rotterdam school of management erasmus university

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1 rotterdam school of management erasmus university INTERNATIONAL OFFICE GUIDELINES INTERNATIONAL Consultancy PROJECT / BUDDY PROGRAMME The business school that thinks and lives in the future

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3 Table of contents 1. Introduction 5 2. The Master Exchange Programme (for incoming students) or International Consultancy Project / Buddy Programme (for RSM participants) 7 Buddy for international students 8 The International Consultancy Project 9 In general 9 The projects 10 The teams 10 The coaches 10 Structure of the project 12 Lectures, training and feedback meetings 13 Examination and Grading 14 General timeframe Autumn & Spring Application & Selection 16 Selection criteria 16 Proof of Proficiency in English Language 16 Application & Selection procedure Before and after participation 19 Update your student file 19 Cancellation of participation The International Office Study abroad opportunities at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University 21 International programmes for BSc and MSc students My checklist 23 Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme 3

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5 Introduction 1 For RSM students there is ample opportunity to participate in a study abroad programme, whether it is through an exchange, joint or double degree programme. For further information, please see chapter 7 of this brochure. However, the optimum preparation for an academic period abroad is participation in our International Consultancy Project / Buddy Programme which is part of our Master Exchange Programme in Rotterdam. This programme is organised twice a year, during the Autumn and Spring term and is specially designed for our international incoming Master / graduate exchange students and for a select group of RSM Master students. WHAT S IN IT FOR YOU? During 4 months you work, study and party with students from one of our 100 partner schools. You build an international network useful as preparation for your exchange and your future career. As a participant in the International Consultancy Project (worth 1 Master Free elective) you will learn how to work in a multicultural team and will further develop your personal and management skills. You get to enjoy the cultural experience of an exchange, while staying in the Netherlands. RSM students can also be a buddy ONLY for a group of exchange students and not participate in the ICP. For information check out the website: rsm-students-going-abroad/icp-buddy-programme/buddy-system/ This brochure deals with the International Consultancy Project / Buddy Programme. Specific brochures on other study abroad opportunities can be downloaded from our website or can be picked up in the waiting room in front of the International Office. We hope you take up the challenge and apply for our International Consultancy Project / Buddy Programme! The International Office Rotterdam School of Management Erasmus University Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme 5

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7 The Master Exchange Programme (for incoming students) or International Consultancy Project / Buddy Programme (for RSM participants) 2 All our visiting graduate international exchange students participate in the Master Exchange Programme. In Rotterdam we call this programme International Consultancy Project / Buddy Programme (ICP/B). This challenging programme is also open to a select group of RSM students. The programme offers you a great experience of studying with students from all over the world for a period of four months. Participation is also excellent preparation for your own exchange. And moreover, you receive 10 ECTS for your participation, which exempts you from your Master Free Elective. Participation in the programme is threefold: in the beginning of the programme you function as a buddy for a group of 8 international students; you participate in a consultancy-style International Consultancy Project with a team of international students; you continue your regular Master studies at RSM. Because of its longstanding and excellent reputation, the International Consultancy Project is the primary reason to choose Rotterdam, say many of our incoming students. And the more students we receive from our partner schools, the more we can send in return. Introduction activities during Integration Trip A buddy and some of the international students Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme 7

8 2 BUDDY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS In addition to participation in the International Consultancy Project (10 ECTS), you also have a social role within the programme. Prior to the start and in the beginning of the programme you function as buddy for a small group of international students. In this way our international students have someone to turn to, prior and upon arrival in Rotterdam. Being a buddy means some correspondence beforehand, helping out students on arrival, guiding them to their accommodation, and helping them find their way around Rotterdam. As a buddy, you will participate in the following activities: attend the informal Welcome Meeting prior to start of the programme to meet the other Dutch buddies; participate in the compulsory Integration Trip during which you will develop your teambuilding skills and get to know your fellow students; join cultural trips and social activities organised by the International Office for the international students as much as possible; say goodbye to all your new international friends at the great Farewell Party! Another option is to be a buddy only for a group of exchange students and not participate in the ICP. You will not receive credits for this, but there are a lot of benefits in this as well. Check out the website for more information. Some costs are involved. The Integration Trip usually costs about 150 euros, including accommodation, food, transport and a great learning & fun experience, but you as a buddy will get a special reduction for this great trip! AS A BUDDY I HAVE BECOME FRIENDS WITH STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. It felt like being on exchange myself, but this time in my own country. From cheering with Canadians winning the Olympics in an Irish pub, cycling to the windmills in Kinderdijk to having my birthday BBQ with all kinds of nationalities on a rooftop. Besides being a Buddy, participating in the ICP is also a valuable experience. The projects are real life business issues and there is more to learn than the project itself. Maybe even more important is you learn cultural differences most when working together. The experience with working with students from China, Norway, Canada and Poland in a team will be useful in my future career. This is something you don t learn from a book, but the ICP gave me all of this! Quint Dane, buddy Spring Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme

9 2 THE INTERNATIONAL Consultancy PROJECT Co-ordinator Dr. R.L. (René) Olie Supervisors University coaches & company coaches Participants Exchange and RSM students Teaching methods Work groups, lectures and skill seminars Examination Papers, presentations, participation and final report Level Master of Science (MSc) Semester Autumn and Spring IN GENERAL The International Consultancy Project is the cornerstone of the Master Exchange Programme at RSM. Over a period of approximately 4 months, a team of international students works intensively on a consultancy project, for a company or institution. The project is super - vised by both a university and a company coach. The general aim of the project is to respond professionally to a real-world management problem and to learn from working together in multidisciplinary and culturally heterogeneous groups. Most students are already familiar with various business disciplines through course work; however the interdisciplinary use of this knowledge and the capacity to translate it into practical solutions is very often a new challenge. The project permits students to combine theory and practice they learn how to formulate a project proposal and relevant research questions, analyse factors, develop recommendations and ultimately find solutions to the problem. In addition to providing hands-on experience of how to deal with a business problem, the course also offers a unique experience of working in a multicultural team. For the companies involved in this course, it provides a unique opportunity to gain access to valuable knowledge, recommendations or solutions for a business problem within a relatively short period of time. Typically, the student teams introduce a refreshing outside perspective to the business issues they are addressing. Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme 9

10 2 THE PROJECTS There is no such thing as a typical client or project. Client organisations can be large, prestigious multinational companies, medium-sized or entrepreneurial firms; the projects can have an HR, marketing, strategy, or logistic focus. However, in all cases the projects require a multidisciplinary, international team effort. Some of the companies that recently participated in the IBP are: Aon, Shell, Eastman Chemicals, IBM and Cytec Industries. RSM s Career Services is responsible for contacting companies, resulting in a description of the business problem. The student team must turn this brief into a feasible and realistic project proposal. THE TEAMS In general, teams consist of five students: preferably one native English speaker, one RSM student and three students of other nationalities or backgrounds. Teams are composed on the basis of specific skills and competences required by the companies (such as expertise and language skills) and student s preferences which they have communicated through the Profile Sheet. Furthermore, international diversity is taken into account in order to assure that the business projects provide first-hand experience of working in a multicultural team. THE COACHES An academic coach from RSM and an in-company coach from the client organisation are assigned to the project. In addition to providing useful suggestions on how to address research issues, the university coach has the role of promoting the team process. On average the university coach devotes one to two hours per week to the project, according to the needs of the team. Student teams will also have regular contact with their company coach to further explore the problem and to gain access to the organisation or resources. The company coach will spend around half a day per week on meetings with students, reading their reports and helping them with their queries. Naturally, it is imperative for the success of the project that the student team develops a co-operative relationship with both coaches and manages to meet their academic and practical wishes. 10 Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme

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12 2 STRUCTURE OF THE PROJECT The International Consultancy Project is structured in five stages. 1. Introduction During this stage students receive information about the company, the business project and their fellow team members. The kick-off lecture provides background information about the business project and highlights the pitfalls in this project. 2. Problem definition This stage starts when teams have their first meeting with their university and company coaches. Based on these meetings, teams draft a project proposal which entails a brief description and analysis of the issue. They must then make suggestions for research, a time schedule and budgeting of resources needed. The problem definition phase ends with an official proposal that is approved by both supervisors. Typically, this stage is more difficult than most students assume. Initial project assignments often need further clarification, scoping down and reformulation before they present a clear, feasible project that can be undertaken in a relatively short period. 3. Implementation Students conduct the research as outlined in the project proposal. This can be a challenging period. Sometimes the project does not progress as expected: data sources are not readily available, co-operation of companies is limited or team morale suffers from poor communication or diverging expectations among team members. 4. Presentation of the results Towards the end of the project, the team presents its findings and recommendations to the company. In addition, teams will prepare a presentation for their fellow students and a jury of consultants at the university. Finally, each team submits a written consultancy report (even if not requested by the company) for evaluation by the academic coach. 5. Evaluation The business project concludes with a reflection on the team effort and each student s individual learning experience. Besides one final team meeting with the university coach, each student writes an individual paper in which he or she analyses the team process and his or her individual role in this process. A key element is the question regarding what students have learned in terms of project and consultancy skills, research skills and team skills. 12 Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme

13 2 LECTURES, TRAINING AND FEEDBACK MEETINGS In order to help students with mastering skills that are relevant for project management and consultancy projects, RSM provides students with the following lectures and skill training: Lectures (compulsory) Introduction to the International Consultancy Project This three-hour lecture introduces students to the business project on which they will spend time during the next months. It gives instructions for consulting managers, managing the project and moreover, what they can expect to learn from former groups experiences. Mid-term Review, Feedback Session on Team Dynamics Group dynamics are crucial for success in the consultancy project. Experience shows that effective groups manage communication, agenda and working styles in a better way than less successful teams. In this session, groups reflect on their functioning and discuss ways of improving. Seminars and training: Negotiation & Conflict Management Skills This one-day seminar provides students with practical training in negotiation and conflict management skills, relevant for working in project management teams addressing consultancy projects. Presentation Skills Students will attend a general lecture to learn the basics of presenting. After that, a two-hour workshop for each team provides students with training and feedback on how to present their research findings effectively to the business community. Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme 13

14 2 EXAMINATION AND GRADING Students spend on average two to three days per week on the project. Attendance at all course components is compulsory for every team member. Students are graded both individually and as a team by the university coach and the company coach. The grading is based on completion of all written work, full participation in the project and on meeting the criteria of the general aim of the project. Those who receive 5.0 or lower for one or more of these grades will lose their participation grade. In that case the final grade will consist of 80% of the individual and team reports. Individual component Team component Individual learning report 15% Project Proposal 10% Individual participation & 25% group process & 10% Team contribution professional attitude F final Report 30% Project presentation 10% Total 40% 60% By helping international students to feel welcome in Rotterdam, I get an exchange experience in my own city in return! Everyone is very open-minded, happy and friendly because they are aiming to have the best time of their lives on exchange and meet new people! Yentl Knossenburg, buddy Autumn Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme

15 2 GENERAL TIMEFRAME AUTUMN & SPRING Autumn term Week 35: Week 36: Week 36/37: Week 39: Week 39: Week 41: Week 49: Week 50: Week 51: Wed, Thur & Fri Integration Trip Kick-off of the project at the university company Briefings at the company or university deadline Project Proposal negotiation & Conflict Management skills seminar Plenary Mid-term Review Session at the university Lecture Presentation skills (plenary) Presentation skills seminar (team) Presentations at the university deadline Final Report deadline Project Reflection Paper Spring term Week 4: Week 5: Week 5/6: Week 7: Week 9: Week 10: Week 18: Week 20: Week 21: Week 22: Wed, Thur & Fri Integration Trip Kick-off of the project at the university company Briefings at the company or university negotiation & Conflict Management skills seminar deadline Project Proposal Plenary Mid-term Review Session at the university Lecture Presentation skills (plenary) Presentation skills seminar (team) Presentations at the university deadline Final Report deadline Project Reflection Paper As applicant / participant you commit yourself to the terms and conditions of the International Consultancy Project / Buddy Programme as described in this brochure (page 18). Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme 15

16 3 Application & Selection The following application and selection procedures guarantee that each student has sufficient qualifications and motivation to successfully participate in the Master Exchange Programme. SELECTION CRITERIA Completion of Bachelor programme At the time of selection Passed most and preferably all Bachelor 3 courses; MSc Admission Statement; Average weighted Bachelor grade is 6.5. Language proficiency RSM students will participate in the International Consultancy Project, which requires a good command of the English language. Therefore proof of proficiency must be submitted. The intake language test organised by the University Language Centre has our preference, but there are other tests that are also valid. PROOF OF PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE At the time of selection All applicants should speak English fluently; All applicants must also show proof of having reached level B2.2 (High Intermediate) according to the Common European Framework by taking an intake language test English (organised by the University Language Centre); If you are attending a language course, a copy of enrolment is accepted for the time being. Exemptions if English is your native language; if English was your first language of secondary education; More information: For information on language courses, tests, levels, registration, visit the website of the ULC: 16 Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme

17 3 Motivation Your letter of application should: explain your motivation for choosing this programme; give us a short introduction about yourself relevant to participation (international orientation, independence, other international experiences). Other important criteria Sidelines: important and responsible job(s) and/or student association activities, voluntary jobs, activities in sports clubs, debating societies, and so on. Profile: are you mature, independent, can you adapt easily, how do you demonstrate responsibility? International orientation: are you open-minded and internationally orientated? Ambassador role: do you aspire to be a good ambassador for RSM and your country? APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCEDURE Preparation before Application Read this brochure carefully; Check the dates of the next intake English language test at the ULC; the language test result is needed for the start of the programme. Application & Deadline Submit a complete application form with the required attachments. Download this form from For deadlines please check our website icp-buddy-programme/. Selection Interviews Qualified candidates are invited for personal interviews of ± 10 minutes with the Programme Manager; These students are notified individually via their student address of the date and time of the interview. Announcement The Programme Manager will personally inform all students of the results of the interview; Selection can be offered conditionally, e.g. depending on progress in the study programme, supplementary language courses and study planning. Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme 17

18 3 Terms & Conditions Once you have been matched to an International Consultancy Project you are expected to complete that project. Verifiable medical or family emergencies are the only exception. Should you need to cancel out on an International Consultancy Project, you risk losing your study credits. Decisions in these matters are made by the programme chairman with the informed consent of the university coach. Selected Candidates Selected candidates should confirm their acceptance by completing and returning the Statement of Acceptance attached to the offer Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme

19 Before and after participation 4 UPDATE YOUR STUDENT FILE Before the programme starts, all selected students should update their personal student file at the International Office with grades and language test results obtained after the selection round. One month prior to the start of the programme the International Office checks that you have fulfilled all selection criteria. Failure to complete your Bachelor programme or missing the required language proficiency can lead to the cancellation of your participation. CANCELLATION OF PARTICIPATION Being selected means that a student is aware of his / her rights and duties which participation in the Master Exchange Programme implies. Report any cancellation to International Office! It can happen that due to illness, poor study results or unforeseen circumstances a student cannot participate in the programme any longer. If such situation occurs, please inform the Programme Manager (in person and in writing) at the earliest possible opportunity. Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme 19

20 5 The International Office The International Office is responsible for initiating, organising and co-ordinating international exchange and joint / double degree programmes with international business schools and universities at Bachelor and Master level. Contact person for International Consultancy Project / Buddy Programme: Ms Marinelle Rozendaal Programme Manager International Consultancy Project / Buddy Programme Room T5-30, Telephone: +31 (0) , mrozendaal@rsm.nl Working days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00-14:30 Contact persons for other programmes organised by the International Office: Mrs Linda de Vries Head International Office Room T5-24, Telephone: +31 (0) , lvries@rsm.nl Working days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Mrs Ligaya Kasmo-Borgonje Programme manager Bachelor exchange Room T5-30, Telephone: +31 (0) , lkasmo@rsm.nl Ms Karin Valentijn Programme assistant (outgoing Master students) Room T5-26, Telephone: +31 (0) , kvalentijn@rsm.nl Ms Ellen Vermeulen Programme assistant Room T5-26, Telephone: +31 (0) , vermeulen@rsm.nl Ms Ellen van Oeffelen Administrative assistant International Office Room T5-26, Telephone: +31 (0) , eoeffelen@rsm.nl Working days: Tuesday through Friday 20 Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme

21 Study abroad opportunities at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University 6 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES FOR BSc AND MSc STUDENTS The International Office of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University organises several exciting study abroad opportunities for Bachelor and Master students. You can spend from a trimester abroad, obtain an additional MSc at one of our affiliated Double Master s Degree in Management partner schools, or a gain Master in Management degree from the prestigious Community of European Management Schools. All RSM programmes require highly qualified and motivated students; to be eligible you need to demonstrate good study results, possess outstanding language skills and show a solid motivation. For BSc students Bachelor Exchange Programme (BEP) Linked to the Bachelor of Science in (International) Business Administration; Selection takes place in your Bachelor 2 year; Exchange takes place during the 1st trimester of Bachelor 3; Not open for pre-master students ( schakelstudenten ). For MSc students Master Exchange Programme (MEP) Linked to the 11 specialised MScBA Programmes; Selection takes place in your Bachelor 3 year; Exchange takes place during 1st or 2nd trimester of the Master; Open to students who have completed their Bachelor at RSM and for pre-master students who have studied at least one year at RSM at the start of the exchange period abroad. Master Exchange Programme (for incoming students) - International Consultancy Project / Buddy Programme (RSM students) Linked to the 11 specialised MScBA Programmes; Selection takes place in your Bachelor 3 year; Participation (in Rotterdam!) in either the 1st or 2nd semester of the Master; Students can simultaneously apply for the Master Exchange Programme. Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme 21

22 6 MSc International Business Administration CEMS Complete MSc Programme (90 ECTS) including the CEMS MIM curriculum; Selection takes place in your Bachelor 3 year; Also open for external applicants (direct intake MSc students); A CEMS exchange is guaranteed if you are admitted to the MScIM-CEMS. Double Master s Degree in Management (DM) Linked to the MScBA Programmes in Marketing Management, Entrepreneurship & New Business Venturing, Finance & Investments, Strategic Management and Supply Chain Management Selection takes place in your Bachelor 3 year One year abroad at one of the DM2 schools (ESADE, HEC, University of St. Gallen, Bocconi) is guaranteed if you are selected. 22 Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme

23 My checklist 7 PRIOR TO SELECTION Download or pick up the brochure Study Abroad Guidelines Download Application Form Register for language tests / courses Take enough time to fill out your application forms; badly typed or incomplete application forms will not be processed Hand in your complete application on time! AT THE TIME OF SELECTION Check your student address for confirmation of your interview Make sure you have your language test result Prepare yourself for the selection interview, motivation is very important! Check for the announcement of successful candidates AFTER SELECTION Hand in Statement of Acceptance and Curriculum Vitae including photo; either a passport print (or electronically in jpeg format) BEFORE PARTICIPATION Improve your language skills Keep your student file updated until your exchange starts Attend the Buddy Meetings (organised by the International Office) AFTER PARTICIPATION Wait for your grade transcript which you will receive from the International Office and submit your Conversion Proposal to the International Office Wait for the copy of the approved conversion proposal. The conversion of courses and grades will be forwarded to the Central Student Administration Study Abroad Guidelines ICP / Buddy Programme 23

24 Rotterdam School of Management Erasmus University International Office Mandeville Building T5-24, T5-26 and T5-30 Burgemeester Oudlaan PA Rotterdam The Netherlands Tel Fax intoffice@rsm.nl Accredited by