Hogeschool Rotterdam

Hogeschool Rotterdam

RotterdamUniversity

University of Applied Sciences

HANDBOOK FOR

EXCHANGE STUDENTS

2009-2010

March 24, 2009 Bart Veldhuijzen International Office

Table of contents

Introduction

Chapter 1General information

1.1the Netherlands

1.2Rotterdam

1.3Hogeschool Rotterdam

Chapter 2Departments and English modules

2.1Business and Logistics

2.2Social work

2.3Laboratory

2.4Art, Media, Design and Leisure

2.5Media

2.6Engineering

2.7Architecture

2.8Education

2.9Information Technology

2.10Paramedical / Nursing

Chapter 3Incoming students

3.1Exchange

3.2Summer Courses

3.3Academic calendar

3.4Registration

3.4.1Procedure

3.4.2Housing

3.4.3Facilities (libraries, computers, cafeteria, sports)

3.4.4Transport facilities

3.4.5Residence permit

3.4.6Insurance and medical information

3.4.7Cost of living

3.4.8Climate

3.4.9How to get there

3.5ECTS

3.6Forms

Chapter 4Contact

Welcome at Hogeschool Rotterdam!

We are pleased that you have chosenRotterdamfor your study-abroad experience!

Hogeschool Rotterdam, internationally known as RotterdamUniversity, 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

We wish you a very exciting and fruitful stay in Rotterdam!

The International Office

Mrs. Fiona Waldram-Geilman

Ms. Els Jacobs

Ms. Jacqueline Hamizadeh

Introduction

Hogeschool Rotterdam (RotterdamUniversity, 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 well-equipped 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.

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.

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 JanuaryNew Year's Day

30 April the Queen's Birthday

5 MayLiberation Day

5 DecemberSinterklaas

25 & 26 December Christmas Day & Boxing Day

Variable datesGood Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday, Ascension Day and

Whit Sunday (Whitsun) and Monday

1.2Rotterdam 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.

1.3 Hogeschool Rotterdam

RotterdamUniversity 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’.

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

*) Sometimes individual projects can be offered.

2.1 Business and Logistics

Several Schools offer business and logistics programmes.

2.1.1RotterdamBusinessSchool

Rotterdam is the most challenging region in the Netherlands, but for RotterdamUniversity it is much more than that. Itis 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, RotterdamBusinessSchool is an expert in international management programmes.

The RotterdamBusinessSchool 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 (choose International Business and Management Studies). Special programmes have been made for exchange students. For further information, please contact Mrs. Tineke van der Gaast

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

For further information, please visit the website:

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 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

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:

Students interested in this programme should contact

Mr. J.B. van Oudheusden at or Mr. A.J. Reijenga at

2.1.5School 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

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

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 Development Work

Social Work and Social Services

Social work for Residential Institutions, Child and Youth Welfare WorkEducational 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 three- month course is called ‘Rotterdam: a multi-cultural Metropolis’. It will runs from February tillto May and will yields 20 ECTS upon successful completion. If an international student expresses an interest, the course, to becan 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

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.

For more information please contact WdKA's International Affairs Officer, Mr. Ad Borstlap at visit