The Netherlands, meaning “low lands”—about a quarter of the country lies below sea level—is one of the most highly developed and densely populated countries in the world. Rutgers has strong links with the Netherlands—our motto is derived from the motto of the University of Utrecht, and a statue of William of Orange, a Dutch national hero, stands on Voorhees Mall. Despite a history of empire and religious conflict, the modern nation is a model European democracy with an international outlook—most Dutch citizens speak excellent English—and the world’s 16th-largest economy.

It’s also very progressive in terms of its social policies. Culturally, the Netherlands is best known for its painters, Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh, who were all inspired by its gentle landscapes broken by windmills and church spires. A bicycle is the best way to get around laid-back Amsterdam and the other Dutch cities, as well as to explore the countryside. Public transport within the Netherlands is excellent, and you’ll also have the chance to visit neighboring Belgium and Germany.

Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt, is a historic, elegant city built around a network of canals.  It was here that tulips first bloomed in the Netherlands, having been sent from the Ottoman Empire to the director of Leiden’s botanical gardens. The city can be explored by boat, bike or foot. Places of interest include the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, and other museums dedicated to medical science, ethnology, and natural history. From Leiden you can also take a bus to Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower park, for brilliant displays of tulips, as well as crocuses, hyacinths, daffodils, and cherry blossom. For less tranquil pleasures, not to mention some of the world’s finest art collections, Amsterdam is only a 40-minute train ride from Leiden.

Program Description

Leiden University was established in 1575 and is the oldest university in the Netherlands. The French philosopher René Descartes was a student here.  Today the university boasts a student population of approximately 18,000 and offers classes in its six faculties: Archaeology, the Humanities, Law, Medicine, Science, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Leiden has an outstanding international reputation and is highly placed in rankings of universities worldwide. Its particular strengths include the Arts—Art History is naturally excellent—and Humanities. Leiden also has a terrific Islamic Studies program.  There is no central campus; instead university buildings are spread out across the city.

Information at a Glance

• Academics

• Academic Calendar

• Accommodations and Meals

• Program Costs

• Scholarships

• Travel Brochure

For more information about this program, please visit the Leiden University website.