Van Dam studied Arabic Language and Islam, as well as Political and Social Sciences, in which he received a M.A. degree (doctorandus) cum laude from the University of Amsterdam in 1973.
Van Dam mempelajari Bahasa Arab dan Islam, serta Ilmu Pengetahuan Politik dan Sosial, yang membuatnya mendapatkan gelar M.A. (doktorandes) cum laude dari Universitas Amsterdam pada 1973.