Netherlands: International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender

Examine the history, cultural norms, and political structures that help shape attitudes toward sexuality and gender from Dutch and international perspectives.

Students at the Drag Queen Olympics on the Homomonument during Queen’s Day celebrations

Pragmatic, socially liberal Netherlands is known for tolerance and openness, but issues of gender and sexuality are now a visible fault line between cultures in this increasingly multicultural society.

Internationally, the Netherlands promotes gender as a crucial aspect of economic and social development, and the country provides material support to women’s as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) organizations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Based in Amsterdam, this program explores the intersections of Dutch and international perspectives related to sexuality and gender. Units of study include sex education, same-sex marriage rights, sex work, sexuality and global issues, and gender and migration.

Students select one Sexuality and Gender Seminar program module from choices including Critical Theory, Tolerance and Sexual Health Education, or others. Students participate in a Field Study practicum with a Dutch or international organization. A two-week excursion to Morocco provides additional international perspectives on program themes.

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research

SIT Netherlands sponsors successful Forum on Sexuality and Development giving students the chance to network, interview, and introduce high-level speakers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HIVOS, Mama Cash, and PSI Europe. Participants discussed how sexuality is related to the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, global poverty reduction, and international development. See program flyer.

Credits: 16

Duration: 15 weeks

Program Base: Amsterdam

Language Study: Dutch

Prerequisites: Previous college-level coursework or other preparation in sexuality and/or gender studies, as assessed by SIT. Read more...