Netherlands

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Connecting Coastal Resilience: From the Greater Houston Area to The Netherlands will bring together 14-16 University of Houston students to study how to design, fund, build, restore, and improve infrastructure for flood resilience. Prior to students going abroad to The Netherlands, they will develop an understanding of the Greater Houston Area’s cultural, political, financial, and technical approach to resilience through readings, meetings with local experts, and visits to sites like the Houston Ship Channel.

From May 18-27, 2026, they will immerse themselves in the Dutch approach to the same issue. Students will visit two Delta Works storm barriers, the Erasmus Bridge, the Rotterdam Port, and the original Dutch approach to living with water: pumping via windmills at the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Kinderdijk. They will learn from Dutch business and government leaders as well as faculty and students at TU Delft. Participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy a different culture through bike rides along Amsterdam’s canals, walks amongst historic windmills, and a self-guided tour in the Van Gogh Museum. The course and associated trip are open to undergraduate students in all majors.

*This course and trip  is a collaboration between the UH NAE Grand Challenge Scholars program in the Cullen College of Engineering and the Honors College.

Reserve your Spot!

NOTE: This page is under construction

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View Detailed Itinerary

TESTIMONIALS

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 “After spending 10 days in The Netherlands, I have learned so much about Coastal Resilience and how the country tackles it. There's numerous ideas that we can modify and implement here in Houston to make the city more resilient. I am grateful to have gone on this trip with amazing people as we immersed ourselves in Dutch culture. Definitely recommend for others to learn abroad if they have the chance!”

-Karina Montero, Honors Electrical Engineering Student

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“I gained valuable insights not only into Coastal Resilience but also into how culture and environment shape engineering and our daily experiences.”

-Gyan Andrei Gabilan, Honors Electrical Engineering Student

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“This trip was truly unforgettable! The wealth of experience, knowledge, and connections I garnered during this opportunity were incredibly valuable and will continue to stick with me. I also couldn’t have imagined a better group of people to explore the Dutch culture with!”

-Jenna Caratao, Honors Chemical Engineering Student

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“Definitely one of the biggest memories I have from UH.”

-Maria Paula Diaz, Civil Engineering Alumna

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FAQs

TBD
No. The trip is open to all undergraduate majors who are committed to learning about coastal resilience.
Yes. You need to enroll in the Spring Session 5 course ENGI 4198 Connecting Coastal Resilience (Course Number: 20074)
TBD
The trip will have one instructor, Prof. Alex Landon.
You will pay through your AccessUH Student Account just like you pay tuition.
Yes! You are responsible for getting a valid passport well in advance of the trip. Your passport should be valid for at least three months past your departure date from the Netherlands.  Please check out Passport for Coogs if you need support. 
It depends on the nationality of your passport. You can check here
Yes. All our hotels will have included wifi and many public spaces have free wifi. You can also set up an international data plan on your cell phone.