crossing borders 2010-2011
Studying abroad
Selection practical matters
Possibilities various exchange programmes
What is your Destination?
What to do?
Steps to take
Introduction “Crossing borders” is published by the Office of International Student Affairs (BIS) at the University of Amsterdam. There are many reasons for spending time abroad during your university studies. It can be good for your personal development, introduce you to a different system of education and enrich your knowledge of other cultures. And, of course, it looks great on your CV.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzu Chinese philosopher (604 BC - 531 BC)
In this brochure you will find information about the options available. You could spend an entire semester, or even a year, at a university abroad. Or you might prefer to take part in a summer school or an international student conference. We hope that this brochure marks the first step on your path to study without borders. Office of International Student Affairs (BIS) Willeke Jeeninga
Colofon
This magazine is published once per academic year and is meant for students who would like to do an exchange programme or internship in another country. Circulation: 2.000, October 2010 Editorial address: University of Amsterdam, International Student Affairs, Binnengasthuisstraat 9, 1012 ZA Amsterdam, internationaal-sts@uva.nl Photos: Matthias Bakker, Esme Cartens, Dirk Gillissen, Georgia Haagsma, Marieke Hökberg, Willeke Jeeninga, Hulya Kilicaslan, Merel Laroy, Anna Leidreiter, Ania Lukasiewicz, Nicholas Man, Erkan Ozsen, Heleen Schols, Jindra Span, Wilbert van Woensel, Korea University, San Francisco State University, Stellenbosch University, Universidad Costa Rica, University of Capetown, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Toronto. Lay-out and editing: Student Services University of Amsterdam Magazine printer: Hub. Tonnaer b.v. Disclaimer: No rights can be derived from this publication. Reproduction of this publication, in any form whatsoever, is only allowed after prior approval by International Student Affairs UvA (BIS). Cover Photo 1st prize BIS-Photo Contest 2009 Diederik van der Wees University of Otago Dunedin Nieuw-Zeeland
www.english.uva.nl/international
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Options UvA-wide exchanges The UvA Office of International Student Affairs (Bureau Internationale Studentenzaken, BIS) coordinates all exchange programmes at the university level. These are known as UvA-wide bilateral exchanges, and students of any subject can participate in them. Under the agreements covering them, participants remain enrolled at the UvA and continue to pay tuition fees to us. Credits earned at the host institution are converted to ECTS credits after you return. These exchanges are coordinated and administered by the BIS. But it is up to you find all the necessary information about the programme you want to take. You can also ask your study adviser for assistance
Faculty and Erasmus exchanges These are programmes arranged directly between your own faculty and its counterpart at a university abroad. Although such exchanges can be anywhere in the world, in practice most are within Europe and are organised under the auspices of the Erasmus
Programme (a student mobility scheme backed by the European Union). To find out more about this option, contact the International coordinator (contactpersoon internationalisering) at your own faculty. The addresses are on page 31 of this brochure.
Universitas 21 Founded in 1997, Universitas 21 (U21) is a network of more than 20 respected research universities in 13 countries. Its aim is to forge intensive cooperative links in a wide range of areas, including summer schools, academic exchanges and research. A number of U21 partners offer UvA students special benefits if they choose them for an exchange. For more information, see www.uva.nl/internationaal.
Exchange via ISEP International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP) is a multilateral non-profit organisation that facilitates exchanges between member universities in the United States and affiliates throughout the rest of the world. There are about 150
American universities to choose from under this scheme. Among those universities are: • Central Washington University • San Jose State University • University of Utah • Withworth University • Loyola University New Orleans See www.isep.org for links to all the participating universities.
Making your own arrangements If you would like to study in a country or at a university not covered by an existing exchange agreement, you will need to make your own arrangements. First consider what course or specialisation you want to take, and where. For assistance, contact your faculty’s International Officer or the UvA Service and Information Centre. You are also strongly advised to consult your tutors or study adviser – they may have international contacts and be able to recommend a suitable course or university.
Erasmus Placement Grants If you plan to take up a work placement within Europe, you may qualify for an Erasmus Placement Grant from the EU. Ask your faculty’s International Officer for details. These grants are available to students who intend to spend at least three months in full-time work. The amount depends upon where you go and for how long, and also takes into account your student financing and any pay you will receive from your employer. For more information, see www.nuffic.nl/erasmus (in Dutch only).
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Wilweg.nl For everything you need to know about studying abroad, whether you are interested in a complete programme, an exchange or a traineeship. Includes some information in English.
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The UvA takes part in a number of student conferences.
UNIVERSITAS 21
BRIGHT
UNICA
The Universitas 21 (U21) consortium organises two student conferences each year: the Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) at Bachelor’s level and the Graduate Research Conference (GRC) at Master’s level. At these events, students present their research, dissertation or thesis in an international setting. U21 is an alliance of 21 leading universities from all over the world. For more information, see www.universitas21.com.
Bright conferentie is een 4-daagse coBright is a four-day conference organised by students, for students. More than 200 delegates can attend, drawn from members of the League of European Research Universities (LERU). The aim of the event is to forge new ideas related to Europe and the world. The UvA sends a delegation of talented Master’s degree students. Participation is free. For more information, see www.leru.org.
Once every two years, the members of the UNICA network (Universities from the Capitals of Europe) hold a student conference on a variety of European themes. About 250 delegates attend, from thirty universities. This event is aimed at interested Bachelor’s degree students. BIS is responsible for selecting and supervising the UvA delegation. For more information, see www.unica-network.eu.
At the UvA, BIS recruits and selects delegates for all the above conferences.
International Student Conferences Crossing borders
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Work placements abroad
Information and support
A work placement, traineeship or internship in another country is a unique way to put the knowledge and experience you have gained in the Netherlands into practice in an international setting. Options include working for a company, a public-sector body or a non-profit organisation. As there are no UvA schemes for such placements, however, you will need to find an employer and make all the arrangements yourself. Be warned: this can be an expensive and time-consuming process. And, once abroad, you are likely to be ‘on your own’, as the UvA is unable to provide supervision or support services.
For information about work placements abroad, contact your faculty’s Placements Officer (stagecoördinator) or your study adviser. Some faculties have a special information point for queries about international placements. For answers to general questions, you can also consult BIS or the Student Career Centre.
Summer schools
away from home, a summer course or school could be the answer. Contrary to popular belief, summer schools are not confined to language courses. In fact, they cover a wide range of subjects. And universities all over the world organise them – many more than we can list here. Often, you will find a special link to the summer programme
General
Time studying abroad gives you opportunity to discover a different educational system, another culture or a new language. However, if you are unable to spend an entire semester or longer
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“I've spent a whole week with a group of nice students and I had to give a presentation, in one word, great!” Robert Noest, Undergraduate Research Conference University of Melbourne, Australië
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on their website. One point to check: can you earn credits to put towards your studies at the UvA.
BIS summer programmes A number of UvA partner institutions offer summer programmes for our students on an exchange basis. They include Korea University and Yonsei University in Seoul, Hunter College in New York and the University of Toronto.
After graduation As a graduate, you may be able to obtain a grant to continue you studies abroad. There are several options:
VSB Grants The VSB Grant (VSB-beurs) scheme is operated by a private fund, the Stichting VSB-Fonds. It finances recent Master’s graduates who want to continue their
studies abroad in order to extend or deepen their knowledge. About 15 grants, worth up to €10,000 each, are available to UvA students each year. To qualify, you have to graduate by the end of the following calendar year in which you apply and be no more than 29 years old at the time. Applications must be submitted through the UvA. For more information, contact the Service & Information Centre. The closing date for applications is the end of February. See also www.vsbfonds.nl/beurzen (in Dutch only).
qualify, you need to have graduated – at the Bachelor’s or Master’s level – with excellent marks. You can then choose the institution abroad at which you would like to continue your studies, although your programme there must follow on directly from your Dutch degree. For details of how and when to apply, see www.wilweg.nl (in Dutch only). For other scholarships options, see pg. 26 ●
Huygens Scholarships The Huygens Scholarship Programme (HSP) has been established by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science to give talented students the chance to gain international learning and research experience. About 50 full grants are available nationally each year. To
Ania Lukasiewicz, Yonsei University summer school, South Korea Why did you choose Yonsei University Summer School? I very much wanted to go abroad during my studies, preferably to Japan or South Korea. And when I came across the Yonsei University Summer School programme on the BIS website, my choice was made very quickly. The advantage of a summer school is that it doesn’t delay your studies. And I didn’t need a visa, either.
What kind of institution is Yonsei University Summer School? Yonsei was one of the first universities in South Korea to adopt Western-style education. What I really appreciated was the wide range of courses on offer. You aren’t just there to learn Korean – that’s not even compulsory, although it is great fun – you can also study history or political subjects.
Coaching overseas students
Do you have any tips for future exchange students? It helps to plan your time well. Before you go, make a list of things you want to do and see, and how best you can go about that. Otherwise you’ll be back home before you know it.
One great way to make international contacts and to learn about other cultures is to volunteer as a coach for overseas students. You show them around Amsterdam and act as their first point of contact here during their introductory period. The coaching scheme is organised by the International Student Network (ISN), which helps new overseas students to find their feet and fit in at the UvA. For more information, contact ISN through www. isn-amsterdam.nl.
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Below, in chronological order, are the steps you need to take when planning and applying to study abroad.
Planning and applying Orientation General
To begin with, it’s very important that you build up a clear picture of where you want to go and why, and what you want to study. Good preparation is half the work, so start planning well in advance. And bear in mind the application deadlines for the various exchange programmes open to you. In most cases you will need to apply at least six months before you take up your place, and sometimes more than a year ahead.
Step 1: UvA websites Start by consulting your own faculty’s website and the BIS pages at www.uva.nl/internationaal. Here you can find out what exchange programmes are available.
Step 2: fact sheets A fact sheet has been compiled for each UvA-wide exchange programme. This contains all the information you need to prepare for your time abroad. The fact sheets are available both online, at www. uva.nl/internationaal, and on paper from the Service and Information Centre.
Step 3: Host university websites Take a good look at the websites of universities that interest you. In particular, study the range of courses offered by relevant faculties and the facilities available to exchange students. Links to UvA partner universities can be found at www.uva.nl/internationaal.
Step 4: UvA Service and & Information Centre The Service and & Information Centre (SIC) has a great deal of material to help you. This includes prospectuses and study guides from partner universities, as well as information about summer schools. It can also provide reports written by students who have previously attended the universities that interest you.
Step 5: Study adviser and faculty International Officer Once you have some idea where and what you want to study abroad, it is advisable to contact your study adviser and/or the International Officer (contactpersoon internationalisering) at your own faculty. They can provide specific recommendations about which
courses to choose and how these fit into your overall curriculum.
Step 6: Study Abroad Fair and other events Each year, the UvA and the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, University of Applied Sciences (HvA) hold a large Study Abroad Fair (Buitenlandmanifestatie). This can provide you with a wealth of information. It includes sessions on various aspects of studying or training abroad, as well as an ‘information market’ with representatives from many cultural and educational organisations. Also on hand are experts from Student Services and the individual faculties. Past exchange students are also present to tell you about their experiences. In addition, throughout the year both the faculties and Student Services organise a range of workshops and meetings on the theme of studying abroad. These are announced at www.uva.nl/internationaal.
New UvA wide exchange partners • University of Queensland Australia • University of Auckland New Zealand • University of Nottingham-Ningbo China • Korea University South Korea • University of British Colombia Canada • Baruch College United States • Hunter College United States • University of Connecticut United States • University of Virginia United States • Caïro University Egypt
Step 7: BIS information sessions If you have any questions about studying abroad, you can call or visit BIS during its regular office hours for students. For times, location and the telephone number, see www.uva.nl/internationaal.
Campus universities
Applications General
To apply for one of the UvA-wide exchange programmes, you need to compile a personal dossier. This is a key
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico University of Otago University of Minnesota Simon Fraser University Universidad Costa Rica
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City universities University of Toronto University of Melbourne University of Illinois at Chicago University of Hong kong New School
‘Start as soon as you can with orientating for your exchange; being properly prepared is half the battle’
Sport facilities University of Calgary University of Nebraska-Lincoln Montana State University Emory University Hong Kong Baptist University
Popular student cities* Beijing- Peking University Montreal - McGill University Tokyo - KEIO University Jerusalem - Hebrew University of Jerusalem Seoul - Yonsei University *Source Nobiles top 40
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factor in the selection procedure, so it must demonstrate your motivation to study abroad.
Step 1: apply for one or more exchanges You can apply for up to two destinations at each programme deadline. If you do apply for two, you must designate a first and second choice. You will also need to write a separate letter of motivation for each. If both applications are rejected, you can try again at a later deadline. Once you accept a place on an exchange, you cannot apply for another one.
Step 2: attend information meetings In the months leading up to a deadline, the BIS organises a number of meetings about the destinations and options available. To help you compile your dossier, you can also attend the workshop Ik wil weg. For dates, see www.uva.nl/internationaal.
Step 3: feedback on your CV and letter of motivation Before you submit your application, the Student Careers Centre (Loopbaan Advies Centrum, LAC) can provide you with feedback about your letter of motivation and CV. During the run-up to the BIS deadline, it organises special sessions for this purpose. The exact dates are announced at the Ik wil weg workshop and on the BIS website.
Step 4: compile your dossier You can compile and then submit your dossier online. There is a link to the application system at www.uva.nl/ internationaal > English > Practical matters > How to apply. Also available here are tips for writing a letter of motivation and a CV.
by the BIS Admissions Committee. Their details are then forwarded to the partner university. Nominated students are almost always accepted by host institutions, but the final decision is theirs. In the case of the US International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP), BIS nominates candidates but responsibility for actual placement at one of the participating American universities rests with the ISEP office in Washington DC. The chances of being accepted are greater on some programmes than others. It all depends upon how many places are available and the popularity of the universities in question. If applying for a popular programme, it is therefore advisable to include a second choice.
Selectiecritiria In principle, you need to have accumulated at least 120 ECTS credits by the time your exchange begins. In selecting candidates, the Admissions Committee pays particular attention to the following items: • your reasons for wanting to take part in the exchange, both academic and personal; • your CV, with special reference to extracurricular activities such as mentoring, first-year or international students. Other voluntary work is an advantage; • your academic progress so far, in terms of pace and average marks; • the relevance of your intended studies abroad to your programme at the UvA; • academic reference letter. If the number of good applications exceeds the places available, we may also try to select candidates evenly across the UvA faculties.
Selection
Process
The initial selection of candidates for UvA-wide exchanges is carried out
The Admissions Committee meets no later than two weeks after the deadline for applications, to select candidates for nomination to the partner universities.
General
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University exchange programmes
Under an exchange scheme, two universities in effect ‘“swap’” students for a while. To do this, they first have to reach agreement about the number of students to include, the length of the exchange and the admission requirements. These cover such matters as language skills and academic background. The exchange destinations open to UvA students are indicated on the maps of each continent. Alongside these you will find descriptions of all UvA’s partner universities in the region, together with links to their websites. World maps: www.wereldkaart-uva.nl Exchange partners: www.uva.nl/internationaal
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Europe
www.wereldkaart-uva.nl
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Erasmus Programme To study elsewhere in Europe, by far the greatest number of opportunities are provided by the EU-subsidised Erasmus Programme. This allows you to attend a university abroad for anything between three months and a full academic year. Most students are entitled to a grant worth approximately €200 a month during their exchange. Erasmus agreements are made between individual faculties, so contact your own faculty’s International Officer for details of the options open to you and how to apply. For general information about your faculty’s partners, consult its brochure or website. You can also find a list by faculty at www.uva.nl/internationaal > Study abroad > Possibilities > Studying within Europe. For more information, see also www.nuffic.nl/erasmus (in Dutch only).
Rusland In Russia you can attend Saint Petersburg State University. With 19 faculties and 15 research institutes, this institution welcomes some 4,500 exchange students each year, from more than 90 countries. To study here, a good command of the Russian language is required. International students are given the opportunity to learn more of the language during their stay. For further information, contact the Dutch Institute in Saint Petersburg.
Turkije Although exchanges with Turkey fall within the Erasmus Programme, the BIS rather than your faculty is responsible for their co-ordination and for student selection. We have a UvA-wide agreement with Boğaziçi University, an English-medium institution in Istanbul. This was founded in 1863 as the first American college outside the United States. Its campus is situated on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus. ●
Country
University
Number of places
Website
Remarks
Russia
Saint-Petersburg State University
1 full year or 2 single semesters
www.eng.spbu.ru
Good command of Russian required
Turkey
Boğaziçi University, Istanbul
2 full years or 4 single semesters
www.boun.edu.tr
Erasmus Programme all tuition in English
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Africa and Middle-East Egypt A new exchange opportunity is now available in Egypt. Founded in 1908, Cairo University was the country’s first public university. Our The UvA’s agreement is with the prestigious Faculty of Economics and Political Sciences (FEPS), where you can take courses taught in English.
Israel In Israel we the UvA exchanges students with both the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University. At the former you can attend the Rothberg International School or take a summer course in Hebrew, the so-called ‘“ULPAN’”. You can only study in Tel Aviv if you already have sufficient command of Hebrew (– international students are not admitted to the university’s English-medium courses).
South Africa The UvA has exchange agreements with two South African institutions: the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Stellenbosch University, both in Western Cape province. UCT is a broad university with more than 18,000 students. Teaching is in English. It is situated in the Rondebach suburb of Cape Town. Stellenbosch University, originally an Afrikaans institution, dominates the small town of the same name about 50 kilometres from Cape Town. Afrikaans remains the official language of instruction, but an increasing number of courses are now bilingual (Afrikaans and English). ●
www.wereldkaart-uva.nl
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Country
University
Number of places
Website
Remarks
Egypt
Caïro University
2 full years or 4 single semesters
www.feps.eun.eg
Faculty of Economics and Political Sciences (FEPS).
Israel
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
1 full year plus 3 ‘“ULPAN’” summer school places
www.huji.ac.il
Hebrew language course, plus wide range of courses taught in English.
Israel
Tel Aviv University
1 full year or 2 single semesters.
www.tau.ac.il
Good command of Hebrew required
South Africa
Stellenbosch University
3 full years or 6 single semesters.
www.sun.ac.za
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Australia and The academic year in Australia and New Zealand is very different from the Dutch one. The first semester runs from February to July, the second from July to December. In Australia the UvA has agreements with the University of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney and the University of Melbourne. Each has more than 35,000 students and all are strongly committed to internationalisation. The UNSW and UQ campuses are set in suburban locations, whilst Melbourne Uni – as students call it – is within walking distance of the city centre. In New Zealand we the UvA have has links with two institutions, the University of Otago and the University of Auckland. The University of Otago in Dunedin, on South Island, is the country’s oldest university. With more than 17,000 students – out of a total city population of 100,000 – it is a central part of local life. The University of Auckland, on North Island, is the largest in New Zealand. It has about 40,000 students reading a wide variety of subjects. Auckland itself is a large and friendly city. ●
www.wereldkaart-uva.nl
Country
University
Number of places
Website
Remarks
Australia
University of Melbourne
3 full years or 6 single semesters
www.unimelb.au
Universitas 21 partner; TOEFL or IELTS test required
Australia
University of New South Wales, Sydney
3 full years or 6 single semesters
www.unsw.edu.au
Universitas 21 partner
Australia
University of Queensland, Brisbane
2 full years or 4 single semesters
www.uq.edu.au
Universitas 21 partner; TOEFL or IELTS test required
New Zealand
University of Auckland
2 full years or 4 single semesters
www.auckland.ac.nz
Universitas 21 partner
New Zealand
University of Otago, Dunedin
3 full years or 6 single semesters
www.otago.ac.nz
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New Zealand
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Latin America
www.wereldkaart-uva.nl
“In return for teaching students your language, they give you Spanish lessons”. Lotte Zoontjes, Pontifica Universidad Católica, Chili Crossing borders
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Country
University
Number of places
Website
Remarks
Argentina
Universidad Torcuato di Tella, Buenos Aires
4 single semesters
www.utdt.edu
Good command of Spanish required; Faculty of Economics and Business has faculty agreement
Argentina
Ponticia Universidad Católica Argentina, Buenos Aires
2 full years or 4 single semesters.
www.uca.edu.ar
Good command of Spanish required
Chile
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago
2 full years or 4 single semesters.
www.puc.cl
Good command of Spanish required; Faculty of Economics and Business has faculty agreement
Costa Rica
Universidad Costa Rica, San José
2 full years or 4 single semesters.
www.ucr.ac.cr
Good command of Spanish required
Mexico
Universidad de las Américas, Puebla
2 full years or 4 single semesters.
www.udlap.mx
Good command of Spanish required;
Mexico
Unversidad National Autónoma de Mexico, Mexico-city
2 full years or 4 single semesters.
www.unam.mx
Good command of Spanish required
Argentina
Costa Rica
The UvA has two exchange partners in Buenos Aires. Universidad Torcuato di Tella (UTDT) is a small private university with courses in Economics, History, International Relations, Political Science and Law. All teaching is in Spanish, so a good command of the language is required. With about 12,000 students, the Universidad Católica Argentina (UCA) is one of the largest and best private universities in Argentina. Again, you must be competent in Spanish to attend.
In Costa Rica you can go on exchange at the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) in San José. For this exchange you will need sufficient knowledge of the Spanish language in order to complete the courses successfully. Only a limited number of courses is taught in English. The main campus of the University of Costa Rica is located in San Pedro de Montes de Oca, which is a couple of miles to the East of San José. This university contains of five main departments: Liberal Arts, Basic Sciences, Engineering, Architecture and Health Science. These departments consist of various faculties, ‘schools’ and subdepartments. There are approximately 30,000 students studying at the University of Costa Rica.
Chile In Chile you can attend the Pontificia Universidad Católica (PUC). Catering to about 20,000 students, this institution is spread across a number of campuses in the capital, Santiago. As one of Chile’s largest and most prestigious universities, the PUC is very committed to internationalisation. All teaching is in Spanish, though, and international students must pass a language test upon arrival.
Mexico In Mexico you can study at two universities: the Universidad Nacional Autónoma Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City and the Universidad de las Américas (UDLAP) in Puebla. In both cases, however, a more than basic command of Spanish is required. You need to be able to follow teaching at an academic level in the language. UDLAP, a small private university, does offer a few courses taught in English, though. UNAM, on the other hand, is a large state university with more than 100,000 students. ●
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Asia
China The UvA has been exchanging students with universities in China for more than twenty 20 years now. Partners include Peking University (PKU) and Xiamen University, where you can join a language programme for a semester or a full year. If you have sufficient knowledge of Mandarin Chinese, you may also be able join courses taught in it. Xiamen University offers a number of graduate modules taught in English. If your knowledge of Mandarin is limited but you’ would still like to study in mainland China, then from 2011 it is possible to join our new exchange programme with the University of Nottingham Ningbo. At this satellite campus of the UK institution, all teaching is in English. In Hong Kong we have exchange agreements with the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). Both offer programmes taught in English.
Japan In Japan you can study at Hiroshima University, Keio University or Waseda University. The last two of these are located in Tokyo, the capital, and are amongst the country’s most prestigious universities. As well as Japanese language courses, all three institutions offer special programmes taught in English for international students.
Singapore The UvA has been exchanging students with the University of Singapore (NUS) since 1998. This highly respected institution operates in a multicultural, multifaith setting. Studying in Singapore provides a unique encounter with this wealthy, hard-working and beautiful Asian city state, at a university where English is the main language of instruction.
www.wereldkaart-uva.nl
“(…) Although sometimes I just fell into bed, worn out from a day at the university, and slept until dinnertime, every minute was worth it. It’s a real challenge learning an entirely different language from scratch”. Daan Kamps – Keio University, Japan
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Country
University
Number of places
Website
Remarks
China
Hong Kong Baptist University
2 full years or 4 single semesters
www.hkbu.edu.hk
Wide range of courses taught in English
China
University of Hong Kong
3 full years or 6 single semesters
www.hku.hk
Universitas 21 partner; wide range of courses taught in English
China
Peking University, Beijing
2 full years or 4 single semesters
www.pku.edu.cn
For Mandarin Chinese language programme
China
University of Nottingham-Ningbo
2 full years or 4 single semesters
www.nottingham.edu.cn
Universitas 21 partner; all courses taught in English
China
Xiamen University
2 full years or 4 single semesters, plus 2 summer school places
www.xmu.edu.cn
For Mandarin Chinese language programme, plus some Master’s-degree courses taught in English
Japan
Hiroshima University
1 full year
www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp
Universitas 21 partner; courses taught in Japanese and English
Japan
Keio University, Tokio
2 full years or 4 single semesters
www.keio.ac.jp
Courses taught in Japanese and English
Japan
Waseda University, Tokio
2 full years
www.waseda.ac.jp
Universitas 21 partner; courses taught in Japanese and English
Korea
Korea University, Seoul
2 full years or 4 single semesters, plus 2 summer school places
www.korea.edu
Universitas 21 partner
Korea
Yonsei University, Seoul
2 full years or 4 single semesters, plus 2 summer school places
www.yonsei.ac.kr
Wide range of courses taught in English
South Korea Yonsei University in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is the country’s oldest university. Home to almost 48,000 students, its campus is located about twenty 20 minutes from the city’s central business district. A special programme, taught in English and covering a wide variety of subjects, is available for international students. We now have a second partner in Seoul, Korea University. It, too, offers a wide range of English-medium modules. You can also attend summer courses at either institution in the South Korean capital. ●
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ISEP International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP) is a multilateral non-profit organisation that facilitates exchanges between member universities in the United States and affiliates throughout the rest of the world. The exchanges are arranged through the ISEP office in Washington DC. There are about 140 American universities to choose from under this scheme. As a UvA student, you exchange places with an American student who has already paid their own university for tuition, accommodation and meals. Because you normally pay only tuition fees directly to the UvA, you must make an additional contribution to house and maintain the American ISEP student during their stay here. But in return you then receive ‘free’ board and lodging whilst in the US. Since the amount you pay is based upon Dutch prices, this makes the cost of your stay in America rather less than it would otherwise be.
best known for its business school, it also offers a wide range of arts and science courses. Hunter’s three modern buildings, are linked by skywalks, are on Park Avenue in Manhattan. Hofstra University is situated just outside New York City, on a campus at Hempstead on Long Island. This institution has Dutch roots and hosts about 13,000 students. In Massachusetts, Boston College is a large campus university originally founded by Jesuits. It can be found in Chestnut Hill, about four kilometres from central Boston. The University of Connecticut is about three hours’ drive from New York City and two hours from Boston. With strong programmes in law, linguistics, psychology and economics, this large and broad-based research university has its main campus in Storrs.
North America See www.isep.org for links to all the participating universities.
Bilateral agreements The UvA also has separate bilateral agreements with a number of universities in North America.
Also on the East coast, about 150 kilometres south of Washington DC, is the University of Virginia. Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the institution dominates the beautiful town of Charlottesville. You can study here at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the Curry School of Education.
Eastern USA If you’d like study in New York, there are several options. The most prestigious of these is New York University (NYU). Rather than on a campus, this is housed in buildings scattered throughout Greenwich Village in the heart of Manhattan. The same applies to The New School, where the UvA has an exchange agreement with Eugene Lang College, its school of arts and science. The UvA’s latest partners in the city are Hunter College and Baruch College, both part of City University of New York (CUNY). Baruch’s modern main campus is situated on East 68th Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, within walking distance of Central Park. Although Baruch is
In Atlanta, Georgia, the UvA has an exchange agreement with Emory University.
Central USA The UvA has four partners in the central United States: Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman, the University of Nebraska (UNL) in Lincoln, the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in Minneapolis-St Paul and the University of Illinois (UIC) in Chicago.
“The nicest thing is that almost everyone lives on campus, so you bump into them all the time. Although everything here’s big, big, big – in every respect – student life actually seems quite compact”. Anne Stoop- Simon Fraser University, Canada
MSU is a broad public university with more than 11,000 students. It has a strong department of Native American Studies and is located in a rural part of the Gallatin Valley, not far from the famous Yellowstone National Park.
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Country
University
Number of places
Website
Remarks
Canada
McGill University, Montreal
3 full years or 6 single semesters
www.mcgill.ca
Universitas 21-partner
Canada
McMaster University, Hamilton
2 full years or 4 single semesters
Canada
Simon Fraser University, Vancouver
4 full years or 8 single semesters
www.sfu.ca
Two full-year places reserved for students of Communication Studies
Canada
University of British Colombia, Vancouver
3 full years or 6 single semesters
www.ubc.ca
Universitas 21 partner TOEFL or IELTS test required
Canada
University of Calgary
3 full years or 6 single semesters
www.ucalgary.ca
One full-year place reserved for students of Child Development and Education
Canada
University of Toronto
4 full years or 8 single semesters, plus 4 summer school places
USA
Baruch College, New York
2 full years or 4 single semesters.
www.baruch.cuny.edu
USA
Boston College, Chestnut Hill
3 full years or 6 single semesters.
www.bc.edu
TOEFL test required.
USA
Emory University, Atlanta
6 full years or 12 single semesters
www.emory.edu
TOEFL test required; 2 semesters reserved for Faculty of Humanities students
USA
Hofstra University, Hempstead
5 full years or 10 single semesters
www.hofstra.edu
Three 3 full-year places reserved for Faculty of Economics and Business students
USA
Hunter College, New York
2 full semesters or 4 summer school places
USA
ISEP, diverse universiteiten Verenigde Staten
5 full years or 10 single semesters
www.isep.org
USA
New School University, New York
3 full years or 6 single semesters
www.newschool.edu
USA
New York University
4 single semesters
www.nyu.edu
USA
San Fransisco State University
5 full years or 10 single semesters
www.sfsu.edu
USA
University of Connecticut, Storrs
2 full years or 4 single semesters
www.uconn.edu
Universitas 21 partner; TOEFL test required
USA
University of Illinois, Chicago
2 full years or 4 single semesters
www.illinois.edu
TOEFL test required
USA
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
2 full years or 4 single semesters
www.umn.edu
TOEFL test required
USA
University of Montana, Bozeman
2 full years or 4 single semesters
www.montana.edu
TOEFL or IELTS test required
USA
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
2 full years or 4 single semesters
www.unl.edu
TOEFL test required
USA
University of Virginia, Charlottesville
2 full years or 4 single semesters
www.virginia.edu
Universitas 21 partner TOEFL or IELTS test required
Crossing borders
www.mcmaster.ca
www.utoronto.ca
www.hunter.cuny.edu For semester place, 120 ECTS credits required at take-up; for summer school place, 90 ECTS credits required at take-up
22
TOEFL or IELTS test required; multiple US universities must be selected
TOEFL test required
- continued from page 21 -
UNL is a relatively old institution with a good reputation for research and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Its 22,000plus students are divided between two campuses. At UNL you can take courses in subjects including Cinema Studies and Journalism. With more than 60,000 students, the University of Minnesota is one of America’s largest and most renowned universities. Its Twin Cities Campus on the banks of the Mississippi in Minneapolis-St Paul is home to 45,000 students, many of them are from outside the United States.
UIC is the biggest university in the Chicago area. Its 25,000 students are taught on an inner-city campus situated to the west of the Chicago Loop, close to the Little Italy and University Village neighbourhoods.
Western USA On the West coast of the United States, the UvA exchanges students with San Francisco State University (SFSU). With a campus in the south-west of the city, this institution hosts about 27,000 students. It has strong departments of Women Studies and Ethnic Studies.
Canada Studying in Canada is very different from studying in the United States. The atmosphere for students is more easy-going, although all the UvA’s Canadian partner universities boast a solid academic reputation. In the main cities of Toronto and Montreal we have exchange agreements with, respectively, the University of Toronto (UoT) and McGill University. Both are ranked in the Canadian top five, and each is situated in the heart of its city. Although McGill is an English-medium institution, many of its students are French speakers. McMaster University is located in Hamilton, near Toronto. Although smaller than UoT and McGill, with some 15,000 students, its Faculty of Arts in particular has a lot to offer: good courses
in languages and in Theatre and Film Studies. In central Canada you can opt for the University of Calgary (UoC). This is a fairly young institution, established less than 40 years ago. About 1,000 of the 26,000 students come from overseas. Thanks to the 1988 Winter Olympics, the campus features many excellent sports facilities. On the West coast, exchanges are available with Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Vancouver. This is a broadbased institutions, and another leader in the Canadian rankings. Finally, the UvA also has an agreement with the University of British Columbia (UBC). Its two campuses, in Vancouver and Kelowna, host a student population of more than 40,000. ●
“On the hill overlooking the campus there’s a gigantic sports complex for McGill’s students. Complete with a full-size ice hockey rink”. Diana Kaekebe, McGill University, Canada
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“The great thing is that there’s a so-called ‘add and drop’ period during the first few weeks, where you attend classes but are still free to give up modules and join new ones. It’s a kind of course shopping, really”. Bo-Joe Brans- Universidad Católica Argentina
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After selection Selection About four weeks after the application deadline, you are notified of the results of the selection procedure. If you have been accepted for an exchange, you are invited to an information meeting at BIS. Here you meet the other students on your programme and find out what more you need to do before it begins.
Dossier to host university
Travel arrangements Book your flight as soon possible after your place on the exchange has been confirmed. Check the date you are expected to arrive with the BIS or your host university. Bear in mind that there is often an introductory period for new students prior to the start of the academic year.
Think green! To offset the carbon emissions from your flights, contribute towards a scheme like www.treesfortravel.nl of www.greenseat.nl.
At the same time, your personal dossier is forwarded to the prospective host university together with a letter of nomination from BIS. It can take up to three months for the institution abroad to confirm your acceptance, although it is very rare for students proposed by the UvA to be turned down. All contacts at this stage are conducted through BIS.
Consultation with study adviser It’s very important that you keep your study adviser informed of the courses you intend to take abroad. This is because he or she is your point of contact with the Examinations Board, which will have to recognise the credits you earn during the exchange and convert them to ECTS credits so that they count towards your degree at the UvA. In some cases, it is possible to obtain provisional approval for the courses you intend to take abroad, by means of a so-called ‘learning agreement’. This can prevent problems arising later.
Acceptance by host university After receiving your dossier, the International Office at your prospective
host university passes it on to the relevant faculty for consideration. Once your application is approved, the host university sends a letter of acceptance and an information pack to BIS, which forwards them to you.
Practical matters Students taking part in international exchanges remain enrolled at the UvA, so that the credits you earn count towards your degree here. This means that you do not have to pay tuition fees to your host university. In many countries, the educational system and the structure of the academic year are very different from those in the Netherlands. It’s important that you bear this in mind when planning your studies abroad. Although the Bachelor’sMaster’s system has now been introduced throughout Europe, there are still quite significant variations in how it operates at individual universities. The level of the courses you can take abroad depends upon what year of studies you are in and also upon the terms of the agreement governing your particular exchange programme.
Recognition of credits To prevent your studies being delayed, it’s important that all the credits you earn abroad count towards you UvA degree. Your faculty’s International Officer, your study adviser or the Placements Officer can inform you about the conditions a programme of study or a research or work placement must meet for this
to happen. The courses you plan to take abroad need to be approved in advance by the Examinations Board. Apply for this approval as soon as possible after you have been accepted by a foreign university, and in any case before you leave on the exchange. Also check whether it’s possible to count your courses abroad as a minor or as electives.
Examinations Board approval Your application to the Examinations Board must include specific information about the courses you plan to taken abroad. If necessary, the credits earned will have to be converted to ECTS credits.
Credits earned abroad Most countries outside Europe have their own system of study credits. You will therefore need to provide details of the system used at your host university. You must also submit information about each particular course you intend to take: what the syllabus covers, who the tutors are, the number of contact hours, how it is examined and so on. This can be generally found in the prospectus or study guide. Contact the Examinations Board for exact details of the information it requires. If you decide to change your programme of study whilst you are away, it’s essential that you notify the Examinations Board, your faculty’s International Officer or your study adviser without delay. - continued on page 26 -
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At the end of the exchange, your host university will provide you with an official transcript of the credits and marks awarded during your stay.
Financial matters Studying abroad often costs considerably more than studying in the Netherlands. Plus there is the cost of travel. Read the reports written by past exchange students for an idea of how much they spent in the country or city you want to go to. These are available at the UvA Service & Information Centre. Most universities provide some information about the likely costs of your stay, your visa and so on in their brochures and on their websites. And the fact sheets on the UvA-wide exchange programmes also include a brief summary of costs. Based upon all this information, prepare a budget before you leave so that you keep your spending under control.
Student financing In most cases, your current student financing arrangements are unaffected as long as you comply with the two conditions below: • •
you remain enrolled as a full-time student at the UvA and pay your tuition fees to us.; your period of study or work abroad is deemed an integral part of your Dutch higher education programme.
If you receive financing through DUO (formerly IB-Groep), you can find more information at www.ib-groep.nl > Studie of stage in het buitenland (in Dutch only).
Advances DUO-financed students can apply to its Amsterdam Service Office (Servicekantoor Amsterdam) for an advance. To obtain this, you will need to submit a declaration from your UvA programme stating the duration of your stay abroad. As long as you make the application on time, you should receive the advance five weeks before departure. Bear in mind that if you are receiving a performance-related grant (prestatiebeurs), interest on any amount received begins accruing the following month.
UvA STUNT Grants The UvA provides so-called ‘STUNT Grants’ to help cover the cost of international travel. The exact amount depends upon your destination. The grant is only payable after you have returned to the Netherlands and submitted your contract and your report on the exchange.
Amsterdam University Fund (AUF) The AUF is a joint initiative of the Amsterdam University Association (AUV) and the UvA. It manages a number of different funds, some of which assist students wishing to study abroad. For qualifying conditions and details of how to apply, see www.uva-alumni.nl (in Dutch only).
Private funds Refund of public transport pass Holders of a student public transport pass (Studenten OV-chipkaart) can block it whilst studying abroad. During this time, you will receive a monthly refund of approximately €80. This is available to all passholders, including those whose student financing is entirely in the form of a loan. You can download the application form from the DUO website. Print it out and, once completed, take it to the UvA Service and Information Centre to be countersigned and stamped.
Financial support workshops The workshop ‘Raising Funds for Study Abroad’ (Fondsen werven voor studieverblijf in het buitenland, (in Dutch only) is held several times a year. Organised by BIS in conjunction with the student counsellors and Student Services, this reviews the various funding options available and how to apply for them. For more information, see www.uva.nl/trainingscentrum.
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A large number of private funds also provide grants to help with studies or research abroad. Each has its own qualifying conditions and requirements. For more information, please visit the Service & Information Centre. Here you can consult a special funds guide and Nuffic’s online ‘Grants Opener’ (www. beursopener.nl). Also, ask at your faculty about any specific grants available in your subject area. And check reports by past exchange students for details of any financial support they received.
Other schemes
Fulbright Center
Nuffic, the Netherlands Organisation for International Cooperation in Higher Education, administers a number of grant and subsidy schemes funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the European Union and other bodies. At the UvA, applications for these generally have to be submitted through BIS. For details, see www. wilweg.nl > Financiering (in Dutch only).
The Fulbright Center provides information about studies, research placements and traineeships in the United States. It also offers a variety of Fulbright Grants, including more than 30 scholarships each year for recent graduates, and can supply details of the Netherlands America Foundation scholarships. These fund Dutch students pursuing a Master’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Journalism or Communications at a prestigious US university. For more information about application procedures and deadlines, see www.fulbright.nl.
Arnd van der Meer, University of Minnesota, Verenigde Staten
Insurance and visas
How did you find accommodation? Was it difficult? Through the UMN website. It wasn’t difficult at all, but there was a very long wait before I knew where I’d being living. In the end that was on campus, at the University Village apartments.
Cultural Agreement Grants Under bilateral cultural and educational agreements between governments, grants are available to Dutch nationals who wish to study in a number of specific countries. As a rule, these awards are intended for advanced students and for recent graduates of Dutch universities. Some countries also offer special research grants. The period and subjects covered vary according to the destination, as do the application procedures and qualification criteria. In general, though, the grant covers travel, study and accommodation costs. The availability of these so-called ‘Cultural Agreement Grants’ changes from year to year. For more information, see www.nuffic.nl/cultureleverdragen (in Dutch only).
Insurance
Never travel abroad without adequate insurance. Contact your insurance company well in advance to check that your policy is valid abroad, and that it provides sufficient coverage. In countries where medical costs can be very high, notably the United States, New Zealand, Canada, Australia and Switzerland, your standard maximum sum insured may not be enough. Note also that some host universities require you to take out insurance through them. - continued on page 28 -
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota? I was looking for a well-regarded university that would provide me with good education. And I wanted to be near a large city – metropolitan Minneapolis has a population of about 2.5 million – where professional sport is played.
What problems did you encounter when preparing for your exchange? Actually, very few. There were the usual things you have to sort out – several medicals, insurance, finding the right courses and so on – but everything went smoothly. Because you’re in a new environment for the first time, everything seems difficult at first. But once you overcome that, it all falls into place.
What kind of institution is the University of Minnesota? A typical American university, I think. Although it is one of the largest in the country. It offers a huge range of courses, so there’s always something for everyone. The Department of Business turns out to have an excellent reputation in the US, and other students were very positive about it.
What has stayed with you from your exchange? What’s stayed with me most is the experience of living in the US for an extended period. The focus of my studies now is American history and politics, and I think the interaction with Americans has helped me to understand the country a little better. It has also opened up all kinds of new opportunities. For example, I’m now helping a professor at UMN to write a book.
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San Francisco State University, VS
Visa and residence permit
Renting out your room During your stay abroad, you can rent out your room to an overseas student coming temporarily to Amsterdam. For details of how to arrange this, visit the ASVA desk at the Service and Information Centre. This is open Monday to Friday, 12.30-4pm. Or call 020 525 3136.
Depending upon your destination and length of stay, you may need a visa. Visas are not usually required for most European countries, and elsewhere they may not be needed for a stay of less than three months. If you are visiting a country as an exchange student, the necessary forms are usually arranged by the host university and sent to you through BIS or your faculty’s International Officer. Sometimes, though, the university abroad sends only an official invitation. If this is the case, you have to arrange your own visa. Once completed, take or send the forms and other necessary documentation to the embassy or consulate of the country concerned. Bear in mind the following points: • a fee is charged for issuing a visa; • certain countries, such as the US and Japan, require official proof of the financial resources available to you (e.g. your own funds, a family guarantee or proof of a scholarship) during your stay; • obtaining a visa can take some time, so apply well in advance. For more information, see www.minbuza.nl. Note that a student visa usually covers only the actual period of your studies abroad. If you wish to stay on after your exchange has officially ended, or visit other countries, you may well have to extend your visa, convert it (from a student to a work visa, for example) or even apply for a new one. ●
“During my Bachelor Sociale geografie (Social Geography) at the UvA I’ve spent a semester at the State Fransisco State University (SFSU). San Fransisco is a mixture of a lot of subcultures. Not just because the proximity to the ocean, but also because of the settlement of all sorts of ‘new Americans’, the city could be seen as a border town. During my studies I’ve focused on international migration and the conflicts or challenges these settlements impose. The Faculty of Sociology at the SFSU is the university’s showpiece. Sociology and Social Geography are intertwined at this Faculty. What I’ve found especially appealing to spending a semester in another country is that it offers possibilities to follow courses which are not part of the Bachelor’s curriculum at the UvA. For example, it was a treat to do the course ‘Strategy & War’, about American war strategies, which I’ve found a unique course in an unequalled environment. During my time in San Fransisco, I’ve stayed in one of the Latino suburbs, The Mission District, which is a charming place to live. I could combine my studies with an internship within a Latino community organisation in the Mission District. The main undertakings of this organisation were intended to inform Spanish speaking migrants about local political proposals, for which they could vote for or against at the same time they could vote for the American presidency. At the time of election week I was in Reno, a commonplace town for gamblers in Nevada. Our main concern, for me and a group of American friends, was to bring a wide range of people to election offices. Among them was a group of Washoe Indians, who live in a reservation just outside of Reno. Without help, these people wouldn’t have been able to reach the city in order to vote. The stories they told me during our car trip were fascinating, and I knew that I could have never read these in study books. As a result, I decided to make a photo reportage. In San Fransisco as well as other American cities, a large number of independent organisations are in dire need of internship trainees and volunteers. I could complete five courses successfully ánd do an internship within one semester. One semester is over before you know it, my advice to exchange students is to spend this time with a sense of purpose.”
Max Verdult
Compulsory English test A number of universities require prospective students to pass an English proficiency test. Depending upon the institution, this may be either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). TOEFL is a computer-based test and costs approximately US$150. It can be taken at various centres throughout the Netherlands. You are advised to practise in advance, either online at www.ets.org/toefl or at the Service and Information Centre. For students who are selected for an exchange, the UvA offers a free IELTS test. For full details, see www.student.uva.nl/english/ englishtest.cfm.
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broad Housing Dutch institutes There are nine Dutch institutes abroad, in Athens, St Petersburg, Cairo, Florence, Rome, Ankara, Damascus, Rabat and Tokyo. These offer a range of services to Dutchbased academics and students conducting research in their areas. For more information, see www.uva.nl/internationaal > English > Dutch institutes abroad.
L anguage courses and tests
Teaching abroad is usually in the local language, so it is important that you have a good command of that. There are many ways to brush up on your linguistic skills. For example, you can take a course at UvA Talen, the university’s language academy (www.uvatalen.nl). Or you can join the Student Language Exchange, an online forum set up by student union ASVA and the ISN (www. sle-amsterdam.nl). You can also take the elective module Academic English in the Faculty of Humanities or one of the many private study courses available from its Media Centre (www.student.uva.nl/ servicepoint – Media centre).
It varies per university if housing is arranged during your exchange ome partner universities provide oncampus housing. In some cases students may have a room reserved for them, while in others they may have to find a room in the private sector themselves. It is useful to take a look at the experiences of students who have already been abroad to get some practical tips on issues such as housing.
Health Students should make sure they are fully informed about recommended preventative health measures well in advance of their departure. Many organisations provide information about these measures, such as: • the Tropics Centre of the Academic Medical Center (Tropencentrum AMC): www.tropencentrum.nl; • the National Coordination Centre for Travellers Health: www.lcr.nl; • the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.minbuza.nl;
Students can also consult the UvA student doctors and the Municipal Health Service for more information about the necessary vaccinations.
Crisis situation in the country In the event that a crisis situation occurs in a country designated for an exchange, the UvA can terminate that exchange. Recommendations issued by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs are used as a guideline. The UvA cannot be held responsible for the financial consequences of a terminated exchange. The University will, however, make every effort to ensure the safe return of exchange students. Should the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issue a negative travel advice for a certain country, any student intending to participate in an exchange in that country will be informed. In the event that a student elects to go in spite of negative travel advice, then the student goes at his or her own risk and must sign a declaration to this effect. If a crisis situation occurs during the student’s stay
abroad, they must get in touch with the contact person at the UvA.
Keeping in touch Students should be sure to take with them the addresses (including email) of their UvA contact person, faculty internationalisation coordinator and the examination board, and also make sure that BIS. They should also ensure that their UvA contact person and faculty internationalisation coordinator have their email address abroad. It is important to remember to check the UvA student inbox and programme notices on a regular basis to avoid missing important information (e.g. registration deadlines). In countries that are politically unstable, it is advisable to register with the Dutch embassy in that location. That way, should a crisis occur during a student’s stay (e.g. political crisis, natural disaster, strikes, etc.), the embassy will be able to inform the appropriate individuals right away. ●
‘Make sure to check your UvA-student mail frequently’
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Useful websites Studying abroad www.english.uva.nl/international www.nuffic.nl en www.wilweg.nl
Finance, grants and scholarship programmes www.alumni.uva.nl www.fullbright.com www.interfuture.org www.vsbfonds.nl www.beursopener.nl www.iefa.org
Internships www.student.uva.nl/servicepoint (via the a-z list)
Language (courses) www.britishcouncil.org www.bltc.nl www.uvatalen.nl www.hum.uva.nl/mediatheek www.ets.org/toefl www.student.uva.nl/engelesetest www.netherlands.idp.com www.sle-amsterdam.nl
Study Finance www.ocwduo.nl
Insurance / Residence permit www.students-insurance.eu www.acepolis.com/ips www.minbuza.nl
Julia Lepeltak, University of Toronto, Canada Why did you choose the University of Toronto? When I was looking into the university, its Faculty of Law seemed to have a very good reputation. Looking at the city, that greatly appealed to me as well: a lot of different nationalities, a nice place to live and a beautiful campus. What problems did you encounter when preparing for your exchange? Not many. You don’t have to apply for a visa, so there are none of those hassles. It’s not a problem as such, but it is stressful having no idea where you’re going to be living. In the end, though, it wasn’t difficult finding accommodation. What kind of institution is the University of Toronto? Compared with the UvA, the students in the Faculty of Law work incredibly hard. And they pay much higher tuition fees. You’re really sucked into it all – a lot is expected of you, too. There’s a high level of participation in classes, so you have to read everything beforehand. On the other hand, there’s a lot of contact with the best professors and feedback from them. Do you have any tips for future exchange students? It’s an absolutely fantastic experience. The tension really builds up before you leave, but in the end it can only work out for the best. Don’t forget that there are plenty of other international students at the same university, all of them alone and a long way from home. Be open and you’ll meet so many interesting people with whom you’ll soon be doing fun things. Above all, enjoy the freedom of studying abroad.
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Faculty addresses fACUlty of eConomiCs & bUsiness
contact: mevrouw bahar Kaya www.student.uva.nl/fee_studyabroad
fACUlty of hUmAnities
contact (studies): mevrouw Femke ten bloemendal / mevrouw rikje Jansen www.hum.uva.nl/internationaal contact (internships): mevrouw Lucie de Vries www.student.uva.nl/fgw-stages (choose: english)
fACUlty of mediCine (ACAdemiC mediCAl Center - AmC)
contact: mevrouw JosĂŠe Lenoir / mevrouw ina ten Have information available at blackboard (AMc general, study abroad)
fACUlty of soCiAl And behAvoUriAl sCienCes (fmg) college coMMunication science (FMg)
contact: mevrouw Sarah de Jong www.student.uva.nl (kies opleiding - buitenland)
college social sciences (FMg)
contact: mevrouw Heleen Straesser / mevrouw Tineke van gelder www.student.uva.nl (kies opleiding - buitenland)
college oF child deVelopMent and education (FMg) contact: mevrouw Jelka Driehuis www.student.uva.nl/pw/buitenland.cfm
psychology (FMg)
contact: mevrouw Sarah Plunkett www.student.uva.nl/psy/psytbuitenland.cfm
fACUlty of sCienCe
contact: mevrouw Joke Hendriks www.student.uva.nl (kies opleiding - buitenland)
fACUlty of lAw
contact: Martha oosterom www.jur.uva.nl/onderwijs/internationaal.cfm
fACUlty of dentistry (ACtA)
contact: Marie-Louise Walraven m.walraven@acta.nl
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Student Services binnengasthuisstraat 9, 1012 ZA Amsterdam open: Mo - Fr, 10am-5pm www.english.uva.nl/studentservices
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AFFAIRS consultation: Tu - Th, 9-10am, 020-525 8080 open office hours: Tu - Th, 11-12am www.english.uva.nl/international international-sts@uva.nl fax: 020-525 2999
STUDENT COUNSELLORS consultation: Tu - Fr, 9-10am, 020-525 8080
SERVICE & INFORMATION CENTRUM
www.english.uva.nl/ studentcounsellors
www.student.uva.nl/english/faq
STUDENT CAREER CENTRE consultation: Tu - Fr, 9-10am, 020-525 8080
COURSE CENTRE
open office hours: Tu - Fr, 11am-12 pm
www.uva.nl/ trainingscentrum
www.student.uva.nl/career studentcareercentre@uva.nl
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