Urban Changemakers
Cities such as Amsterdam are commonly densely populated and heterogeneous. The melting pot of cultures and varied backgrounds of city residents create the vibrant urban spaces that we know. Cities with universities are typically more diverse, bringing creative minds together that facilitate change, innovate and question the norm. In this programme, students will explore differences and similarities between their home university city and Amsterdam, to identify commonly found urban issues. Students will ultimately learn how to tackle these problems in order to make change for the better.
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Programme at a glance
Mode of instruction: On-campus (4 weeks) Academic dates: Sunday 20 July - Thursday 7 August (Tentative) Housing dates: Friday 18 July - Friday 8 August (Tentative) Academic fees:
Student Fee:
€1750* Read more about what's included in the fees.
Professional Fee:
€2000* Read more about what's included in the fees.
*Tentative prices subject to change. Final prices and dates will be published on 1 December
Housing fees: €900* for a shared room with shared facilities
Read more about university-organised accomodation.
*Tentative price subject to change. Final prices and dates will be published on 1 December
Credits: 6 European Credits. Read more about credits and credit transfer. Early admission deadline: Saturday 1 February 2025
Students who require a Schengen Visa to study in the Netherlands are strongly advised to apply before the early deadline to ensure there is enough time to secure a visa appointment before the programme begins.
Final admission deadline: Saturday 15 March 2025 Who is this programme for? Level: Bachelors students.
Background: Students should have a background in the social sciences or humanities. Students should have an interest in changemaking, have an open-mind and are passionate about exploring today's societal issues from various perspectives.
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Programme description
In this four-week programme, we will dive into several areas relevant to urban life. In week one, we will explore the various societal challenges Amsterdam has faced in its long history. Students will be challenged to identify how these challenges resonate within their home cities, whilst also looking to the future. In week two, we'll delve into empowerment and leadership. Week three is pride week in Amsterdam: the perfect time to discuss sexuality, gender and identity. Finally, in week four we'll address urban mental health, diving into problems but also into possible solutions (such as mindfulness).
By the end of this programme, students will possess a deeper understanding of the dynamics and complexities of urban life. They'll be equipped with the tools and knowledge to become a real changemaker, both in their own lives and their home cities.
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Programme directors
Mirjam Schieveld, MSc | Programme Director
A cultural anthropologist by training, Mirjam grew up in and around Amsterdam. She is the founder of the Summer Programmes Office, starting with the Summer Institute on Sexuality, Culture & Society over 25 years ago. Mirjam is an alumna of the University of Amsterdam, and has devoted her professional life to the creation and development of short academic programmes. Her main academic interests revolve around mental health, addiction, sexuality and esotericism. She believes in changing the world one student at a time.
Imran Khalid, MSc | Programme Coordinator
A social scientist who has studied the the impact of emerging technologies on human behaviour both in his home country of Scotland and in the Netherlands. He obtained his master's in communication science at the University of Amsterdam in 2022. His research interests focus mainly on digital media and its impact on various aspects of mental health, as well as how the prevalence and susceptibility to misinformation varies across cultures and how this affects society as a whole.
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Explore our community
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- Mode
- Short-term
- Credits
- 8 ECTS, 4 weeks
- Language of instruction
- English
- Starts in
- July