Sorry, I just saw this (need to check out this site a bit more often-
Yes, the lofty attrition rate is quite real. My son- a first year student- hopes that the university would eventually make the degree path numerus fixus, as Leiden just did with their IRO program. The initial year is very intense with hundreds of pages of reading for every course. My son has an International Baccalaureate, but says this program is a marked step up in intensity. His friends in the program come from Italy, Portugal, Pakistan,Norway,Uruguay, England, New England, Czech Republic, and The Netherlands,of course. It is a great international learning experience. He considered Leiden, but his primary interest is in public policy and governance as opposed to international relations. The UvA offers 4 concentrations in political science (public policy/governance, International relations,political theory, and comparative politics) as opposed to Leiden's sole emphasis on international relations. The first year program at the UvA delves into all four areas, though he reports that most of the students he knows plan on an international relations focus (apparently that is in vogue these days.) I cannot give you exact numbers on enrollment and the Dutch/international student ratio...but I believe you can find that on the website, which was recently redesigned. Amsterdam is not inexpensive, unless compared to the likes of London,New York, or San Francisco. The housing office at the UvA has recently been under some controversy for allegedly housing students in unsafe areas. One student in university approved housing had a bullet fly through her 8th floor window,for example, in a publicized case. I went proactive, and got my son excellent (albeit expensive) accommodations at The Student Hotel, Amsterdam City,which is in the eastern part of the city in the knowledge corridor of the Plantage district, I think they call it. Anyway, less that a 10 minute bike ride from campus or a quick Metro ride. The housing office has a deal with the other TSH on the west side of the city...but it is far from campus and adjacent to one of the "no-go zones" that aren't suppose to exist, but do (just ask that girl on the 8th floor.) Some of my son's friends pay as little as 400-500 Euros per month for more than decent housing in nice areas,but they are quite a way from the campus,and in some cases outside the city proper. TSH only allows residents a one year stay, so he has already begun scouting out housing for next year. That is a much easier and less intimidating task once you are living in the city,and have become conversant with its neighborhoods and transportation options. He loves the experience of living and studying in a great city like Amsterdam. He says there is always a buzz in the air. We visited Leiden, Groningen,Maastricht, and Utrecht, and all of them had much to offer,but Amsterdam casts a spell,and my son fell under it. I am visiting Amsterdam this spring, so I will be able to get a further report from the source, but as of this time,he is completely satisfied with the UvA experience, and voices no regrets. Good luck with your search for the right university...