It is 20 years since SAE Institute opened its campus in Amsterdam. And in its anniversary year the venue is the fitting choice for the next Alumni Convention in October.
Text: Mehdi Benkirane, Photos: Silvan Jongerius and SAE Amsterdam
Having moved addresses twice since its opening, since 2004 the Amsterdam campus has gone on to establish itself in a custom built building in the northern part of the city. The decision to move to this industrial part of town could not have panned out any better. The city council in Amsterdam has encouraged creative companies to move their offices here. As a result, we could not have dreamed of having better neighbours who include: Universal Music, MTV/Viacom, Redbull, Massive Music, and the brand new Eye Film Museum – all within walking distance.
If that was not enough a tower block, previously the home of Holland’s top oil company Shell, will now accommodate a raft of businesses including additional music companies and a creative hub for the gaming industry. As we are within easy reach of the city centre, most students and staff alike get to come to our school in true Amsterdam style. Everyday, hundreds of SAE students hop on a bike, cycle for a few minutes, get on a ferry for a free five minute boat ride, then cycle for another couple of minutes to get to SAE.
The campus comprises four classrooms, four studios, a green screen room, four editing suites, and multiple workstations to accommodate our extensive range of courses. Everyday Audio Engineering, Digital Film Making, Web Design and Development, Game Design and Development, Cross-media Communication and Publishing students get together in what must be the most creative and culturally diverse building in the city.
Annually SAE Amsterdam welcomes more than 30 nationalities with Dutch, German, French, Moroccan, Icelandic, Australian, Brazilian, and Venezuelan students all on roll.
Aside from benefiting from state of the art creative equipment from the likes of Solid State Logic, Audient, Avid, Red, Sony, JVC, Wacom, Euphonix, students and staff really see the Amsterdam campus as a home where everyone is here to experience a fun education and workplace, whilst working towards and deploying serious qualifications. Consequently, the student experience here is unique.
Bruce Gibb
Led by head of the audio department, Bruce Gibb, SAE Amsterdam organises a host of events through the SAE Network Club. The SAE Network Club organises SAE DJ nights on a bi-monthly basis in a neighbouring establishment and, weather permitting, barbecue and beach parties.
Whether you are based in or around Amsterdam, on holiday or on a professional trip, or simply planning to visit this year’s Alumni Convention in October, why not drop by to see what we are about? There is no need for an appointment, we will be most happy to show you around.
Some quick SAE Amsterdam facts:
• Features include four studios, editing suites, and classrooms
• It has a green screen room
• Multiple workstations
• A true international and friendly atmosphere
• Based in a brilliant location
• Offers regular networking opportunities
http://amsterdam.sae.edu/en-gb/home/
