University of Amsterdam Global Exchange Programme

Transcription

1 University of Amsterdam Global Exchange Programme Information sheet Postal address Address University of Amsterdam Office of International Student Affairs Global Exchange Programme Binnengasthuisstraat ZA Amsterdam The Netherlands Information Website exchange sts@uva.nl Telephone Team Director Ms. Willeke Jeeninga Partnership agreements and exchange balance Student Exchange Coordinator Mr. Guido de Wilde General programme management and student advising Senior Liaison Officer Ms. Ingeborg de Brieder Student information and partner support Liaison officer Mr. Maarten Terpstra Student information and programme support Student Exchange Assistant Ms Ines Jonkhoff Programme support and transcript processing 1

2 About the UvA World class education Studying in Amsterdam Founded on a tradition of highly integrated academics, the University of Amsterdam enjoys a global reputation for cutting edge research, highquality teaching and a broad range of degree programmes. Our open, tolerant and international academic tradition dates back to 1632, and continues strong today thanks to our thriving community of independent thinkers. Now, with more than 30,000 students, we are considered one of the best research universities in the world. We strive for excellence in teaching and research, and are proud to offer you one of the largest selections of English taught programmes in continental Europe. Amsterdam provides an ideal environment for academic study. As the capital city with a population over inhabitants Amsterdam is the financial, creative and cultural heart of the Netherlands. It is also home to numerous (international) companies, institutions and museums. The city boasts beautiful architecture and more than 150 canals, lending Amsterdam its unique and charming historical ambience. The people of Amsterdam are easy going and welcoming to foreigners since English is the city s second language. Getting around is easy using the extensive public transport system, or you can explore the city by bike, discovering places no cars, buses or trams can take you. Exchange The Global Exchange Programme is an extensive network of 80 non European partner universities facilitating student exchanges. Ambitious students at one of our partner universities are encouraged to participate in a challenging and inspiring academic exchange programme at the UvA. Academic tradition > On exchange at UvA > Academic climate Deadlines Deadline for nomination (by host university) Semester 1: 1 April Semester 2: 15 September Deadline for receiving application documents Semester 1: 15 April Semester 2: 1 October Application Nomination procedure Official nomination from the home university is a strict requirement to be eligible to apply for the Global Exchange Programme. Nominations forms will be ed to partner universities before the nomination deadline. > Application and Admission Application procedure Application instructions will be sent directly to the student s address. 2

3 Required documents (Soft copy / digital scans) Completed Global Exchange application form Certified copies of academic transcripts of all universities attended Letter of motivation Copy of CV/Resume Copy of valid passport / ID card For non native speakers of English: Certified copy of English language test results Programme information Language of instruction English Level Most courses are on bachelor (undergraduate) level. The availability of master (graduate) courses differ per department, admission is done on case by case basis. Please consult the UvA international office as soon as possible. An exception is the Amsterdam Law School (ALS); exchange students can only take master s courses at the Amsterdam Law School and do not need a completed bachelor s degree, however, students do need to have at least two full years of academic background in Law. Departments open to exchange students Amsterdam University College Liberal Arts & Science Child Development and Education Communication Science Economics and Business Humanities Law Psychology Science Interdisciplinary Studies Social Science Course information > courses Course placement All incoming students are advised to be as flexible as possible with their course selection. We aim to register students for preferred courses but we cannot guaranteed course placement. Placement is generally not confirmed until right before the start of the semester. Course selection Students are advised to select courses from one academic department at the UvA. In certain cases it is possible to take one or two courses in another department, but this can only be arranged on a case by case basis by your academic advisor and is dependent on availability of courses. 3

4 Limited enrolment Due to a high demand and space constraints, Amsterdam University College (Liberal Arts & Science) has limited access and therefore reserves the right to review applications on motivation, background, study progress and GPA. Not open Medicine, Dentistry, Graduate School of Social Science, MSc. Business Studies. Dutch language Dutch Language courses Each semester, the Institute for Dutch Language Education (INTT) of the UvA offers extensive Dutch courses (non credit baring) for international students at absolute beginners, beginners, intermediate and advanced level. Costs & reimbursement The costs for the semi intensive course (recommended) is 260 and need to be paid in advance. All Global Exchange students may apply for a reimbursement of 260 upon successful completion of the course. However, Intensive Dutch summer courses are not eligible for this scholarship and has to be financed by the student. Application Applications go through the Office of International Student Affairs. The application form can be found on the INTT website Dutch culture and society + Dutch language Each semester the Faculty of Humanities and INTT offer a combined course, consisting of a Dutch language component and a culture and society component. The combined course is worth 12 EC. The Dutch language component is not offered without the culture and society component. However, the Dutch Culture and Society component is offered separately in a 6 EC course Credits, grading & transcripts Registration for these two courses is handled by the academic advisor of your UvA host department (not using the INTT application form). Full time course load A full time workload for UvA students is 30 EC (European Credits). Exchange students generally take between 24 EC and 30 EC. If students wish to take less than 24 EC, permission is needed from the home university and their UvA academic advisor. Course requirements According to Dutch immigration guidelines, students need to be enrolled in at least 18 EC per semester in order to be eligible for the student s residence permit. 4

5 Early leave If students finish a fulltime course load before the end of the semester (eg. in the first two blocks of the semester), they are allowed to return home earlier. Although the lease contracts cannot be shortened and cover (almost) the entire semester. Credits per course Generally 6 or 12 EC per course Grading system Most faculties at UvA use a grading system ranging from 1 10 (5.5 is a pass), Amsterdam University College uses the US letter system. Some courses may also be taken on a pass/non pass basis. Re sits All students at the UvA are allowed to re sit exams if the initial grade is not sufficient to pass the course. Re sitting an exam to improve a grade that already counts as a pass (>5.5) is not possible. For more information about rules & regulations please consult the host faculty at the UvA. Transcripts Official transcripts are automatically send to the exchange office of the home university approximately 6 weeks after the end of the semester. Academic Calendar Semester system Two semesters, each comprising three blocks of 8, 8 and 4 weeks. Semester 1 End of August 2015 End of January 2016 Exams: end of each block Semester 2 Early February 2015 End of June 2016 Exams: end of each block Collective days off > on exchange at UvA > Academic calendar Entrance requirements Language requirements Non native speakers of English should provide proof of proficiency in the English language by means of a TOEFL an IELTS. For specific entrance requirements see: > Courses Entrance Requirements Student must have completed at least 120 ECTS (or the equivalent in local credits) at the time of departure for study abroad. Students should have a grade point average of 3.0 (US system) and a relevant academic background in the proposed field of study. 5

6 Entrance requirements (continued) Requirement for students wishing to take courses on the Master/Graduate level: Completed Bachelor/Undergraduate degree in the proposed field of study (excepts Amsterdam Law School). Each host faculty might have additional requirements. Please review additional requirements per faculty of choice to see if further conditions apply. Requirements are explained in the document for courses and faculty criteria. For entry requirements see: > Courses Arrival & Orientation Recommended arrival dates Semester 1: Mid August Semester 2: Last week of January Airport pick up The University of Amsterdam offers a pick up service from Schiphol (Amsterdam airport) during the recommended arrival dates. Introduction period Right after the recommended arrival dates amsterdam.nl Faculty Introduction Generally one week before the start of the semester Accommodation University housing The UvA guarantees accommodation for Global Exchange students applying before the early bird deadline. Types of rooms The UvA provides international students with student rooms in the city of Amsterdam and its surrounding area. The UvA offers various kinds of rooms, including shared rooms, private rooms with shared facilities and private rooms with private facilities. Contract periods Contract periods are fixed for the duration of the signed lease agreement and run for almost the entire semester. In rare cases students will be asked to move out before the end of the semester (due to cleaning purposes for the next semester). If needed, students will be offered appropriate accommodation. Please note that it is not possible to shorten the contract if a student decides to arrive late, or leave early before the end of the term. 6

7 Housing application fee One semester 265 (early birds) / 315 (regular) with reservation Two semesters 450 (early birds) / 525 (regular) with reservation Approximate costs The rental prices range from approximately 2000 to 3200 per semester, depending on room type. An additional administration fee of 150 applies for each new contract. Housing application The UvA uses an online application system to process all applications for student accommodation. Once admitted to the Global Exchange Programme at the UvA, students will receive an with a link to this online application. Insurance Health The UvA does not have a mandatory health insurance plan, but maintaining sufficient health insurance is mandatory. The UvA has special agreements for exchange students with certain insurance companies. For more information see Liability Having sufficient liability insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands, in case of damage to other people or property. Immigration procedures Assistance UvA Student Services assists all students with immigration procedures. The online application will start around four months before the beginning of each semester. Visa (travel to Amsterdam) Based up on the country of citizenship, students may need to apply for an entry visa. To find out whether you need a visa to travel to the Netherlands as a student, please use the visa wizard: residence/visa wizard Residence Permit / WHS permit All non European/European Economic Area (non EU/EEA) students will have to apply for a residence permit to legally reside and study in the Netherlands for a semester or full year. Students with the Australian, New Zealand and Canadian nationality may also apply for the Working Holiday Scheme permit (WHS permit) instead of the regular residence permit. Chinese nationals Students with a Chinese passport also need to apply for a NUFFIC certificate matters/visas andpermits/nuffic certificate for chinese students 7

8 Ambassadors programme Exchange Ambassadors Programme This certificate programme is created to increase integration and cooperation between local and international students. It is meant for all students who wish to work together with Dutch students promoting the exchange destinations, showcasing their talents and developing their intercultural, networking, project planning and professional skills. > Exchange ambassador programme Estimated living expenses Provided figurers are rough estimates, and based upon prvious academic year Residence permit (including Visa) Housing Application fee (early bird) Administration fee Refundable room deposit Personal expenses (including food) Books Public Transport / Travel Bicycle Insurance 325 2,000 3,200 per semester 265 (one semester) 450 (full year) 150 (housing corporation) Equal to monthly rent (ranges from 380 to 650) per month 75 per month 70 per month (if not using a bike) 100 (2ndhand, including lock) 50 per month Semester total

9 e x c h a n g e programmes Studying in Amsterdam

10 University of Amsterdam A world-class education Founded on a tradition of highly integrated academics, the University of Amsterdam enjoys a global reputation for cutting-edge research, high-quality teaching and a broad range of degree programmes. Our open, tolerant and international academic tradition dates back to 1632, and continues strong today thanks to our thriving community of independent thinkers. Now, with more than 30,000 students, we are considered one of the best research universities in the world. We strive for excellence in teaching and research, and are proud to offer you one of the largest selections of English-taught programmes in continental Europe. The city as a campus The UvA is comprised of four campuses nestled in the city of Amsterdam. Classes are held in quaint old buildings or in new buildings with stateof-the-art study facilities and research labs. On our campuses, traditional boundaries dissolve, students and researchers connect, disciplines converge, and business, governments and knowledge institutions collaborate. Coming on exchange We participate in an extensive network of European and global partner universities to facilitate student exchanges and help you broaden your horizon. If you are an ambitious student at one of our partner universities, we encourage you to participate in a challenging and inspiring academic exchange programme at the UvA. During your time with us, you will learn new analytical and problem solving skills, embark on interesting subjects that may not be offered at your home university, enhance your interest in global issues and extend your knowledge of the world. Studying in Amsterdam Amsterdam provides an ideal environment for academic study. As the capital city with a population over inhabitants Amsterdam is the financial, creative and cultural heart of the Netherlands. It is also home to numerous (international) companies, institutions and museums. The city boasts beautiful architecture and more than 150 canals, lending Amsterdam its unique and charming historical ambience. The people of Amsterdam are easy going and welcoming to foreigners since English is the city s second language. Getting around is easy using the extensive public transport system, or you can explore the city by bike, discovering places no cars, buses or trams can take you. The UvA in numbers 1 UvA 4 Campuses 7 Faculties 130 English-taught programmes 3,000 International students 30,000 Students

11 Student Services Accommodation Immigration Finances Airport pick-up Insurance uva.nl/housing uva.nl/visa uva.nl/expenses uva.nl/pickup uva.nl/insurance UvA s global network benefits you If you are interested in coming to study on exchange at the University of Amsterdam, there is one essential question you must answer before you begin - Is there an exchange agreement with my university? There is a good chance that your university is already part of our network of over 375 partner universities worldwide. But the only way that you can participate in our exchange programme is if we have an official agreement with your home university and if you have been nominated for an exchange programme by your home university. Your first step in becoming an exchange student is to contact your home international office to confirm whether your university has an agreement with the UvA, and what the deadlines and application procedures are. Top 10 Countries of UvA s international students 1 Germany 2 USA 3 China 4 UK 5 Italy 6 Greece 7 Spain 8 France 9 Romania We re here to help Incoming exchange students are hosted by one of the faculties and will receive academic and personal guidance from the departmental international office. You may be allowed to take one course at another faculty, but you are expected to enrol for a fulltime course load in one department. The central international office (part of Student Services) informs and assists students with all kinds of practical matters. More details on the exchange programmes, faculties and practical information is available at To learn more on the academic focus points of UvA faculties, please visit Student life Dutch language courses International Student Network Sports Culture Amsterdam intt.uva.nl isn-amsterdam.nl usc.uva.nl crea.uva.nl iamsterdam.nl

12 EXCHANGE OPPORTUNITIES At the UvA, teaching and research are organised within seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry. Each of these faculties offer in-depth academic opportunities for ambitious international students. Humanities The Faculty of Humanities is the largest of its kind in the Netherlands and has substantial expertise in the various humanities disciplines and a strong research environment. The faculty not only houses an assortment of established and respected academic disciplines, but also includes pioneering research areas such as Creative Industries, New Media and Digital Humanities. Each semester, the Faculty of Humanities welcomes over a hundred exchange students to participate in a wide variety of Bachelor s courses in the Amsterdam Exchange Programme Humanities. The Faculty of Humanities, consisting of a College for Bachelor s programmes and a Graduate School for Master s programmes, offers you courses from a broad range of disciplines: Art and Cultural Sciences Religious Studies Dutch Studies History and Area Studies Archaeology, Classics and Ancient Studies Linguistics and Literature Media Studies Philosophy As an exchange student, you can choose Bachelor s courses from the Amsterdam Exchange Programme Humanities, and, in some cases, a limited number of Master s courses as well. Economics and Business The Faculty of Economics and Business stimulates independent and critical minds to excel in society,

13 economics and business. The faculty maintains a strong sense of identity and purpose which benefits students on their path towards academic achievement. Studying economics and business at the UvA means you are sharpening your mind to make a difference in society and industry. Located in the financial and business heart of the Netherlands, the faculty provides a high-level economics and business curriculum with a solid academic foundation and international focus. As an exchange student, you can choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate level courses taught in English. Law The Amsterdam Law School (ALS) of the University of Amsterdam offers visiting students a wide variety of specialised courses, focusing both on Europe and the world. A long-standing tradition of offering programmes in English draws students from across the globe to the faculty s 400-yearold home in the centre of Amsterdam, the Oudemanhuispoort. The Amsterdam Exchange Programme - Law (AEXp) provides Master of Law (LLM) courses in European public and private law, as well as public international law, which have been approved by the American Bar Association. All courses require a basic knowledge of European and/or Public International Law. If you lack this foundation, the ALS offers introductory courses in both European and International Law and European Union Law. AEXp students may choose courses such as: Public International Law International Trade Law European Union Law European Competition Law and Regulation European Private Law International and European Labour Law Science The Faculty of Science is located at the Science Park, an innovative hub of teaching, research and knowledge-intensive industry. The faculty s new building (opened in 2010) contains stateof-the-art facilities, among which are a solar and stellar observatory, a greenhouse complex, an experimental facility and several advanced computer labs. Most of the Bachelor s courses in science are taught in Dutch. However, Bachelor s programmes such as Future Planet Studies and Earth Sciences offer courses in English. In addition, our Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies offers a few courses which are open to exchange students of all disciplines. All Master s programmes at the Faculty of Science are taught in English, and most of these courses are open to exchange students. You can choose Master s level courses from the following disciplines: Artificial Intelligence, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biological and Biomedical Academic calendar Semester 1 Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Block 1 of 8 weeks Block 2 of 8 weeks Block 3 of 4 weeks Semester 2 Feb. Mar. Apr. May June Block 1 of 8 weeks Block 2 of 8 weeks Block 3 of 4 weeks

14 Monthly expenses visa / residence permit for non-eu students accommodation general living expenses insurance books public transport second hand bike of them at the undergraduate level. You are expected to have completed a basic programme in the field, or to have obtained a relevant Bachelor s degree and to have a good command of the English language. Sciences, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Chemistry, Computational Science, Earth and Life Sciences, Information Studies, Logic, Mathematics, Physics, Software Engineering, Stochastics and Financial Mathematics. Social and Behavioural Sciences The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences enjoys a prominent standing within the social sciences in Europe and is the largest educational and research institution in the Social Sciences in the Netherlands. Exchange students are hosted by one of the faculty s four colleges. Child Development and Education The College of Child Development and Education offers several courses in English for exchange students, as well as the possibility to enrol in courses of the Research Master Child Development and Education. Students are expected to have completed a basic programme in the field, or to have obtained a relevant Bachelor s degree and to have a good command of the English language. Psychology The College of Psychology offers several Englishtaught courses for exchange students, most Social Sciences and Communication Science The College of Social Sciences offers, in cooperation with the College of Communication Science, the multi-disciplinary Amsterdam Exchange Programme Social Sciences. This programme offers courses for exchange students in the fields of sociology, cultural anthropology, communication science, political science and human geography and planning, as well as interdisciplinary courses on Dutch society designed especially for exchange students. The exchange programme is organised in thematic clusters: Communication and Media Conflict and Cultural Diversity Development Studies Dutch Society and Culture Ethnicity Migration and Nationalism Gender, Sexuality and Society Global Health, Care and Society International Relations and Globalisation Politics, Governance and Democracy Society, Culture and Modernity Urban Studies In addition, the Graduate School of Social Sciences organises exchange opportunities for two of its programmes. These programmes consist of established networks where international students are welcomed in the MSc Comparative Labour and Organisation programme or the Research Master s in Urban Studies.

15 320 one-time per month per month per month per month per month one-time Liberal Arts & Sciences Amsterdam University College (AUC) offers a selective Bachelor s programme in the Liberal Arts and Sciences. A key aspect of the programme is tackling the real-life problems and challenges facing today s world. Emphasis is placed on the sciences and on interdisciplinary themes such as health and well-being; energy, climate and sustainability; and life, evolution and the universe. You are expected to have a broad academic background and may choose from courses in the Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities (see for Course Catalogue). As exchange students, you will live and study together on AUC s campus at the Amsterdam Science Park. Amsterdam in numbers 1 Amsterdam 40 Parks 165 Canals 178 Nationalities 790,000 Inhabitants 881,000 Bicycles Medicine and Dentistry The Amsterdam Medical Centre of the University of Amsterdam accepts a limited number of students from international medical schools in its exchange programme. As an exchange student, you can apply for academic semesters, research electives or summer school programmes. However, you must first have completed at least three years of your medical education before coming to the UvA. The Academic Centre for Dentistry in Amsterdam only accepts exchange students from institutes where the faculty has an exchange agreement. If you are eligible, then you can take courses at the faculty, usually for a short period during the summer months. Individual programmes can be arranged for you, taking into account your specific academic goals.

16 10 reasons to choose the UvA 1Rankings The UvA scores highly in international rankings. It is ranked among the top 30 universities in Europe and the top 100 worldwide. 2 Range of English courses Both Dutch and international students enroll in and therefore benefit from the large selection of English-taught courses. 3 International Classroom The international composition and diversity of the student population (around 100 nationalities) offer a truly international study environment International Research Networks The UvA is an active member in numerous EU-wide and global research networks, such as the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and of Universitas 21 (U21). Prime Location Amsterdam is well connected for travel within Europe and has excellent links to the rest of the world. History The UvA is characterised by a tolerant, open-minded and international academic tradition dating back to I AM Quality of Life Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and features as one of the world s best places to live, according to several international surveys. Student Support 8 Staff of the twelve international offices and of student services help international students with information, advice and support. Personal Development The UvA promotes an interactive teaching style that encourages students to develop self-reliance and independent thinking Practical Support Students are actively supported in practical matters such as opening a bank account, applying for visas and finding accommodation in Amsterdam. Colofon Exchange Programmes is a publication by Student Services, University of Amsterdam (UvA), August Editorial address: University of Amsterdam, Office of International Student Affairs, Binnengasthuisstraat 9, 1012 ZA Amsterdam. Design and editorial staff: Student Services UvA. Photografy: Maarten Schuth, Fred van Diem. Printing: Hub. Tonnaer. Disclaimer No rights can be derived from this publication. Reproduction of this publication in whatever form is only permitted with prior consent from the Office of International Student Affairs UvA.