Dordt and VIAA update the Netherlands exchange program

Dordt University and Viaa Christian University of Applied Sciences (VIAA) in Zwolle, the Netherlands, have made some changes to their global education offerings. The program, which is offered to Dordt students as of this spring, is called “VIAA Exchange.”

Previously, the program was American coursework taught within a European context. To meet European accrediting standards, the coursework is now European and taught in an international context, but still meets the requirements for Dordt’s CORE Program.

“The biggest benefit is that Dordt students will see a more diverse international student body in the program,” says Adam Adams, Dordt’s director for global education. “VIAA invites more of their international partner universities to send students to their program.”

This will allow students to not only interact with students from Dutch culture but from multiple other cultures and locations giving them an enriching and diverse experience.

“The name has changed, and some of the background workings have changed, but the key parts of what has made this Dordt’s most popular study abroad experience for over 20 years remains,” says Adams. “Students will still live with host families, travel by bicycle, make Dutch friends, and learn at a European university.”

Adams shares that the study abroad experience aspires to let students experience contemporary Dutch culture and how it relates to their major in a foreign context. For example, agriculture students could experience how the Dutch conserve and protect their land. Social work and community development students could see firsthand the Dutch response to immigrants and war refugees. Engineering students could discover how the Netherlands harnesses the power of wind and sea to impact the quality of life of its citizens.

Additionally, many students attending the program have strong cultural ties to the Netherlands, with family members from past generations who have immigrated from the country.

The program offerings are being updated to welcome a broad group of student majors to VIAA, from around the world.

To learn more about Dordt’s off-campus programs visit.dordt.edu/academics/off-campus-study.

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.