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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. Students will attend class and participate in field trips during the week and will have free time to travel on weekends. 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

CRIMJ 499 European Criminal Justice (6 credits, required)

CRIMJ 496 Independent Study in Europe (3 credits, optional)

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 Penn State students and students from other institutions 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 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 2012 Summer Abroad programs.

Expenses NOT covered are: (American dollars; estimated)

• passport
• personal expenses
• optional excursions
• round-trip airfare (approximately $1,200 plus tax)
• meals

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

Estimated Tuition (6 to 9 credits)

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 $681 per credit.

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

Tuition (6 credits) $4,086 in-state/out-of-state

Tuition (9 credits) $6,129 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.

Published rates are effective for fall 2011 and spring 2012.

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 $6,881 ($1,000 nonrefundable deposit applies to the class fee) includes tuition as well as the class fee.

Total Program Fee (9 credits) The estimated program fee of $8,924 ($1,000 nonrefundable deposit applies to the class fee) includes tuition as well as the class fee.

Information Technology Fee: 1 to 4.5 credits, $82; 5 to 8.5 credits, $180; 9 or more credits, $240

Financial Aid

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

Refunds

All cancellations must be received by the 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.

How to Apply

Students are limited to one application in the Summer Education Abroad registration database; however, if dates allow, applicants may participate in more than one program.

If you are interested in having your application ‘copied’ to additional programs, please email summerabroad@outreach.psu.edu. The $1,000 nonrefundable deposit must be submitted for each program in order for the applications to be complete. The deposits are later credited to the class fee or refunded if the student is not accepted. Please email summerabroad@outreach.psu.edu if you have any questions.

Submit your online application through Penn State Education Abroad.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 22, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. 

Deposit: The $1,000 nonrefundable deposit must be submitted to complete an application. If the student is not accepted, the deposit is refunded. Otherwise, the deposit is applied to the class fee.

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 planner at 814-865-4591.

Space may be available after the application deadline. Please contact the 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
Email: hbs103@psu.edu

Regarding application process:
Judy Meder, Conference Planner
The Pennsylvania State University
240 Outreach Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-4591
Fax: 814-865-3749
Email: SummerAbroad@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 scholarship information, visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarships web page.