Exchange Guide 2019 - 2020

EXCHANGE GUIDE 2019-2020 VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

WELCOME TO VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM You are considering starting a new adventure at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, one that is part of your own personal voyage of discovery and learning.

The university’s ambition is to provide an academic environment in which our students can excel and develop themselves into well-rounded academic professionals who can make a meaningful contribution to the challenges facing our society. We welcome motivated young people irrespective of their social, ethnic, cultural, or religious background who wish to contribute to our community.

WELCOME TO VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

The VU stands for three core values: responsibility, openness, and personal engagement. What do we mean by this? We want our students to take the responsibility to think independently and critically, to engage in open discussions with respect for the other’s position, to be accountable for their words and deeds, and to engage in the academic community and the broader world. Our institution and faculty are committed to providing you with a challenging and fruitful academic experience that enables you to look further – to broaden your horizons, to look beyond your own boundaries, to explore the unfamiliar.

Should our ambitions and values speak to you, we heartily welcome you to become part of the Vrije Universiteit’s academic community. International students enrich the vibrancy and diversity of our university - come and look further with us!

Prof. dr. V. (Vinod) Subramaniam Rector Magnificus

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

2

DEAR STUDENT Congratulations on choosing Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for the continuation of your studies. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam will not disappoint you in living up to your expectation that the decision you recently made to study with us will be life changing.

In recent years Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has witnessed a steady increase in the number of international students, both degree-seeking students and those completing a semester abroad. It is not only the numbers as such that have grown, but also student excellence. You are no exception to this trend.

With this growth has also come more diversity in backgrounds, be they national, religious, or cultural.

We are convinced that this diversity will help you in becoming a better student. Diversity in the classroom brings different perspectives which in turn increases our understanding of phenomena: diversity breeds excellence!

Just as attractive as Vrije Universiteit is the city that hosts us: Amsterdam. Again, you will not be disappointed.

Amsterdam caters perfectly for almost any need you may have next to your study programme.

The International Office is here to assist you in making your stay in Amsterdam as productive and enjoyable as possible. Do not hesitate to call on the people of The International Office in the event you need help with solving problems as a result of your study and stay with us.

We wish you an excellent time at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, being confident that you will get the most out of our study programmes and will also find the time to discover Amsterdam and make new friends.

Frans Snijders Director International Office

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

3

CONTENTS 1. VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM 7 University facts and figures 7 Rankings 2018 7 Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam 7 Studying at Vrije Universiteit 8 International Office 9 2. PRACTICAL INFORMATION The application process Confirming your Participation Entry visa (MVV) and residence permit (VVR) Registration with local municipality Course information Administration and forms Bank affairs Health insurance Health Matters Working while you study Living costs

10 10 11 11 12 13 14 14 14 15 15 15

GETTING STARTED @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

4

3. THE VU EXPERIENCE 17 Arrival days and orientation 17 Student services 17 Study facilities 18 Language courses 19 Food and drinks 20 VU Uilenstede Campus 20 VU Sports Centre 20 Art and culture 20 Griffioen 20 ESN VU Amsterdam 21 Amsterdam 21 Public transport 21 Before you go back home 22 4.

5.

6.

7.

CALENDAR 24 VU CAMPUS + UILENSTEDE MAPS 26 USEFUL ADDRESSES AND LINKS 29 SOCIAL MEDIA 30

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

5

1. VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a leading European research university, established in 1880. With a student population of ca. 24,000 students, we are a modern organization at the cutting edge of academic higher education. Our students are challenged to ask critical questions, tackle problems and place what they are learning in a wider philosophical, ethical and social context. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a wide range of English taught programmes at three levels: Bachelor’s (BA, BSc), Master’s (MA, MSc) and doctoral (PhD).

Nine faculties share a single campus and cover a wide spectrum of arts, sciences, business and medicine.

UNIVERSITY FACTS AND FIGURES Facts: • 24,096 students • 4.088 (including exchange) international Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students • 9 faculties • 84 nationalities

Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes: • 16 interdisciplinary research institutes • Over 120 programmes taught in English • Campus university in Amsterdam

VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM: • is consistently listed among the world’s top universities in various rankings; • is located in one of the most dynamic and fastgrowing business districts in the Netherlands; • is a modern campus university with student housing just a five-minute bike ride away; • helps you with housing, visas and the administrative practicalities of studying in the Netherlands; • offers an international environment with students and staff of 130 nationalities; • provides high-quality education in small and highly interactive classes; • is located in lively and multicultural Amsterdam, the city with the largest concentration of students in the Netherlands and where English is the second language; • welcomes all cultures, nationalities and religions.

RANKINGS 2018 LEIDEN RANKING

SHANGHAI ACADEMIC RANKING OF WORLD UNIVERSITIES

TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKING

QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKING

109 Worldwide

104 Worldwide

165 Worldwide

218 Worldwide

4 Netherlands

4 Netherlands

11 Netherlands

12 Netherlands

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

7

STUDYING AT VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT Education The quality of Dutch higher education is amongst the best in the world. Education at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is structured according to the Bachelor’s and Master’s system. In general, the teaching style can be described as student-centred; we stimulate students to develop their own opinion through independent and creative thinking.

This means that teaching is conducted in small seminars where interaction is the norm rather than the exception.

At VU Amsterdam students are encouraged to engage their professors in a discussion.

Academic year The academic year starts in the first week of September and is divided into two semesters. Each semester consists of three periods of 8, 8, and 4 weeks respectively.

Examinations are held at the end of each period.

Credits At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, credits are listed according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The ECTS credit system is based on study workload, which includes contact hours and time spent completing papers and assignments and preparing for examinations.

In this system, 1 ECTS credit point represents 28 hours of

study (including class attendance). A full-time student is expected to earn 60 ECTS credits in one academic year, and 30 credits in one semester.

Dutch Grading System When you come to Holland to study you will probably expect that many things are different than in your home country. The grading system may also not be the same as what you are used to. There are many different grading systems in the world, such as (from lowest to highest grade) 1 to 5, 1 to 10, 1 to 20, 1 to 100, 5 to 1, F to A. In the Netherlands, the traditional grading scale is from 1 through to 10, where 1 is the lowest and 10 the highest grade. The pass mark for a single subject is 6. Grades 1 through to 4 are very rarely given, and the same is true for grades 9 and 10. The most common grades in both secondary and higher education are 6 and 7.

Grading culture Grading practice in the Netherlands can differ from how grades are awarded in other countries in as much as the top grades (10 and 9) are rarely awarded, regardless of the actual achievements of a given group of students. This is part of the grading culture in the Netherlands. When the 1 through to 10 scale was officially introduced back to the late 19th century, it was decided that a 10 should only be awarded in cases of absolute perfection. Furthermore,

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

8

as at the time it was felt to be almost blasphemous for mere mortals to be judging what constituted absolute perfection, a 10 was hardly ever awarded. A 9 was considered to be only a slightly less impossible goal to reach. With the advent of multiple choice testing and yes/ no answers to questions, 10’s and 9’s actually came within reach of ambitious students. To this day, however, these grades are still very rarely awarded in oral examinations or open question testing, such as essays, presentations, project reports or dissertations. More about the Dutch grading system and how grades are distributed? Make sure to visit the Nuffic website.

Grades The Dutch grading system is generally based on a mark between 1 (minimum) and 10 (maximum). A grade of 6.0 or more stands for ‘pass’, a grade of less than 6.0 for ‘fail’.

GRADES 10 9,5 9 8,5 8 7,5 7 6,5 6

ECTS % BACHELOR 0,4 1,1 3,7 6,8 14,4 16,3 20,0 16,1 21,2

ECTS % MASTER 0,5 1,1 4,9 8,2 19,2 17,4 20,4 12,4 16,0

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE The Services team of the International Office will assist you with finding accommodation and applying for a visa and/or residence permit (if applicable).

The incoming exchange team of the International Office will answer your questions about application, course selection and academics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Each year, VU International Office organizes extensive introduction activities for international students in August and February. The introduction programme generally starts with the arrival days, during which you can arrange all kinds of practical matters. In addition, students can participate in the social programme, which includes sports activities, an official word of welcome, campus tours, and much more.

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

9

2. PRACTICAL INFORMATION

THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES

To apply for an exchange programme at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam you must be nominated by your home university.

After the nomination has been processed, the International Office will provide information about how to complete your exchange application.

After you have submitted all required documents, the incoming exchange team will review your application.

As soon as the required documents have been approved, your status will be set to ‘accepted’.

Deadline Fall semester or whole academic year: mid April Deadline Spring semester: mid October

The International Office may contact you about additional requirements.

The International Office will inform you about your admission status by e-mail as soon as a decision has been taken. Shortly after, you will receive an e-mail inviting you to confirm your participation in VUnet. Here you can find a list of applicable services for each student.

We ask you to confirm your participation in VUnet within two weeks.

Read the (online) Confirmation of Participation form carefully to see if you need to send us any additional documents. If you need a visa, you will have to upload all required documentation in VUnet before 1 June for the fall (autumn) semester or 1 December for the spring semester. After these dates, your application for services may be delayed or even denied.

After arrival at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the International Office will help you to arrange all practical matters for your stay in the Netherlands.

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

10

How to apply for an exchange period at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam?

Entry visa (MVV) An entry visa (MVV) is a sticker in your passport issued by the Dutch Embassy or Consulate in your home country (or the country in which you legally reside) which you need in order to enter the Netherlands. An MVV is valid for three months after you have collected the entry visa at the Dutch Embassy/Consulate. After your arrival in the Netherlands you will receive your residence permit.

CONFIRMING YOUR PARTICIPATION After you have been accepted by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam you will receive an e-mail inviting you to confirm your participation in VUnet. You can also indicate if you need a visa/residence permit and if you want to apply for accommodation through Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. In VUnet you will be able to upload all the required documents. There are five steps you need to take and be aware of (if applicable): 1. The Confirmation of Participation 2. Entry visa and/or residence permit 3. Accommodation 4. Visa & residence permit fee /housing fee 5. Application deadlines for visa and housing

Residence permit (VVR) All Non-EU/EEA students who will stay in the Netherlands for more than 3 months need a residence permit (VVR). This permit allows you reside legally in the Netherlands for the duration of your study programme.

Students who do not need an entry visa (MVV) first need to go to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) to have their biometrics (electronic photo and fingerprint) taken. You will be informed by your contact person from our Services team when your residence permit card is ready.

ENTRY VISA (MVV) AND RESIDENCE PERMIT (VVR)

Proof of financial means If you are not from an EU or EEA country you must prove that you are able to finance the cost of living in the Netherlands. The Dutch Immigration Service determines the amount per month/year. For 2019-2020 you need to be able to prove that you have at least € 900,- for every month that you will stay for study purposes in the Netherlands. In VUnet you can upload the required documents. There are different options to prove your financial means, please see our website.

Whether you need an entry visa (MVV) and residence permit (VVR) depends on your nationality. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam will apply for the necessary documents on your behalf after you have submitted the required documents and have transferred the visa/ residence permit fee. Your contact person of the Services team will inform you when the visa/ residence permit has been approved. Also, you will be notified when and where you can collect the visa and/ or residence permit.

NATIONALITY

ENTRY VISA

RESIDENCE PERMIT

COSTS

NO

NO

€ 0,-

SOUTH KOREA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, VATICAN CITY*

NO

YES

€ 350,-

ISRAEL, SAN MARINO

YES

YES

€ 0,-

OTHER COUNTRIES

YES

YES

€ 350,-

EU / EEA COUNTRIES (ICELAND, LIECHTENSTEIN, NORWAY, SWITZERLAND) AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, MONACO, NEW ZEALAND,

* I n certain cases students with the Australian, Canadian, South-Korean and New-Zealand nationality have the possibility to apply for the Working Holiday Permit (WHP) or Working Holiday Scheme (WHS). See our website for more information.

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

11

Tuberculosis test A tuberculosis test may be part of your application for the residence permit. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam will make an appointment for you to do the test after your arrival.

Housing fee Students who want to apply for accommodation through Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam will have to pay a housing fee of € 400,- (€ 200,- for exchange students who stay only one semester). This housing fee is charged to cover the costs of the university in providing the housing service to international students. The housing fee ensures that you will be offered accommodation through the university.

Read more about Accommodation.

REGISTRATION WITH LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

After registration the municipality office will send a social security number (BSN) to your Dutch address.

Required registration documents • Passport or European ID card.

• Rental agreement for your Dutch address (if you do not have a rental agreement you must bring a written statement of approval signed by the main tenant and a copy of his/her passport).

• Birth Certificate (legalized)* - please note that is only required if you staying for longer than one year or if you are not staying in accommodation in Amsterdam or Amstelveen. Should you be living outside Amsterdam or Amstelveen and your birth certificate is not in Dutch, English, French or German, you must supply a official translation into one of these languages.

Students who are married will also need to bring their marriage certificate (legalized)*.

If you will stay in the Netherlands for more than four months, then you need to register your living address with the local authorities, the municipality.

* ACCOMMODATION PRICE CATEGORIES: CATEGORY

ROOM TYPE

MONTHLY PRICE PER PERSON

I

Rooms with shared facilities

€ 350 - € 400

II

Rooms with private bathroom (or shared by two persons) and shared kitchen

€ 400 - € 500

III

Rooms with private bathroom (or shared by two persons) and kitchen

€ 500 - € 700

** RENTAL PERIODS: Exchange students

1 year

mid August - mid August

Exchange students

1 semester

mid August - end of January or start of February - mid August

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

12

COURSE INFORMATION As an exchange student you can either opt to select a minor programme or decide to assemble your own course list.

We strongly encourage you to follow a minor programme, which is a thematic package of approximately five interrelated bachelor’s courses that span the entire semester. A significant advantage of choosing a minor is that the courses included in the minor will not overlap in the timetable. Master students are eligible to follow a minor programme, even though the courses are offered at the bachelor level. Some minor programmes are open to all students, regardless of academic background, while other minor programmes are faculty-specific and require prior background knowledge.

The second option is to select your courses from our exchange study guide. Of course, the advantage is that you are free to create a personalized course list, in some cases even consisting of courses from different faculties. A disadvantage, however, is that if you more or less randomly select various courses, chances are high that classes will overlap in the timetable. If your courses overlap, you might need to choose new courses very close to the start of the semester.

Based on the official transcript of records you uploaded during your application, we - the incoming exchange team - will assess whether you are allowed entry into the courses you selected. Each course description includes information about target audience, entry requirements and recommended background knowledge. You should pay close attention to these criteria when selecting courses, and make sure to only select courses for which you are eligible.

If approved, we will add your course list in your personal VUnet account. Note that this does not mean that you are registered for these courses; we have merely preapproved your course selection. After our approval, you will receive instructions on how to register for courses yourself. If (part of) your course selection is rejected during the approval stage, we will inform you and you will have to submit other courses for pre-approval.

Courses and registration deadlines Before the start of the semester, you will register for the courses you plan to follow during the entire semester, based on your pre-approved selection. Should you wish

to change your course selection, please send a message to incoming@vu.nl. Note that you are allowed to change a maximum of 2 courses per semester.

The deadlines for course changes are as follows: Period 1: 09-09-2019 Period 2: 07-10-2019 Period 3: 16-12-2019 Period 4: 13-01-2020 Period 5: 09-03-2020 Period 6: 11-05-2020

Registration for exams and re-sits When registering for courses, it’s important to register for all components of that particular course. This may include lectures, tutorials, work groups and exams. Exams can take various forms (such as a written exam, a multiple choice exam or essay). All courses offer a re-sit exam.

In case a student does not pass the initial exam, he/she is responsible for registering for the re-sit. This must be done at least 2 weeks before the the re-sit. In case you fail to register for a course, or a course component, you will be excluded from participating in that particular component.

Study guide and course selection The exchange study guide provides information about the programmes and courses taught at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam which are open to exchange students. As an exchange student, you can only select courses included in the exchange study guide. The information is presented for each academic year, and divided into different types of programmes.

Course schedules These can be found on the rooster website.

ECTS requirements A full semester’s workload consists of 30 ECTS credits.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam requires that you select courses worth at least 24 ECTS credits. Please note: your home university might require that you take more than 24 ECTS credits. If this is the case, then you are responsible for selecting sufficient courses to meet your home university’s requirements.

Upon completion of the registration procedure at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, you will receive proof of registration. On the Arrival Days, you will get assistance EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

13

with registration at the municipality and other practical matters. You can also visit the International Service Desk, open Monday - Friday 13:00 - 15:00, located on the ground floor of the main building.

ADMINISTRATION AND FORMS Signing of documents Most (EU) students will bring documents from their home university which need to be signed by the International Office of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, eg.: • a learning agreement (will be signed upon arrival) • an arrival form • a departure form • proof of enrolment You can have your documents signed at the International Service Desk.

Contact For all academic and administrative questions regarding your exchange at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, please contact the incoming exchange team: incoming@vu.nl

BANK AFFAIRS Most students will need a Dutch bank account to manage their day-to-day finances.

During the Arrival Days you will receive an application form to open a Dutch bank account, but you also need the following required documents: • Valid passport • Proof of an address in the Netherlands (e.g. rental agreement)

Paying with your student card

HEALTH INSURANCE Valid health insurance is compulsory in the Netherlands.

If you have not arranged valid insurance yet, make sure that you arrange this as soon as possible. There are three options to insure your medical costs for the period of stay in the Netherlands.

• If you are an EU/EEA student, you are most likely covered for a temporary stay in the Netherlands by the health insurance policy in your home country. Please verify this before you arrive and remember to request your EU health insurance card (E111) • If you are a non-EU/EEA student obliged to take out Dutch public healthcare insurance (zorgverzekering), you are free to buy insurance from any Dutch insurance company. We recommend to opt for the Aon ICS+ Complete package for extensive coverage at a good price.

• If you are already privately insured in your home country, you need to check with your insurance company which health care services they cover during your studies. If coverage is not sufficient, you need to take out a new or special insurance policy for your stay in the Netherlands.

• Working while studying? If you get a job during your studies or undertake a paid internship, student insurance is not sufficient. You will need to purchase Dutch “basis” health insurance if you earn more than €150,- per month.

More extensive information on health care and health insurance in the Netherlands can be found on this information sheet.

Liability insurance You are liable for all associated costs when you cause an accident involving injury to others or damage to property.

The resulting claim for damages could be very expensive.

Therefore, we would strongly urge you to take out adequate liability insurance.

Read more about about insurance.

You can use your student card to lend books at the University library, as an ID during exams and to pay for snacks and coffee at the vending machines. Your card can also be used to pay for the use of the multi-functional printers (printing, scanning and copying). The student card can be charged by means of the Digital IT Wallet.

You can top-up it on this page and at IT Top-up points.

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

14

HEALTH MATTERS

WORKING WHILE YOU STUDY

The General Practitioner

If you want to work in the Netherlands alongside your study, it is important to know the rules and regulations.

Students from the EU/EEA (except from students from Croatia) who wish to work alongside their studies have the same rights as Dutch students. You do not need a work permit and the hours that you are allowed to work per week are not restricted. However, in most cases you will have to be able to speak a reasonable amount of Dutch.

Non-EU/EEA students and Croatians require a work permit. With a work permit you are only allowed to work a maximum of ten hours per week OR fulltime during the summer months.

The General Practitioner/Family doctor plays a key role in the Dutch health care system. You should consult your GP when you become ill, need a prescription or suffer from mental health concerns. The GP will either refer you to a specialist or treat you himself/herself.

More extensive information on health care providers in the Netherlands can be found on this information sheet.

The Dentist All students of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam who stay for more than one year can register with ACTA (the Faculty of Dentistry) for dental care. Students who stay for less than one year can contact the Tandartsbemiddelingsbureau.

They will assist you in finding a dentist who can help you at short notice.

ACTA (Dentists) T +31 (0)20 598 0380 E info@acta.nl Website ACTA Tandarts bemiddelingsbureau T +31 (0)20 506 3841

Read more about working in The Netherlands while studying.

LIVING COSTS While living as a student in Amsterdam you should expect to spend between € 860,- and € 1000,- per month.

By way of indication: Accommodation Food etc.

Public transport Insurance

€ 350 - € 700 per month € 325 - € 500 per month € 60 per month € 75 - € 100 per month

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

15

3. THE VU EXPERIENCE ARRIVAL DAYS AND ORIENTATION Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers an introduction programme at the beginning of each semester. In February and August all new foreign students will be given a warm welcome to student life at our university and to Amsterdam. On the Arrival Days, students have the opportunity to sign their housing contracts, ask questions about registration and get information on other practical matters. All kinds of activities are organised, such as social, cultural and sports events. You will meet fellow international students and the board of ESN VU Amsterdam, our international student association.

Website Introduction Programme

Airport pick-up service ESN VU Amsterdam offers a Pick-Up Service from Schiphol Airport. Go to the ESN Webpage for more information.

STUDENT SERVICES

study progress issues, financial matters and personal matters. Meetings with student advisors and counsellors are confidential and free of charge. You can make an appointment to meet one of the student general counsellors online. Contact the Student General Counselling Service.

Student psychologists If you experience study-related problems such as fear of failure, lack of motivation, procrastination, examination stress or personal problems such as loneliness, home sickness, adjustment problems, grief, feeling depressed, anger, anxiety, and lack of self-esteem you can ask the VU psychologists for help.

VU psychologists can help students who would benefit from more intensive or specialized care with finding the necessary care outside Vrije Universiteit. For a referral it is important to have an insurance policy that covers mental health care in The Netherlands, and to have approval from your General Practioner.

For all your questions concerning your stay, the International Service Desk is open daily between 13.00 - 15.00 p.m. in the main building of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The desk is located on the ground floor.

Consultations are strictly confidential. You can make an appointment through VUnet. Besides individual sessions, our psychologists offer a course called Back-ontrackstudy-group for international students. See VUnet as well for tips on how to handle or prevent psychological problems. Contact a VU psychologist or email to psychologists@vu.nl.

Study advisors

Confidential counsellors

Each faculty has at least one study advisor who can help you plan your study, choose any extra courses that may be useful, discuss personal matters which may affect your study and can advise you on career choices.

If you need to speak to a study advisor at a specific faculty, please contact us at incoming@vu.nl.

The Executive Board is keen to ensure that Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a safe and pleasant environment for all staff and students. Sexual harassment and other forms of undesirable conduct (violence, intimidation, aggression, bullying) will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Special ‘confidential counsellors’ have been appointed and can help you if you feel intimidated in any way. Contact a confidential counsellor.

List of student services.

International Service Desk

Student general counsellors Student general counsellors offer advice and are able to help you address various matters. These may include

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

17

Students with a disability or chronic illness We strive to assist students with disabilities in any way we can. We can for instance allow students extra time during exams, and in some cases also the use of a laptop during exams, a locker, access to special service elevators, and other facilities. During the application in VUnet, you can specify the types of assistance you require. You must also upload a (medical) certificate. Please note, however, that we may not be able to offer the same services or level of service that your home university provides.

For questions please contact us at incoming@vu.nl.

Student Ombudsman The Student Ombudsman helps students with problems or complaints that cannot be resolved by any other body within the university. For example, if you feel that the faculty has treated you unreasonably or if your rights as a student have been infringed upon.

He/she acts independently, is impartial, and will deal with all complaints in the strictest confidence.

Contact the Ombudsman.

Course and career information centre VU International Office organizes various events and activities throughout the year such as the annual VU International Day or the Career Event for those international students who wish to work in the Netherlands after their study. You will be informed of these events through the International Student Newsletter and you can also check our website and the VU International Students Facebook page.

International student Chaplaincy Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers students a range of religious facilities and services. These include the Student Chaplaincy, a meditation room and an Islamic prayer room.

STUDY FACILITIES List of all Study facilities

University Library The Vrije Universiteit Library is a relatively large and wellstocked academic library. You can therefore consult a vast range of resources, either on paper or in digital form, to help you in your coursework and research. The library’s

collection is divided among several locations. All VU students are automatically a member of the University Library and may borrow materials on presentation of their student card.

The University Library does more than just lend out textbooks. For example, it organizes various courses and workshops. Most products and services are free for Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam students.

Website Vrije Universiteit Library.

Media library The media library is part of the university’s Audiovisual Centre (AVC). It has over four thousand videos on various academic and scientific subjects, all of which can be viewed on the premises. Current affairs programmes, documentaries, news bulletins and (relevant) feature films are recorded every day. You can view any of them upon presenting your student card.

VUnet All VU students receive a VUnet-id. This is a personal combination of a username and password which gives you access to VUnet and other ICT services.

VUnet is your personalized internet start page, with everything you need for your studies. You can read the latest Canvas messages at a glance, access your e-mail and find your examination results. You can also use your VUnet-id to buy software at a bargain price via Surfspot.

Student e-mail All VU students will be provided with an e-mail address at registration. We urge you to start using your VU student mail account as soon as possible, since Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam will use the VU student e-mail address to communicate with you. You do not want to miss out on important information and deadlines!

Campus-wide wireless network A wireless network is available throughout the whole VU campus with high bandwidth, including hotspots with extra high bandwidth. You can access this wireless network with your own notebook free of charge.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has three wireless internet networks (see table next to this page).

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

18

VU-Campusnet

For students and employees with a VUnet-id

Guest-network for visitors

To access this network you need a temporary visitors account

Eduroam

VU employees and students can use the eduroam network which is also available at other educational institutions affiliated with eduroam

If you want to install WIFI on your laptop please visit the IT Service Desk in the VU main building. If you already have 3G or 4G on your mobile phone you can install WIFI on your mobile phone via www.vu.nl/draadloos.

Computer rooms There are several computer rooms, a notebook study room and internet work spaces available. Students wishing to study using a notebook or laptop should go to the study room in the main building (ground floor, room 0B-06).

It has sixty workspaces, each equipped with a notebook holder, plug-in keyboard, power outlet and adjustable chair. The room is divided into two sections: the ‘silent area’ for private study, and a ‘working area’ in which you can talk with other students and work together on your joint assignment. There are also a number of places reserved for wheelchair users.

Copy centre The copy centre’s services include photocopying (blackand- white or colour), printing, lamination, thermal binding and data processing.

There are also self-service multifunctional copying machines available that you can use to print, copy or scan.

They can be found throughout the campus and operated by using your student card.

VU MediaXperience The VU MediaXperience is a state-of-the-art study and research environment on the first floor of the main building. VU MediaXperience offers students, teaching staff and researchers the opportunity to experiment with the latest technologies and educational applications.

All facilities are made available free of charge. It is also a perfect place for you to work together on joint assignments.

Website VU MediaXperience (Dutch only).

VU Bookstore The VU bookstore in the main building stocks a wide range of academic and scientific textbooks. It specializes in Economics, Finance, Law, Theology and Medicine, but also offers books on other subjects as well as general reading material. You can buy all compulsory literature for your classes at this bookstore. The VU Bookstore now incorporates a general stationery department which sells magazines, greetings cards, postage stamps, public transport tickets, pre-paid smartcards, etc.

Website VU bookstore (Dutch only).

LANGUAGE COURSES VU-NT2 Academy The Dutch as a Second Language Department offers various courses in Dutch. Whether you are new to our language or speak it reasonably well, they can help you learn Dutch fast and effectively.

Website VU-NT2.

Taalcentrum VU Taalcentrum VU is an independent translation and language-training agency with its home at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. They provide translations, language and communication training courses and text editing services. They also organise the VU institutional TOEFL test. This test is much cheaper than the official TOEFL test, although it is only recognised at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Website Taalcentrum VU.

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

19

RESTAURANTS

Three restaurants on campus with light lunch opportunities

Mainstreet and coffee bars

You can pick up a coffee ‘to go’ at Mainstreet in the entrance hall of the Main Building. Pastries and light snacks are also available

The Basket

Grand café with terrace

Doppio Café

Café with coffee and snacks. The coffees are made by professional baristas, making them perfect for caffeine addicts!

FOOD AND DRINKS There is a convenience store and three restaurants on campus where you can enjoy a light lunch. The restaurant in the main building also provides hot meals at lunchtime and in the late afternoon/early evening. There are also a number of coffee bars throughout the campus, in addition to the Doppio cafe, the Basket restaurant and the Spar convenience store.

VU UILENSTEDE CAMPUS On the Uilenstede campus you can find student accommodation, a café / bar, the sports centre and the cultural centre. It is easy to reach, being only ten minutes by bicycle from the university.

VU SPORTS CENTRE The VU Sports Centre is a sports facility offered by the university. It offers a very wide range of opportunities to play sports or keep fit. Discounts are available for international students. Website VU Sports Centre.

ART AND CULTURE Learning and personal development should go beyond the set course curriculum. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam therefore does much to promote art and culture. The Griffioen Cultural Centre organizes many creative courses in areas such as music, dance and photography.

The Exposorium holds at least six exhibitions of contemporary art each year, and Vrije Universiteit

organizes a number of public activities looking at various aspects of science, culture and society.

VU Orchestra The VU-Orchestra is one of the most prominent student orchestras in the Netherlands. Every Wednesday evening there is rehearsal at 19:30 at the Griffioen Cultural Centre.

Website VU Orchestra.

GRIFFIOEN Griffioen is Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’s Cultural Centre. The professionally equipped Griffioen stage presents performances and concerts by established names and rising talent, interspersed with its own theatrical and musical productions. Prices are in accordance with a student’s budget.

Website Griffioen.

Movies Cinema Griffioen presents recent hits, movie classics and little-known gems on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. They show two different movies on each evening.

Tickets are €8 for the general public and €5 for students.

Courses The Griffioen has a range of over sixty courses to choose from. Visual arts, dance, music or drama: it’s all on offer at the Griffioen. You also have the opportunity to participate in drama or music productions, play in the VU orchestra or sing along in the VU choir. Last but not least, the centre houses a range of work spaces and studios where students can play the piano, make pop music, develop photographs and more.

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

20

ESN VU AMSTERDAM ESN VU Amsterdam is an organization for all international and Dutch students at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. It brings together Dutch and international students from a variety of disciplines to introduce them to the university and to Amsterdam, and to make them feel at home. ESN VU Amsterdam organizes a host of activities, including cocktail parties, weekly get-togethers (borrels) and social gatherings every two weeks, as well as a larger social event once a month. As ESN VU Amsterdam is an organization for the students, it is also possible to become an active member, for example as a member of the PR committee, activities committee or mentor committee.

Website ESN VU Amsterdam.

AMSTERDAM Amsterdam is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, boasting around 180 different nationalities. English is widely spoken. At Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, some 130 nationalities work and study closely together creating a vibrant international academic community.

Read more about Amsterdam.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT To make use of public transport in Amsterdam you will need a public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart). These cards are sold at GVB Tickets & Info points and at ticket vending machines. It is important that you always check in and check out of each vehicle with your card, including when transferring. As a special deal for international students, ISIC has created the ISIC/OV-chipkaart, a custom-made mobility card for international students that includes various discounts. Reserve the ISIC/OV-chipkaart prior to your arrival in Amsterdam and pick it up at the introduction days in August. Sign-up for the ISIC/OVchipkaart here.

Website GVB Plan your journey

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

• Amsterdam has approximately 800,000 inhabitants?

• Amsterdam has 165 canals and 1,281 bridges, even more than Venice?

• Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands?

• According to Mercer’s 2018 Quality of Life Survey, Amsterdam is ranked 12th worldwide?

• Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in the world?

• With almost 92,000 students, Amsterdam is a great and lively place to study?

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

21

BEFORE YOU GO BACK HOME Before you leave Amsterdam and go back home, there are some things that need to be settled.

Hand in your residence permit The residence permit card you received remains property of the Dutch state. Therefore, you need to hand it in on your final departure. If you leave the Netherlands by plane, you can hand in the card at your final customs check. Or you can hand in the card at the IND office in Amsterdam.

Deregister from municipality Deregistering from the Municipal Personal Records Database (Gemeentelijke Basisadministratie, GBA) is necessary. The municipality removes your personal details from the database and informs other government authorities of your departure.

Read more about the deregistration process in Amsterdam.

Read more about the deregistration process in Amstelveen.

Close your Dutch bank account It is very important to close your Dutch bank account before you leave. You should visit the nearest bank office and they will help you close the bank account. If you do not

close your bank account, you will continue to be charged for the use of it, which could result in an unexpected bill when visiting the Netherlands in the future.

Transcript of grades After the semester has come to an end, you will need a transcript of records in order to transfer your grades to your home university. You will be asked to fill out an online form once all your grades have been registered in VUnet.

Based on this, representatives of the international office will submit your transcript of records to you and/or your home university. The list of grades can be sent digitally or as a hard copy.

Hand in your accommodation keys Towards the end of your tenancy, a caretaker will contact you and give you more information regarding the departure procedures. Leave your room clean and tidy. You will be charged for any damage to the room or necessary cleaning after you leave.

If you rented from DUWO and you depart outside of office hours, for instance in the evening or weekend, you can put your keys in an envelope (with name, address and room number) and put them in the mailbox outside of the DUWO office.

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

22

4. CALENDAR

AUGUST 2019 - JUNE 2020 Throughout the year Amsterdam offers a variety of cultural events and festivals, many of them are organized with an English-speaking public in mind.

For a complete overview check your VUnet and the Amsterdam event guide.

A - VU events and dates A - Exams and deadlines A - National holidays

18 - 21 August 2019

Arrival Days

21 - 25 August 2019

Orientation week

2 September 2019

Opening Academic Year

18 October 2019

Dies Natalis

21 - 25 October 2019

Exam period I

16 - 20 December 2019

Exam period II

25 - 26 December 2019

Christmas

25 - 31 December 2019

University is closed

31 December 2019

New Year’s Eve

1 January 2020

New Year’s Day

27 - 31 January 2020

Exam period III

2 September 2019 - 31 January 2020

Semester 1

23 - 27 March 2020

Exam period IV

19 March 2020

Good Friday

21 - 22 April 2020

Easter

27 April 2020

King’s Day (Koningsdag)

4 May 2020

Memorial Day (Nationale Dodenherdenking)

5 May 2020

Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)

30 May 2020

Ascension Day

25 - 29 May 2020

Exam period V

9 - 10 May 2020

Pentecost

22 - 26 June 2020

Exam period VI

3 February - 26 June 2020

Semester 2

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

24

AUGUST 2019 M

T

W

SEPTEMBER 2019 T

F

S

S

M

1

2

3

4

7

8

9

10

11

Arrival Days14 12 13

15

16

17

18 25

5

6

19

20

21

22

23

24

26

27

28

29

30

31

Orientation week

NOVEMBER 2019 M

T

W

T

T

W

T

F

S

S 2

3

6

Dies Natalis 10 11 12

13

9

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

28

29

30

31

F

S

S

F

S

S

Opening Academic Year

30

T

W

T

Exam period I

JANUARY 2020 M

T

W

1 3

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

9

10

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

16

17

18

19

25

26

27

28

29

30

23

24

25

26

30

31

M

T

T

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Exam II 11 period 12 13

14

15

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

27

28

29

30

31

4

5

W

Exam period III

APRIL 2020

MARCH 2020 2

S 5

8

2

1

S 4

7

10

S

F 3

8

9

S

T

7

8

F

2

6

7

FEBRUARY 2020

W 1

5

M

1

T

4

DECEMBER 2019 F

T

M

3

6

W

S

2

5

T

S

1

4

M

OCTOBER 2019

T

F

S

M

S

T

W

1

T

F

S

S

1

2

3

4

5

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

24

25

26

27

28

29

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

27

28

29

30

30

31

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

25

MAY 2020 M

T

Exam period VI

JUNE 2020

W

T

F

S

S

M

T

W

S

S

3

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

9

10

11

12

13

14

period VI 18 19

20

21

27

28

5

6

7

8

9

10

8

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

15

16 Exam 17

18

19

Exam V 20 period 21 22

23

24

22

23

25

26

30

31

29

30

28

F

2

4

27

T

1

29

24

25

26

5. VU CAMPUS + UILENSTEDE MAPS

VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM CAMPUS MAP

Metropolitan

Initium laan

ertse

nveld

Buite

Main Building

3

Service Desk

4

Copy Centre

5

World Shop

6

Sports Centre OZW

7

University Library

1 4

5

Campus square De

OZW Building Bo

ele

Basket

laa

n

6

Main Building - Faculty of Arts - Faculty of Theology - Faculty of Philosophy - Faculty of Economics and Business Administration Sciences Building - Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences - Faculty of Sciences

VU Bookshop

3

ATM-machine

2

Initium - Faculty of Law

Exposorium

2

Restaurant

Sciences Building

7

Metropolitan - Faculty of Social Sciences

1

Faculty of Medicine Building

Transitorium

t

traa

sts

hor

oec

er B

d van

Hortus Botanicus

ACTA Building VU University Medical Center

Faculty of Medicine Building - Faculty of Medicine - Faculty of Human Movement Sciences

VUmc policlinic

Transitorium - Faculty of Psychology and Education ACTA Building - Faculty of Dentistry (ACTA)

Cancer Centre Amsterdam

eg

sew

en

lve

ste

Am

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

26

VU UILENSTEDE THE STUDENT RESIDENTIAL AREA

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

27

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

28

6. USEFUL ADDRESSES AND LINKS International Office De Boelelaan 1105 1081 HV Amsterdam Tel: +31 (0)20 598 2788 Fax: +31 (0)20 598 5052 Housing Corporation DUWO Uilenstede 108 1183 AM Amstelveen Tel: +31 (0)20 543 1100 Opening hours: Monday: 8.30 -17.00 hour Tuesday to Friday: 12.00 -17.00 hour Website DUWO General Practice (Huisartsenpraktijk VUmc) De Boelelaan 1131 (entrance at Amstelveenseweg 601) 1081 HX Amsterdam For appointments: +31 (0)20 444 1400, 8:00 - 12:00 a.m.

Website VUmc ACTA (Dentists) Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004 1081 LA Amsterdam Tel: +31 (0)20 598 0380 Website ACTA Tandarts bemiddelingsbureau (Dentists) Tel: +31 (0)20 506 3841 Website Tandarts bemiddelingsbureau Municipality Office Amsterdam Amstel 1 1011 PN Amsterdam Tel: +31 (0)20 552 4433 Website Municipality Office Amsterdam

Municipality Office Amstelveen Laan van Nieuwer Amstel 1 1182 JR Amstelveen Tel: +31 (0)20 540 4263 Website Municipality Office Amstelveen GG&GD (TBC test) Nieuwe Achtergracht 100 Tel: +31 (0)20 555 5240 Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Website GGD VU Amsterdam Sports Centre (ASVU) Uilenstede 100 1183 AM Amstelveen Tel: +31 20 598 5090 Website VU Sports Centre Griffioen Cultural Centre Uilenstede 106 1183 AM Amstelveen Tel: +31 (0)20 598 5100 Reservations: +31 (0)20 598 5033 Website Griffioen ESN VU Amsterdam De Boelelaan 1083a, Room N044 Tel: +31 (0)20 598 5344 Email: mail@esnvuamsterdam.nl Website ESN VU Amsterdam

Taalcentrum VU Metropolitan Building, 4th floor Buitenveldertselaan 3-7 1082 VA Amsterdam Tel: +31 (0)20 598 6420 Fax: +31 (0)20 598 6505 Email: info@taalcentrum-vu.nl Website Taalcentrum VU EP - Nuffic European Platform The Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education P.O. Box 29777 2502 LT The Hague Tel: +31 (0)70 426 0260 Fax: +31 (0)70 426 0399 Website NUFFIC IND Immigration Services Stadhouderskade 85 1073 AT Amsterdam Tel: +31 (0)900 123 4561 Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 09:00 a.m. - 04:00 p.m.

Website IND

VU-NT2 Academy De Boelelaan 1105, Room 8A-40 1081 HV Amsterdam Tel: +31 (0)20 598 6398 Fax: +31 (0)20 598 6500 Email: vu-nt2@vu.nl Website VU-NT 2 Academy

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

29

7. SOCIAL MEDIA

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/vuamsterdam

FACEBOOK group exchange students 2019-2020 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1438668256438355/

TWITTER (Dutch only) www.twitter.com/VUamsterdam

LINKEDIN www.linkedin.com/company/vrije-universiteit-amsterdam

YOUTUBE www.youtube.com/vrijeuniversiteit

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vuamsterdam/

Student Blog www.amsterdamstudents.com

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

30

EXCHANGE GUIDE @ VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT AMSTERDAM

31

COLOPHON Getting Started @ Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Edition 2019-2020, compiled and edited by: Vrije Universiteit International Office

2052951, Haagsblauw 32