sample itinerary

netherlands criminal justice

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criminal justice studies

Dutch society has a long-standing tradition of tolerance, diversity, and consensus-based politics

Dutch society has a long-standing tradition of tolerance, diversity, and consensus-based politics. This translates into a specific approach toward crime and justice issues that is known around the world. Examples of this approach can be seen in various fields, such as the legalization of prostitution, the legalization of soft drugs, the medical instead of criminal justice approach toward hard drugs, and the way in which issues like juvenile crime, euthanasia, and gay marriage are dealt with. 

This sample program begins in The Hague, the seat of the Dutch government, Supreme Court and the Council of State as well as international bodies such as the International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court and several International Criminal Tribunals. You move to Amsterdam, and examine the issues of criminal justice from a daily Dutch perspective. Explore such issues as the history of policy, its rationale, and the way it works out in daily practice. It also takes a look at the impact of the globalization of the economy and the threat of international terrorism, which changed the "crime landscape" in The Netherlands.

Programs are designed to introduce students to concepts of crime and punishment in the Netherlands and to provide an opportunity for direct exposure to a system very different from the United States. As always, this is a sample program only. Ultimately each is designed to the specifications of the US faculty leading the program.

Programs can also be given greater focus on subjects such as Social Justice, Human Rights, Immigration and Refugee policy and Substance Abuse. Select's in-country teams are bringing on new European partners all the time in these and other related fields.

Program Highlights

Hotel Stay: 7 Nights

Meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners,
including a rijsttafel dinner

Accomodations

Europol, The Peace Palace, International Criminal Court, International Court of Justice, National Coordinator for Security and Counter Terrorism, Hague Police Headquarters, Gevangenpoort Medieval Prison, Red Light District Tour, Jewish Museum and Dutch Resistance Museum.

Sightseeing & Seminars

Airport-hotel transfers

Hotel and local taxes

Touring by deluxe private motorcoach, services of a professional tour manager.

Also Included

Sample Itinerary

Day One

Depart U.S.

Overnight flight from US to Amsterdam.

DAY two
Arrive in Amsterdam

Morning arrival at Schipol Airport. Meet your Select Travel Service study tour manager. Departing the airport we make the approximately 90 minute journey south to The Hague. Check in to the hotel. Your guide will ensure students are settled into their rooms and comfortable with their surroundings and take them on an orientation tour of the neighborhood surrounding the hotel and explain the public transport system. Gather together again for an early dinner to review our week ahead, before retiring for the night.

Overnight in The Hague

Day Three

Europol and
the Peace Palace

Morning visit to the European Police Office (Europol), the law enforcement agency of the European Union that handles criminal intelligence and serious international organized crime with its HQ in The Hague.

Afternoon visit to the Peace Palace which is home to a number of international judicial institutions including the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Peace Palace Library and the Hague Academy of International Law.

Overnight in The Hague

Day Four

International Criminal Court and Police Headquarters

Morning visit to the International Criminal Court, an intergovernmental organization and tribunal which has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for international crimes of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Afternoon visit the police headquarters in The Hague.

Overnight in The Hague

Day Five

Counter Terrorism 

& Humanity House

Morning visit to the National Coordinator for Security and Counter terrorism. A national organization, the body is responsible for cyber security, Dutch national security and major crisis management.

This afternoon we arrange for a private meeting and presentation from Syrian refugees who recount their story across the Mediterranean and Europe into the Netherlands where they have now successfully established a family life.

Overnight in The Hague

Day Six

Gevangenpoort Medieval Prison Museum

Morning visit to Gavangenpoort Museum, a fascinating 12th century historical prison which housed many great historical Dutch figures.

Afternoon departure for Amsterdam. Check into the Amsterdam hotel and the guide will conduct an orientation walking tour of the immediate area and introduction to the city's tram system.

Overnight in Amsterdam

Day Seven

Tour Amsterdam

Morning visits to the Jewish Museum and Dutch Resistance Museum. 

This afternoon we visit the Prostitution Information Centre for an indepth history of the sex industry, its place in Dutch society and current challenges. This is followed by a meeting with local police to discuss the Dutch approach and tolerance for vice crimes including the sale and consumption of cannabis and prostitution. This is followed by a law enforcement guided tour of the Red Light District including a visit to a working room.

Overnight in Amsterdam

Day eight

Tour Amsterdam

Morning guided tour of Amsterdam including the Royal Palace, National Monument, the Skinny Bridge and the Albert Cuyp market.

Early this afternoon there is an option for a unique canal cruise on a vessel which transported Syrian refugees across the Mediterranean Sea to Italy.  The vessel was saved, totally refit and is now crewed by the same refugees who offer a special private canal cruise.

The balance of the day is at leisure for independent sightseeing. Perhaps visit to the WWII home of Ann Frank or see the splendid works of art at the newly refurbished Rijksmuseum. Farewell group Rijsttafel dinner at a local restaurant.

Day nine

Return Home

Regrettably this morning we bid farewell to Holland and journey to Schipol Airport for our return flight home.