Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as EuroLearn, offers semester and year abroad programs at Leiden University.

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.

 

Want to learn more about study abroad in the Netherlands? 

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.

Can't find what you're looking for?

 

History and Academic Highlights

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 14 out of 59 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.

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. 

Can't find what you're looking for?

 

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.

Can't find what you're looking for?

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.

Can't find what you're looking for? 

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.

Can't find what you're looking for? 

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.

Can't find what you're looking for? 

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.

Can't find what you're looking for? 

Special Program Features / Excursions

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.

Can't find what you're looking for?

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

Can't find what you're looking for? 

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

All fees are quoted in US Dollars unless otherwise specifically stated. Program Fees include tuition for full-time semester status, university and program administrative fees, membership in the student union (where applicable), health insurance, ISIC card, and Bridging Cultures Program. Tuition fees are based on the arts and social science tuition charged by this university. There may be higher tuition associated with certain disciplines. Where applicable, this difference in tuition will be added to the total Program Fees. Fees include all pre-departure services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing support (excluding the visa fee), housing placements, personal advising, subject selections, liaise with your home university, credit transfer assistance, and financial aid services. As a study abroad student, you will be required to enroll as a full time student. Your semester is equivalent to 12-16 U.S. credits. Additional tuition and/or fees may apply in some subject areas not limited to the following: science, engineering, fine arts, and journalism. Students who undertake subjects where the university requires additional fees will be billed by the host university. Housing Fees are not included in the Program Fee and will be billed separately depending on the specific accommodations placement. A housing deposit is not included in this fee. Where required to reserve accommodations in advance the student will make direct payment for the refundable housing deposit. Students who select “personal apartment living arranged upon arrival by the student” will only be charged the Program Fees, and housing costs will be paid on arrival by the student.

Fee Advice

Dates

Entry Requirements

Programs in Europe Coordinator

Name: Carrie Davis Title: Manager - Programs in Europe Department: BIO: Carrie manages the study abroad admissions and enrollment services for all EuroLearn programs and is also the coordinator for Leiden University, Lille Catholic University and all programs in Spain. Carrie has been involved with international education for most of her life. In high school, she studied abroad for a year in the Netherlands and spent consecutive summers participating in intercultural programs in Europe. Carrie graduated with a B.A. in International Relations and Latin American Studies from Claremont McKenna College. While in college, Carrie spent a year studying abroad in Argentina, which gave her the opportunity to explore much of South America. Upon graduation, Carrie moved to Barcelona, Spain where she taught English for three years. Carrie also directed an intercultural program in Quito, Ecuador. Carrie holds a Master’s in International Education from the School for International Training in Vermont. She is fluent in Spanish, French, Dutch and Catalan and she has, lived, studied, and/or worked in the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, England, Ecuador, France, Costa Rica, Mexico, Zambia and Argentina.