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The 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 four-week program will deal with issues of criminal justice from a Dutch perspective and will explore such issues as the history of this approach, its rationale, and the way it works out in daily practice. We will also take a look at recent changes, such as in the globalization of the economy and the threat of international terrorism, which changed the "crime landscape" in The Netherlands.

More specifically, the program will deal with Dutch criminal law and the functioning of the Dutch criminal justice system (police, courts, prisons, etc.). Many of these issues will be covered from a comparative perspective. Comparisons will refer to the United States but also to other European countries.

The lecturers in this program will come from different backgrounds and will include academics, policy makers, and professionals in the field. The program will be hosted by Avans University, where most of the classes will be held. Another part of the program will be field trips. Trips in recent years have included visits to a World War II concentration camp, a police station, a prison, a rehab program for addicts, an international court, and the Red Light District in Amsterdam.

Courses Offered

The program is 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 our own. The students will observe Dutch ideology and practice in the design, rationale, and implementation of criminal justice.

The two courses taken together may be used to satisfy the internship requirement in the administration of justice major. Students taking the independent study credits must complete a research paper on some aspect of the Dutch justice system.

Eligibility

The program is open to all students with a minimum 2.5 grade-point average. Applicants are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to apply early, as enrollment is limited.

Faculty

The students will be accompanied to Hertogenbosch by Dr. Howard Smith. Dr. Smith holds a law degree from the University of Wisconsin and a doctorate in administration of justice from Penn State. He taught criminal justice at Penn State Fayette, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Pittsburgh before returning to Penn State University Park in 2004 as a senior lecturer in crime, law, and justice. Dr. Smith won the Penn State Justice Association’s Teacher of the Year Award in 2006.

The class will be taught primarily by various professors in The Netherlands and other guest lecturers. All are authorities on crime and the Dutch justice system.

 

Expenses

The total program fee includes two components: tuition (based on the number of credits) and a class fee (based on activities and location). All the students will pay the in-state tuition rate for 2010 Summer Abroad programs.

Expenses NOT covered are:

• passport
• personal expenses
• optional excursions
• round-trip airfare (approximately $1,000 plus tax)
• some meals
• textbooks and supplies

Estimated Tuition

Out-of-state students will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate until the first day of the program. At that time, the students’ bursar account will be adjusted to reflect the in-state tuition rate of $613 per credit.

In-state students will pay tuition according to their standing and the Penn State tuition schedule.

Tuition (6 credits) $3,678 in-state/out-of-state
Tuition (9 credits) $5,517 in-state/out-of-state

The University reserves the right to revise the schedule of tuition and charges without further notice. For more information on tuition, visit http://tuition.psu.edu.

 Class Fee

The class fee of $2,795 includes insurance, room, board, and transportation in The Netherlands.

Estimated Total Program Fee

Total Program Fee (6 credits) The estimated program fee of $6,473 includes tuition as well as the class fee.
Total Program Fee (9 credits) The estimated program fee of $8,312 includes tuition as well as the class fee.

Financial Aid

For alternative grant, loan, and minority and Whole World scholarship information, visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarships Web page.

Refunds

All cancellations must be received by the conference planner, in writing, by mail or fax. Do not use eLion; it does not remove you from the course, and you will be held responsible for all fees. Full refunds minus the nonrefundable $1,000 application fee will be made for cancellations received at least thirty days prior to the first day of the program. Refund requests made after that time will not be honored, and the participant or sponsoring organization will be responsible for the fees.

Information Technology Fee: 1 to 4.5 credits, $78; 5 to 8.5 credits, $170; 9 or more credits, $230

For passport information, visit www.travel.state.gov/passport/index.html.

How to Apply

Financial assistance: The Student Support Initiative for Penn State undergraduates enrolling in our Summer Education Abroad programs will continue for summer 2010. If you would like to be considered for such an award, please indicate this in the required short essay you will submit with your application. Include the reasons why you should receive financial assistance.

Online registration will be available soon.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 18, 2010

Cancellation: The University may cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, the University will refund registration fees but cannot be held responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.

Access: Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the conference planner at 814-863-1738.

Space may be available after the application deadline. Please contact the conference planner to determine availability and/or to be added to the waiting list.

Contact Us

Regarding program content:
Dr. Howard Smith
Lecturer in Crime, Law, and Justice
The Pennsylvania State University
211 Oswald Tower
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-8868
E-mail: hbs103@psu.edu

Regarding application process:
Cindy Stearns, Conference Planner
The Pennsylvania State University
225 The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-1738
Fax: 814-865-3749
E-mail: ConferenceInfo2@outreach.psu.edu

Regarding financial aid:
Office of Student Aid
The Pennsylvania State University
314 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6301

For alternative grant, loan, and minority and Whole World scholarship information, visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarships Web page.