Amsterdam is celebrating its 750th birthday this year and Villanovans can experience the historic year in person this summer.
A summer study abroad program in Amsterdam has been added to the list for the first time in Villanova’s history. Students interested in history and legal studies can expect a curriculum rooted in history with many fascinating sites to see. Dr. Lynn Hartnett and Professor Mary Beth Simmons are excited to be spearheading the program.
“I started the program because history majors wanted a history-focused study abroad program,” Hartnett said. “I was so excited to establish this program because Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in the world.”
The six-week six credit program will start on May 19 and run to June 27. Students can expect the first half of the course to delves into politics, issues of human rights, asylum rights, and international justice from the 19th century to the present day. With the focus on legal history, the course also carries a pre-law attribute which counts towards the newly established legal studies major. The second half of the course delves into European memoirs. This course is an English course that considers how Europeans, since World War II, have written about their lives and their world.
In addition to studying, Villanovans will also be immersed in the diversity of the city by visiting the Hague, touring the Anne Frank house, visiting Haarlem and its various windmills, and visiting the Van Gough Museum. Pop-up celebrations will also take place for Amsterdam’s birthday.
The city is also known for its biking culture with over 20,000 bike trails. This number is astronomical in comparison to the city’s size which equates to Maryland.
During the trip students will stay at The Social Hub, a modern complex building that houses students from all over the world. Professor Simmons felt this was a highlight of the program.
“Dr. Hartnett and I stayed there this fall. We were easily thirty years older than everyone, but we kept saying, our students are going to love it here.”
The hotel boasts meeting and event rooms designed for working and academia. Although anyone can stay there, student rooms are available to make it feel like a students only learning environment. It also includes a fitness center, a game room, bicycle rental and yoga classes.
Hartnett feels this country will have a positive impact on everyone.
“The Netherlands consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world. It is simply a beautiful place to live and study with a rich history that begs to be explored.”
Knowing the country’s deep pride and enthusiasm for life, both professors feel the birthday celebrations will be extraordinary. Although the city’s birthday isn’t until October 27, the celebrations will be all year long. During the trip students can expect concerts, festivals and pop-up markets to make for a unique experience.
However, Amsterdam wasn’t always a place of celebration. During the course students will learn of the hardships the residents of the city endured throughout time and make connections with other countries that have faced similar challenges.
Hartnett firmly believes in this rich history.
“We will use history as a way to consider the promises, challenges and failures of the democratic systems and movements as a means to understand the democratic backsliding that has taken place in so many countries in recent years.”
More than a dozen students are already enrolled in the program, but there are a few spots left. If students are interested and missed the January 31 application deadline, they should contact the Office of Education Board or Dr. Hartnett, ([email protected]), as soon as possible.
