Orientation begins upon arrival in Leiden. Students will spend the first two-and-one-half weeks studying intensive Dutch, acquiring a basic conversational level by the end of orientation (more advanced levels are available to students with previous knowledge of Dutch). Depending on availability in a given semester, students may also elect to live with a host family in Leiden to facilitate their language acquisition and cultural immersion (host families speak English as well as Dutch). Homestays are limited.
Cultural Activities and Excursions
Cultural activities and excursions are always included in the program, and most expenses for these activities are covered by Central College Abroad. Details may vary somewhat from year to year in order to take advantage of special opportunities and events. Some courses, such as Dutch Art and Architecture, will include weekly field trips with free admission to all museums (partial travel costs may be an additional expense).
The following field trips are usually included in the semester:
- Day trip to Amsterdam at the beginning of orientation, including a boat tour and city walk.
- Day trip to the royal palace of Het Loo and the Kröller-Müller museum.
- Three-day excursion to Brussels and Brugge, Belgium. Visits to NATO headquarters, U.S.-E.U. relations office and the European Parliament in Brussels, city tour of the medieval town of Brugge and visit to Groeninge museum.
- An optional three-day trip to either the Frisian Island of Terschelling or the Island of Texel. Visits to a cheese farm and villages, optional horseback riding, tidal flat walks.
- Day trip to The Hague.
- Day trip to Rotterdam.
Central College reserves the right to modify trip schedules and destinations.
