EXCEED EXPECTATIONS HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 2014 - 2015
Rotterdam Business School
Welcome to Rotterdam Business School We are happy that you have chosen to study at Rotterdam Business School! We hope that your stay here will be exciting and that you will achieve your personal and academic goals. This handbook has been developed to enable you to find your way at Rotterdam Business School, in the city of Rotterdam, and in the Netherlands. We look forward to meeting you upon your arrival and getting to know you while you are studying here.
Global Recruitment & Student Support Team
Martine Jager Hyam Falconi Wietske Uneken
Birgitte van Steen Usman Barry
 
Rotterdam Business School
Table of contents 1.
General information 1.1 The Netherlands 1.2 Rotterdam, World Port World City
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2. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences 2.1 Education 2.2 Outside In Inside Out 2.3 Rotterdam Business School
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3. Facilities at the Rotterdam Business School 9 3.1 Study success for everyone 9 3.2 Other facilities 10 4. Where to live
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5. Useful tips 5.1 Living expenses 5.2 Transport 5.3 Health care 5.4 Bank account 5.5 Social security number 5.6 Working while studying 5.7 Learning Dutch 5.8 Sports 5.9 Academic calendar 2013/2014
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6. How to get to the Rotterdam Business School 15 7.
Important addresses
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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 population lives in the western part of the country, this 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. Landscape The country occupies a large river delta: the place where the rivers Rijn (Rhine), Maas (Meuse) and Schelde (Scheldt) 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 of the country. Other 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. 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 are internationally oriented. Many Dutch people speak at least two foreign languages; nearly everyone understands and speaks at least some English. Traditions and Customs One of the first things that newcomers to 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. 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. Socialising in the Netherlands When socialising, the Dutch enjoy visiting bars and cafés. Cinemas are also very popular. They are keen on sport and fitness, music, social clubs and organised events. They also love flowers - Dutch homes are often full of houseplants, and bunches of flowers are frequently given as gifts when visiting friends or relatives. Food The Netherlands are not famous for its food. Traditionally, Dutch cuisine is simple and straightforward, with many vegetables and little meat; breakfast and lunch are typically bread with toppings while dinner is meat and potatoes, supplemented with seasonal vegetables. The Dutch diet was relatively high in carbohydrates and fat and contained many dairy products, reflecting the dietary needs of the labourers whose culture moulded the country. Without many refinements, it is best described as rustic, though many holidays are still celebrated with special foods. In the course of the twentieth century this diet changed and became much more cosmopolitan, with most international cuisines being represented in the major cities. 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 King’s Birthday will, however, be a feast that is celebrated in the streets. As of 2013 King Willem-Alexander has taken over the reign from his mother Queen Beatrix. Until this year the Queen’s birthday was celebrated by tens of thousands of people in the streets enjoying the delicious food, the various bands and the stalls selling all kinds of (second-hand) goods. This will not be different for King Willem-Alexander’s birthday in the future. Exceed Expectations
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1.2 Rotterdam, World Port World City Holidays in the Netherlands 1 January New Year’s Day 27 April The King’s Birthday 5 May Liberation Day 5 December Saint Nicholas’ Eve 25 & 26 December Christmas Day & Boxing Day Variable dates Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday, Ascension Day and Whit Sunday (Whit sun) and Monday
Some famous Dutch people: Painters: Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer, Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondriaan, Karel Appel Writers and poets: Jacob Cats, Multatuli, Jan Wolkers, Harry Mulish, Joost van den Vondel Philosophy: Desiderius Erasmus, Hugo Grotius Movies: Paul Verhoeven (director), Carice van Houten (actrice), Rutger Haur (actor) Scientist: Christiaan Huijgens (astronomist, physicist and mathematician), André Kuipers (physician and ESA astronaut) Music: DJ Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, Golden Earring, 2Unlimited, Caro Emerald, Afrojack
Food you must try Drop – The Dutch love Liquorice, the sweet as well as salty versions. Sold in all supermarkets Cheese – The Netherlands are famous for their cheese, e.g. Gouda, Leerdammer and Maaslander. Stroopwafels – Always popular are the sweet stroop wafels. Best when you buy them fresh at the market. Oliebollen – Traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve. The best oliebollen in the Netherlands are sold in Rotterdam at Richard Visser’s oliebollen stand.
Rotterdam has 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 over 170 countries live in the Rotterdam region, with over 600,000 living in the city itself. From old to new architecture 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 a German bombardment. 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 one of the largest ports in the world, Rotterdam is known as the ‘Gateway to Europe’. It’s international orientation as a port and the regeneration of its city centre have made Rotterdam a business city without parallel. Innumerable trade and distribution companies operate from Rotterdam. Famous Rotterdam Rotterdam is home to the worldwide headquarters of Unilever and the largest medical centre in the Netherlands, Erasmus MC. The film and visual arts sector in Rotterdam continues to grow, with the International Film Festival Rotterdam as the annual highlight. Designer Richard Hutten, lingerie designer Marlies Dekkers and architect Rem Koolhaas cause a stir all over the world from their home base in Rotterdam. Festivities As host city for the Summer Carnival, the City Racing and the North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam is the ultimate festival city of the Netherlands. Besides these big events other smaller festivals are also worth a visit: Motel Mozaïque, the Dunya Festival and Camping Rotterdam. A few famous sport events are: Marathon Rotterdam and the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament. Rotterdam is lively all year round, hosting festivals and events that show the best of the city’s international culture, sports and music.
Where to go? – student associations Once you are studying in Rotterdam, a healthy social life will undoubtedly enhance your stay. Social contacts are very important, especially for international students who arrive in a new country with a different culture. It is in fact this particular ‘student culture’ together with the different ‘education culture’ which makes a period of study abroad so worthwhile. One of the best ways to get in touch with other students is to visit one of the many student associations in Rotterdam. Student associations are primarily established for extra-curricular activities. Here you will find students from all faculties and departments. The associations usually have their own off-campus locations where their members meet. The different student associations of Rotterdam have distinctive features. RISA A great place to meet fellow students of Rotterdam Business School is RISA. RISA is the Rotterdam International Student Association and organises lots of activities for international students. For more information you can visit the RISA website or like the RISA Facebook page for the latest news and events. More information about all Rotterdam has to offer: www.rotterdam.nl/discover_rotterdam Great places to go! Food: Café Beurs – Hangout of RISA, affordable food and drinks. Hotel & Wereldeethuis Bazar - North African and the Middle Eastern dishes. Hotel New York – Beautifully located at the waterfront, famous for their high tea.
Nightlife:
Rotown – café, restaurant and pop music venue under one roof. BED – comedy nights, live performances and more. Blender – stylish cocktail bar and restaurant
Festivals & events International Film Festival Rotterdam – One of the largest audience driven film festivals in the world focussed on independent cinema. North Sea Jazz Festival - World-famous jazz festival encompasses the past, present and future of jazz. City Racing - The yearly presence of the F1’s has become part of the scenery on the streets of Rotterdam. Pleinbioscoop (open-air cinema) – Watching the most popular films of the year under a starry sky.
2. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam Business School is part of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences; one of the major Universities of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. Currently almost 30,000 students are working on their professional future at the university. The university is divided into eleven schools, offering more than 80 graduate and undergraduate programmes in seven fields: art, technology, media and information technology, health, behaviour and society, engineering, education, and of course, business.
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A major factor of the university’s success is staying closely tuned in to the pulse of the city of Rotterdam. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences also has a vast international network of partner universities as well as corporate relations. Together with its partners the university can offer our students the global outlook they need to thrive. Over 60 different nationalities are represented amongst the student population; the ideal environment to prepare for an international career.
own individual learning objectives and gives room for individual coaching and student support. How the keystones are related These three keystones are embedded in all study programmes at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. The basic principle is that students acquire knowledge and skills which they directly learn to put into practice.
2.1 Education
During the first phase of the study programme, the emphasis lies mainly on the knowledge track as students acquire the basic knowledge and skills necessary in their field.
Education at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences has been developed to combine a mixture of knowledge accumulation, practical experience and personal development, reflecting the practical, innovative and handson mentality associated with the city of Rotterdam.
As the student progresses through the study programme, the intensity of the practical track and the student track increases. Interaction between the school and the professional field is an important part of this approach.
Three Keystones Knowledge track: This track includes modules aiming at acquiring knowledge, theoretical concepts and skills. Practical track: This track includes modules in which students work on solutions for projects and research questions directly derived from the professional field. Student track: This track offers students the opportunity to choose modules or assignments that meet their
Throughout the programme, the complexity level rises and students learn to act independently. Group work is encouraged, including collaborations with students from other programmes, faculties and partner universities. Lecturers and experts from professional practice remain at hand for stimulation and inspiration. Throughout the entire programme students receive individual study coaching.
2.2 Outside In Inside Out No imaginary exercises, but concrete projects, research questions and societal demands that need solutions. Students at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences are learning by doing. To be closely connected to society and to teach students to link their knowledge and skills to a sense of social responsibility, the university cooperates closely with businesses and organisations in the region. This benefits both the practical field as well as the quality of education. Project assignments from businesses and organisations, internships and graduation projects, both in the Netherlands and abroad, are an important part of the curriculum. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences also frequently invites guest speakers from the field who share recent developments and activities in their working environment with students; challenging them to think further than the classroom. Additionally, for each study programme a representative group of field professionals are consulted to help continue meeting the demands of the professional field. In this way Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences keeps the content and quality of the degree programmes highly relevant and up to date. Contributions of the university to the professional field are just as important: the creativity, brainpower and labour of students and more than one thousand teaching and research staff are utilised to work on solutions for issues from the region and further afield. 2.3 Rotterdam Business School Business is what it is all about at Rotterdam Business School. Education, business placements, education exchange programmes, they are all aimed at preparing students for a career in international business. Real-life business cases are at the heart of many courses. They challenge students to learn to act quickly and decisively. To base their decisions on growing experience and healthy reflection. Just like in the world of business, the focus is fully international. Rotterdam Business School works closely together with partners in the business and education communities in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Together with our partners the school is able to offer students the global outlook they need to succeed in today’s competitive business climate.
Rotterdam Business School offers international study programmes at undergraduate (Bachelor) level and at postgraduate (Master) level. Undergraduate programmes: International Business and Management Studies (IBMS) International Business and Languages (IBL) Trade Management for Asia (TMA) Postgraduate programmes (official language English): Master in Finance and Accounting Master in Consultancy and Entrepreneurship Master in Logistics Management Master in Business Administration Rotterdam Business School also offers preparation courses for both the Bachelor and the Master programmes.
3. Facilities of Rotterdam Business School 3.1 Study success for everyone As Rotterdam Business School wants to give all students the best chances for success in their study, the school offers several tools and facilities for study success. You will be assigned a Study Career Coach who will offer you personal guidance throughout your study. You will do an intake test which you will discuss with your Study Career Coach. This test is designed to identify your strengths and weaknesses which may impact your study progress. Based on the results, your Study Career Coach will advise you on the best options to help you towards successful completion of your study programme. Some other tools and facilities available include: STARTweek for Bachelor students The STARTweek in the first week of September is mandatory for all students. In this week you will meet your classmates and receive a lot of important information about your study at Rotterdam Business School. Peer Coaching Peer Coaching is the tutoring of students in lower years by students in higher years. A peer coach is there for students in the lower years who need some extra tutoring to find their way in the university. You can turn to a peer coach with questions about subjects, assistance with assignments and study skills. Peer coaches help you find your way within the university Exceed Expectations
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and teach you to become a successful student. This is done both individually and in groups.
about your schedule, booklist, organisation of the Rotterdam Business School etc: www.hint.hro.nl.
Studying with a Disability The student counsellors provide arrangements and facilities for students with a disability. For students with a visible or invisible functional disability. This includes all motor, sensory or mental disabilities, but also such conditions as fear of failure, dyslexia, RSI, chronic diseases and depression. Do you have a functional disability? Please inform you Study Career Coach.
Copiers Each location of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences hosts a ‘Xerox’ copy shop. The copiers in the buildings are available to all users. Payment is by means of your chip card (more information about the chip card in chapter 5.4). For printing theses, reports, A3 copies, colour copies, overhead sheets, etc. you can contact Xerox.
Honours Programme for Bachelor students A tailor-made programme, partly consisting of additional education, which educates students to become excellent professionals. For ambitious students of Rotterdam University seeking more challenge in their studies. The Honours Programmes educate you to find innovative solutions to societal issues within a multi-disciplinary context. This will give you the chance to receive an Honours Degree.
Student cafeteria and restaurant Each location of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences has its own restaurant. At the Kralingse Zoom location you can also find the Grand Café where you can have a drink with your friends after class. Be aware that payments in the restaurants, the Grand Café and vending machines have to be made by chip card.
For more information about tools and facilities for study success you can check the intranet of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences - HINT. 3.2 Other facilities Library Every location of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences has it’s own library. You can use your student card to borrow books and use the database to search for useful information. Students can also use the library of the Erasmus University for free. Other Libraries The Municipal Library (located next to metro station Blaak) has a vast collection of books, audio-visual materials, periodicals and newspapers. You can also reserve one of the many study rooms (including a piano study room) where you can study undisturbed and in peace for a few hours. At the Erasmus University campus Woudestein Library there is a computer catalogue linked to the one of the Municipal Library. Computers and HINT After registration in Studielink you will receive a Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences computer account. With this account you will be able to work with the computers in the Rotterdam University network and make use of e-mail and internet. With this computer account you also login to the intranet of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences: HINT. On HINT you can find all practical information 10
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Four Important departments Student Service Center (SSC): Registration department concerned with your application and tuition fee. Visitors Centre (Paviljoen) is located at s’Jacobplein 1 in the city centre of Rotterdam. Global Recruitment & Student Support (GR&SS): Service desk for questions about living in the Netherlands, insurance, bank matters etc. Front desk located at Room ME.0.109. Front desk RBS: Administration office concerned with student administration (course schedules, exams, study results etc.). Front desk located at location Kralingse Zoom, D0.142. Student Housing Office: Service desk can help you with all questions related to accommodation in Rotterdam. Front desk located at location Kralingse Zoom, B2.126 (2nd floor). You can find more contact details with the important addresses in chapter 7.
4. Where to live? What to expect Finding good, affordable accommodation can be challenging. In the Netherlands, students usually have their own bedroom. Depending on the house where you are staying, the shower, lavatory, kitchen and living room may be shared with other students. It is common for male and female students to live together in the same student house.
What to find out? Find out in advance what a room is going to cost and don’t forget to include additional expenses such as the deposit and the bills for gas, water and electricity. The utilities are not always included in the rent. Thinking about these things in advance could help avoid unpleasant surprises later. You should also find out whether the room is furnished or not. The quality can vary greatly and furnishings may range from just a bed and a chair to a fully equipped room with an internet connection. If you rent an unfurnished room, you can find inexpensive furniture at many second-hand shops in every large town. Finding accommodation Student Housing office will try to help you find a room. For more information about housing and reservation of student housing please read the Housing Information Guide and Frequently Asked Questions. Please note that without reservation accommodation cannot be guaranteed. In case the Housing Office cannot help find suitable housing, the following links might be of help in finding an accommodation in Rotterdam: www.vestiarotterdamstadswonen.nl/en/ (student rooms) www.stadswonen.nl (student rooms) www.thestudenthotel.com (furnished rooms) www.kamernet.nl (click English button) www.roomrotterdam.nl (click English button) www.pararius.com (search engine for accommodations) en.rotterdam.info (Hotels in Rotterdam)
Real estate agencies in the direct vicinity Direct Wonen Mariniersweg 24 Rotterdam T +31 (0)10 414 55 55 I www.directwonen.nl ROTS-VAST GROEP Mariniersweg 72a 3011 NS Rotterdam T +31 (0)10 476 23 23 I www.rotsvast.nl E rotterdam@rotsvast.nl Conform Vastgoed Oudedijk 153-A 3061 AB Rotterdam T +31 (0)10 414 47 53 F +31 (0)10 411 12 04 I www.rotterdamapartments.com E info@conformvastgoed.nl Dynamis ABC Westblaak 147 3012 KJ Rotterdam T +31 (0)10 201 25 55 E r.werkhoven@dynamisabc.nl Match Makelaars Provenierssingel 1A 3033 ED Rotterdam T +31 (0)10 233 01 01 I www.matchmakelaars.nl E rotterdam@matchmakelaars.nl
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5. Useful tips
There is also a bike shop right next to the central train station in Rotterdam (Rotterdam CS)
5.1 Living expenses The living expenses in Rotterdam and in the rest of the Netherlands are similar to the rest of the Northern part of Europe. Your daily expenses include food, public transport, books, clothes, and going out. But you also need to take into account the costs for housing and insurance. Experience has shown that students living and studying in Holland for one year spend between € 800 and € 1.100 per month. It is advised to make a budget before arrival. Some of the costs you need to take into account include: Food: Accommodation: Leisure Transport Total
€ 200 € 350 / 600 € 150 € 40 - 105 € 740 – 1055
More budgeting tips? www.studyinholland.nl/practical-matters/daily-expenses 5.2 Transport Rotterdam has tram and bus lines running throughout the city and its surroundings. Besides this, Rotterdam has four underground (metro) lines, running North to South and East to West. All locations of Hogeschool Rotterdam are situated nearby one of these metro lines. For more information regarding public transport: 9292.nl/en Timetables etc. www.NS.nl Railway website www.RET.nl Public Transport Rotterdam website Do as the Dutch! You can save a lot of money if you buy a bike upon arrival. Most people in the Netherlands use it because it is the easiest form of transportation in the city area. It is best to buy a second-hand bike to minimise the risk of theft. Also, make sure to buy a good lock. There are various places where you can buy a second hand bike. A good shop is Mega Bike located near metro station Oostplein. You can call Mega Bike and ask for used bikes: Tel. 010 476 37 43. Mega Bike Rotterdam Burgemeester van Walsumweg 2 3011 MZ Rotterdam 12
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Rijwielshop Rotterdam CS Conradstraat 18 3013 AP Rotterdam There are several websites that you can check for used bikes; www.marktplaats.nl or www.2dehands.nl People advertise their bikes on these websites. Prices vary from € 15 up to € 500 euro and above. If you are lucky you can find a good one for € 15. 5.3 Health Care The Health Care system is very well organised in the Netherlands. As a European citizen your basic health insurance will cover you in the Netherlands. In that case, you should obtain an E111 form from the health service in your own country and bring it with you. Please note that you will have to pay for your treatment up-front and
then send the bill to your insurance company to get your money back. If you do not have health insurance you can either insure yourself in your home country or you can have a look at: www.myaon.nl/students or www.studentsinsured.com/ips/. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences has made several arrangements with doctors and dentists in Rotterdam in case of medical problems. The Dutch word for family doctor or GP is huisarts which literally translates into ‘house doctor’. The general word for doctor is dokter or arts. Medical Assistance General Practice DWL – De Esch Rijnwaterstraat 10, 3036 HC, Rotterdam Telephone Practice: Prescriptions: Emergency weekdays: Emergency other times:
010 452 63 63 010 452 55 19 010 452 54 83 010 466 95 73
Doctors Dr. M.M.P. van Meer Dr. M.T. Slockers Dentist Telephone number for acute dental problems 010 455 21 55. Please note that if you visit a dentist or doctor (GP) you will need to pay cash. Don’t forget to ask for the receipt as your insurance company will need these. Emergency number: 112 (ambulance, fire department, police) In case of an immediate emergency. Telephone number police: 0900 – 8844 not in case of an emergency but when you do need the police. If you have any problems you can contact the GR&SS office as they may be able to help you. 5.4 Bank Account You will notice that it is very useful to open up a Dutch bank account. The Dutch use their debit cards a lot for purchases in stores, restaurants etc. For all purchases at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences you will need a chip card. You can either buy a chip card at the Study store at the university or use the chip on your debit card.
Once you have an address in the Netherlands you can open a Dutch bank account for which you will get a debit card. GR&SS can help you open a bank account at ABN AMRO bank, but naturally you can also choose another bank. How to open a bank account at ABN AMRO: Go to: www.abnamro.nl/internationalstudents. Click on the button: apply for an international student account . For school details choose: Stichting Hogeschool Rotterdam. The course will end on: fill in end date of your Bachelor or Master. Click “volgende” to go to the next page. Fill in all the necessary personal information. Click “volgende” to go to the next page. Residence permit number: i f not yet known, write X. Answer ‘YES’ at the question: Do you have a residential address in The Netherlands? Fill in your Dutch address at: your residential address in The Netherlands. If your correspondence address is the same as your residential address, you can leave it blank. Answer ‘YES’ at the question: rental contract in The Netherlands. If your BSN number (= social security number) is not yet known, answer ‘NO’ at this question. Print out the form and sign it. Deposit the signed form in the white GR&SS mailbox (at front desk of the GR&SS office). GR&SS will submit your application and the ABN AMRO bank will invite you for an appointment. For the first appointment you will need to bring: A valid passport or identity card (the same document as mentioned on the Application Form Foreign Student Account). A proof of enrolment (to be purchased at Student Service Center, by sending an email request to ssc-communicatie@hr.nl with mention of your student number and reason why you need this proof of enrolment) . A tenancy agreement or proof of registration at City Hall (GBA). ABN AMRO Bank will charge: Monthly : € 3 Opening a bank account is free
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5.5 Social security number BSN is short for Burger Service Nummer, which translates as ‘citizen service number’. The BSN is equivalent to a social security number: a unique registration number for every citizen, used in contacts with any government service.
For more information about working in the Netherlands while you are studying here, you can visit the website of Nuffic: www.studyinholland.nl 5.7 Learning Dutch
Various people may ask for your BSN. If you have a job, your employer will need to know your BSN. Insurance companies may also ask for your BSN-number.
Although the Bachelor programmes of Rotterdam Business School are offered in English it might be nice to learn some Dutch. In the IBMS programme you can choose Dutch as you second language. For students in the other Bachelor programmes Rotterdam Business School offers an elective Dutch language. If you do not have this opportunity the Erasmus Language and Training Centre offers Dutch courses for international students. As a student of the Rotterdam Business School you can take part in these courses for a reduced fee. www.eur.nl/ltc/
5.6 Working while studying
5.8 Sports
If you are from the EU/EEA (but not from Croatia) or from Switzerland, you are free to work without restrictions.
Maybe you like to relax after class. Arrangements have been made with the Erasmus University Rotterdam campus Woudestein (Kralingse Zoom). You can make use of their sport facilities for € 145 per year (prices are subject to change). In the month of September you can try out different sports and classes for free, so that you can decide whether the sports card is what you want. With the card you can use the EUR sports facilities all year long, e.g. tennis, squash, fitness, aerobics and various team sports. For more information you can visit this website: www.erasmussport.nl/en
When registering with your local municipality, you are automatically issued a BSN. Your local town hall will most likely send you a letter to confirm all your personal details listed in their administration. This letter will also mention your BSN.
If you are from Croatia, or from a country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland, there are some restrictions if you want to take a job next to your studies. You need a permit and you can only work for a maximum of ten hours a week or, instead, you can work full-time during the summer months of June, July and August. From 1 January 2014 on, nationals of Bulgaria and Romania are also free to work without restrictions. Work permit application Your employer needs to apply for a work permit for you. The organisation that issues work permits is called UWV Werkbedrijf. Exception for internships If you are studying at a Dutch host institution and you need to do an internship as part of your study programme, you do not need a work permit. Your host institution and your employer do need to sign an internship agreement. Health insurance and jobs You need to be aware that as soon as you start a job, you are obliged to take out the Dutch basic healthcare insurance. If you do not meet this requirement you risk a huge fine. Income tax You are required to pay tax over your total Dutch income for the year. Scholarships may also be counted as income and added to the total. For more information on income tax, you can check with your employer or directly with the Dutch tax office. 14
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5.9 Academic calendar 2013/2014 (subject to change) The academic year is divided into four blocks of 10 weeks. In between these blocks students have the holidays mentioned below.
Fall break 20 October 2014 - 24 October 2014 Christmas holiday 22 December 2014 - 2 January 2015 Spring break 23 February 2015 - 27 February 2015 Good Friday 3 April 2015 Easter Monday 6 April 2015 King’s birthday 27 April 2015 May holiday 4 May 2015 - 8 May 2015 Ascension Day 14 May 2015 Whit Monday 25 May 2015 Summer holiday 13 July 2015 - 28 August 2015
6. How to get to Rotterdam Business School
Applied Sciences which you can see on your right after 10 minutes.
Rotterdam Business School is situated at the Kralingse Zoom location of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.
By Car From direction Breda/Dordrecht: From the “A 16”, after the “Van Brienenoord” bridge take the exit direction “Rotterdam Centrum/Capelle aan de Ijssel” and turn left at the traffic lights, towards “Rotterdam Centrum”. Now take the first exit on the right, direction “Brainpark/De Esch/Autostrada”. On top of the fly-over, turn right. Turn left after 50 metres. Now you can find the Kralingse Zoom location of the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences on your left and the parking area (P4) on your right.
Public transport Tram 1 from Rotterdam Central Station: Direction „ De Esch”. Disembark at stop „Honingerdijk”, cross the (busy-traffic) road, then turn right and walk alongside the same road towards the Kralingse Zoom Location. After 2 minutes walking, you will see the building on the left. Tram 7 from Rotterdam Central Station: Direction „Woudestein”. Disembark at the end stop. Walk in the direction of the parking areas of Erasmus University and of the Kralingse Zoom location (P4). After 2 minutes walking, you will see the Kralingse Zoom location of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences on your right. Metro from Rotterdam Central Station: Change at station “Beurs” and take another metro (A,B or C), to station “Kralingse Zoom”. From here, walk south to the Kralingse Zoom location of Rotterdam University of
From direction Utrecht/Den Haag: Drive towards the A 16, in the direction of Breda/Dordrecht. Take the exit towards “Kralingen/Feijenoord/Ijsselmonde” (N 210). Take the exit “Rotterdam Centrum/Capelle aan de IJssel”. At the traffic lights, turn right. Now take the first exit on the right, direction “Brainpark/De Esch/ Autostrada”. On top of the fly-over, turn right. Turn left after 50 metres. Now you can find the Kralingse Zoom location of the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences on your left and the parking area (P4) on your right.
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Praktische informatie
7. Important addresses Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences / Rotterdam Business School Visiting address: Kralingse Zoom 91 3063 ND Rotterdam (metro station Kralingse Zoom)
Student Service Center Visitor Center Burgemeester s’Jacobplein 1 3015 CA Rotterdam
Administration Office: Front desk: D0.142
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 8.30 - 17.30 hrs Friday 8.30 - 17.00 hrs Every 2nd Saturday of the Month: 10.00 - 14.00 hrs
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9.00 - 12.45 hrs and 13.15 - 17.00 hrs
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+31 (0)10 794 62 14 (general telephone number Rotterdam Business School) administration.rbs@hr.nl
Global Recruitment & Student Support Office (GR&SS) Visiting address: Max Euwelaan 71-81 3063 MA Rotterdam (metro station Kralingse Zoom)
SSC-communicatie@hr.nl +31 (0)10 794 42 00
Housing Office Visiting address: Kralingse Zoom 91 3063 ND Rotterdam Room: B2.126 (2nd floor) E T
studenthousingoffice@hr.nl +31 (0)10 794 63 47
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 14.30 - 15.00 hrs T E I
+31 (0)10 794 62 50 rbs@hr.nl www.rotterdambusinessschool.nl
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The information in this handbook is not legally binding and is subject to change.