3. Agenda
• Impression of the Netherlands
• Before departure
• Arrival in the Netherlands
• Life and study in the Netherlands
• After graduation
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
5. The country
• Gateway to Europe
• Weather
• People
• Religion
• Tourism
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
6. Travelling through Europe
• Schengen possibilities
• Transportation options
Cities to visit:
• London
• Brussels
• Berlin
• Rome
• Paris
• Barcelona
And many more..
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
7. The weather
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
8. The Dutch
• Forthright way of communication (language, body language,
environment)
• Values (truth, time orientation, yes-no, independent, friendship)
• Calvinism (hard work, sober, no-nonsense)
• Mindset “You can do it yourself”
• Punctual
• Privacy is important
• Announce your visit
• Male/female equality
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
9. Religion
• Churches
• Prayer rooms
• Ramadan
• Halal food available at ethnic markets and in some institutions’canteens.
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
10. Top 10 tourist destinations
1. Van Gogh Museum
2. House of Anne Frank
3. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
4. Keukenhof
5. Delft (historic city centre)
6. Kröller-Müller Museum
7. Delfshaven
8. Madurodam (Holland in miniature)
9. Kinderdijk (famous windmills)
10. Archeon (technology museum)
11. Before your departure
Arrange your documents!
• Collect your passport and visa from the Dutch embassy
• Check validity of date of entry on your visa
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
12. Checklist
• Valid passport, entry visa, and birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Medical insurance
• Diplomas or certificates you already possess
• Admission letter + tuition fee receipts
• Scholarship letter (if applicable)
• Evidence you have enough money to stay
• Housing contract (if applicable)
• Address of university, telephone number of your contact person at the university
• Tools like cell phone, laptop, camera (and don’t forget the chargers)
• Summer and winter clothes
• Medicine (check with the airport the medicine you are allowed to take)
Take both original and duplicated copies of these documents!
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
13. Booking a flight
Arrange your ticket through an international agency or airline, such as:
KLM www.klm.com
Approximate costs: ..
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
14. Rules: luggage
Free baggage allowance (fly with KLM)
• Economy Class
• 1 item of check-in baggage, each max 23 kg, max.158cm (l + w+ h)
• 1 hand bag measuring 55*25*35cm (not exceed 12kg)
• Business Class
• 2 items of check-in baggage, each max.32kg, max.158 cm (l + w + h)
• 1 hand bag measuring 55*25*35cm (may not exceed 18kg)
For on the plane, in your hand luggage
• Comfortable clothing and shoes
• Book to read
• Some cash (there are cash machines in the arrivals hall at Schiphol airport)
• Medical records, prescriptions for any medication
• Important documents
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
15. Rules: liquids
Special rules apply for liquids, creams,
pastes, gels and aerosol cans.
You may only carry these in your hand
baggage in small amounts not exceeding
100 ml ( 3.4 oz) per article.
Exceptions:
- Medicines
- Special diet food to be consumed
during the flight
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
16. Arrival at Schiphol Airport
• Passport control: show them your passport & visa, admission letter,
return ticket and evidence of finance
• Pick up your luggage
• Are you being picked up at the airport?
• If not, head for the airport train station and buy a ticket for your
destination
• train information can be checked on www.ns.nl
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
17. Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
18. Important things to do upon your arrival
Register at the Dutch institution / international office
The institution will assist you to
register at the town hall/immigration service
register with IND for the temporary residence permit
make an appointment with GGD for the TBC health check
open a Dutch bank account
Don’t forget to register with your own embassy!
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
19. More things to do
Open a bank account
(ABN-AMRO, Rabobank, ING, and more)
Don’t forget to bring passport & visa, residence permit, address in the
Netherlands
Arrange your housing
Buy a mobile phone
(T-Mobile, Vodafone, KPN, Orange, Tele2 and more)
Get a (second hand) bicycle!
20. Student housing
• In a student room: a shared house, with other students
• On-campus (but not common)
• Ask the help of your institution!
21. Study in the Netherlands
• Different education system
• Different teaching style
• Education shock?!
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
22. Code of Conduct (CoC)
• Guarantee of the education quality in the Netherlands
• Condition to recruit international students
• Responsible organization: DUO
• List of Dutch institutions that signed the CoC
• Complaint: ask the CoC contact person at your host institution
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
23. Academic year
• From September til June (42 weeks)
• Semesters (4 months), trimesters (3 months) and blocks (6 weeks)
• At the research universities, there is usually a formal ceremony to mark
the start of the academic year
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
24. Credits and grading system
• European Credit Transfer System
• 1 ECTS = 28 hours of work
• Grading scale 1 (very poor) – 10 (outstanding)
• Lowest passing grade is 6
• Difficult to score a 10!
The Netherlands Your country
9.5-10 Excellent 1%
8.5-9.4 Excellent 5%
7.5-8.4 Very good 23%
6.5-7.4 Good 30%
5.5-6.4 Pass 30%
0-5.9 Fail 11%
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
25. Lectures
• Different types of lectures
• Independent, problem-based learning
• Practical assignments
• Group assignments and self-study
• Work experience (internship)
• Research
• Essays, exams
• Interactive
• Students are expected to be assertive,
be able to work independently and
develop a ‘critical’ opinion.
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
26. Assessment and grading
• Exams will consist of questions that ask to reproduce knowledge but also
questions that ask for application, combining, criticizing and concluding.
• Exams can be ‘closed book’ or ‘open book’.
• Marking system is from 1 to 10 or 1 to 100, with pass mark of 6 or 60.
• Most students get a mark between 6/60 and 8/80.
• Grading is absolute with a fixed minimum score for passing.
• Rules are rules. Norms for grading and assessment regulations are
hardly ever deviated from.
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
27. The international classroom
Key figures International students in the Netherlands
(academic year 2009-2010)
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
28. Relation teacher-student
formal --------------------------------------------x------- informal
equal ----x----------------------------------------------- hierarchical
• There is limited distance between teachers and students.
• Dutch teachers are informal. They allow students to call them by their first name.
• A teacher is very accessible and tends to be a true interlocutor for his/her
students.
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
29. Relation between students
individualists -------------x------------------------------------- group
• Dutch students socialize with each other in study/student associations, sports
clubs etc.
• It may seem that friendships with Dutch students are less easy to establish
compared to other countries. It is less common to eat together, or visit each
other’s houses.
• However, being part of an international classroom and/or living in students
houses offers students the chance to meet students from all over the world
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
30. Interaction in classroom
one way -------------------------------------------x--------- two way
communication communication
• In an international classroom it can be difficult to understand each other’s English.
For example, a student from Ghana can speak English in an entirely different way
compared to a student from Mexico.
• Lecturers raise questions to students and the other way round, discussion is
stimulated.
• Team work as a method to learn from each other.
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
31. Direction of the learning process
lecturer ---------------------------------------x----------- student
• There is less focus on the reproduction of knowledge.
• Students need to develop and express their own opinions and creativity
in applying their newly acquired knowledge.
• Students are expected to study actively and independently.
• Lectures are often not compulsory.
• Mix between detailed instructions and open assignments.
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
32. Aim of the learning process
understanding ----------------------------------------x------------ professional
of theory and/or academic skills
• Memorizing and understanding are seen as valuable but only as the first step of
learning. More emphasis is put on development of academic and/or professional
skills.
• Students are expected to use the knowledge (applying, combining, selecting, and
concluding) and develop an own opinion and critical attitude towards knowledge.
• For most Dutch students getting a passing grade is sufficient (6).
• Dutch students are more process-oriented (knowing how to apply their newly
acquired knowledge) instead of result driven (getting the highest grade for an exam).
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
33. Use of resources
many ------x------------------------------------------------ few
• International students will have to get used of the specific resources that they have
at their disposal in the Netherlands like for instance Blackboard i.e. the online
learning community/environment used by many Dutch higher education
institutions.
• Students are expected to have basic practical skills already (computer skills, lab
skills, field skills)
• Lectures are used to introduce the topic; not to present all content.
• More compulsory and recommended literature available than students can study in
the time available. Students are expected to have skills in selecting literature and
selecting the relevant sections for detailed study.
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
34. Education shock
• Dutch education style can differ from the style at home
• You bring a set of values and expectations from your own country, culture and
education
• The difference can result in frustration, feeling offended and fear at first
• Start with an open mind and postpone judgement!
(Source: Ieneke ten Dam)
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
35. Student life in the Netherlands
• Welcome reception for international students
• Where to buy food?
• Shopping
• Transportation
• Networking
• Visiting people
• Not feeling well?
• Public holidays
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life in the Netherlands After graduation
36. Welcome reception
Dutch institutions organize welcome receptions for international students.
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
37. Culture shock
1. Tourist phase / honeymoon
2. I-hate-this country phase
3. Adjustment phase
4. Mastery phase
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
38. Culture shock symptoms
• Angry about minor inconveniences
• Irritability
• Withdrawal from people who are different from you
• Extreme homesickness
• Sudden intense feeling of loyalty to own culture or groups
• Overeating or loss of appetite
• Boredom
• A need for excessive sleep
• Feeling sick often (headaches, stomach aches)
• Depression
• Loss of ability to work or study effectively
• Unexplained crying
• Marital or relationship stress
• Exaggerated cleanliness
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
39. How to overcome a culture shock
• Hang out with people/friends
• Join the sports club at your institution or in town
• Join a student club
• In case of difficulty: contact student counselor
• Stay in touch with your family and friends
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
40. Not feeling well?
• Health insurance: valid from date of departure
• Don’t forget to extend the policy beyond the end date of your enrolment
• Basic medicines (paracetamol) available at supermarkets and drug stores
• Otherwise go to a GP or family doctor (huisarts)
• Diagnosis
• Go to a pharmacy (apotheek) for medicines
In case of an emergency:
• Call 112 (police, fire, ambulance)
• Hospital
41. Visiting people
• Dutch tend not like spontaneous or unannounced visits
• Coffee is always ready to be served!
• Gift for your host: flowers, cookies or chocolates
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
42. Shopping
• City centre
• Shopping etiquette
• Take a shopping bag with you
• Paying in cash/by ‘chipknip’/pin
• Bargaining is not customary
• Eye contact and greetings
• In general: Monday to Friday 9:00 - 18:00 hrs,
Saturday 9:00-17.00 hrs
• “Koopavond” - late night shopping:
one evening each week shops close at 21:00 hrs (Thursday or Friday)
• “Koopzondag” – Sunday trading: shops sometimes open on Sundays.
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
43. Where to buy food?
• Buy food at the supermarket
(Aldi, Lidl and Bas = relatively cheap) (Albert Heijn, C1000, Super de
Boer = relatively expensive) Some supermarkets are open from 8:00 hrs
till 22:00 hrs
• Avondwinkel: shops that are open till late at night from 22.00-6.00 hrs
(expensive!)
• Ethnic shops such as Asian (Indonesian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai)
Moroccan, Japanese, Indian etc.
• Open air market: 1 or 2 times a week
• University canteens
• Restaurants (some expensive), some cafes offer cheap ‘dagmenu’s’
• Dutch food
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
44. Dutch food
• Dutch way of eating: one hot meal a day (lunch or dinner)
• Typical Dutch food
45. Transportation
• Bicycle
• Train
• Tram/bus
• Metro (Amsterdam & Rotterdam)
• Taxi – very expensive
• OV-card
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
46. Bicycles
• Buy a second hand bicycle (€25 - €100)
• Always lock your bike and switch your lights on at night. Preferably
attach your bike to a bike stand, railing, lamppost, etc.
• Observe the traffic rules.
• Ride carefully!
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
47. Public holidays and traditions
1 January New Year’s Day
6 April Good Friday
8-9 April Easter
30 April Queen’s Day
4 May Remembrance Day
5 May Liberation Day
17 May Ascension Day
27-28 May Whitsun
18 September Prinsjesdag
5 December Sinterklaas
25-26 December Christmas
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
48. Student life
• Member of a club or association
• Member of sports club
• Hang out
• Terrace culture
Agenda Impression Before the Departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After the Graduation
49. Costs of living & part-time job
Life and study in Holland
€700 - €1,000 a month (total expenses)
Two job options:
1. 10 hours a week, all year round
2. Full-time during June, July and August only
• If you don’t work officially (zwart werk), you are not covered by insurance
• Employers are not always willing to apply for the work permit for
international students, which makes it difficult to find a legal part-time job
in the Netherlands
• We don’t recommend working while studying
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
50. Tips!
• Get together with other students to cook an international dinner
• Make a schedule for household chores, like cleaning and doing the
dishes
• Respect each other’s culture and customs
• Try to get engaged in activities with other students at your institution or in
your city.
• Useful websites and Do’s
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
51. Websites
• Embassy website: • Nuffic (Study in Holland, Nuffic
Neso)
www.nuffic.nl
• Dutch Ministry of foreign affairs
www.minbuza.nl/en/home • Insurance
www.ips-lippmann.com
• International Students www.myaon.nl/students
www.internationalstudents.nl
www.internationalstudy.nl
52. Do’s!
Please do join the student association in Netherlands
AND
Please join the Holland Alumni network when you
finish your study programme!
Stay in contact with Nuffic Neso!
53. After graduation
Don’t forget to have your degree
certificate authenticated!
54. Legalizing your degree
DUO – IB-groep
Diploma Recognition & Legalization Dept.
• DUO – IB-groep has been appointed by the Ministry of Education, Culture
and Science to keep track of who can issue what degrees, and who can
sign them.
Check the information on their website.
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
55. Stamps
You will need three stamps for legalization:
One from DUO – IB-Groep
• Legalize signature
One from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Provide official translation
One from the Embassy (or Consulate) of your country
in the Netherlands
• Legalize signature and Dutch procedure
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
56. Job opportunities
• The 12-month ‘search year’
• Work as a highly skilled migrant
• Job agency for international students and graudates in the Netherlands
Don’t forget to join in the Holland Alumni Network after your study!
Agenda Impression Before departure Arrival Life and study in the Netherlands After graduation
57. Good luck and the best of success with your study
programme in Holland!
Editor's Notes
The academic year is 42 weeks long. The academic year is usually divided into semesters (4 months) or trimesters (3 months), some institutions organize their teaching in blocks (6 weeks). After each semester/trimester or block students take exams. It is important to stress this time schedule if students are used to taking exams just once at the end of an academic year. Holidays: Chistmas Universities of Applied Sciences have additional holidays (Autumn and Spring break)
a student’s workload is measured in ECTS credits. According to Dutch law, one credit represents 28 hours of work and 60 credits represents one year of full-time study. The grading system used in the Netherlands is on a scale from 1 (very poor) to 10 (outstanding). The lowest passing grade is 6. It is important to point out to students that 9s are seldom given and 10s are extremely rare and grades 1-3 are hardly ever used. Ambitious and result driven students can have difficulty excepting this way of grading; it is difficult to score a 10!