University of Wisconsin–Madison
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UW Markets, Mindsets & Money in the Netherlands

A canal in Amsterdam with boats on the river.

Faculty-Led First Year Boost Award
As a UW faculty-led program that is running for the first time, participants on this program for Summer 2025-26 will be provided with a guaranteed scholarship of $1000.

Netherlands, Amsterdam

This study abroad experience offers students the unique opportunity to explore personal financial planning from a global perspective. Students will explore the historical and contemporary complexity of global financial planning in one of the major centers of finance: Amsterdam, The Netherlands. As one of the birthplaces of capitalism and home to the world’s first stock exchange in 1602, Amsterdam offers students a historical foundation for understanding the evolution of financial markets and the impact it has had on global trade and investment. As a contemporary financial capital of Europe, Amsterdam provides opportunities to explore international financial markets, cross-border tax regulations, and diverse investment strategies. 

Students will engage in experiential learning through site visits to prominent financial institutions, where you will observe the workings of global financial systems firsthand. You will explore diverse financial concepts through guided discussions, expert presentations, and collaborative workshops. By analyzing real-world financial scenarios and applying knowledge in practical case studies, students will develop the skills necessary to address the complexities of global personal financial planning.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Explain and compare the differences between U.S. and Dutch financial systems, focusing on regulatory practices, currency, taxation & retirement planning to develop a comparative understanding of cross-border financial planning strategies.
  • Assess the impact of global economic policies and historical developments, such as Brexit and Amsterdam’s trade legacy, on personal financial planning and international markets.
  • Evaluate strategies for improving the financial well-being of individuals and families by analyzing global practices in wealth management, retirement planning, and sustainable investing.
  • Reflect on the impact of cultural, historical, and economic factors on personal financial behaviors and decisions, and articulate how these insights can inform strategies for promoting financial well-being for individuals and families in a global context.
  • Explain the role of sustainable investing in Europe and how it applies to financial planning decision making.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • Completion of Consumer Science 175 or Consumer Science 275 recommended, but not required. Preference will be given to students who have completed CNSR SCI 175 or CNSR SCI 275. 
  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Personal Finance
Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies
Finance
Economics

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hostels, Hotels

Program Duration

Summer (3 Weeks)
Mid-May to Late-May (first week held online)

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 1/30/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

Students will receive 3 credits in Consumer Science 501 (Special Topics): Navigating Personal Financial Planning in a Global Context.
Completion of Consumer Science 175 or Consumer Science 275 recommended, but not required. Preference will be given to students who have completed CNSR SCI 175 or CNSR SCI 275. 

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Program Leader

Linda Francetic Lepe

Teaching Faculty III & Academic Director, Consumer Science, School of Human Ecology

Professor Lepe teaches courses within the Personal Finance program every semester. In addition, she serves as program director for the CFP® Board certified program and as academic director for Personal Finance.