Education Abroad

Human Sexuality in Amsterdam

bicycles parked along a bridge over a canal

Overview

This program explores the Dutch model of sexuality in depth and considers what we, as Americans, can learn from it. Students will learn about LGBTQ issues in the Netherlands and how that compares to the United States. In addition to having the best sexual health outcomes in the world, the Dutch were among the first to legalize same-sex marriage. They have mandated comprehensive sexuality education, and have decriminalized and regulated sex work.

This program is ideally suited for students with a serious academic and professional interest in the field of human sexuality. It’s fitting for a variety of majors: psychology, public health, gender and queer studies, nursing, public policy and administration, non-profit management, criminal justice, and sociology.

Program highlights
  • Attend Amsterdam’s PRIDE parade along the canals of the city
  • Visit a variety of community and public health providers that focus on innovative comprehensive sexual health education
  • Hear from public health officials and sex workers about Amsterdam’s approach to sex work
  • Attend a lecture at Utrecht University by esteemed Gender and Sexuality faculty, a queer BIPOC lead group that organizes events around sexuality and kink in Amsterdam
  • Meet with representatives from COC Amsterdam, one of the oldest LGBTQ advocacy groups in the world

Program Dates: July 21 – August 4, 2024

  • Classes for this course starts at PCC prior to program travel dates.
  • Depart from US no later than July 20, 2024.

Academics

PCC study abroad programs are courses offered for PCC credit. Highlights for this course include:

  • Instructors: Ericka Goerling (ericka.goerling@pcc.edu) & Emerson Wolfe (emerson.wolfe@pcc.edu)
  • Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
  • Course: PSY 231 & 232
  • Credits: 8
  • Prerequisites: WR 115 and RD 115 or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement
  • Program type: Split Course (course starts at PCC in Portland prior to program dates)

Timeline

The PCC study abroad application timeline includes the following steps:

  • September: Program application opens
  • February 15 (Extended to February 22, 2024): Application deadline
  • February 22 (Extended to February 26, 2024): $500 non-refundable program deposit deadline, which secures your place in the program (the deposit goes toward your total program fee and can be submitted after you are conditionally accepted to your program)
  • March: Programs confirmed to travel, pending course enrollment (Passport applications can take up to 3 months to process, so plan accordingly. You should have your passport by March 1.)
  • April – June: Travel preparation, Pre-Departure Orientation sessions, course registration, and summer term payment (tuition and the remainder of the program fee will be charged to your student account and are due at the summer term payment due date)

What is your financial plan? Visit Funding & Scholarships for more information.

Program Cost

Here is a summary of the overall costs and financial responsibilities for participating in a study abroad program through PCC:

Study Abroad Program Estimated Cost Sheet

Total Cost = PCC Tuition + Program Fee + Additional Costs

PCC Tuition
  • 8 credits (in-state residency)

Estimated: $1,200

Program Fee
  • Housing during the program
  • Select meals
  • Co-curricular/cultural activities
  • Airport pickup/drop-off
  • Program transportation and entry fees
  • On-site orientation
  • International health insurance
  • 24/7 emergency support

Estimated: $3,300

Additional Costs
  • Round-trip airfare ($1000 roundtrip)
  • Passport (new $165 or renewal $130)
  • Books and supplies ($50)
  • Meals on your own ($300)
  • Personal spending money ($300-400)

Estimated: $1,800-2,000

Financial Resources

jar that contains money and coins labeled "travel"

Text: How will I fund my study abroad experience?

Most students use a combination of the following options to cover the cost of studying abroad with PCC:

  • Financial Aid
  • Scholarships
  • Personal Fundraising
  • Personal savings

Visit Funding Your Study Abroad Experience for more information on developing a funding plan for your study abroad experience.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in a PCC study abroad program, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be 18 years of age or older by program start date.
  • Maintain good academic and disciplinary standing.
  • Complete the prerequisite course(s) for the study abroad program prior to the program start date.
  • Watch our Information Session videos or meet individually with an Ed Abroad Advisor.
  • Possess qualities of independence, self-reliance, and maturity necessary for studying abroad.
  • Develop the willingness and ability to embrace the challenges of studying abroad.