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University of Leiden, The Netherlands

Program Overview

Leiden University offers outstanding juniors an intellectually exciting learning environment with high academic standards. This program is ideal for academically strong juniors, who are independent learners. The minimum overall GPA requirement is 3.2. Visiting Study Abroad students can study at Leiden in spring or for the full academic year, and can choose courses taught in English, from various areas such as: Archaeology, Art History, Anthropology, Chinese or Japanese Studies, History, Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, English, Law, Linguistics & Literature, Philosophy, Political Science and Psychology. They can also choose one of the more focused study options (full-year only) in Biomedical Science, Leiden Law Courses (LLC), or Dutch Language & Culture.

Leiden University, founded in 1575, is a research-intensive university. Fundamental research is the main objective and the education provided is largely research-based. Leiden has a firmly established position among the top research institutes of Europe in many fields, including the natural sciences, medicine, social and behavioral sciences and the arts. Leiden has approximately 17,000 students and 4,000 staff members.

Students in Leiden can count on personal attention and guidance in both their academic and their personal life. The University provides many services related to studies, student advice and counseling, information services, sports and cultural activities. Students can sign up for workshops and individual counseling from the international counselor or drop by the international student adviser for matters related to finding their way in the University and activities for international students. It is also possible to join one of the many study associations for study-related activities, and there is also a regular lunchtime group where students can share their experiences on studying abroad.

Visiting international students are generally placed in Horizon House, which belongs to Accommodate (SLS Wonen). It was built between 1895 and 1907 as a pharmaceutical laboratory. Until September 2004, the premises were used by the Faculty of Law of Leiden University. In 2005 the building was completely renovated and made suitable for housing international students and other short stay tenants. Students live in furnished single or shared bed rooms, and share kitchen, bath and social areas. They can eat in one of the university dining areas, or cook for themselves.

Clark Credit

Participating students receive four Clark units per semester, provided all coursework is completed, all required exams are taken, and final papers are submitted. All courses receive letter grades, which show on the Clark transcript and are factored into the overall GPA. Leiden operates on BA/MA system and uses the European Credit Transfer System. Students should take 30 ECTS credits per semester, which equals 15 U.S. credits, and generally 6 Leiden courses. Students are eligible to enroll in any course for which they are qualified, with the exception of a very few specialized subjects. Please check with the Study Abroad Office to ensure transferability of credit.

Eligibility

Clark requires, that prior to your study abroad program, you have been in residence at Clark for at least one year. You must be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of a 3.2, and good standing in the Clark community (not on academic or social probation at the time of application or thereafter). Before participating in a study abroad program, you have to declare a major, and as a rule, have junior-class standing. In order to be considered, you must complete/submit the full application by the appropriate deadline. Your application will be reviewed by the Study Abroad Advisory committee, and if approved, will be sent to Leiden University for final admission. Applications may be rejected for any number of reasons by the overseas program.

Program Costs

Your student account will be billed for Clark tuition each semester that you are abroad, and Clark will pay your tuition/academic fees to Leiden. You will be billed by Leiden University directly for your housing, and you will need to provide for your own meals (i.e. cooking or purchasing meals). Books, non-academic fees, visa, and travel expenses are your responsibility. You are also responsible for all of your personal expenses and for your pocket money while abroad. Remember that here might be a whole array of fees at Leiden for using the gym, clubs, computers, laundry, transportation, books, cell phones, etc. These fees vary from year to year and we recommend that you check the website of your host institution to see if further information is available. Any additional expenses related to individual courses, such as travel, are also your responsibility.

Studying off-campus always generates additional and unexpected expenses. If you are a financial aid recipient, you should continue to receive financial aid. However, be sure to check with the Office of Financial Assistance to see if there will be any changes in your financial aid package. You will not be able to receive Work-Study money while you are abroad. International Scholarships are granted to enrich the Clark campus with international students and, in general, cannot be applied to off-campus programs.

You will receive an invoice from Clark's Student Accounts Department, indicating that the tuition payment will be due by mid-July for the fall and mid-December for the spring. The exact due date will appear on your bill. Failure to satisfy your financial obligation to Clark University by the due date may result in your withdrawal from the program. Failure to satisfy your financial obligations to your host institution may result in no transcript being issued for your participation in their program.

Under NO circumstances will Clark University be responsible for independent travel you choose to participate in, which is not an official part of the Clark program. Clark will not assist in any personal travel arrangements.

Approximate additional costs per semester for 2011

• Housing Range - $3,150 – $6,300 depending upon student selection
• Meals - $1,500
• Residency Permit Fees - $240
• Personal Expenses - $1,500
• Transportation - $800
• Local Transportation - $200
• Books and Supplies - $200

TOTAL: $7,590 - $10,740

NOTE: These costs are estimates based on exchange rates at time of publication, and are subject to change.

*Personal expenses are based on student feedback, and vary dramatically based on individual spending habits. Estimated personal expenses include items such as food, personal travel, clothing, etc.

Application Deadlines

Application forms for Leiden University are available by appointment only (extension 7363), in the Study Abroad Office. It is essential to submit completed applications by the appropriate deadlines. Late applications will not be accepted, and retrospective credit will not be granted.

• For the fall semester - February 15
• For the spring semester - September 15

Additional Resources

• Leiden University
• The Netherlands Department of State Information
• Dutch Visa Information
• CDC Travel Information
• Dutch News

For more information about this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office at 508.793.7363.

Any information on this page is subject to change.