Hogeschool Rotterdam
Rotterdam University
University of Applied Sciences
HANDBOOK FOR
EXCHANGE STUDENTS
2009-2010
March 24, 2009
Bart Veldhuijzen International Office
①
Table of contents
Introduction
Chapter 1
General information
1.1
the Netherlands
1.2
Rotterdam
1.3
Hogeschool Rotterdam
Chapter 2
Departments and English modules
2.1
Business and Logistics
2.2
Social work
2.3
Laboratory
2.4
Art, Media, Design and Leisure
2.5
Media
2.6
Engineering
2.7
Architecture
2.8
Education
2.9
Information Technology
2.10 Paramedical / Nursing
Chapter 3
Incoming students
3.1
Exchange
3.2
Summer Courses
3.3
Academic calendar
3.4
Registration
3.4.1 Procedure
3.4.2 Housing
3.4.3 Facilities (libraries, computers, cafeteria, sports)
3.4.4 Transport facilities
3.4.5 Residence permit
3.4.6 Insurance and medical information
3.4.7 Cost of living
3.4.8 Climate
3.4.9 How to get there
3.5
3.6
Chapter 4
ECTS
Forms
Contact
②
Welcome at Hogeschool Rotterdam!
We are pleased that you have chosen Rotterdam for your study-abroad experience!
Hogeschool Rotterdam, internationally known as Rotterdam University, a University of
Applied Sciences, has a lot to offer you: many disciplines are represented at our University.
Although not all courses are offered in English, we will try to find a suitable programme for
you. We hope our institution will inspire and motivate you to make your international study
period worthwhile.
In addition, the city of Rotterdam is said to be very attractive for students. It is a dynamic city
bustling with activity. Attractions, festivals, concerts, theatre performances and events take
place the whole year round in the modern city centre. It has a wide range of museums, cafés,
restaurants and other places of entertainment.
We hope the information in this guide will help to answer some of your questions, as well as
help you with the practical side of preparing your study abroad. If you have any suggestions,
comments, etc., please contact the International Office internationaloffice@hro.nl
We wish you a very exciting and fruitful stay in Rotterdam!
The International Office
Mrs. Fiona Waldram-Geilman
Ms. Els Jacobs
Ms. Jacqueline Hamizadeh
③
Introduction
Hogeschool Rotterdam (Rotterdam University, a University of Applied Sciences) is located in
the centre of Rotterdam, the internationally oriented port city. The five main university sites
are all close to the Caland metro line, which crosses Rotterdam from east to west. Higher
Education could not be more easily accessible. The university offers a wide choice of wellequipped and modern theoretical and practical courses.
Hogeschool Rotterdam offers over eighty programmes in total, in almost all major
professional sectors:

technology and engineering

ICT

chemistry and biotechnology

health care

welfare

art, media, design and leisure

media

business and management

building and architecture

teacher training for primary and secondary education

transport and logistics
In all their variety, the programmes share a common educational vision, focusing on
interaction between the programmes and interdisciplinary educational programmes. The
university wants to be firmly rooted in society and educates students who combine
knowledge and professional skills with social responsibility. Education at the university is,
therefore, closely intertwined with specific issues facing the international and multi-cultural
business and port city of Rotterdam.
④
Chapter 1 General Information
1.1 the Netherlands
the Netherlands today is one of the world's most prosperous countries. A highly developed
system of social welfare ensures that everyone in the Netherlands has an opportunity to share
in this prosperity.
Geography
the Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Some 17 million
people live in an area of approximately 37,000 km². About 60% of the people live in the
western part of the country, which is called Holland. This name is often used to refer to the
Netherlands as a whole.
'The Netherlands' literally means 'the Low Countries'. The name refers to the fact that about
half of the country lies below sea level. It would be under water if it were not for the system of
dykes and dams that prevent the land from being flooded. This constant battle against water is
reflected in the popular saying 'God made the world, but the Dutch made the Netherlands.'
Landscape
The country has a large river delta: the place where the rivers Rijn (Rhine), Maas (Meuse) and
Schelde (Scheldt) run out and flow into the North Sea. The landscape is flat; there are only a
few small hills in the centre and in the south. Stretches of forest are only to be found in the
centre and the east. More typical features of the Dutch landscape are the broad sandy
beaches and dunes that draw many Dutch and foreign tourists to the North Sea coast.
Climate
The climate is typical of a maritime west coast: unstable but moderate, with mild winters and
cool summers. Days with temperatures below minus 5 degrees or above 30 degrees
Centigrade are unusual. Clouds and wind are common features. The annual rainfall is
moderate but unpredictable; therefore, a raincoat and an umbrella are essential. Because of
the fact that the weather is very unpredictable, it is a topic of never-ending discussion.
Royal Family
The Dutch royal house is the House of Orange Nassau. This dynasty has been connected with
the Netherlands since the 16th century. Prince William of Orange (1533-1584) is the ancestor
of the royal family. In 1890, the male line of succession ended with the death of King William III.
Queen Beatrix has been Head of State of the Netherlands since 1980.
Language
Dutch, a Germanic language, is spoken everywhere in the country. In addition, Friesian (a
related Germanic language) is spoken in Friesland, one of the northern provinces.
the Netherlands is internationally oriented. Many Dutch people speak at least two foreign
languages; nearly everyone understands and speaks English.
The Dutch tend to be well informed about world affairs, which becomes evident when looking
at the wide news coverage offered by the Dutch media. Books and periodicals from other
countries are used extensively in higher education and a growing number of courses and study
programmes are taught in English.
Traditions and Customs
One of the first things that foreigners in the Netherlands will notice is the fact that the Dutch
have a great respect for privacy. As a consequence you are expected to introduce yourself: it is
up to you (the stranger) to make the Dutch person aware of the sort of contact you want. After
that, your Dutch acquaintance will introduce you to other people.
⑤
You will also notice that Dutch people use their 'agendas' (diaries) a lot. Do not be surprised if
you have to arrange a date for next week, or even later.
All Dutch people expect to be treated as equals. Whenever a Dutch person feels that he is
treated in an arrogant way, he will express this by saying so or by shrugging his shoulders with
indifference. His intention is not to be impolite, but to put mutual relations in their proper
perspective or clarify them.
The Dutch have a very direct manner of speaking, especially when expressing their opinions.
They avoid superlatives and tend to be negative. Compliments are rarely given or they can
hardly be recognised as such. The Dutch like to criticise all kinds of things. This may
sometimes seem worrying; however, to the Dutch this is often a sign of interest.
Holidays
In the Netherlands, not all holidays are celebrated in an equally exuberant manner. Christmas,
for instance, is often celebrated in the family circle. The Queen's Birthday is, however, a feast
that is celebrated in the streets. Tens of thousands of people go out into the streets to enjoy
the delicious food, the various bands and the stalls selling all kinds of (second-hand) goods.
1 January
30 April
5 May
5 December
25 & 26 December
Variable dates
New Year's Day
the Queen's Birthday
Liberation Day
Sinterklaas
Christmas Day & Boxing Day
Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday, Ascension Day and
Whit Sunday (Whitsun) and Monday
1.2 Rotterdam in brief
Rotterdam is one of the largest ports in the world, the second city and the industrial heart of
the Netherlands and the economic, social and cultural centre of the Rijnmond (‘Rhine
Estuary’) region. In addition, Rotterdam is a city of modern architecture, events, leisure and
recreation. More than one million people from 162 countries live in the Rotterdam region.
Rotterdam was founded in the mid 13th century after a dam had been constructed in the
River Rotte on the site of the present Hoogstraat. Rotterdam received municipal rights in
1340. Over the centuries Rotterdam grew from a fishing village into an international centre of
trade, transport, industry and distribution. At the beginning of the Second World War, on 14
May 1940, virtually the entire city centre was devastated by German bombs. This explains
why there are scarcely any pre-war buildings in this part of Rotterdam. After the war,
reconstruction of what had been destroyed was given the highest priority. Now, more than
sixty years later, a new, modern city centre has risen from the ashes. The avant-garde
architecture is famous at home and abroad.
Being the 'Gateway to Europe' Rotterdam has a hinterland of 500 million inhabitants. Its
international orientation as a port and the regeneration of its city centre has made Rotterdam
a business city without parallel. Since the opening of the borders to Eastern Europe, the
hinterland has considerably increased in size.
Innumerable trade and distribution companies operate from Rotterdam. All national and most
international banks and insurance companies have their offices here. Access to the city is
excellent thanks to the close vicinity of Rotterdam and Schiphol airports. Rotterdam offers an
attractive economic climate for both large and small businesses.
⑥
1.3 Hogeschool Rotterdam
Rotterdam University is a University of Applied Sciences and among the top five of such
universities in the country, in terms of size (approximately 28,500 students!). It is a truly
multidisciplinary University which is able to offer the most important courses in every sector
(with the exception of agricultural studies). When you join Hogeschool Rotterdam, this means
that you have chosen for a dynamic University with a Rotterdam character. No matter which
study programme you choose, there will always be a clear emphasis on practice.
Recently Hogeschool Rotterdam has rearranged its 17 faculties into 11 new ‘schools’.
⑦
Chapter 2 Departments and English modules
In short, Hogeschool Rotterdam can be divided into 11 Schools, the so-called Institutes,
within the following fields of study:
1. Business and Logistics
2. Social work
3. Laboratory
4. Art, Media & Design
5. Media
6. Engineering
7. Architecture
8. Education
9. Information Technology
10. Paramedical / Nursing
11. Marketing and Communication
INSTITUTEN
Instituut voor Bouw en
Bedrijfskunde
SCHOOLS
School of Built Environment and
Business Administration
English
programme
Yes
Willem de Kooning Academie
art media design & leisure
Instituut voor Financieel
Management
Willem de Kooning Academy
art media design & leisure
Instituut voor Lerarenopleidingen
School of Education
Yes
School of Health Care Studies
No
Instituut voor Gezondheidszorg
Instituut voor Engineering en
Applied Science
Instituut voor Commercieel
Management
School of Financial Management
School of Engineering and Applied
Science
Yes
Yes
No*)
School of Commercial Management
Studies
Yes
Instituut voor Sociale Opleidingen
School of Social Work
Yes
Instituut voor Communicatie,
Media en Informatietechnologie
School of Communication, Media
and Information Technology
Yes
Rotterdam Business School
Instituut voor
Managementopleidingen
Rotterdam Business School
Yes
School of Management Studies
No
*) Sometimes individual projects can be offered.
⑧
2.1 Business and Logistics
Several Schools offer business and logistics programmes.
2.1.1
Rotterdam Business School
Rotterdam is the most challenging region in the Netherlands, but for Rotterdam University it
is much more than that. It is a way of thinking and acting that we call “typical of Rotterdam”.
Whether it is the sales market, the buyers’ market or even the labour market,
internationalization must be a structural element in the strategic planning of every
entrepreneur. Internationalization is therefore the challenge facing the entire business world.
Founded in 1990, Rotterdam Business School is an expert in international management
programmes.
The Rotterdam Business School has 3 bachelor programmes: International Business and
Languages, Trade Management aimed at Asia and International Business and Management
Studies.
International Business and Management Studies
The bachelor programme International Business and Management Studies (IBMS) is a
management study programme completely offered in English.
There are seven minors: Marketing Management, Finance & Accounting, Logistics
Management and International Business Management, Latin American Studies, Doing
Business in Emerging Markets and Sustainable Entrepreneurship.
For more information please visit www.RotterdamBusinessSchool.nl (choose International
Business and Management Studies). Special programmes have been made for exchange
students. For further information, please contact Mrs. Tineke van der Gaast at
T.E.van.der.Gaast@hro.nl
2.1.2 School of Commercial Management Studies
The School of Commercial Management Studies offers International Marketing Management,
an English programme.
This International Marketing Management programme consists of various interrelated and
integrated modules with a total of 30 ECTS. Subjects are business, marketing and building
business relations in Holland.
Students interested in this programme should contact Mr. Gerard van der Star at
G.J.van.der.Star@hro.nl
For further information, please visit the website:
www.riba.eu.com
2.1.3 School of Financial Management
The School of Financial Management offers International Business & Control, an English
programme.
This International Business & Control programme consists of various interrelated modules
with a total of 15 ECTS; subjects are finance and negotiations. The other 15 ECTS are
⑨
obtained by joining a part of the RIBA-programme (offered by International Marketing
Management, see above)
Students interested in this programme should contact Mr. J.B. van Oudheusden at
oudjb@hro.nl
2.1.4 School of Financial Management / School of Commercial Management Studies
The School of Financial Management and the School of Commercial Management Studies
offer a joined English programme: International Business Experience (IBEX).
It is a solid practice-oriented programme developed in consultation with the international
business community. The modules (with a total of 30 ects) are offered separately, but
interconnected by a real case study.
For further information, please visit the website:
www.rotterdam-university.nl/IBEX
Students interested in this programme should contact
Mr. J.B. van Oudheusden at oudjb@hro.nl or Mr. A.J. Reijenga at a.j.reijenga@hro.nl
2.1.5
School of Built Environment and Business Administration
The School of Built Environment and Business Administration offers a wide range of bachelor
programmes in business administration, logistics and construction/ built environment.
Two international programmes are offered this Spring semester.
1. Services Management
The bachelor courses in Facilities Management and Business Engineering offer a Minor in
Services Management designed for students who have completed the first two years of a
four-year undergraduate study in Business Administration or Business Engineering, or a
related study. Students from other undergraduate studies may also be eligible and can apply
for enrolment.
The Minor Services Management deals with the management of technical and facilities
services offered in support of primary business processes. The student will learn how to act
in international professional situations and how to operate in an interdisciplinary context in
business services, in which capital movement, relevant European developments, cultural
differences and differences in business cultures are important issues.
Exchange students will carry out assignments together with Dutch students for companies in
the services sector. In addition, exchange students work together with Dutch students in a
peer coaching programme.
The programme consists of 30 ECTS and takes one semester.
For more information on the Minor Services Management please contact Ms. A.M. Peters at
a.m.peters@hro.nl
⑩
2. Logistics and Transport Management.
The programme can be started in the Fall or in the Spring semester. The programme
includes the projects Traffic Management and Customer Service in the Spring semester and
the projects Tendering and Transport simulation in the Fall semester. Next to that the
students can choose between the minors Maritime Management or Supply Chain
Management. Foreign students who want to enrol should have completed the first two years
of a four-year undergraduate course in Logistics or a related study and have an intermediate
level of English.
The programme consists of 30 ECTS and takes one semester. For details see the following
link: Exchange programme
For more information on this international programme please contact Mr. Jeroen Visser at
J.E.Visser@hro.nl
2.2 Social work
The School of Social Work bases its education on a strong relation with the city of
Rotterdam. Rotterdam is the city of social renewal, geared towards restoring social cohesion
in a multicultural society. Within the School of Social Work there are 4 course programmes in
place plus a common foundation course:
Cultural Social Work / Community Work
Social Work and Social Services
Social Educational Care
Pedagogy
A one-year foundation course programme : Behavioural and Social Studies
In co-operation with the School of Education, an international course is offered. This threemonth course is called ‘Rotterdam: a multi-cultural Metropolis’. It runs from February to May
and yields 20 ECTS upon successful completion. If an international student expresses an
interest, the course can be extended with an optional 10 ECTS in independent field or project
work (which is to be announced in the application procedure).
The overall emphasis in this international course is on education and developmental
processes. Furthermore, there is a 2 ECTS self-study course called Understanding the
Dutch, which is based on the independent study of the book under the same name and the
writing of a report on this.
For course information, please contact Ms. Anja Stofberg at J.Stofberg@hro.nl
2.3 Laboratory
Currently the School of Engineering and Applied Science has no English programmes.
2.4 Art, Media, Design and Leisure
2.4.1 Willem de Kooning Academy
Willem de Kooning Academy offers a wide range of Bachelor programmes in Art, Media,
Design and Leisure with many options for exchange students from partner institutions.
⑪
For more information please contact WdKA's International Affairs Officer, Mr. Ad Borstlap at
a.borstlap@hro.nl or visit http://blog.wdka.nl/exchange
2.4.2 Piet Zwart Institute
The Piet Zwart Institute is the research centre of the Willem de Kooning Academy.
Next to its research programmes, it offers affiliated English-language Master programmes in
Fine Art, Media Design and Communication with degrees in either Networked Media or 4D
Lens-Based Media, Retail and Interior Design and a Dutch-language programme for Art
Education.
For more information about the Piet Zwart Institute please contact
Vanessa Tuitel at: v.a.j.tuitel@hro.nl or visit the Institutes website: http://pzwart.wdka.hro.nl/
2.5 Media
Within the School of Communication, Media Design and Information Technology (CMI) the
Department for Communication and Multimedia Design (CMD) offers special minors for
exchange students in their third or fourth year.
These minors, User Experience Design and Multimedia Concept Development are
composed of 30 ECTS each.
For more information please contact Mr. Elbert Visser at e.visser@hro.nl
2.6 Engineering
The School of Engineering and Applied Science brings together the knowledge of the
programmes Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering,
Automotive Engineering, Industrial Product Design and Laboratory Education.
English modules: No English modules are offered at this department but there are
possibilities for a practical semester (internship) or a final project within a company.
For more information please contact Mrs. Irma Sparreboom-Van der Want at
I.M.Sparreboom-van.der.Want@hro.nl
2.7 Architecture
The School of Construction and Management has an Academy of Architecture and Urban
Design which offers a four year Master programme for to be trained as an Architect or Urban
Designer. In addition to the general education program, which contains ateliers, lectures and
laboratory sessions, they also offer workshops, lectures and a Summer school. All organised
with professionals working in the field.
Exchanges such as those in the Erasmus programme are difficult to combine with the
school's education programme, as students combine their studies with a job within the
profession. Students work four days a week for an architectural, urban planning, landscape
or engineering office and attend classes on one or two evenings per week and on Friday.
This form of education and the fact that it is an exclusive Master programme, cause
exchanges to be very uncommon at the Academy.
⑫
The Academy is open to students with a Bachelor degree from countries within the EU.
Unfortunately we cannot except non-EU students at this moment, due to the current
government law and regulations.
Summer school
The Summer school is especially organised for foreign students and is open to everyone. We
offer a Summer school every year in July.
For more information about studying at the Academy please visit www.avbr.nl or contact Ms
Alenka Milward at A.Milward@hro.nl
2.8
Education
The School of Education consists of a Primary Education Department and a Secondary
Education Department.
2.8.1 Primary Education
English modules: in co-operation with the Secondary Education department and the School
of Social Work, an international course is offered. This three-month course is called
‘Rotterdam: a multi-cultural Metropolis’. It will run from February till May and will yield 20
ECTS. There is an optional possibility to extend the programme for two more months to do
practice or a field research in primary schools. There is also an optional to extend the
programme for two more months to do practice or a field research in primary schools.
For course information, please contact Mrs. Irene van der Leer-Veth at I.N.E.van.der.LeerVeth@hro.nl
2.8.2 Secondary Education
In this department we offer teacher training programmes in geography, history, maths,
German, English, French, Turkish, etc.
English modules: in co-operation with the Primary Education department and the School of
Social Work, an international course is offered. This three-month course is called ‘Rotterdam:
a multi-cultural Metropolis’. It will run from February till May 2008 and will yield 20 ECTS. For
more information, please contact Mrs. Janneke Verloop-Meijer at J.F.Verloop-Meijer@hro.nl
2.9 Information Technology
Information Technology is offered by School of Communication, Media Design and
Information Technology. The School offers several programmes: the advanced Information
Technology program, Graphic Media Technology and Information Technology.
Unfortunately the School offers no English modules yet. Individual projects for foreign
students are upon request only.
⑬
2.10 Paramedical / Nursing
Currently the School of Health Care Studies offers no English programmes.
⑭
Chapter 3 Incoming students
3.1 Exchange
In order to be accepted at Rotterdam University as an exchange student, your university
should have a bilateral agreement with our university. Some of the arrangements within this
agreement are that you do not have to pay tuition fee in Rotterdam.
3.2 Summer Courses
Dutch (E.I.L.C.)
The EILCs, a scheme supported by the European Commission, are specialised courses in
the less widely used and less taught European Union languages and the languages of other
countries participating in Erasmus. The EILCs give Erasmus students (and possibly Erasmus
teachers) the opportunity to study the language of the host country for 3-8 weeks, in the host
country itself. Erasmus students are European students from European schools with an
Erasmus agreement.
At Rotterdam University this course is offered from July 21 till August 11, 2009. For more
information and applications please visit
http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/llp/erasmus/eilc/index_en.html
or contact Ms. Els Jacobs with the International Office at E.Jacobs@hro.nl
Rotterdam University Summerschool
Study, make new international friends, discover Rotterdam and the Netherlands and become
part of Rotterdam University. Both Rotterdam Business School and School of Commercial
Management Studies offer a two or four-week course programme in the period of 29 June –
24 July. Make your choice from courses such as Logistics Management, International
Business, Management and Organisation, European Business Studies, International
Business Law, Cross Cultural Management, Business Communication, Spanish, Mandarin
and International Marketing Management. By participating in these courses you can earn up
to 6 ECTS in total. Total cost amounts to € 900, 00 for the two-week programme and
€ 1500,- for the four-week programme, including housing.
For more information please contact Mrs. J. Grootjans at a.grootjans-boers@hro.nl
Architecture Summer School
From Saturday 15 August until Thursday 27 August 2009 participants, assisted by
experienced tutors and experts, will work on five sites in the centre of Rotterdam. The
interventions are based on the themes of the 4th International Architecture Biennale
Rotterdam Open City - Designing Coexistence, which takes place in Rotterdam from 24
September 2009 to 10 January 2010.
The Summer School is a two-week programme designed to provide bachelor and master
students and young professionals an exercise in dealing with a unique, yet realistic design
problem. During the Summer School, students work in different groups, each group with its
own supervisor.
Participation costs are €750,-. This includes most meals, excursions, lectures and transfers.
Accommodation is not included in the fee. More information about accommodation
possibilities will appear on the website
http://www.avbr.nl/blog/SUM08/Rotterdam_Summer_School/Summer_School.html shortly.
The 2009 Summer School is open to a maximum of 50 participants.
⑮
Registration starts in April!
If you are interested in participation please send an e-mail to info@avbr.nl. You will
automatically receive more information and an application form when available
3.3 Academic calendar 2009 – 2010
Introduction
To be organised by the School concerned, usually in the week before the start of the
1st quarter. Note that not all departments organize an introduction.
Classes
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
Quarter 3
Quarter 4
Resits
31
16
08
26
12
Holidays
Autumn
Christmas
Spring Half Term
Good Friday
Easter
Queen’s Day
Spring (May)
Ascension
Whitsun
Summer
19
21
22
02
04
30
03
13
23
27
August 2009
November 2009
February 2010
April 2010
July 2010
October 2009
December 2009
February 2010
April 2010
April 2010
April 2010
May 2010
May 2010
May 2008
July 2009
-
13
05
23
09
23
November 2009
February 2010
April 2010
July 2010
July 2010
-
23 October 2009
01 January 2010
26 February 2010
-
05
April 2010
-
07
14
24
21
May 2010
May 2010
May 2010
August 2009
3.4 Registration
3.4.1
Procedures
The application form for exchange students (Please see page 21) should be sent to the
International Office no later than May 1st (for Fall semester) or November 1st (for Spring
semester), together with 3 passport size photos and a copy of your passport.
Within one month after the deadline you will receive a letter about your acceptance. From this
moment on, you will be in contact with the School or programme coordinator for more
information about the programme.
Upon arrival you will receive a student number, a student ID card and a computer account.
Academic requirements
You have to be registered as a student in one of the participating institutions.
Linguistic requirements
When you want to take courses in Dutch, an adequate knowledge of the Dutch language is
required. The 'list with departments' (chapter 2) provides you with information about courses
⑯
taught in English. Even though there is no demand of a language test, we would like to stress
that a good command of the English language is necessary to follow the lectures and pass the
examinations (e.g. a similar level as IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL® iBT 79-80). For VISA applicants a
English language test is mandatory.
3.4.2 Housing
For information on accommodation, please contact Ms. Mazarita Benn with the Student
Housing Office of Hogeschool Rotterdam at StudentHousingOffice@hro.nl . Reservation
deadline Fall semester is June 1st and Spring semester December 1st. Housing is limited to
one semester only with a fixed term rental agreement (5 months in Fall and 6 months in
Spring). Reservations are dealt with on a first-come-first-served basis.
Students will also need to register and to deregister with the municipality if they are renting in
Rotterdam.
3.4.3 Facilities
Libraries
The Municipal Library has a vast collection of books, audio-visual materials, periodicals and
newspapers. You can also reserve one of the many study rooms (including a piano study
room) where you can study undisturbed and in peace for a few hours. At the Erasmus
University Library there is a computer catalogue linked to the one of the Municipal Library.
Computers
Upon arrival in Rotterdam you will receive a computer account. With this account you will be
able to work with the computers in the Rotterdam University buildings and make use of e-mail
and internet.
Copiers
At each location of Rotterdam University, a copy shop called Cendris is located. The copiers in
the buildings are available to all users. Payment is by means of your chip card. For printing
theses, reports, A3 copies, colour copies, overhead sheets, etc. you can contact the Xerox
service centre.
Sports
Arrangements have been made with the Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR); you can make
use of their sport facilities at approximately 75 Euros a year (prices are subject to change). In
the month of September you can try sports for free, so that you can decide whether the sports
card is what you want. With the card you can use the EUR sports facilities all year long, e.g.
tennis, squash, fitness, aerobics and various team sports.
Student cafeteria and restaurant
Each location of Rotterdam University has its own restaurant.
A café in the Netherlands is what the British call a pub, and the Americans a bar. Rotterdam
has hundreds of cafés, spread all over the city. The diversity is enormous. You can spend your
evening in a so-called 'bruin' café (pub), in one of the 'grand cafés' or in any other kind of café.
People from Rotterdam go to a café to meet friends and acquaintances, to make new friends,
to play cards or billiards or simply to chat all evening. During the summer most people go to a
café with a terrace, to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful evening.
⑰
Social Life
Once you are studying in Rotterdam, a healthy social life will undoubtedly enhance your stay.
Social contacts are very important, especially for exchange students who arrive in a new
country with a different culture. It is in fact this particular 'student culture' together with the
different 'education culture', which makes a period of study abroad so worthwhile.
One of the best ways to get in touch with other students is to visit one of the many student
associations in Rotterdam.
Student associations are primarily established for extra-curricular activities. Here you will find
students from all schools and departments. The associations usually have their own offcampus locations where their members meet. The different student associations of Rotterdam
have distinctive features.
3.4.4 Transport facilities
Public transport
Rotterdam has tram and bus lines running throughout the city and its surroundings. Besides
this, Rotterdam has two underground (metro) lines, one running North to South and the other
running East to West. All locations of Hogeschool Rotterdam are situated nearby one of these
metro lines.
When you use public transport in the Netherlands you will soon realise that it is easy not to
pay fare and travel for free. However, there are ticket inspectors and they often board trams
and metro to check the tickets. If you do not have a ticket or if you have not stamped your
ticket, you will be fined. The multiple ride ticket, which you need, is called a ‘strippenkaart’ (you
need the blue one). With this strippenkaart you may travel by bus and tram or a combination of
the two. It cannot be used by travelling by metro. The Netherlands is divided into a large
number of zones. The Rotterdam area consists of 11 zones. Before you stamp your
strippenkaart, you need to know how many zones you will be travelling through. Always stamp
one strip more than the number of zones you’re travelling through. Zone information is
presented on information panels at tram, bus and metro stops.
New Fare System by the Rotterdam Transport Authority.
A new fare system is currently introduced by the Rotterdam Transport Authority (RET).
Passengers need to buy a smart card, the so-called OV-Chipkaart. Provided the passenger
has at least a minimum credit stored on the smart card, he will be able to pass through the
entry gates. The Dutch smart card is contact-less but the detection distance is restricted to
100 mm to prevent erroneous charging. At the exit, the card will be re-read and the fare
deducted. A similar principle will also apply to metro, tram, and bus trips throughout the
country in the near future.
The new OV-Chipkaart (public transport smart card) is undergoing trials in the Rotterdam
region where passengers of Rotterdam Transport Authority (RET), Netherlands Railways
(NS), and the regional bus operator Connexxion can use the smart card on mainline and
metro, trams, and buses.
Currently this smart card can be used on metro, busses and tram lines in the Rotterdam area
and is the only fare system on the metro lines in Rotterdam.
The OV-Chipkaart are on sale in vending machines on metro stations.
⑱
Bicycles
Most people in the Netherlands ride bicycles, or at least have one. You are advised to buy a
second-hand bike to minimise the risk of theft. Besides, make sure to buy a good lock.
Travel by car
The Netherlands has a good, extensive road network. You can get anywhere by car. However,
in the Randstad, this network is often congested with traffic. Radio bulletins specify both the
location and the length of traffic jams.
If you are an inhabitant of an EU country, you can use your own driving licence, but if you are
from outside the EU, you will probably need a Dutch driving licence or an international driving
licence for driving in the Netherlands. For more information you can contract the ANWB (the
Dutch Automobile Association).
In the Netherlands, all traffic from the right has priority, unless signs or road markings indicate
otherwise. The speed limit in urban areas is 50 kms per hour and 80 kms per hour on nonmotorway roads outside city limits. On motorways the speed limit is either 100 or 120 kms per
hour.
Travel agency
Information on international travel and special student fares can be obtained from Kilroy travel
at www.kilroy.com and at The Joho Company at www.joho.nl in Rotterdam.
3.4.5
Residence permit and Visa requirements.
To enter Holland for study purposes, some foreign students need a visa and a residence
permit. Sometimes only a residence permit is required.
To find out if you need a visa and a residence permit or only a resident permit please use the
student visa wizard at http://www.nuffic.nl/international-students/preparation-stay/preparingyour-stay/visa-and-permits/student-visa-wizard
VISA
As of Fall 2008 foreign students are no longer able to arrange student visas themselves and
their student visa applications need to go through the school they are going to visit. Visa
requirements vary, depending on nationality.
At Hogeschool Rotterdam the Global Recruitment and Student Support (GR&SS) office
arranges visa and residence permits. Procedures can be quite lengthy so please allow plenty
of time for preparations.
If you will be needing a VISA please inform the international office as soon as possible so we
can send you the procedure information and you will be able to start making arrangements.
Students without proper entry documents will not be accepted into the programmes.
GR&SS office rbs@hro.nl
3.4.6 Insurance & Medical information
Foreign students without insurance will NOT BE ACCEPTED AND ACCOMMODATED. It is a
requirement under Dutch law to be insured against costs of medical treatment AND THIRDPARTY LIABILITY.
⑲
If you apply for a VISA, the GR&SS office will be able to arrange insurance for you.
If you are an EU national insured in your own country by means of a national health service,
you are insured in the Netherlands according to the Dutch health service. In that case, you
should obtain an E1-11 form from the health service in your own country and bring it with you.
If you have a non-EU nationality, you can either insure yourself in your home country or you
can have a look at: www.myaon.nl/students or www.acepolis.com/ips
Rotterdam University has made several arrangements with doctors and dentists in Rotterdam
in case of medical problems. Please contact the International Office for more information.
3.4.7 Cost of living
Experience shows that to live and study in the Netherlands costs a student between 700 and
900 Euros a month, which includes accommodation, meals and other daily expenses. For
more information please visit: www.studyin.nl
3.4.8 How to get there
By plane: most airlines fly to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol; a few fly to Rotterdam Airport.
By train: there are direct trains between Rotterdam and Schiphol Amsterdam Airport,
Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris.
Hogeschool Rotterdam has six locations: Museumpark, Academieplein, Blaak/Wijnhaven,
RDM, Pieter de Hoogh and Kralingse Zoom. For specific directions on how to get there,
please contact the International Office (located at Kralingse Zoom).
3.4.9 Your way into Rotterdam
Upon arrival see to it that you receive the booklet "Little Black Book", a booklet that provides
you with all sorts of useful and general information about Rotterdam, its facilities, its
educational institutions, health and dental care and other extremely crucial pieces of
information.
Besides, it is advisable to pay a visit to Use-It, a small information and service centre located
nearby Rotterdam Central Station. This agency will provide you with all kinds of information:
festivals, exhibitions, where to sleep cheap, etc. You can visit their website: www.use-it.nl
3.5 ECTS
ECTS, the European Course Credit Transfer System, was developed by the European
Commission to provide common procedures to guarantee the full transferability of credits for
university studies abroad in order that they might count towards a final qualification in the
home country.
It provides a way of measuring and comparing academic merits and transferring them from
one institution to another. The system is based on three core elements: information (on study
programmes and student achievement), mutual agreement (between the partner institutions
and the student) and the use of ECTS credits (to indicate student workload). In itself, ECTS in
no way regulates the content, structure or equivalence of study programmes, the credits are
simply a value allocated to course units as a means of describing the workload required to
complete the course/module. In ECTS, 60 credits normally represent the workload required for
one year's full-time study, 30 credits per semester or 20 credits per term (in a tri-semester
system).
⑳
3.6 Forms
Attached to this handbook you find the ‘Application form for exchange students’.
Only forms completed, signed and in print or block letters are accepted.
21
Chapter 4 Contact
Rotterdam University, a University of Applied Sciences
International Office
Visiting address:
Kralingse Zoom 91, 3063 ND, Rotterdam
the Netherlands
Room Z2.005
Postal address:
P.O.Box 25035, 3001 HA, Rotterdam
the Netherlands
Telephone:
+31 10 453 6004 / 6005
Fax:
+31 10 453 6007
E-mail:
internationaloffice@hro.nl
Head of the International Office
Mrs. Fiona Waldram-Geilman
F.Waldram-Geilman@hro.nl
Contact person for incoming exchange students
Ms. Jacqueline Hamizadeh
J.Hamizadeh@hro.nl
Contact person for outgoing exchange students
Ms. Els Jacobs
E.Jacobs@hro.nl
Contact person Student Housing Office
Ms. Mazarita Benn
StudentHousingOffice@hro.nl
Contact person Global Recuitment & Student Support (VISA, residence permits etc.)
Ms. Frederiek van Rooyen
F.M.H.van.Rooyen@hro.nl
22
Please attach
original
3 passport
size
pictures here
Application form 2009/2010
EXCHANGE students
Only forms completed, signed and in print or block letters are accepted.
1. Personal details
Family name:
………………………………………………………….
First name(s):
………………………………………………………….
Date of birth:
..………………………………………………………...(dd/mm/yyyy)
Place and Country of birth:
…………………………………………………
Nationality:
……………………………..……………………………
Gender:
 Female
 Male
Please attach a copy of your passport
2. Contact details (permanent address)
Street:
……………………………………………………………………
Postal code:
……………………………………………………………………
City:
……………………………………………………………………
Country:
……………………………………………………………………
Telephone:
……………………………………………………………………
E-mail:
……………………………………………………………………
Contact details in the Netherlands
Street:
……………………………………………………………………………
Postal code:
……………………………………………………………………………
City:
………………………………………………………………................
3. Enrolment details Applying for
Study area:
O Business/IBMS
O Arts & Design
O Primary education
O Business/RIBA
O Social Work*
O Secondary education
O Business/Graduate O Engineering*
O Information Technology*
O Business/IBEX
O Business Administration: International Services Management
O Business Administration: Logistics & Transport Management
23
O Logistics*
O Laboratory*
Semester:
 Fall 2009
 Spring 2010
 both (2009/2010)
Study areas marked with * are in Dutch. Please contact the International Office for more information
4. VISA
Will you be needing a VISA?
YES
NO
YES
NO
5. INSURANCE
Will you be insured during your stay in the Netherlands?
If so, please state name of insurance company ……………………………………………
6. SCHOLARSHIP
Will you be coming over as an exchange student on a scholarship?
YES
NO
If so, please state name of scholarship ………..……………………………………………
7. Signature
Place
Date
……………………………………………
…………………………………………
Signature of the student
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Signature and stamp of sending institution
We confirm that the above-mentioned student meets the requirements of Rotterdam
University
Departmental co-ordinator’s signature
Institutional co-ordinator’s signature
…………………………………………
…………………………………………
Date:…………………………………..
Date:…………………………………
Name:…………………………………
Name: ………………………………
24
This form should be returned to:
Hogeschool Rotterdam/Rotterdam University
International Office, room K.Z2.005
Kralingse Zoom 91, 3063 ND Rotterdam
the Netherlands
Tel:
+31 10 453 6005
Fax: +31 10 453 6007
E-mail: internationaloffice@hro.nl
Deadlines:
Fall semester (or one academic year) May 1st
Spring semester November 1st
25