Arrival and Introduction - Fall 2016

Transcription

1 Arrival and Introduction - Fall 2016 As Semester in Amsterdam students you will enjoy a private arrival and introduction program which is offered in combination with the general introduction program organized by the International Office for all international students, including exchange and fulldegree students. If you are an IES student our arrival program is also offered in combination with the IES introduction program, which is not reflected in the schedule below. Please refer to the color-coded key on page 2 to know which activities apply to you. More information about the schedule and signing up for these activities (some of which are mandatory) will be sent soon. Please also note that there are two official arrival dates: 1. Friday, August 19; Required arrival date for all non-ies students. This applies to all individual enrollments, EDU students, Wellesley College students, and University of Denver students. 2. Monday, August 22; Arrival date for all IES students. These are the days on which you will have guaranteed access to your housing. We will contact you in the coming weeks for your flight details. Tinker Taxi is our contracted partner for your free airport pick-up and drop-off. We can accommodate arrivals strictly until If you arrive after this time on Friday, August 19 then you will need to find temporary housing for the weekend and check in on Monday, August 22. If you arrive after on Monday, August 22 then you will need to handle your transportation and check-in on your own by navigating from Schiphol Airport to your designated housing campus. 1

2 Key: Only applies to non-ies students Mandatory for all students Only applies to IES students Semester in Amsterdam sponsored activity: all students invited International Office sponsored activity: all students invited (more information to follow) Friday, August Arrival and airport pickup (non-ies students) Provided you give us your arrival details, a Tinker Taxi representative will bring you from Schiphol Airport to your designated housing Our staff will be there to greet you and help you get settled Room check in at DUWO office at Uilenstede campus or lobby of Hotel Jansen (non-ies students) Students will receive their keys upon arrival and be reminded to handle any outstanding requests, such as signing the online contract or uploading documents Students will also register with the municipality at this time Our staff will bring you to your room and help transport your luggage Students who qualify for a loan bike will also receive their bike when they check in to housing: - This includes all students staying at Hotel Jansen - This also includes students staying at Uilenstede who were one of the first confirmed enrolled students - You will be informed prior to you arrival via if you qualify for a loan bike Neighborhood tours Meet at in DUWO housing office at Uilenstede campus if staying at Uilenstede Meet in Hotel Jansen lobby at if staying at Hotel Jansen Our staff will lead a walking tour of local shops and attractions surrounding the respective housing areas 2

3 Saturday, August Meet and Greet Picnic Depart as a group from VU Main Building at This activity is mandatory for all students who arrive on Friday, August 19 3

4 Sunday, August 21 N/A Free Day No scheduled activities. This is your chance to explore and get settled Monday, August Arrival and airport pickup (IES students) Provided you give us your arrival details, a Tinker Taxi representative will bring you from Schiphol Airport to the Uilenstede campus Our staff will be there to greet you and help you get settled Room check in at DUWO office at Uilenstede campus or lobby of Hotel Jansen (non-ies students) Students will receive their keys upon arrival and be reminded to handle any outstanding requests, such as signing the online contract or uploading documents Students will also register with the municipality at this time Our staff will bring you to your room and help transport your luggage Students who qualify for a loan bike will also receive their bike when they check in to housing: - This includes all students staying at Hotel Jansen - This also includes students staying at Uilenstede who were one of the first confirmed enrolled students - You will be informed prior to you arrival via if you qualify for a loan bike Group Shopping Trip Depart as a group from VU Main Building at 9.30 Opportunity to purchase room furnishings and other necessities at the Gelderlandplein shopping center Tour Heineken Brewery Depart as a group from VU Main Building at Students arriving on this day are also welcome to join, provided they arrive in time 4

5 Tuesday, August Arrange all practical matters (non-ies students) at the VU Open a bank account, join the International Students Organization (ESN), arrange insurance (if needed) One-on-one appointment with Semester in Amsterdam staff to review courses and answer questions Arrange all practical matters (IES students) at the VU Open a bank account, join the International Students Organization (ESN), arrange insurance (if needed) One-on-one appointment with Semester in Amsterdam staff to review courses and answer questions Official Semester in Amsterdam Welcome Welcome presentation at the VU by Semester in Amsterdam staff 5

6 Wednesday, August Word of Welcome Official welcome for all international students Featuring Director of the International Office, President of VU Amsterdam, and President of the International Student Organization (ESN) Information Market on the Campus Square Open air market featuring stands from student associations, city groups, and cultural organizations 6

7 Thursday, August How to Make it at the VU Introduction to the Dutch education style with tips for succeeding in classes, approaching professors, and making international friends Featuring a Dutch crash-course City Day Free events throughout the city organized by VU student associations 7

8 Friday, August Uilenstede Festival Sport competitions, workshops at Griffoen cultural center, and alternative program for non-sporters Saturday, August 26 Sunday, August 27 ESN Weekend ESN-sponsored weekend Students should join ESN on Tuesday, August 23 rd in order to be eligible to join Monday, August Minicolleges, trainings, and workshops Faculty meetings, VuNet trainings, Dutch language courses, etc. Tuesday, August Day trip to Efteling Theme Park Tickets cost 25 which includes entrance and transportation to The Netherlands largest theme park Students pay 25 on arrival in Amsterdam Private bus transportation provided by Semester in Amsterdam Meet at the VU Main Building at 8.45 Depart Efteling at Campus Party Food, music, and activities Mingling with other international students and Dutch VU students 8