Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as EuroLearn, has designed this program in the Netherlands with your individual student goals in mind. It is built around a unique Discovery Model which is delivered by some of the best staff in study abroad, both in the U.S. and overseas, in order to provide you with an individualized experience through discovery in 5 key areas: personal, academic, cultural, social, and professional. Learn more about the Discovery Model.

Leiden University is a comprehensive and research-intensive university with a 430-year history of producing outstanding graduates.

There are three guiding principles that are fundamental to being able to produce such excellent graduates: an international orientation; research-intensive education; and maintenance of the high quality of education and research. This also means that the development of a students’ talent stands central to Leiden’s principles.

Leiden is proud of its international position and cherishes the academic relationships with institutes and researchers throughout the world.

Leiden comprises seven faculties with an enrollment of approximately 19,500 undergraduate and graduate students. The faculties offer a wide variety of courses in English at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Students at Leiden can count on personal attention and guidance in both their academic and their personal life. The University provides many services related to academics, student advice and counseling, information services, and sports and cultural activities.

 

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Location

Leiden is located just eight miles east from the North Sea coast, in between the cities of Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht. The Hague can be reached by train in 12 minutes, Schiphol Airport in 20 and Amsterdam in 35 minutes.

Life in Leiden is greatly influenced by the relatively large number of students, as most of them both live and study in the historic town of Leiden. Since Leiden is a small town, all the university buildings are within walking or cycling distance. Leiden has a wide range of delightful cafés, as well as a variety of international restaurants. It is also a museum city, boasting a total of twelve museums.

In short, Leiden is a small and friendly town, but with all the conveniences of a large city. Students tend to feel at home quickly, because of the safe environment and the individual approach.

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History and Academic Highlights

History

Leiden University was founded in 1575, as a gift from William of Orange to the citizens of Leiden who withstood a two-year siege, thus saving the entire region from foreign occupation, an event that is still celebrated every year on October 3rd. Leiden University is one of the oldest in Europe and has been renowned for its academic excellence since the day it was established.

Great Dutch names such as Spinoza and Rembrandt appear prominently in the university's history, as do international academic celebrities such as Descartes and Einstein. Recently, the Spinoza Award, the most prestigious Dutch academic award, has been presented to professors from Leiden 15 out of 62 times. Leiden’s membership of the League of European Research Universities, an association of research-intensive universities, provides a clear testimony of its commitment to high quality teaching and internationally competitive research.

Academic Highlights 

While Dutch is the main language on campus, Leiden offers a cross-section of classes taught in English. The academic disciplines range from Chinese Studies and Philosophy to Literature and Law. 

Sample classes include:

• Ancient Pre-Classical Mediterranean Civilizations
• Government and Politics of Modern China
• Latin America from Conquest to Independence
• Highlights in Dutch Architecture 1000-1850
• Religion and the Immigrant Experience
• World Music: Introduction
• Theories and Issues in the International Relations of Japan
• European Union Law: Introduction
• Trade and Finance in the Global Economy
• Environmental Processes and Biodiversity
• First World War
• Cultural Aspects of Health and Healthcare
• Introduction to International Relations and Organizations
• Highlights of Dutch Art
• Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations
• Modern Drug Discovery

To view the complete course catalog and to read more about choosing the right subjects, tips on navigating the course catalog, and information on credit transfer click here. 

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Language

It is difficult to learn Dutch in The Netherlands!!

This somewhat paradoxical statement requires some explanation. Not many people know that getting around in the Netherlands whilst speaking English is perfectly possible. Eighty three percent of the Dutch population speaks sufficient English to hold a conversation with a native speaker. This is one of the highest percentages in Europe (outside the UK of course). In practice this means that from the lecture hall at universities to staff at shops and market stalls, everyone will almost immediately switch to English, if the Dutch language is not very fluent.

There are programs at many different educational institutions teaching Dutch, but practicing it on the streets is quite another matter. This situation has prompted some American students, who were studying in The Netherlands at Leiden University to make a public plea in the newspapers for people to assist them in learning Dutch by not switching to English.

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Housing

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students will live in shared, self-catered apartments near campus. The apartments are furnished and kitchenware is provided. Laundry facilities, Internet, and telephone connections are available on site.

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University Services

Study Abroad students are supported by the International Student Advisor, part of the student support network of Leiden University for international students.

Furthermore, there is a Students Counseling Service, which includes a team of psychologists offering individual counseling.

Workshops for international students provide tips on orienting to the new culture, effective studying, and social aspects of study abroad.

Students can consult the Counselor for Legal and Financial Matters and the Student Ombudsperson can be consulted in case of serious complaints.

The Student Career Service supports international students and alumni in exploring and making effective career choices.

International students will receive an Email account upon arrival and will have access to Internet.

Computer facilities are available in the faculties, the University Library, and the Plexus Student Centre.

The main University Library is located in the Faculty of Humanities area. A number of specialist and faculty libraries are located within the specific faculties and are therefore spread throughout the city.

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Orientation

Bridging Cultures Program

The GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program is our signature orientation program for all semester and year abroad students. The cost for this multi-day program is included in your program fees and covers several nights accommodation, most meals, local transportation, and excursions.

Typically 4-6 days in length, each orientation program includes:

Exciting excursions and activities

A chance to meet other students

Orientation sessions to help you adapt to your new country

Orientation sites vary based on the location of your program. Each site is selected based on the proximity to your host university as well as for the unique activities available within the area. Read more about the Bridging Cultures Program>
 

Leiden Orientation

In addition to the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program, all students will participate in a university specific orientation. Prior to the first and second semester, the Student and Educational Affairs office organizes an Introduction Program for new international students. This two-day program consists of a general introduction to the university, the faculties, the city of Leiden, and the student organizations. Leiden students act as guides and introduce their international guests to the university, town, and social events. During these days, students will meet many other international students from all over the world.

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Scholarships Available

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad strives to offer the most reasonable abroad fees to Europe.  To further enhance the affordability of the semester/year study abroad programs, we encourage you to apply for scholarships through all available scholarship sources.  Learn more about our scholarship opportunities. 

Get Involved Abroad

Extracurricular Activities

As a GlobaLinks Learning Abroad participant, you will be directly enrolled as a student in the university abroad. This allows you to take advantage of every opportunity to be culturally integrated in the campus environment and culture by participating in university activities with resident students. At Leiden, study associations are connected to a Faculty/Department and focus primarily on study-related activities. Membership is usually restricted to students from a specific program. Student associations are many in Leiden and vary from general associations to sport, music, or cultural organizations. The sports center offers some 40 different sports, ranging from yoga and aerobics to rugby and rowing. In addition, a number of student sport clubs are available for those students who wish to be actively involved in specific sports.

Community Involvement

Getting involved abroad can enable you to meet local students, make a meaningful connection with your campus and community, and enhance your study abroad experience. Your coordinator will connect you with local resources if you wish to volunteer for community projects through your host university. It is important for you to find the right combination of academic, cultural, and leisure activities in order to take full advantage of international learning and cultural immersion.

All students are encouraged to participate in volunteer activities at or near their campus, where permitted under host-country immigration regulations. Service learning is an integral piece of a well-rounded education, and we support students’ efforts to integrate into the local culture through volunteer activities. Students are provided with information on volunteer opportunities on campus or within the community during the orientation and preparation process.

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Special Programs/Excursions

Bridging Cultures Program

The GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program is our signature orientation program for all semester and year abroad students. The cost for this multi-day program is included in your program fees and covers several nights accommodation, most meals, local transportation, and excursions.

Typically 4-6 days in length, each orientation program includes:

Exciting excursions and activities

A chance to meet other students

Orientation sessions to help you adapt to your new country

Orientation sites vary based on the location of your program. Each site is selected based on the proximity to your host university as well as for the unique activities available within the area. Read more about the Bridging Cultures Program>
 

Discovery Activities

Planned Excursions & Events

Our in-country resident staff arranges scheduled activities with students throughout the year. Activities are optional and designed to explore the five key areas of discovery: academic, social, personal, cultural, and professional. These are not just visits to tourist attractions. For example, these are activities such as networking opportunities, local festivals, gallery openings, and other similar events that you can’t find in a travel book. These activities will truly enhance your experience.

On-Going Activities

Your exploration of the culture, the academics, the people, and yourself is what will truly enhance your experience. Through the Discovery Model, our in-country staff will provide you with advice and recommendations for other types of activities you can undertake in order achieve your individual goals.

Other Trips and Travel Available

Beyond our included orientation and excursions, you will be able to pre-book a wide variety of day, weekend, and week-long tours at a discounted price through our travel partner, STA Travel. These trips provide the ultimate flexibility for you to travel where you want to go, when you want to go, and with whom you want to go. Most trips have open dates, so you can pre-book the trip(s) that interest you, yet choose your dates later on in your semester. This flexibility also means friends that you make from other countries/programs or even your friends and family who are visiting you abroad can also participate. Learn more>

University Events

The International Student Network (ISN) organizes activities such as weekly game nights, sport events, cultural workshops, and excursions throughout the year. In addition the study associations also organize events, outings, and excursions, mostly related to the study program. Guest lectures are organized by the Campus, The Hague, Studium Generale as well as by Departments.

Not-for credit courses on performing arts like music, sculpturing, dance, and singing are organized by the Leiden Center of the Arts (LAK) for a modest fee.

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Enhance Your Experience Online

Global Citizen Development

The new Global Citizen Development modules are online learning components designed to help you explore your study abroad destination and experience at a whole new level. These modules are not mandatory; however, we strongly encourage your participation as they will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges you may encounter when participating in a study abroad program, as well as expose you to cultural insights and knowledge about your host country to help make your program abroad even more successful and fulfilling. Through the 3 modules, you will refine your skills in cross-cultural observation, adaptation, and communication.  

Course Catalog

To determine if the classes you need are available at this university, select Courses/Subjects to view the specific course options.

Tips: For advice on navigating the university’s course catalog, use the Selecting Courses link. You may also view the suggested grade and credit transfer information through the Grade Conversion.

If you have any questions about course availability, please contact studyabroad@globalinksabroad.org. 

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Photo Slideshow

Watch a short slideshow of photos of the Leiden University campus and surrounding area
 

Ask an Alumni

Ever wonder what it's like to live in Europe? Are you having trouble finding the right university for you? Speak to students that were already there! They are truly experts on their universities and cities, and want to help you go abroad too.

Email studyabroad@globalinksabroad.org with your name, email, and your specific program of interest and we'll email you with the contact details for one of our 20,000 alumni!

Please don't hesitate to contact us as well with any questions.
 

Fees

Fee Includes

What’s Included in the Program Fee?

Everything you would expect:

• Personalized Program Counseling including: MyLearn on-line admissions system, Course selection and credit transfer, Immigration visa assistance, Travel arrangements & airport pickup, Financial aid transfer and financial planning, Pre-departure webinar, Comprehensive participant guide, Help for parents and advisors
• Tuition
• Transfer Credit
• Health Insurance
• On-site Staff
• 24/7 emergency support in North American and abroad
• Internet and cell phone access
• Access to scholarships
• Alumni program on your return

More than you expect:

• Multi-day Bridging Cultures Orientation Program
• Discovery Activities throughout your time abroad
• Day Trips or Weekend Excursions may be included

Additional Housing Fee

Housing (no meals included) ranges from approximately $2,100-$3,500*

Housing amenities are generally:

• Single room
• Technology package available
• Linen package available

An additional refundable housing deposit may be required for your housing selection. This housing is self-catered, therefore you will have access to a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.

*All fees are subject to change.

Dates

Entry Requirements

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Program Team

	Program Manager Carrie Davis cdavis@globalinksabroad.org 1-800-980-0033 x136
	Program Assistant Corey Westbury cwestbury@globalinksabroad.org 1-800-980-0033 X 143
	Resident Director Robin Buck rbuck@globalinksabroad.org
	Resident Coordinator Caroline Kruyt RCLeiden@globalinksabroad.org