Winter Break in the Netherlands:
Project Just(ice) Cities
Americans, now more than ever, have been forced to reckon with a history of injustice which has manifested in broad structural inequality. Within this ICA, we will explore the social structures, or agents of justice, (e.g.: healthcare, immigration, race, education, housing) which support healthy communities or perpetuate injustice. Students will discern their position and place in our community ecosystem while engaging with course themes while touring Amsterdam.
Embarking on a week-long university study tour to Amsterdam offers students a rich and immersive experience delving into critical issues of social justice. Throughout the program, participants will engage with various facets of Dutch society, gaining insights into immigration, housing, criminal justice and healthcare policies. The itinerary includes explorations of historical perspectives on incarceration and a visit to the prestigious International Peace Palace in The Hague.
The tour will foster meaningful connections with our partners at Amsterdam University (HvA), providing students with the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions, share perspectives, and broaden their understanding of global social justice issues with Dutch colleagues.
Navigating the cityscape via its iconic canals will provide a unique lens through which students can appreciate the historical and cultural context of Amsterdam. Excursions to old Dutch villages and windmills further enrich the experience, offering a firsthand look into the country's history and traditions.
As students delve into the complexities of social justice, the immersive nature of the study tour aims to cultivate an understanding of the interconnected issues facing contemporary societies. Through a blend of academic engagement, cultural exploration, and collaborative learning, participants will leave with a nuanced perspective on the challenges and solutions surrounding social justice in both the Netherlands and the broader global context.
By participating in this study abroad program, students will:
1) Develop their cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills
2) Analyze Dutch social institutions which contribute to a just city
3) Observe and participate in the lived experience of social policy in Amsterdam
4) Compare and contrast Amsterdam and American social policy which creates a just or unjust city
5) Reflect on connection, complexity and praxis of justice in course journal
Credit/Registration: Students will be registered for HNRS T380 for 1 credit as a part of their winter term course load. This ICA credit is not optional and students must plan their winter registration accordingly.
Instructor: Cyndi Rickards, Associate Teaching Professor of Criminology & Justice Studies
Arrival Date: Dec 12, 2024 (Depart US on Dec 11th)
Departure Date: Dec 19, 2024
Itinerary Overview
| Date |
Activity |
Thursday
12/12 |
-Arrive and check into hotel
-Gather as Drexel group to review expectations
-Group dinner |
Friday
12/13 |
-Tour of city
-Free time
-Canal tour |
Saturday
12/14 |
-Small village and windmill history tour
-Dinner on own |
Sunday
12/15 |
-History of Amsterdam social justice museum tour
-Policy lecture at AU |
Monday
12/16 |
-Meeting with immigration non-profit
-Tour of social housing
-Free time |
Tuesday
12/17 |
-De Hauge
-History of incarceration museum tour
-Peace Palace visit |
Wednesday
12/18 |
-Red light district tour and approaches to harm reduction
-Meeting with AUAS students and holiday party |
Thursday
12/19 |
-Students depart |
| |
|
Due 9/30/2024 - $500 Advance Payment + $25 application fee
Due 11/1/2024 - $1435 Final Payment
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.
Included in Program Fee:
- 7 nights accommodation
- On site activities, visits, tours
- 2 group dinners
- Local transport to program activities
- On Call Emergency Assistance Insurance
Not Included in Program Fee (Estimated):
- Round trip airfare $900
- Passport $145
- Airport transfers $80
- Most meals $350
- Spending money $100
- Visa (if applicable)
ICA Financial Aid: Students may request an Adjusted Cost of Attendance by submitting the ICA program fee and estimated out of pocket expenses listed above to Drexel Central (via askdrexel). Doing so could make students’ eligible for additional financial aid.
Visa: US Citizens are not required to obtain a visa for entry to the Netherlands. Other nationalities should confirm visa requirements on the Netherlands Embassy website.
Flight: A recommended flight itinerary will be provided. Students are responsible for booking their own airfare.
Course Grade Scale:
| |
|
|
|
|
| A+ |
97-100 |
|
A+ |
4.00 |
| A |
93-96 |
|
A |
4.00 |
| A- |
90-92 |
|
A- |
3.67 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| B+ |
87-89 |
|
B+ |
3.33 |
| B |
83-86 |
|
B |
3.00 |
| B- |
80-82 |
|
B- |
2.67 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| C+ |
77-79 |
|
C+ |
2.33 |
| C |
73-76 |
|
C |
2.00 |
| C- |
70-72 |
|
C- |
1.67 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| D+ |
67-69 |
|
D+ |
1.33 |
| D |
60-66 |
|
D |
1.00 |
| |
|
|
|
| F |
0.00 |
|
