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WIU professors Heather McIlvaine-Newsad and Susan Czechowski will lead a study abroad course to Amsterdam in May 2027.
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WIU Faculty to Lead "Cannabis & Culture in Amsterdam" Study Abroad Course in May 2027

November 5, 2026

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University students can spend 10 days in May 2027 in the Netherlands through a new faculty-led study abroad course, "Cannabis & Culture in Amsterdam." The course carries Spring 2027 credit as Anthropology 379/679 or Art History 379/679 and is open to all undergraduate and graduate students.

Led by Anthropology professor Heather McIlvaine-Newsad and Art History professor Susan Czechowski, the course explores Amsterdam through two lenses: anthropology and art.

Students will study the history, economics, politics and culture of cannabis in the Netherlands, home to one of the world's best-known cannabis policies. They will also trace the region's artistic heritage, from 17th century Dutch painting to Post-Impressionism and the bold colors and geometric forms of De Stijl. Time in Amsterdam's museums, neighborhoods and canals turns the city itself into the classroom.

"Study abroad courses are not just about going to new places, but learning new ways to think," McIlvaine-Newsad and Czechowski said.

Preregistration is required. Interested students are encouraged to attend one of three informational meetings:


  • 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, Garwood Hall 10

  • 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, Morgan Hall 307

  • 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, University Art Gallery

For more information, contact McIlvaine-Newsad at h-mcilvaine-newsad@wiu.edu or Czechowski, sa-moore1@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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