
– Jenna, Netherlands
“We really enjoyed each other’s company. With so many pairs of eyes on the street, we caught the major sites of interest and many of the neighborhood’s finer points during even the most casual walks around Amsterdam.”
– Isaac, Netherlands
“One of the best ways to learn about a place is through its art and you’ll learn a tremendous amount about the Netherlands visiting places such as the Rijksmuseum and the Mauritshuis. In addition, you’ll get to see breathtaking masterpieces by famous artists such as Van Gogh, Vermeer, Hals, and Rembrandt.”
– Chris, Netherlands
“Visiting Amsterdam Noord’s NDSM former shipyards was incredible. I gained an understanding of how the energy of diverse groups of people comes together to create a place–a city within a city.”
– Chris, Netherlands
“I loved Utrecht’s vibe. The streets and canals are easy to navigate, it’s very rich in history, and the restaurants and shops have real personality.”
– Kat, Netherlands
Take Your Education Further
Additional information
| Term | |
|---|---|
| Subject | Education, Fashion Design & Merchandising, Graphic Design, Honors, New Media |
| Location |
