Colonialism in Amsterdam

DMU students who are on block teaching (and have enhancement week during the trip dates) are eligible to participate on this opportunity but it would be particularly relevant for students with a demonstrable interest in history, colonialism, multiculturalism, equality and diversity. There are a maximum of 20 places available, with a minimum of 10 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

Trip description

Using the Dutch Empire and the Netherlands as an example, this trip will allow students to learn about Colonialism and how it has shaped the world we live in. Specific focus will be put on understanding the exclusion and inequalities caused by colonialism which continue to influence the way we look at each other, how we treat each other and how it manifests itself in the present through existing inequalities and exclusion.

Visiting the Tropenmuseum and its ‘Colonial Inheritance’ permanent exhibition is one way that this will be explored. The museum is housed in a former colonial organisation set up to show off Dutch colonial objects which contributed to the common perception that people from formerly colonised countries were inferior. Students will be able to learn about how the empire profited from its colonies, usurped their wealth and relied on slave labour and how in response to this, enslaved or colonised people resisted, showed resilience, and used their creativity. This will be linked to the current context by discussing concepts such as cultural appropriation and expression of identity.

Other activities may include reflecting on how history is shaped by visiting the Black Archives, a unique historical archive recording literature and a range of other resources documenting, Caribbean and African people in the Dutch context. Or to learn about the work of Imagine IC, an organization aiming to highlight the culture and identity of migrants as seen from their own perspective, through the lens of the multicultural community of Southeast Amsterdam. This will facilitate conversations on the importance of heritage and the importance of belonging in one’s local environment.

Students will be expected to actively participate in pre-trip sessions and discussions whilst overseas, sharing their reflections, perspectives and experiences on these topics and how this can also impact student life at De Montfort University.

Learning Objectives

Participating in a DMU Global opportunity can help you develop knowledge, skills, and competencies that enhance your studies. The objectives of this trip to Amsterdam are for students to:

Cultural Activities

While in the capital of the Netherlands and one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, students will have time to enjoy what Amsterdam has to offer in their free time. Take in more history and learn about how Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis for two years after fleeing persecution in Germany during World War II by visiting the Anne Frank House.

Discover world-famous art at Rijksmuseum or visit Vondelpark, which receives 10 million visitors per year and is Amsterdam’s largest park. Cycle around the city, spend some time in Amsterdam’s independent shopping streets or smell the tulips in the heart of the city as bulbs spill out of bouquets at the Bloemenmarkt.