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What does the program look like and what will I learn?
The program consists of four interrelated learning trajectories, which we kick off with two introductory days and conclude with a final show and the presentation of your Bildung certificate.
We kickstart the program with two festive intro days dedicated to getting to know the group and determining your personal starting point.
What does this learning path entail?
This learning path is about your identity and personal development. You learn to understand and strengthen your own strengths. How have you been shaped by your culture, upbringing, and our societal system? What is your mission and vision? You learn to think constructively and deal with differences, irritations, and prejudices.
Including guest lecturer: Jaap Voigt
Whatis passion, and how do you express it? Jaap was once a geologist and a professional hockey player. He advises his students: 'You think you have to become what the outside world expects of you. Can you please stop doing that?
What does this learning path entail?
What do we understand by expression? How do you translate a concept into words or images? In this learning path, you will get to know and express your passions and ideas in a way that suits you well. Work on your persuasiveness and self-confidence through speaking, writing, and debating.
Including guest lecturer: Marijn Moerman
Marijnis a theater teacher and philosopher. Expression is not about being extroverted, but about finding a form of expression that fits your experience, feelings and thoughts. How do you develop your own creativity?
What does this learning path entail?
In this learning path, you expand your knowledge about current topics that affect our personal lives and shape our society, such as digitalization, discrimination, and climate change. You learn to form and support your own judgments.
Including guest lecturer: Haroon Sheikh.
Haroonis associate professor of Strategic Governance of Global Technologies and researches the opportunities and consequences of artificial intelligence for society and the economy. What does AI mean for the world, for the Netherlands and for yourself? How do we deal with it together?
What does this learning path entail?
Inthis module, you use everything you've learned to make choices about what you consider important. From there, you learn how to take action. We employ methods like deep democracy and visualizations to assist you in making an impact in your personal and professional life, as well as in society.
Including guest lecturer: Tiffany Gritzalis
Theart of storytelling is ancient. As an applied psychologist and trainer, Tiffany knows that storytelling can help you connect with yourself, others and the world. How do you write and tell a story with impact?
We conclude the program with a final show and the presentation of your Bildung certificate. We do not assess based on grades; instead, we foster self-awareness, creativity, discipline, the power to connect, and a growth mindset. So, no exams, but a portfolio that you build throughout the program.
Your Bildung Certificate
You will receive your Bildung certificate when your portfolio is complete, consisting of:
- Your presentation during the final show, such as an exhibition, film or workshop
- You obtained 360 degree feedback on your development and your formulated learning goals
- Your reflection on your own development
Where it takes place
Physical locations
The program will take place in Amsterdam, at CREA on Nieuwe Achtergracht 170. We will also use other inspiring locations in the city and you will shape your own education with your input on things like trainers and locations.
Start and end date
The next round of the Bildung Semester program will start in 2025. Exact start dates will be announced later.
Personal and open education
Good education is not about grades. Among other things, we develop self-knowledge, connecting strength, creativity, discipline and growth mindset to function well and live a meaningful life.
Make choices that suit you
Discover more about who you are and what matters to you. With the program, you will increase your professional skills, interdisciplinary knowledge and network to better guide your personal and working life.
Learn to express yourself persuasively
Self-expression with conviction. You learn to better understand and express your passions and ideas in an inspiring way that suits you. Build your self-confidence in presenting, writing, and debating
Strengthen your contribution to society
From personal transformation to societal transformation. Explore societal challenges together with your coaches, fellow students and experts. Such as the effect of digitalization on your life, sexuality, inclusion and sustainability.
Build lasting relationships
Connecting with yourself and with others, you engage in open conversations and build lasting relationships. No mass lectures, but creative forms of work with attention to an open and safe mutual atmosphere.
Be surprised and inspired
A bildung trainer from The Bildung Academy will guide you during the course in terms of content and organization. In addition, guest experts from The Bildung Network make an inspiring contribution. We operate in education, science, art, the public sector and sustainable business.
Jan Geurtz
Haroon Sheikh
Merel Overgaag
Tiffany Gritzalis
Klaas van Egmond
These are stories from other participants
Odette Kuipers
Alumna | Social Sciences
For me, Bildung means giving your personal development a big boost. Putting knowledge into practice, discovering your own strengths and weaknesses and learning how to shape them in today's society.
Vincent Vegt
Alumnus | Business Administration
What I like about Het Halfjaarprogramma is that you end up in a group of enthusiastic people who all want to work on themselves in some way and learn from each other.
Ylke van der Zwet
Alumna | Astronomy
Among other things, I learned about deep democracy, storytelling, inspiration and developed my creativity, critical thinking and connecting powers. I now better understand how to make skills impact on an individual and societal level. Absolutely recommended!
Pablo Cantatore
Alumnus | Artist
You get access to opportunities, tools and a large network to think about concepts that make the city more beautiful. Joining Ambassadors of Amsterdam made me decide not to go to college and choose my own path.
Ammeke Kateman
Islam scientist | University of Amsterdam
Learning about your own voice use, posture/gestures and speaking style is sometimes confronting, but also liberating. The group was close and supportive, and we helped each other to move forward. An extraordinary, but also just plain fun experience. Fortunately, there was a lot to laugh about.
Michiel Beenen
Alumnus | StadsMakers | Physical Therapy
I found it very cool to get in touch with many different organizations and people through my participation in StadsMakers, which increased my network. In addition, I now see that an awful lot is possible if you put yourself out there.
Anne van der Krol
Alumna | A Broader Mind | Formation in Fluid Times
My first introduction to the Bildung Academy was an instant breath of fresh air, I immediately felt fire. Education that engages all your senses, takes your continuous personal development as its starting point without losing sight of our (invisible) environment.
Roos Herings
Alumna Semester Program | Psychology Student
The Half-Year Program is a free, innovative learning environment that encourages you to get in touch with yourself, the people around you and the world around you. I have come to know my own voice and gained more confidence in walking my own path.
Floris Witteveen
Alumnus | Semester Program | Communication Studies
I found the Bildung Semester program super valuable. It gave me the chance to develop in new areas that don't always get attention in the regular offerings. I better understand who I am, how I relate to others and what I want to mean in this world.
One-time payment or in 3 installments
It is possible to pay the amount at once or in three installments. You then pay a fixed amount each month. You pay the first instalment before the start of the program.
We can always help you talk to your employer about possibilities to make it fit within your career budget.
10% discount if you pay it all at once
10% discount if you pay in one lump sum and are among the first 10 admitted participants.
Make choices that suit you
Learn to express yourself persuasively
Strengthen your contribution to society
Build lasting relationships
Make choices that suit you
Learn to express yourself persuasively
Strengthen your contribution to society
Build lasting relationships
