Eligibility

GPA	2.5
Hours completed	12
Student Conduct	Good status
Grad credit	Yes
Non-WIU	Yes
Student Year	Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate

 

Entry Requirements

Passport required--must be valid until September 30, 2025. For information on how to apply for or renew a passport, see Passports 101 .
Current passport processing times are 6-8 weeks.  Plan accordingly to avoid issues obtaining your visa, airine tickets, and other necessary items for travel.  Failure to receive your passport in time can lead to postponement of your program.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel permit required for US citizens.  Starting in the first half of 2025, all citizens allowed to enter Europe without a visa are required to have an ETIAS travel permit.  More information, including a link to apply, can be found on the ETIAS website .  ETIAS cost not included in program cost.

Visa required if not a US citizen.  It is your responsibility to check the  Dutch Consulate General in Chicago's website for more information.  Visa costs not included in program cost.

 

Health Insurance

You must have international health insurance for the time you are on your program. Only two options are approved to meet this requirement:

• WIU student health insurance
• A supplemental policy (Patriot Travel Medical) from International Medical Group (IMG)

 

Health Precautions

COVID-19 - You are REQUIRED to follow the policies of your host country, the CDC and TSA.  It is your responsibility to know and understand these policies.  If policies change before or during your Course, it is your responsbility to comply with the new policies.  Failure to do so can result in removal from your Course and/or the host country, financial consequences and academic consequences.

Walking/mobility/travel - Expect to walk 5-8 miles/day.  It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day, sometimes over uneven terrain and up/down flights of stairs.  You will also be responsible for moving your own luggage. 

Environmental - Average daytime temperatures are in the 40s for this time period.  Excursions and some portions of the Course will be conducted outside, rain or shine.  Sun protection is strongly recommended. 

Dietary - Some meals are included in the program cost. Contact Kim McDaniel  if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

Vaccinations - No vaccinations are required for entry into the Netherlands.  Up to date vaccination recommendations are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website .

Accessability and accommodation are very different than than found in the United States.  Please contact Disability Resources for questions on the availability of accommodations for your specific situation.

PLEASE NOTE   It is your responsibility to request accommodation from DR; faculty and staff are not legally permitted to inquire about such needs.  Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange accommodations in your location.

 

Costs & Important Dates

Estimated Cost*	$3,000-$3,500 based on similar programs
Included in the program	Roundtrip airfare from Chicago, in-country transportation, multi-bedded lodging, entry fees to scheduled sites, some meals
Application Deadline	EXTENDED -- November 11, 2024
Payments
Non-refundable deposit	$1,075 due December 6, 2024
Second payment	$1,000 due January 31, 2025
Final Payment	Balance due February 28, 2025

*Costs subject to change based on student enrollment, exchange fluctuation and flight costs

WIU reserves the right to adjust the cost or arrangements of this program due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond the University's control.  For details about this or individual withdrawals, see Cancellations and Withdrawals .

Important Dates

Passport copy deadline:  January 15, 2025  Failure to meet this deadline will result in removal from the group flight and increased costs. 

MANDATORY Pre-departure meeting: TBA, Spring 2025

 

Academics

Credit offered

ANTH 379 - Can be used as a substitute for ANTH 201 or ANTH 305 or as a Directed elective for Anthropology majors/minors

ANTH 679 - Can count towards completion of a MA in Sociology

Please check with your academic advisor for more information on how this Course fits your specific academic needs.

 

Objectives/activities

• Learn the history behind cannabis use in the Netherlands and why that is an important cultural issue
• Compare and contrast social justice outcomes of legalization of cannabis in the US versus the Netherlands
  
• Explore the political culture of the Netherlands in comparison to the US
  
• Visit major landmarks including the Van Gogh museum, the Riksmuseum, and the Anne Frank Haus. 
  

 

Class sessions

Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course.  You are responsible for completing pre-departure assignments including readings and discussion participation, attendance and active participation during on-site visits, guest lectures and activities, and post-return assignments.  Questions about course content should be directed to Dr. Heather McIlvaine-Newsad .

Student testimonials

Coming soon!