International Student Handbook by Tilburg University

International Student

Handbook

Welcome to Tilburg University Dear Student,

You are about to start as a Bachelor, pre-Master or (Research) Master student at one of the five Schools of Tilburg University. Of course, if you are new to the Netherlands and/or to Tilburg University, there is a lot to get used to. Are you ready to explore a new environment, meet new people and experience a great number of new impressions? It is an exciting time when a lot of things need to be arranged: make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re enrolled for your program in time, get your semester timetable ready, buy books and readers, get access to the IT facilities and meet new friends! This handbook has been specially prepared to answer all the questions related to starting a course of study at Tilburg University. To help you, we have compiled this comprehensive Study Guide. It contains the practical information which you will need to get through your first year in Tilburg (e.g.: academic preparation, intercultural awareness, registration for exams and study facilities on campus, etc.), plus a list of extras that you can do alongside your studies (e.g.: extra-curricular activities, student life, useful apps, etc.). So keep this booklet with you! Maybe you have other ambitions besides your studies? If so, you can always consider attending one of our excellence programs, becoming active in an association or going on an exchange. At Tilburg University, you will have all these opportunities! Make sure you read this handbook thoroughly and act according to the provided instructions, when necessary. We wish you an inspiring, educational and, above all, pleasurable period of study on our beautiful campus!

International Student Handbook

Table of Contents Welcome to Tilburg University

1. Practical Matters

7 8 9 9 11 13

1.1 Tilburg, a thriving university city 1.2 Shopping in Tilburg 1.3 Public Transport 1.4 Healthcare and insurance matters 1.5 Places of worship 1.6 Emergency (Preparations)

2. Academic Preparation

14 15 16

2.1. Study programs at Tilburg University 2.2. Academic year structure 2.3 Tilburg University Knowledge Database

3. Course Information

17 17 18 19 19

3.1 Types of instruction 3.2 Preparing for lectures and tutorials 3.3 What should I do if I cannot attend a lecture? 3.4 How are the study programs organized? 3.5 Coursework Feedback

2 Tilburg University

4. Digital Study Environment

20 22 23 23

4.1 Portals 4.2 E-mail 4.3 Google Apps 4.4 iStudent TiU app

5. Study facilities

24 24 25 26 26 27 28

5.1 Tilburg University card 5.2 Wireless internet connection 5.3 Study areas 5.4 Library 5.5 Computer facilities 5.6 Printing and copying 5.7 Paying with your Tilburg University card / e-wallet payment service

6. Textbooks and readers

7. The curriculum, courses and study load

30 31 32

7.1 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) 7.2 The Dutch Marking System 7.3 Binding Study Advice (BSA) for Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs

8. Guidance and Mentoring

33 33 34 34 34 34

8.1 Academic advisor / Program Coordinator 8.2 Dean of Students 8.3 Mentor Program 8.4 Career Counselor 8.5 Top-sport Coordinator 8.6 Study progress monitor

International Student Handbook

9. Exams

36 36 37 38 38 39 39 39 40

9.1 The basics 9.2 Midterms, exams and study results 9.3 Preparing for exams 9.4 Exam types 9.5 Exam feedback 9.6 Exam re-sits 9.7 Illness during exams or re-sits 9.8 Exam rules and regulations 9.9 Applying for exam exemptions

10. Get the most out of your student life

41 43 44 45 46 47

10.1 Excellence 10.2 Studying Abroad 10.3 Internship 10.4 Entrepreneurship 10.5 Co-determination 10.6 Sports Center

11. Graduation

11.1 Recognition of Bachelor’s and (Research) Master’s Degree

12. Work and internship

49 50 50 51 51

12.1 During your studies 12.2 Internship 12.3 Income tax and social security 12.4 The ‘BSN’ number 12.5 After graduation: search year residence permit

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13. Work attitude and expectations in the Netherlands

52 52 53 54 54 56 57

13.1 Teacher – Student relation 13.2 Student – Student relation 13.3 Personal Conduct 13.4 Code of Conduct 13.5 Fraud 13.6 Change of contact details 13.7 Study program, courses and modules evaluated by you

14. How to study in the Netherlands

58 59 60 61 61

14.1 Time management 14.2 Studying techniques 14.3 Exam preparation 14.4 Arrangements for students with special needs 14.5 Dyslexia protocol

15. Intercultural awareness and student life

63 63 64 65 65

15.1 Dutch culture and lifestyle 15.2 Festivals and celebrations 15.3 Dutch values and beliefs 15.4 Benefits of studying in the Netherlands 15.5 Key aspects of Dutch higher education

16. The intercultural classroom

Annex “Digital University”

Annex “Top app list with the most important apps in the Netherlands”

International Student Handbook

6 Tilburg University

1. Practical Matters 1.1 Tilburg, a thriving university city Large enough to find plenty to do, but still small enough to run into people you know, Tilburg is a real student city. Tilburg is the Netherlands’ sixth largest city, and has a population of just over 200.000 people. It is situated in the south of the Netherlands, just ten kilometers from the Belgian border, and a short hop from Amsterdam, Brussels, London or Berlin. It is easy to see why so many international and Dutch students choose Tilburg for their degree. With three major universities and the only Rock Academy in Europe, Tilburg is a lively university city, with no less than 25,000 students living and studying here. This means that one in every 8 citizens is a student, just like you! Green Tilburg is a ‘green’ city. You can find parks throughout the city, as well as a forest which is located right next to the university: the ‘Warandebos’. Tilburg was named the most environmentally sustainable city in the Netherlands. Modern The city of Tilburg was bombed during the war, and as such it now has a blend of modern and mature buildings. Rebuilding the city has made it lively and cultural, with dozens of places to shop, eat, drink and stay out all night. You can watch a match at the soccer stadium, visit a gallery or one of the many museums, take in a film, get in line for pop stage 013, go to a concert at the Concert Hall, or spend the day at one of the most atmospheric theme parks in the Netherlands: the Efteling. Your calendar will be full of upcoming festivals, like the Festival Mundial (world music), Incubate arts festival, Dance Tour (Free Dance Festival), Tilburg Wine City, Festipet Street Theatre, Culinary Tilburg, the Tilburg Kermis (the largest fun fair in the Benelux) and the Tilburg Ten Miles Run.

International Student Handbook

Business Center Tilburg is also a major business center. The city’s progressive ‘Tilburg Model’ for improving cities’ administration and service levels has been acknowledged worldwide. Today, Tilburg is located in the fastest growing economic region in the Netherlands, and in close proximity to Brainport, Europe’s high tech region. The region is host to over 7,600 companies and with multinationals such as Fuji and Sony relocating to Tilburg, a great place to learn about economics and business. Many expats and skilled workers work for large international organizations in Tilburg and close by, such as FUJIFILM, Bosch Transmission Technology, Philips, ASML, Epson, Sony, Jansen-Cilag, IFF, VDT, Coca-Cola, Ericsson, Schenker, Otto, and Fabory. International companies choose to locate in this region due to the easy accessibility, the high quality of the living environment and excellent education. www.inyourpocket.com/Tilburg

1.2 Shopping in Tilburg Tilburg’s main shopping street is the Heuvelstraat. The latest development is the Pieter Vreedeplein, a stylish shopping square in the middle of town. Closer to the university, you will find the Westermarkt shopping center. In general, the opening hours of shops and stores are as follows (most shops in the center of Tilburg are open on the weekend): Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:

13.00 - 18.00 09.00 - 18.00 09.00 - 18.00 09.00 - 21.00 09.00 - 18.00 09.00 - 17.00 12.00 - 17.00

www.inyourpocket.com/Netherlands/Tilburg/Shopping-Tilburg/Shopping-Centres

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Supermarkets in Tilburg are laid out and operate much the same as those elsewhere in Europe. Most supermarkets have extended opening hours! Albert Heijn: Top-end supermarket chain and the largest in the Netherlands, with stores ranging from small convenience stores to large hypermarkets. There are 700 branches nation-wide. This chain also offers its own brand of organic produce should be new line Aldi or Lidl: Very low cost hypermarket chains selling B-brand foods as well as non-food products such as cheap DVD players and clothes. https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/education/practicalissues/dailylife/shopsandshopping/ For household products, can go to visit Blokker, Action and HEMA stores, located in the city center and specializing in products, clothes and home utensils for every day.

1.3 Public Transport Getting around in the Netherlands is quite simple because the public transportation system is excellent. The city of Tilburg has an extensive bus network, as well as three train stations: Tilburg Central Station, Tilburg Universiteit and Tilburg Reeshof. All main cities in the Netherlands can be reached by train very quickly. The cheapest way to travel around Netherlands is with the OV-Chipkaart, with which you can purchase various discounts for public transportation. OV-Chipkaart: www.ov-chipkaart.nl/?taal=en

1.4 Healthcare and insurance matters Medical costs can be high in the Netherlands, especially if you require specialized care at a hospital. Dutch law requires you to have adequate health care and third party liability insurance. It is your own responsibility to check whether or not your cover is sufficient.

International Student Handbook

If you are from the European Union and possess a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you are not required to have Dutch public healthcare insurance. Your EHIC will cover your basic healthcare expenses. However, if you are planning to find a part-time job, you are required to take out Dutch Public Health Insurance. As a student, you may be eligible for a healthcare allowance from the Dutch government (‘zorgtoeslag’ in Dutch). A good place to start is by asking your current insurer if your stay in the Netherlands is covered by your existing policy. If it is not, you will need to take out private insurance, for which we recommend IPS or AON. Their insurance policies include health, liability and travel insurance. IPS: www.studentsinsured.com/en AON: www.aonstudentinsurance.com/students/en/ General Practitioner A general practitioner (GP) is called a ‘huisarts’ in Dutch. A general practitioner can be found via the online Yellow Pages under the heading of ‘Doctor – General Practitioner’. Call the practice to ask whether they are accepting new patients (each practice has a maximum number of patients that they are allowed to see). Another option would be to contact your health insurance company to request a list of practices that are accepting new patients. www.tilburguniversity.edu/medicalaid Dentist and dental care in the Netherlands Dentistry is privatized in the Netherlands and not covered by basic insurance policies. Dentists (‘tandarts’ in Dutch) list their prices on their website and insurance companies have comparable lists of how much they will cover for each service, allowing people to choose their own level of care and expenditure. Given the number of practices, you should be able to find one easily in your areas. www.tandarts.nl can help you to find a dentist in your region, as can the listing in the Yellow Pages (‘Gouden Gids’ in Dutch). Many Dutch practices are full and it may be difficult to find one taking on new patients, so be prepared to ring around.

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‘De Huisartsenpost’ If you need urgent medical assistance outside your GP’s working hours, contact ‘de Huisartsenpost’ by phone. You must always contact the ‘huisartsenpost’ before going to a hospital. They will assess your medical situation and will advice you if you should go to the Emergency Department of the hospital or make an appointment with your GP. If you have a life threatening medical emergency, you must call 112.

1.5 Places of worship In the Netherlands about 31% of the population practices Roman Catholicism, 20% are practicing Protestants and 6% is Muslim. About 2.5% have another belief system and 41% claim to practice no religion or to have no specific belief system. MOSQUES Name: Address: Telephone: Website:

El-Feth Moskee Academielaan 9, 5037 ET Tilburg 013 – 46 00 7 69 el-feth.nl

Name: Address: Telephone: Website:

Süleymanìye Mosque Wandelboslaan 2 013 535 0392 www.suleymaniye.nl

SYNAGOGUE Name: Website: Address: Telephone: E-mail:

Liberal Jewish Community Brabant www.ljgbrabant.nl/ Willem II straat 20, 5038 BG Tilburg 06 12819669 secretaris@ljgbrabant.nl

International Student Handbook

BUDDHIST TEMPLE Location: Auteurslaan 176, 5044 MD Tilburg Tradition: Theravada, Ruth Denison/ U Ba Khin Affiliation: Teacher in the school of Ruth Denison (USA) Telephone: 013-4631847 E-mail: doshin@planet.nl Website: www.inzichtenbevrijding.nl CHRISTIAN CHURCHES Roman Catholic churches Name: Address: Telephone: Website:

Catholic Student Parish Maranatha Professor Cobbenhagenlaan 19, Tilburg 013 - 4675302 www. tilburguniversity.edu/chaplain

Protestant churches Name: Location: Services:

Pauluskerk Heuvelstraat 141, Tilburg Services are held every Sunday

Name: Location: Services:

Opstandingskerk Professor Cobbenhagenlaan 8, Tilburg Services are held every Sunday at 09:30 am

Orthodox churches Name: Location: Services:

Orthodoxe Parochie van de Heilige Porfyrios Bredaseweg 568, 5036NB Tilburg Services are held every Sunday at 10am.

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1.6 Emergency (Preparations) • Make sure that your family knows how and where to reach you in the Netherlands; • Give them full details about your travel arrangements; • Keep in regular contact with them; • If an emergency arises, contact your family as soon as possible; if you cannot reach them, record a voicemail on your cell phone informing them that you are okay and that you will contact your family as soon as possible; • Educate yourself about the country to which you travel, including any countries to which you wish to travel on holiday; • Check your insurance and put the emergency number in your mobile phone. • Make sure the Student Desk knows your address and emergency contact. You can update this via: https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/administration/change-of-address/

International Student Handbook

2. Academic Preparation 2.1 Study Programs at Tilburg University At Bachelor’s level The purpose of research-oriented Bachelor’s programs is to prepare you for further study as well as employment, and to teach you the academic and scientific skills associated with a traditional, academic university program. The content of the programs can vary from broad to very specialized. At some universities, you need to complete both a major and a minor subject. During most Bachelor’s programs, you need to do a course in research methodology and a Bachelor’s thesis. After completing your Bachelor’s degree, you can continue studying for a Master’s degree, or you can start working in your field of study. (Source: www.studyinholland.nl/education-system/degrees/bachelors) First year students in the Bachelor’s programs are trained in the basics of scientific research skills; collecting, analyzing and interpreting data. As of the second year, students follow program specific research methodology courses. In the third year of studies, students usually learn how to apply the already gained theoretical knowledge in practice, with a possibility to complement their studies with a minor at Tilburg University or at another research university in the Netherlands, or spend a semester abroad at a partner university. However, this may vary per program and School. At Master’s level The primary goal of research-oriented Master’s programs is to provide you with the necessary knowledge and analytical skills at post-graduate level, so that you can carry out independent research, either in a specific field or in a multidisciplinary field. There is a variety of Master’s programs to choose from: academic Master’s providing advanced training in preparation for employment; or research Master’s in which you are engaged in scientific research.

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The minimum length of a Master’s program is one year (60 credits), but Research Master’s are two years (120 credits) in length. An important part of (Pre-Master’s) and (Research) Master’s programs is research skills models, in Dutch, ‘Onderzoeksvaardigheden’ (OZV). During these classes you will learn and practice skills required for conducting research and writing your Master thesis, such as research interview, laboratory research or data processing.

2.2 Academic Year Structure The academic year at the University starts officially in the week of September 1. It consists of two semesters or four study units (this is applicable to programs offered at the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences) during which different courses are taught. A semester is usually made up of thirteen or fourteen weeks of classes and lectures, followed by two weeks of exams. Often, midterms are held after seven weeks in the first year (in the case of a semester division). The midterms will help you to find out if you are running on schedule, and have an understanding of the subject matter. This means that you have a total of 26 or 28 weeks of classes, and about 4 to 5 weeks of exams in one academic year. If the academic year is divided into study units, you will have seven weeks of lectures, followed by one week of exams. Academic Year Structure Fall semester

Unit September - October

Unit November - December

Spring semester

Unit January - March

Unit April - July

Academic Calender: www.tilburguniversity.edu/academiccalendar

International Student Handbook

2.3 Tilburg University Knowledge Database Tilburg University has developed an online Knowledge Database where you will find program-specific information regarding courses, exams, rules and regulations, exchange matters, study advice, labor market orientation per School, and many more: Tilburg School of Economics and Management (TiSEM) knowledge database: www.tilburguniversity.edu/ask-tisem/ Tilburg Law School (TLS) knowledge database: www.tilburguniversity.edu/ask-law/ Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (TSB) knowledge database: www.tilburguniversity.edu/ask-tsb/ Tilburg School of Humanities (TSH) knowledge database: www.tilburguniversity.edu/ask-humanities/

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3. Course Information 3.1 Types of instruction There are three types of classes: lectures (HC), tutorials or seminars (WC), and lab assignments (LA). Lectures are usually held in big lecture halls, which all students attend. During lectures there is little interaction between the lecturer and the students, when a presentation on a specific subject is given to a large group of students. Lecture halls are in general large rooms and the lecturer usually uses a microphone so that everyone can hear what the lecturer says. Many lectures are accompanied by slides, PowerPoint presentations or videos. You should listen closely and take notes. A lecture usually consists of two blocks of 45 minutes with a 15 minute break in the middle. Tutorials groups (WC) are smaller and classes are more interactive than lectures. During tutorials you are expected to participate a lot more, discuss and present assignments and the opportunity to ask questions is much more extensive. During lab assignments (LA), students use computers to work on specific assignments with an assistant or a supervisor.

3.2 Preparing for lectures and tutorials Preparing for a lecture or tutorial is very important. How you should prepare for a course depends on the course in question. Usually you will have to read certain papers or chapters of a book or write an assignment. In the course outline on Blackboard or in the Electronic Study Guide (see Annex â&#x20AC;&#x153;Digital Universityâ&#x20AC;?) you can find an explanation of what the course will look like and how it has been set up. You can print the slides from the Blackboard page of the course before the lecture and use them for taking notes.

International Student Handbook

Some students read everything in advance. If you have already prepared for the lecture, you will be able to follow it more easily and will already have your questions ready for the tutorials. Some students prefer to read everything later, but some students do both. After attending a few lectures, you will find the best approach for you, but you may have to adapt it depending on the style of the lecturer. On Blackboard you can also find what you are expected to do for a class and how you should prepare for a lecture or tutorial. If this is not clear from Blackboard then it is important to pay close attention during the class to understand what the teacher is expecting from you. If it is still unclear afterwards, you can ask the lecturer for clarification.

3.3 What should I do if I cannot attend a lecture? You do not need to report your absence if you cannot attend a lecture. Whether you attend or not is your own decision and responsibility. There are some compulsory lectures, however, for which you do need to report your absence to the lecturer or the course coordinator. Usually, you are allowed to miss one compulsory lecture. It is recommended to follow the first lecture of the course to find out if attendance is compulsory. If you are unable to attend a tutorial, try to join another group to catch up on the work you have missed. If this is not possible, ask your fellow students if you can copy their notes. Make sure you have not missed any important announcements about exams, changes to the reading material and suchlike. As with lectures, there are some compulsory tutorials, for which you do need to report your absence to the lecture or the course coordinator. If you are ill for an extended period, you must contact the Academic Advisor: www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/tutoring/studyadvisors/

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3.4 How are the study programs organized? Every course is the responsibility of one or more lecturer(s). The Academic Director is responsible for the content of the entire study program and is supported by lecturers, staff at Education Desks at each School, students in Sounding Board groups and Education Committees. Ultimate responsibility for the quality and organization of all study programs rests with the respective Vice-Dean of Education. Education Desk: www.tilburguniversity.edu/educationdesks

3.5 Coursework Feedback An important part of your study is finding out where you can improve. During your program, you will be required to do many individual and group assignments. After each assignment, you will receive feedback from your lecturer on the work you have delivered. Usually this feedback contains positive points of your assignment and points of improvement. If you want to get additional feedback on your work or want to discuss the assignment, you can always make a personal appointment with a lecturer.

International Student Handbook

4. Digital study environment For detailed instructions, please see Annex I “Digital University” in the end of this handbook

4.1 Portals Information about the study programs, courses, timetables and exams can be found in the following places: Student Portal Student Portal: www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/ Student Portal Help: www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/studentportal-help To access the Student Portal you need to log on using your Tilburg University username and password. You received this information via e-mail after you registered in Studielink as a student of Tilburg University. The Student Portal is an important source of information for all students. After logging in, you can access the most important student applications and all kinds of personalized information, such as the Blackboard courses in which you are enrolled, your lecture and exam schedule, your course catalog, your e-mail from Tilburg University and the books you have borrowed and reserved in the University library. Study Guide Study Guide: www.tilburguniversity.edu/studyguide Two Study Guides are available: a general Study Guide (called ‘Electronic Study Guide’ (ESG)) and a Personal Study Guide (PSG). The ESG contains up-to-date information about all study programs offered at the University. There are also links to the news pages of each School where there is also more information about each study program. The ESG includes program descriptions, course overviews for each program, course information, lecture and exam schedules and changes to these schedules, if any.

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The Personal Study Guide makes it possible to track your own individual program and schedules. Here, you can select your program, subjects, work groups and enroll in COMAP (see below). You can also access your literature list, exam notifications, grades and you can reserve a computer on the campus. This personal information is kept in a database, which you can access at any time. You can access your PSG via the Student Portal. Simply click on ‘Personal Study Guide’ in the right corner of the page. Blackboard Blackboard: https://edubb.uvt.nl/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp Blackboard is the digital learning environment with all the different individual courses that you attend. Via Blackboard, you will have access to course information, instructor information and contact details, lecture slides and homework or team assignments. All mid-term, teamwork or course grades are usually also posted on Blackboard. If a lecturer needs to tell you anything about changes in timetables or how a course will be evaluated, s/he will, in most cases, post a message on Blackboard, so you should check this site regularly. Enrolment for Courses and (work) groups via COMAP Please note: This information does not apply to the School of Humanities, which does not work with COMAP group enrolment. COMAP is a system in which students can register for all kinds of activities including a computer practicum/exam or a work group. You can find the COMAP link via your Student Portal. Simply click on ‘COMAP’ in the right-hand corner of your page when you are in the Student Portal. All students must enroll for the courses in their program. You must register for new courses before the start of the semester or the unit, as all courses have a registration deadline (except for the courses in your first unit, or courses in the first semester of the Bachelor year!). Registration can be done via the web application COMAP in the Student Portal. After the deadline has passed, you will not be able to register for International Student Handbook

the course yourself and you will be required to contact the lecturer of the course in question. In addition to registering for the course, you must also register for the course in Blackboard, in order to access to the course’s digital environment. Registration for the Blackboard course can be done via ‘My Blackboard Courses’ in the Personal Study Guide, which can be found via the Student Portal. In order for a course to appear in your schedule in the Student Portal, it is necessary to register for a specific group. This can be done via groups in the Personal Study Guide. Not all lecturers use Blackboard for their courses. If you do not find the course information on Blackboard, read the course description information available for each course in the Electronic Study Guide. Important! Please note that the information above may vary per study program, academic level and School. For this reason, always check the Electronic Study Guide or contact the Education Desk of your School for up-to-date information.

4.2 E-mail You receive a personal e-mail account from the University. You can access this e-mail by going to the Student Portal and clicking on ‘Google Mail’. In addition, you can access this e-mail by going to www.tilburguniversity.edu/cloud/mail. This mailbox is a Google Mailbox. More information can be found on the following website: www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/it/google-apps/

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4.3 Google Apps In addition to your University e-mail account, you have access to Google Calendar, Google Talk, Google Docs and Google Sites, as part of Google Mailbox. To Access Google Apps @ Tilburg University you can use the following links: Google mailbox: www.tilburguniversity.edu/cloud/mail Google Calendar: www.tilburguniversity.edu/cloud/calendar Google Docs: www.tilburguniversity.edu/cloud/docs Google Sites: www.tilburguniversity.edu/cloud/sites

4.4 iStudent TiU app iStudent TiU is an application for Tilburg University students. The application offers a number of student services conveniently grouped and developed specifically for use on your mobile device. You can easily rearrange the layout of the menu and remove items from the list to build a personalized application. Once loaded, most items are available for offline reading when an internet connection is not available. Available services: • My Schedule • My Schedule Changes • My Grades • Campus Map • Where Am I? • Various Interesting University websites • Week menu’s restaurants • Public transport info • PC Availability • Sports Schedule

International Student Handbook

5. Study facilities 5.1 Tilburg University card The Tilburg University card has your photograph, name, administration number and card number. The card is used to gain access to buildings, to borrow books from the library, and to use the printing facilities. It is also possible to connect the card with your e-wallet, which you can use at the printers and vending machines (coffee, tea, soda and snacks). Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you apply for your Tilburg University card as soon as possible. You can request your University card online by going to www.tilburguniversity.edu/ students/administration/university-card/. After logging in with your Tilburg University username and password, you are able to upload your photograph and request your card. Within two weeks, you will be notified via your Tilburg University e-mail address that you can collect the card. You can collect your card in person from the Student Desk by showing proof of identity.

5.2 Wireless internet connection As a student of Tilburg University you can access Tilburg University’s wireless network which operates under the eduroam project. You can connect to eduroam not only on campus but also at some spots in the city centre and other places worldwide. To connect with eduroam you need to add ‘@uvt.nl’ to your regular username, and type your regular Tilburg University password. If you want to connect to the Tilburg University’s network from your home, you will be required to do it through VPN connection: www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/it/vpn

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5.3 Study areas Many students use one of the many study areas on campus to prepare for lectures and exams. Below you can find the study areas on campus: • The University Library; • The Montesquieu Learning Centre (MLC); • The Goossens Learning Centre (GLC); Internet Cafes: in Building C (Room C187, above the canteen), in Building M, in P51, on the second floor of Building G and in the corridor of Building D. Every building on campus has its own opening hours. Library The Library is open Monday until Friday from 8:00 until 24:00 and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 till 24:00. On national holidays, the opening hours are limited or the Library is closed (see Academic Calender). The exact opening hours and closing dates of the library can be found on the following website: www.tilburguniversity.edu/library-openinghours. Montesquieu Learning Centre (MLC) The Montesquieu Learning Centre is open Monday until Friday from 8:00 till 18:00 and is closed on the same days that Tilburg University is closed (see Academic Calender). Goossens Learning Centre (GLC) The Goossens Learning Centre is open Monday until Friday from 8:00 till 22:30 and is closed on the same days that Tilburg University is closed (see Academic Calender). Internet cafés The internet cafés in the C (Cobbenhagen), P (Prisma) and D (Dante) Buildings are open from 8:00 until 22:30 and are closed on the same days that Tilburg University is closed (see Academic Calender).

International Student Handbook

5.4 Library The Tilburg University library is one of the campusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; showpieces. You can study there, borrow books, work in small groups, and, last but not least, access the Internet and your e-mail on one of the many student computers. The Tilburg University library has over 800,000 books, journals and other publications in paper and digital form. Moreover, with the Tilburg University network, you have free access to all major scientific databases and digital journals. The library uses the search engine WorldCat Local. Through WorldCat Local you can easily find, access, and borrow publications available at Tilburg University, in other libraries in the Netherlands, and worldwide. If you want to access WorldCat Local from your home, you are required to connect to VPN service. Tilburg University Library: https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/about/university-library/ Library tutorials: www.tilburguniversity.edu/library-tutorials

5.5 Computer facilities At various locations on campus, you will find computers with direct Internet access. Furthermore, there are wireless zones and plug-in connections for laptops. In the University library and study areas, you will find a large number of individual and group workspaces with a computer. To use a computer, you must log in with your Tilburg University username and password. Reservations are recommended. This you can do via the following link: www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/it/desktops/ Information computers are located at various locations throughout the campus. These provide access to the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s web site, and a limited number of external websites. Login is not necessary. In total there are 150 connections for plug-in PCs, each are marked with a green square. The speed of connection is 100 Mbit / s. If you have a laptop with wireless LAN, you can access internet virtually anywhere on campus.

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LOCATION

QUIET AREA

COMPUTERS AVAILABLE

Library floor 0 Library floor 1

Yes No

Limited Yes

Library floor 2

Yes

Building C room C187 ‘De Bunker’ Building C Building P Second floor Building G Building M Building S Building D

No Yes No No No Yes No

Yes No Yes Yes Yes No Yes

FOOD AND DRINKS ALLOWED No No No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes

5.6 Printing and copying There are 21 multi-functional printers (MFP) on campus. With these printers you can print, copy or scan documents. If you are using one of these printers for the first time, you must connect your Dutch bank pass to your user name. Afterwards, the printer will recognize your bank pass, which is connected to your username. You can only connect one card per person. You can send a print job from a student desktop, your own notebook on campus and from your own notebook/PC off campus. You activate a printer using your university card and pay with your e-wallet (For details, please refer to “Paying with your Tilburg University card” paragraph below). You can print by choosing the print option within the program in which you are working (for example Word). Then you have to choose the right printer, the black and white printer or the color printer. You can go to any student printer on campus with your university card and press on the print option. All your print jobs will be selected to print and you just have to push the green button to print everything. For copying, just go to any printer, scan your university card, choose the proper settings and press the green button to confirm your copy job.

International Student Handbook

For scanning, go to any printer, scan your university card, put the file on the document glass and select ‘scan and send’. Select prstu010.campus.uvt.nl and press on the green button. After the scanning has finished, click on ‘Start sending’. Your scans will be sent to your University e-mail account.

5.7 Paying with your Tilburg University card / e-wallet payment service A closed payment system called the e-wallet, has been introduced on campus as the payment method for printers and vending machines. Your Tilburg University student card can be linked to the e-wallet. You can load money from your Dutch bank account onto your e-wallet both via the internet and at the physical loading station. • Before you can use your e-wallet, you will first need to link it to your Tilburg University card. You can do so at one of the printers or at the loading station in the Library (so not at a vending machine). You will only have to do this once. • You can put money on your card online via myNetPay. In your account you indicate how much money you want to add to your electronic wallet and pay using Ideal or PayPal payment systems. • You can also load value onto your e-wallet at the loading station in the study café, inside the Library. • If you do not have a Tilburg University card, there are various other types of cards, you can link your e-wallet to. If you only seldom visit campus, you can get a guest pass. These are available at the PrismaPrint shop. myNetPay: https://tiu.mynetpay.nl e-wallet: www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/campus/paying-options/

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6. Textbooks and readers Buying textbooks For some subjects you will need several books just for one semester, while you will need other books (for example statistical reference works) throughout your entire program. You will find the reading lists alongside the course descriptions in the Course Catalog. You can purchase your books from a regular bookstore or online. Buying readers You will need more than just books for your study program. You may also need collections of articles or additional information collected by the lecturer. These collections, also called syllabi or readers, can be purchased at the course materials shop. You can reserve them online and pick them up at Prisma Print in Building P: www.tilburguniversity.edu/prices-prismaprint Borrowing books Students can borrow textbooks, papers, journals and academic articles from Tilburg University Library free of charge. There is a library course that you can follow to learn how to find the exact information that you need.

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7. The curriculum, courses and study load The total package of courses in a study program is called the ‘curriculum’. The curriculum consists of compulsory courses and electives (optional courses). As well as theoretical courses, there are courses to develop your writing, linguistic and presentation skills. Each educational component of your study program, such as a course, an internship or a thesis, is worth a specific number of credits. You can find the number of credits, in the course description. 1 Year 60 credits

1 Semester 30 credits

1 course (usually) 6 credits

1 Credit

1 course (6 credits)

1 semester (30 credits)

28 hours of work

168 hours of work

840 hours of work

7.1 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) In the Netherlands, we use the ECTS, European Credit Transfer System. A Dutch Bachelor’s program consists of three years during which a student will need to obtain a total of 180 ECTS (60 ECTS per year). One course usually consists of 6 ECTS credits: a normal course load is 5 courses worth 30 ECTS in total per semester, which is equals to 10 courses = 60 ECTS per academic year. A Dutch Master’s program in general consists of 1 year of education during which a student needs to obtain 60 ECTS credits. 1 ECTS equals 28 hours of study (lectures, studying and exam). Hence, a regular study load consisting of 60 credits (ECTS) is equivalent to 1,680 hours of study. You acquire the credits after successful completion of a course.

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7.2 The Dutch Marking System In the Netherlands, we use an absolute grading system in which 10 is the highest possible grade and 1 is the lowest grade. Half grades are also used in the grading system. Class rankings or curved grading are not used in the Netherlands. You need at least a 6 to pass a course. The mark 5.5 is rounded of to 6, which is a pass, whereas 5.4 equals a fail. Most commonly given grades if you have passed a course are between 6 and 7.5. Everything from 7.5 or higher is seen as a really high grade in the Netherlands and 9 and 10 are very rarely given! You will always have two attempts to it an exam, but when the re-sit exams (the second attempt) takes place, will depend on the course. After you have taken an exam, the lecturer officially has 15 working days to correct the exam. You should always get the opportunity to review your exam if you failed a course or if you wonder what you have done wrong. Most lecturers will schedule a certain day and time for all students who want to inspect their exam. Grade conversion table

ECTS grade

Percentage of students achieving grade

Definition

8.5 – 10.0

10 %

Excellent

7.5 – 8.0

25 %

Very good

6.5 – 7.0

30 %

Good

6.0

D/E

35 %

Sufficient

5.0 – 5.5

Fail

<5.0

Fail

Dutch grade

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7.3 Binding Study Advice (BSA) for Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs At the end of the first year, all Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs issue Binding Study Advice. This advice is based on the results you achieved in your first-year courses and determines whether you will be allowed to complete the remaining two years of the program. If you have earned 42 credits (ECTS) or more, you will be allowed to continue with your current program of study (42 credits is 70% of the first year ECTS). If you have earned less than 42 credits, you will be issued with a negative advice. This is a binding advice (you are legally obliged to follow it) and means that you will not be allowed to register for this particular program during the next three years. The binding advice applies to each program individually; you are, therefore, required to meet the requirement for this advice in the first year of each program for which you are registered. If, due to mitigating circumstances, you do not meet this requirement, allowances might be made when reaching an advice. These allowances will, however, be dependent on you informing the appropriate authorities in time of the reasons for the delay in your studies. Preliminary advice To prevent you from being issued with an unexpected negative Binding Study Advice at the end of the academic year, you will receive a preliminary advice halfway through the first year. This preliminary advice is based on your results up to that moment and a pre-indication for the Binding Study Advice which you will receive at the end of your first year. It is also an important warning if your study progress is insufficient. If it is, you will then still have the possibility to improve your study progress if you work very hard. www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/study/bsa/ Please note that the way in which the Binding Study Advice is conducted differs somewhat per School, so please make sure to check the rules and regulations regarding the Binding Study Advice for your specific School.

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8. Guidance and Mentoring Tilburg University has several advisors, counselors and coaches available to guide you through your studies if you face certain challenges.

8.1 Academic Advisor / Program Coordinator You can contact our Academic Advisor if you have any questions and problems that are related to your educational program. The Academic Advisor can help you with difficulties related to a specific subject in your educational program, special exam schedules and applications for oral exams, composition of optional subjects or specialization, study problems (approach, planning, studying skills, motivation) and study delay: www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/tutoring/studyadvisors/

8.2 Dean of Students The Dean of Students (sometimes referred to as Student Counselor) is there for you to inform and advise you on topics that are related to studying in general. Depending on the nature and the seriousness of the problem, the Dean of Students can help you with information and coaching or refer you to other staff members or authorities or certain training sessions or courses. Topics the Dean of Students can guide you with, are: • Enrollment/registration • Deregistration • Tuition fees • Study delay • Financing your studies • Rights and duties • Social and personal facilities • Pregnancy and studying with children • Complaint, objection and appeal procedures • Facilities for disabled students International Student Handbook

Everything you discuss with a Dean of Students is confidential. www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/tutoring/deans-of-students/

8.3 Mentor Program The Tilburg University Mentor Program gives students the opportunity to ask alumni questions about their studies or future career and to learn from their experiences. Alumni will help the students in an informal way to navigate the labor market and their studies. The Mentor Program is available for all Bachelor and Master students. The duration of the Program is one year. The Mentor Program is student driven. This means: it is up to you to start the process. You apply for the program, you select a mentor and you will initiate contact. www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/tutoring/mentor-program/

8.4 Career Counselor The Study and Career Counselor can help you with making decisions regarding the study you have chosen, internships, applying for a job and the labor market. www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/tutoring/study-career-counselor/

8.5 Top-sports Coordinator Tilburg University provides facilities to students who want to combine study and top-level sports. Among others, the university offers additional student supervision and in some cases, financial assistance why top-level sports activities cause delays in study progress. www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/circumstances/topsports/

8.6 Study progress monitoring Study progress monitoring The study progress monitoring regulation requires degree seeking students with a residence permit based on study purposes to obtain at least 50% of the nominal number of ECTS per academic year or a part of it, if the student started his/her studies later than 1 September.

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Example: Based on a study load of 60 ECTS per academic year, a student starting a program of study on 1 September must obtain at least 30 ECTS before 31 August of the following year. A student starting 1 February must obtain at least 15 ECTS before 31 August of the same year. ECTS credits requirement for Pre-Master programs If you have been accepted for a Pre-Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program, you must complete the PreMaster program within one academic year. This means you need to obtain all ECTS allocated to your Pre-Master program. If you do not complete your Pre-Master program within the aforementioned timeframe, we are required to deregister you with the IND and you will have to stop your studies. In this event, the Immigration Office will inform you accordingly.Â

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9. Exams 9.1 The basics To complete your course you will be required to do an examination. Apart from registering for courses, every student must register for exams as well. There are four time periods when you will have exams: in the middle of the semester or unit and at the end of the semester or unit. The exams cover all material discussed in the previous weeks of lectures and tutorials. During the exams, your knowledge and understanding of the subject will be tested. Upon successful completion of the examination, you will receive ECTS credits for the course. www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/study/written-exams For detailed instructions on how to register for exams, please see Annex I â&#x20AC;&#x153;Digital Universityâ&#x20AC;? in the end of this handbook

9.2 Midterms, exams and study results Most exams are written exams and take place at the end of the semester. You can also have group and individual assignments, and midterms. The different exams have their own rules, which can be found in the course description in the Course Catalog and the Education and Examination Regulations (EER) for your study program. www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/study/oer/ Every semester ends with an exam period. There is one in December/January and another period in May/June. During these periods, which last two or three weeks, you will take an exam for each course. The exam will cover all the material discussed in the previous 13 weeks of lectures and tutorials. If you have units of seven weeks, the exams will take place after these seven weeks. It is impossible to study all lecture material in three weeks, so it is extremely important to keep revising it during the whole semester and to prepare for lectures and tutorials throughout the semester. It is advisable to take the regular exams (rather than relying on re-sits) and to prepare well for them. Postponing exams can adversely affect your study progress and your binding recommendation regarding the continuation of studies.

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9.3 Preparing for exams Please remember that you always need to bring your Tilburg University card, the e-mail with the exam notification (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;tentamenoproepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Dutch) and national identity card (EEA nationals) or passport/Dutch Residence Permit (non-EEA nationals) to an exam! Make sure you prepare for your exams as of the first lectures. If you do not do this, you may not have enough time to study all the exam material in time. It is smart to summarize all the material from each lecture. In the end, you will have your own summary which you can use to study for the exam. The advantage of making your own summary is that you have already read all the course material and written it down in your own words. By doing this, it will be easier to remember and apply the material. There are different ways to prepare for your exams and midterms. First, look up in Blackboard what the exact exam material is. For many courses, there is a syllabus available. Here you can find what you have to know after every lecture or chapter. You can use this to check if you really know and understand the material. Also try to figure out what the exam questions will look like. Will the exam consist of only multiple choice questions, only open question, or will it be a combination of the above? Attending every tutorial and lecture is also advisable. In this way you will stay upto-date with the exercises and you can ask questions about exercises you do not understand. When doing exercises, you are forced to apply the material and you can immediately check whether you understand it. Often you can find old exams on Blackboard. When you think you know the material, you can check yourself by doing an old exam. However, understanding old exams does not guarantee a good result for the current exam. Sometimes it is also good to go through the exam material with your fellow students. There are always students who are willing to explain the material to you if you do not completely understand it and vice versa. Together you can also come to new insights. Furthermore, studying together can also be a good check on whether you know the exam material already and you can motivate each other. International Student Handbook

Below, are a number of tips, which you can use while studying: • Vary your study activities: reading, doing assignments, revision, summarizing. Variation makes studying more fun and helps you to maintain your concentration. • It is best to take a short break every hour or so; 45 to 60 minutes of studying in one go is the maximum for most students. • Make sure you have time to go through what you have learned. It is better to revise a small amount of material every day, than everything at once. • You will have to memorize some things. • Never do this for more than half an hour, you will reach saturation point after this time. • When you have finished part of the material, do an exam question or an exercise to see if you really understand it.

9.4 Exam types Some exams you take will be written exams. It might be based on open-ended essay questions, where you will be asked to thoroughly answer theoretical questions or to apply the knowledge to a specific case. Other exams will be in multiple-choice form, when you will be asked to pick a correct answer from several provided options. Besides written exams, you might have oral exams as well. During such examination, you will have a personal discussion with a lecturer where you will be answering specific questions from the course. Moreover, your final course grade might also consist of grades received from various group and individual assignments. Specific course exams can be found in the course description.

9.5 Exam feedback Within 15 working days after the examination, lecturers will publish the grades. You can check your grade for a specific course on the Student Portal via ‘View Grades’ or on the Blackboard page of the course. After grades are published you will have the opportunity to attend an exam inspection session where you can review your exam and grade, together with the lecturer. If you do not agree with your grade, you can appeal to the Examination Appeals Board. www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/study/complaint-appeal

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9.6 Exam re-sits If you want to improve your exam grade or if you failed the exam, there is a possibility to re-sit the exam. If you fail a second time, you will have to try again next year. Unless unusual circumstances occurred that were beyond your control, you might be allowed to take an extra re-sit of the exam. It is recommended to contact your Academic Advisor in such situations. If you take a re-sit for an exam, it is usually the highest grade that counts. However, in some cases the most recent grade counts, even if it is lower than the original. The rules can vary for each course and program. Therefore, you should consult your Academic Advisor for applicable regulations.

9.7 Illness during exams or re-sits If you are ill during an exam or re-sit, or cannot be present due to urgent reasons, please inform your Academic Advisor as soon as possible. If you are not feeling too miserable, you should try and make it to the exam anyway. Then at least you will have taken the exam, and who knows, you might even pass it! If you are very ill, you must inform the Education Desk of your School as soon as possible. They will register your exam cancelation, due to illness. You will have to present medical evidence of your illness. If you are ill quite often or miss exams (or classes) regularly, you must report your study delay as soon as possible to the Academic Advisor.

9.8 Exam rules and regulations Exams at the Tilburg University are carried out under the Education and Examination regulations (EER), or Onderwijs- en Examenregelingen (OER) in Dutch. The Education and Examination Regulations are the official protocol which provide rules and guidelines concerning responsibilities of the Examination Board, and all matters concerning exam, such as exam registration, grading, order during exam, etc. Both university authorities and students must abide by these regulations.

International Student Handbook

9.9 Applying for exam exemptions In very exceptional cases students can apply for an exemption from the exam a course. Exemption might be granted, if, for instance, you have successfully completed a course at another university that covers all of the educational objectives of the course concerned. To be granted an exemption, you must contact the Examination Board of your School. www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/study/exams/examiningboard.htm

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10. G et the most out of your student life Tilburg University has a rich student life with over 40 student organizations, excellent sports facilities and a large number of pubs and bars. On a cultural level, Tilburg has cinemas, museums and concert halls. Combined with the numerous events organized by and within the (student) community such as festivals, exhibitions and conferences, this ensures that Tilburg has something to offer for everyone! During your studies at Tilburg University, you will get every opportunity to work on your personal development. For example, you can follow exciting on-top programs, or gain international experience by taking courses abroad during one semester. Additionally, you can do an internship and gain work experience in your field of interest. Furthermore, you can follow extra courses or become active within a study association.

10.1 Excellence For students who require an extra challenge in addition to their studies, the University has several extra-curricular excellence programs and you can also become active on top of your studies. Below you can find the programs the University has to offer you. Discourses on Europe/Honors Program The University-wide Honors Program has been running for several years now. If you want to join this program, you need to achieve a grade point average of at least 7.0 for all your first-year courses: no exceptions can be made. You also need to be highlymotivated. The Honors Program consists of one extra course in each semester, four courses in total. You can choose from nine courses in total. The main subject is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. After two years, participants will receive an Honors Certificate which is attached to your Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree. www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/broaden/honorsprogram/

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Tilburg University Outreaching Honors Program The Outreaching Honors Program is specifically designed for outstanding Bachelor’s students who will take up leading positions in the national or international business community in the future, or a national or international organization in the service of society or in public administration. The program goes beyond the regular curriculum and offers students a real challenge. It educates and prepares students for a top position in society. They must be able to contribute to solving societal issues through innovative and pioneering means. The Outreaching Honors Program is open to a maximum of 50 students who should show a strong motivation to participate in the Program. The minimal admission requirement is thay you have fully completed the first year (60 ECTS) with an average grade of at least 7.0. If you complete the program successfully, you will gain a special certificate in addition to your Bachelor’s degree and 30 additional ECTS credits. www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/broaden/outreaching/ CentER Honors Program (for students of the Tilburg School of Economics and Management only) The goal of the CentER Honors program is to familiarize TiSEM’s best third-year Bachelor’s and first-year Master’s students with research and research methods in economics and business. In a series of interactive lectures, some of our very best researchers actively discuss important papers and their scientific impact. Within the CentER Honors program you can expect intensive lectures, small groups, student involvement, self-study, and space for interaction. There is a strong focus on academic skills, such as discussion techniques, research and essay writing. The CentER Honors program is an extra-curricular program which earns you a certificate and between 7 and 11 ECTS. www.tilburguniversity.edu/chp Tilburg University Excellence Scholarship The Excellence Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students to fund a Master’s program abroad or a Research Master’s at Tilburg University. Students are considered for an Excellence Scholarship if they complete a Bachelor’s degree program (without exemptions) with an average final grade of 8.5 or higher. The use of the Scholarship

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may be postponed for one year, for example, to allow the student to prepare for the international Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program. www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/administration/excellencescholarships/

10.2 Studying Abroad Studying at one of our partner universities abroad offers you an opportunity to learn about your study expertise from a different perspective and helps to improve your language proficiency. Tilburg University has connections with many universities inside and outside Europe. A period of study abroad will also offer you a unique chance to meet people from all over the world and develop your intercultural communication skills. In an increasingly globalized world these skills are indispensable for students planning an international career. Almost all Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students can participate in an exchange program without falling behind in their studies. If a semester abroad is not integrated into your program, you are still allowed to go on exchange, but it is likely that you will incur a study delay. If you are thinking about going on exchange, discuss this with your Academic Advisor / Program Coordinator, and look carefully at your study plan. Students who want to go on exchange in their third year should apply for this in November of their second year of study. The selection is based mainly on your motivation and if you are suitable as an ambassador for Tilburg University. Besides showing enthusiasm, there are a number of requirements you will have to meet. For example, some of our partner universities require minimum grades and certain levels of language skills. Please keep in mind that you are only allowed to go on exchange if you have completed all the courses in your first year and have in total 90 ECTS at the point of departure. Please feel free to visit the website or to make an appointment with the International Relations Office of your School through the website. www.tilburguniversity.edu/international-exchange

International Student Handbook

10.3 Internship Internships offer excellent opportunities for getting acquainted with the job market. Many students combine an internship with a Master’s thesis and carry out their research at the host company. There are many ways of arranging an internship during your Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. The following organizations can help you. AIESEC AIESEC is the largest international student organization worldwide and currently operates in more than 110 countries. Over 55,000 students at more than 1,700 universities around the world are represented by AIESEC. AIESEC’s mission is to encourage global cooperation and cultural understanding through international exchange. www.aiesec.nl/ Integrand Integrand is a national non-profit organization that mediates between university students and business/government agencies for work assignments and internships. There is an Integrand office in every University city in the Netherlands, and there are opportunities in every discipline. Every year, Integrand successfully matches approximately 600 students with organizations. With a database of 40,000 companies and 12,000 students, Integrand is the largest mediator for university students in search of practical experience. www.integrand.nl/en/ Tilburg University Career Portal The Career Portal is a digital marketplace for internships, graduate studies, work assignments and jobs. Companies and institutions can place advertisements or review student résumés. Use of the Career Portal is free of charge. www.tilburguniversity.edu/careerportal

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10.4 Entrepreneurship The University encourages entrepreneurship amongst both students and staff in different ways. The following organizations can help you to set up your own company. Starterslift Starterslift supports Tilburg University students with promising business concepts. Starterslift project managers are experienced entrepreneurs who will contribute actively to the realization of your plans. Together, you can determine the next step with regard to your product, market or enterprise. Starterslift can help you with housing, finance and many other matters. You will also get access to a unique network of coaches and to on-the-job training. www.starterslift.nl/ Tilburg Center of Entrepeneurship Tilburg Center of Entrepreneurship (TCE) is focused on creating an entrepreneurial mindset among students by offering a varied, interesting, and up-to-date program for students. TCE aims to create not only academic but also practical insights, among others by means of skills training. www.tilburguniversity.edu/tce Academic Business Club The Academic Business Club (ABC) is a network platform for young, enthusiastic, entrepreneurial students who would like to come into contact with other entrepreneurial students and share (enterprising) ideas. You can use ABC to get in touch with other budding entrepreneurs and learn from their visions, ideas and experiences. Presentations by enterprising students, speakers from the business community, (in)formal drinks, brainstorming sessions and network meetings will give you plenty of opportunities to tackle problems, ask questions and develop your ideas. The ABC meetings are in Dutch, so if you speak Dutch well enough you are welcome to visit them. www.academicbusinessclub.nl/

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10.5 Co-determination Do you want to have a say in the governance and policy at Tilburg University? Then why not join one of the associations, such as the Sounding Board, the Education Committee, or one of the councils? Sounding Board Every cohort in the economic programs has its own Sounding Board. Programs with an identical first year have a common Sounding Board. The Sounding Board consists of several students who meet regularly to evaluate the courses, lectures, instruction sessions, exam, literature. The Program Director then discusses these evaluations with the lecturers and course coordinators. If you want to attend the Sounding Board, contact the Program Director of your study program. Education Committees The Education Committees control the activities and plans of the Program Directors. These committees consist of staff members as well as student members. They offer advice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; solicited and unsolicited â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to the Vice-Dean of Education. They also advise the Faculty Council on the Education and Examination Regulations. Input from the student members in this process is very important and highly appreciated. Faculty Council Every School in the university has its own Faculty Council which represents students, lecturers and education support staff. The Faculty Council takes decisions on educational, research-based, strategic and financial issues.

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University Council The University Council is the central representative advisory body. Its student members are united in the parties SAM and Front. The University Council consults with the Executive Board and has considerable influence on strategic policy, organization, management and budgets. The Council advises, or votes, on proposals that concern the whole University and addresses various issues, such as the internationalization of the campus, the expansion of the network and budgetary implications. The Council also allocates funding, holds discussions on general education and student concerns, and co-determines future policy. www.fractiesam.nl www.fractie-front.nl Study / Student Associations In addition to your studies, you might find it interesting to join an association. If you become an active member of an association and go to meetings and organize activities, you will get to know many people and gain a lot of experience. Tilburg University is home to study associations, student associations, sports associations, cultural associations and political associations. Visit www.tilburguniversity.edu/student-organizations for an overview of the different associations.

10.6 Sports Center The Tilburg University Sports Center offers a broad program of activities and facilities for both recreational users and those who wish to play sports at a competitive level. You can work out at any time from early morning to late evening. Sports Center membership is offered at a price appropriate to a student budget. www.tilburguniversity.edu/sports-center

International Student Handbook

11. Graduation You will be awarded a Bachelor’s or Master’s diploma when you have successfully completed all components of your program and after you have successfully defended your thesis (applicable for Master only). There are various ways for you to receive your diploma. You can participate in a graduation ceremony (if applicable) and be awarded your diploma in front of other graduates, or you can receive your diploma directly after your thesis defense or later. Bachelor’s diploma: www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/study/graduation/bachelor/ Master’s diploma: www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/study/graduation/graduation-master.htm

11.1 Recognition of Bachelor’s and (Research) Master’s Degree All our Bachelor’s and (Research) Master’s programs are accredited by the NVAO. NVAO is the independent and bi-national accreditation organization set up by the Flemish and Dutch governments, which provide an expert and objective judgment of the quality of higher education in Flanders and the Netherlands. www.nvao.com/ Quality Assurance page: www.tilburguniversity.edu/education/program-quality-assurance/

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12. Work and internship 12.1 During your studies If you are an EU (except Croatia)/EEA, Swiss or Japanese national, you can enter the Dutch labour market freely (i.e. you do not require a work permit). If you are a Croatian or a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national and hold a Dutch residence permit for study purposes, you require a Dutch work permit in order to have a job alongside your studies. With a Dutch work permit (in Dutch: Tewerkstellingsvergunning, TWV), you can only work for a maximum of ten hours per week or, instead, full-time during the summer months June, July and August. Work permit application Your employer must apply for your work permit. The Dutch Labour Authorities (in Dutch: UWV) are responsible for the issuance of work permits. Please make sure you receive a copy of the work permit from your employer. Exemption from work permit requirement If you are studying at a Dutch educational institution (i.e. Tilburg University) and you are required to do an internship as a mandatory part of your study program, you do not need a work permit. Tilburg University, you and your employer need to sign an internship agreement instead (for an example please visit the following website: https://www.studyinholland.nl/study-options/internship/internship-as-part-of-aprogramme-in-holland). For more information visit www.tilburguniversity.edu/work-during-study or www.studyinholland.nl/practical-matters/working-while-studying Useful websites for finding information about part-time jobs are: www.undutchables.nl www.dutchisnotrequired.nl www.togetherabroad.nl European Job Mobility Portal: www.ec.europa.eu/eures International Student Handbook

12.2 Internship Internship regulations in the Netherlands for non-Dutch nationals are somewhat different than work regulations. For internships there are two documents which might be required: a work permit and an internship agreement. If you are from the EU/EEA (excluding Croatia) or Switzerland, then you do not have any restrictions on doing an internship. Citizens of Croatia and other countriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; who have a Dutch residence permit are required to have an internship agreement which must be signed by the student, the institution where student is enrolled, and the employer. If you are planning to do a paid internship, you are obliged to take out the Dutch Basic Healthcare Insurance. However, if you do not receive salary for your internship, such insurance is not necessary. www.studyinholland.nl/practical-matters/working-whilestudying

12.3 Income tax and social security If you work, two types of taxes will be deducted from your salary: social security contribution and income tax. Social security deductions are used for any work-related accidents. If an accident occurs, the social security system will provide you with disability pay or unemployment benefits. Your employer will deduct social security contributions before you get paid, so you will not need to deal with this. For more information on social security deduction and the precise amount of this amount, contact your employer. In addition to social security contributions, you are required to pay income tax from your gross salary. The Netherlands has a progressive tax system meaning that the income tax depends on the size of your salary. Usually income tax will be deducted from your gross salary and be paid by your employer. In some cases if your salary is low or you are working part-time income tax will not be deducted from your gross salary. To find out what specific regulations apply in your case, please contact your employer. Every year in March, you have to fill in a tax refund application for the previous year. If your salary did not reach a particular amount, you are eligible to get your taxes back. www.belastingdienst.nl

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12.4 The ‘BSN’ number All students staying in Netherlands for more than 4 months must register with the municipality in which they live. Once the registration has been completed, you will receive your Dutch social security number or BSN (in Dutch: BurgerServiceNummer). This number is used for most communication with the Dutch authorities.

12.5 After graduation: search year residence permit

After obtaining a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a Dutch educational institution (i.e. Tilburg University), Croatian, Japanese and non-EU/EEA/Swiss students can apply for a residence permit under the ‘Orientation Year for Graduates Seeking Employment’ (in Dutch: Zoekjaar afgestudeerde) scheme. The ‘Orientation or Search Year’ is a residence permit aimed at retaining international talent for the Dutch labour market. During this orientation year, you can move freely within the Dutch labour market. This means that your employer does not need to obtain a work permit for you. This allows you to spend a period of up to twelve months in the Netherlands to find employment. Even though the application needs to be submitted in person to the Dutch Immigration Service (IND), Tilburg University’s Immigration Office can assist you in completing the form and gathering the correct documents. www.hollandalumni.nl/career/practicalities/residence-permits/orientation-year-forbachelors-and-masters-graduates. Once your orientation year is over and you have found employment as a Knowledge Migrant (in Dutch: Kennismigrant), your purpose of stay in the Netherlands will have changed. As a recognised sponsor, your new employer will need to apply for a new residence permit with work authorization as a Knowledge Migrant. A list of all companies having recognised sponsorship with the IND can be found on https://ind.nl/EN/business/public-register/.

International Student Handbook

13. Work attitude and expectations in the Netherlands 13.1 Teacher â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Student relationship In the Netherlands, an informal relation exists between lecturer and student. If you have any questions during a lecture or tutorial concerning the learning content then do not hesitate to ask during the class. If you want the lecturer to explain something concerning the content of the course in more detail then you can make an appointment with the lecturer. You will always need an appointment if you want to ask something outside classroom hours! Lecturers only deal with the content of a course, so with any personal issues, problems with the program, course schedules or the planning of the exams, you do not go to the lecturer. For all these matters, you can refer to your Academic Advisor / Program Coordinator. If you do not feel comfortable going to your Academic Advisor / Program Coordinator with a personal issue and you wish to speak to someone else inside the University, then there are also some other people available with whom you can make an appointment, such as the Student Counselor. www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/tutoring

13.2 Student â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Student relationship During your studies, you will have to work individually, as well as in teams on group assignments. You are expected to treat each other with respect and to keep in mind that the person you will work with might have a different cultural background and might therefore have different manners from what you are used to. There is a lot of literature on how to work in teams effectively and how to deal with cultural differences in teams.

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Some tips for working in teams: • All teams need to manage the task and process, and good communication is essential. • To work effectively in a team, you need to apply your personal management and communication skills in a group context and understand the requirements for effective teams. • Conflict needs to be handled by focusing on the issue, not the person, using assertiveness skills to identify the source of the conflict. • A ‘mixed’ group can produce better outcomes and help you increase your interpersonal and intercultural sensitivity, which will enhance your skills in the workplace. • It can sometimes be helpful to designate a group leader, or to allocate responsibility for different aspects of leadership to team members. • Key tasks for leaders include identifying requirements, task management and process management, particularly making individuals feel valued and motivated. Relevant skills include ‘emotional intelligence’ and conceptual skills for problem identification and clarification. • Team working is a rich and varied area of activity. You will need to observe others and yourself in groups and ask others to observe you and give feedback if you are to develop your skills.

13.3 Personal Conduct As a student of Tilburg University, you are required to conduct yourself properly. First of all, as a student you are required to carry out your studies and duties adequately, carefully, and reliably. You must show integrity in your actions and behavior and be trustworthy. Integrity is impossible without respect for others. Tilburg University is made up of a body of diverse students and staff members and it can only function properly when there is mutual respect. You must respect the values and freedom of others and refrain from causing them any harm. In order to be prepared for a career and to be a responsible position in society, you should actively participate in lectures and secondary activities to enhance and extended your competencies.

International Student Handbook

13.4 Code of Conduct Tilburg University’s Code of Conduct defines the values meant to guide those who work and study at Tilburg University. Providing a framework for reflection on the University’s principles, the Code sets forth certain rules governing the conduct of staff and students and, as such, lays a foundation for debate concerning staff and student behavior. The core values of Tilburg University are: independence, active participation, care (diligence) and respect. If you want to check the Code of Conduct of Tilburg University, please refer to the following website: www.tilburguniversity.edu/conduct-integrity

13.5 Fraud Plagiarism A definition of plagiarism is ‘Copying someone else’s words or ideas and pretending they are yours’. ‘A person’s written (or spoken) words are considered intellectual property. If you do not mention the source of your information, even if the reader already knows where you got it, this is considered intellectual theft.’ At Tilburg University, we are very strict about plagiarism. If you have to write an assignment, group work or anything else written that needs to be handed in and will be graded, your work will be checked for plagiarism. So look into this very carefully and make sure you will not be accused of plagiarism. Academic work always involves drawing on the work of others. Whenever you add to or summarize other people’s work in your thesis or paper, you are drawing on the work of others. There is no problem at all with that, quite the contrary. However, there are a number of pitfalls of which you must be aware. If you deliberately misrepresent the conclusions, interpretations or positions of other authors, you are guilty of fraud. The same is true if you manipulate or invent research data or represent it selectively, irresponsibly or incorrectly. Another pitfall is using other people’s texts,

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data, arguments or thoughts without mentioning whose they are or where exactly you found them. If you use ideas and arguments in your paper which are presented as if they were your own, or if you fail to cite your sources correctly so that a quotation or paraphrase cannot be checked, then you are guilty of plagiarism, even if these sections of text have been taken from the internet. Plagiarism is a form of fraud, and will be treated as such. During your study program, plagiarism will be punished by exclusion from exam for a certain period. Plagiarism leads to public disgrace at a University and can seriously damage your career. The proliferation of electronic sources and the convenience of ‘cutting and pasting’ mean that using other people’s work has become very easy. But even if it is done in good faith, or out of carelessness or ignorance, it is still plagiarism. Why is plagiarism so serious in the academic world? Firstly, because by using other people’s work without correctly reporting your sources, you are failing to show respect for their work and attempting to take the credit for it yourself. Secondly, without a proper source reference, it is difficult for the reader to verify whether your claims about other authors and sources are accurate. A third reason is that you are participating in scientific debate and you need to make your position in this debate clear by indicating the authors whose work you are building upon or whose ideas you are rebutting. To avoid plagiarism when you are writing your papers, you need to observe the rules for referencing sources. Within each academic discipline, agreements have been made about the way in which other people’s texts may be used. Cheating Tilburg University’s definition of cheating is: ‘Any action (or lack of action) by an examinee that makes it impossible for his or her knowledge, insight and skills to be judged properly.’ Tilburg University regards the following situations and types of conduct as examples of cheating: 1. Having texts, electronic apparatus, mobile phones or anything with comparable features or functions available for use in the exam, even though their use or consultation during exam is absolutely forbidden;

International Student Handbook

2. Looking at other examineesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; work or exchanging information with other examinees in any way, either inside or outside the exam room at any time during the exam; 3. Pretending to be someone else during an examination or letting someone else replace the exam candidate; 4. Switching question papers or answer sheets, or exchanging them with someone else. Prior to an exam, obtaining the exam questions, assignments or answers for oneself or for one or more other exam candidates; 5. Changing something after the exam paper has been handed in; 6. Borrowing facts, texts, reasoning or ideas from someone else for a thesis or other assignment, without the proper acknowledgements as laid down in the generally accepted rules for academic work; 7. Manipulating or incorrectly presenting the results in a research project, including the thesis, in order to mislead; 8. Giving fellow students or examinees the chance to cheat, or encouraging them to do so. www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/study/fraud

13.6 Change of contact details If you change accommodation, you must always inform Tilburg University. This must be done online via Studielink. You also need to inform the municipality where you are registred, as soon as you have a definite moving date.

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13.7 Study program, courses and modules evaluated by you Tilburg University evaluates the entire program, courses and modules provided to you in order to change and improve where this is needed. Therefore during the academic year and sometimes even after your graduation, you will be asked to share your opinion regarding a certain program, study activities, application procedure, the university in general, quality of education, etc. and we will ask you to help us by pointing out areas which need to be improved. Most of these evaluations take the form of surveys, online forms or in-depth interviews. You will receive a request in order to provide your feedback and suggestions regarding a particular subject. Some examples are the National Student Survey and the International Student Barometer. The results from these surveys are used by different ranking organizations to compare (international) degree programs and compile rankings. Your participation is important because by taking part in such evaluations, the University will use the feedback to improve its services and provide better programs and services to students. Secondly, it aims to maintain the value of your diploma for the labor market once you start your career after your graduation. Students may also proactively provide their feedback and suggestions at any time. You can inform the Academic Advisor Program Coordinator, or the International Relations Office of the School regarding your experiences about a particular subject in order to improve it.

International Student Handbook

14. How to study in the Netherlands 14.1 Time management As the way of teaching might be very different from what you are used to, it is very important to think about how to spend your time studying and to make a study plan so you will not have to do everything in a few days at the end of the semester. One thing to remember when it comes to time management is that you cannot do everything. This means that you will have to make choices. As you will have to make choices in which activities you can and which you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do, you will have to set certain goals. Once you have set goals you need to see how much time you have and which goals have priority, this is shown in the following figure.

Once you have set your goals and determined how much time the different tasks will take, you can start making a plan. For each task you will need to decide what you should do, how long it will take and when it should be done. A long-term plan is, for example, a plan for the whole semester and a short-term plan is a day or a week plan.

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There are 10 tips that you need to keep in mind when you start planning: 1. Obtaining a flow once you start working on something takes about 15 minutes 2. ‘Multitasking’ is a myth 3. Try to avoid starting different things when you don’t feel like studying 4. Prioritize 5. Start with the difficult tasks 6. ‘Work hard, play hard’ 7. Use waiting time, for example, by reading course materials, while waiting on public transport on your way home, to the University, etc. 8. Look at studying as a full time job 9. Look at your lecture notes right after a lecture to memorize them 10. Study together with someone to be able to discuss study topics if necessary

14.2 Studying techniques Active studying Active studying means understanding what you are learning and remembering what you are learning. You can do so by asking questions, making summaries, making mindmaps, looking up certain words you do not understand and think about how you can apply what you have learned into practice. When you are studying actively you need to go through three phases: • Orientation: go through the material you need to learn and see if you generally understand what the material is about.

International Student Handbook

• Read thoroughly: make sure you understand the material, make summaries, do exercises and look into case studies • Repeating: repeat the material you have already studied to remember what you have learned. Mind map Making a mind map is a technique that helps you to make associations between loose items or theories. The goal of a mind map is to bring together many aspects of a problem or a subject and to see connections between the aspects. You can use a mind map for example when making a summary.

Example of a mind map

14.3 Exam preparation There are different ways to prepare for an exam and different skills to use for doing so. For some exams it is a matter of understanding the material, for some it will be a matter of applying what you have learned to a case study and in some cases, it might be memorizing the study material. When things for an exam need to be memorized, it is good to remember the following: We remember: • 10% of what we read • 20% of what we hear • 30% of what we see

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• 50% of what we hear and see • 70% of what we discuss with others • 80% of what we evaluate and discuss • 90% of what others are explaining It is important to make good, clear lecture notes during the lectures. After a lecture, when you have read the literature associated with the material discussed during the lecture, you should make a summary or mind map, and when preparing for an exam you have read the lecture notes and summaries/mind map. When preparing for an exam you always need to be aware of the following: when the exam will take place; at what time; how long it will last; in which building and room the exam will take place; what type of exam it will be; what literature you need to have learned; whether you are allowed to use any material during the exam; and what you should bring to the exam1. www.mindmapinspiration.com

14.4 Arrangements for students with special needs Students with a disability who have questions about educational facilities or want advice on special arrangements or practical tips on how to manage their studies should contact the Academic Advisor / Program Coordinator of their school. Inform the Student Counselor if you are concerned about falling behind with your studies because of your disability or chronic illness. www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/circumstances/disabled/

14.5 Dyslexia protocol If you experience problems with your studies because of dyslexia, you may be entitled to various special university facilities. The following are some of the adaptations that can be made: 1 Source: Ten Dam, I. (2011) Preparing students for differences in education style, Nuffic Cameron, S. (2008) The Business Student’s Handbook, 4th edn, Pearson Education Limited.

International Student Handbook

• Extended exam time or deferral of hand-in dates for certain written assignments • An adapted study program or staggered exam schedule • A separate exam room • Easily legible exam questions, larger font sizes and increased line spacing • Permission to record lectures • Financial allowances in the event that you fall behind with your studies In order to take advantage of the above arrangements, you will need to present adequate documentary evidence (in this case a dyslexia test) to the Academic Advisor / Program Coordinator/ Dean of Students, who will help you to decide which adaptations would be useful for you. Dean of Student: www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/tutoring/deans-of-students/ In order to qualify for educational facilities you will need to demonstrate the degree of your dyslexia. The results of a diagnostic assessment or tests performed by an educational psychologist can be used as documentary evidence. This evidence must not date back more than six years (the start of secondary school). If you were assessed a long time ago, it is possible that your dyslexia may now cause you fewer problems, whether as a result of remedial teaching or simply through experience. Dyslexia Protocol: www.tilburguniversity.edu/students/circumstances/disabled/dyslexia/

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15. Intercultural awareness and student life 15.1 Dutch culture and lifestyle Netherlands literally means ‘low countries’ and it perfectly describes this small land next to the North Sea. The Netherlands is almost totally flat and it provides perfect conditions for cycling. That’s why Dutch people are inseparable from their bicycles and it makes for a big part of Dutch culture, as there are around 18 million bikes for 16 million people. The Netherlands is an open, tolerant, and pragmatic nation and is considered as one of the most secular nations in Europe, though some regions are very religious. The Netherlands is the land of diversity and heterogeneity, with more than 150 different nationalities, where about 19% of population consists of ethnic minorities. International students will not have any problems communicating with Dutch people as almost everyone speaks English. The Netherlands is a very vibrant and diverse country. A mixture of various cultures and people gives the Netherlands its unique look and brings unforgettable experiences.

15.2 Festivals and Celebrations Dutch people love to celebrate and they know how to do it, especially in the province of Brabant where Tilburg is located. On sunny days, you can hardly find any free spots in the cafes’ terraces, and during the evenings, bars are crowded with people of different ages. Do not be surprised to see St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas) on a white horse, accompanied by his assistant Black Pete (Zwarte Piet) carrying a bag with presents for children on December 5. Sinterklaas is a favorite holiday for all children in the country, for it is when the most presents are bought and given. Families celebrate the holiday by eating traditional sweets and exchanging presents, as well as making funny or beautiful poems for family members.

International Student Handbook

Carnival, originally a religious festival, is mostly celebrated in Catholic regions (i.e. the southern provinces of North Brabant and Limburg) at the end of February/beginning of March and is a five day celebration with an outstanding atmosphere and beautiful outfits. King’s Day (Koningsdag, in Dutch - the birthday of our King Willem-Alexander) is renowned for being one of the biggest and most colorful festivities in the Netherlands and an absolute ‘orange day’. Everyone wears something orange to honor the Royal House of Orange and people are allowed to sell whatever they want on the street in an event known as a ‘Vrijmarkt’. King’s Day 2016 will be on Monday, April 27.

15.3 Dutch values and beliefs Dutch values include: Equality of all human beings, regardless of differences in race, status, religion or age. Hierarchy is limited in Dutch society and organizations, including education institutions. Lecturers and students are also equal; the only relevant differences relate to their respective roles as lecturer or student and to expertise. Relative lack of competition: Since everyone has the same rights and equal chances, including access to higher education, the level of competition between students is low. Rules are rules: Dutch society runs on rules. Exceptions to the rules, particularly for individuals, are very rare. For the Dutch, rules guarantee fair and equal treatment for all. Own opinions: Children are encouraged to develop their own opinions and ideas at a very young age and to take a critical view of things. In other cultures students may have to master existing knowledge before their own opinion is appreciated. Honesty: Although politeness is important, saying what you really think is highly valued. Being able to accept the ‘honest’ opinions and criticism of others is something that children start to learn at an early age in the Netherlands.

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Independence: Dutch society is individualistic. The nuclear family (parents and children) is the main social unit. The level of responsibility felt for other groups, including extended families, is relatively low. People are responsible for their own lives and make their own choices. This is also expected in higher education: students are expected to study independently and take care of themselves. Active learning: The Dutch believe that active learning is the best. Selective and critical reading methods are stimulated, as is active participation in class. Practice and application are required to complete the learning process.

15.4 Benefits of studying in the Netherlands The Dutch educational style stimulates the development of specific skills and attitudes that may make studying in the Netherlands appealing to prospective students. Graduates of Dutch higher education are highly valued in many countries because of these skills and attitudes. Graduates of Dutch higher education are confident individuals who: • Have high-level professional and/or academic skills; • Can apply what they have learnt and can solve problems; • Can present and defend their work; • Have good team skills and can work in groups, are independent thinkers, and can develop new ideas and take a critical view of things when appropriate; • Can take the initiative and make their own choices when appropriate and can value the equal treatment of everyone, regardless of their position in society or wealth.

15.5 Key aspects of Dutch higher education The Dutch higher education system enjoys a worldwide reputation for high quality. This quality is achieved through a national system of regulation and quality assurance. The more than 1,700 international study programs and courses cover a broad range of fields. All programs and courses lead to a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degrees, diplomas or certificates. The Dutch education system is interactive, student-centered and focused on teamwork, which makes it easy to meet other international students. Studying in the Netherlands means developing an open mind and increasing your International Student Handbook

international orientation. The teaching method at Dutch higher education institutions is founded on respect for each individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opinions and convictions. This respect is a national virtue that characterizes the diverse and plural Dutch society. The method aims to provide students with both the attention and freedom they need to develop their own opinions and creativity in applying new knowledge.

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16. The intercultural classroom English language with a Dutch flavor Every course in your Bachelor’s or (Pre) Master’s program will be taught in English. All lecturers at the Tilburg University are highly qualified and are the experts in their fields. You are going to have both international and Dutch lecturers, but the latter group will constitute the majority of your lecturers. Even though Dutch lecturers possess a high level of English, both in writing and speech, like the majority of our international students, they are not native English speakers. Language of instruction At Tilburg University there are seven English-taught Bachelor’s programs and more than 30 (Research) Master’s programs that are offered to both, Dutch and international students. However, there are also several programs and courses which are offered only in the Dutch language. To be sure that the course of your choice is taught in English, please review the course description in the Electronic Study Guide. If the language of the course is English, all classes, assignments, reading material and exams will be done in English. However, do not be surprised if you see that some Dutch classmates prepare their assignments or do an exam in Dutch. Some courses offer such a bilingual possibility to Dutch students who have been admitted to a Dutch curriculum. Diversity in student body and staff The Bachelor’s, Pre-Master’s and (Research) Master’s programs welcome diversity in their student body and staff. Students from different countries come together in an intercultural classroom where they can share their ambitions, knowledge, and experiences. The combination of an international student body and international teaching staff creates an attractive and enriching learning environment, where students not only learn from their textbooks and lecturers, but also from the viewpoints of their fellow Dutch and international students. This is particularly the case when courses are taught in small classes, which differs per program of study.

International Student Handbook

Small classes enable intense interaction between teaching staff and students and bring a creative and innovative learning experience. Intercultural Classroom The intercultural classroom concept requires all students to be open to the opportunities offered by diversity and to respect other people’s opinions and values. Intercultural classrooms present both opportunities and challenges. In order to succeed in group work and assignments, you will need to work together with people from different cultures. All have different working mentalities, styles, and values. You will be required to adapt to your teammates and combine your strengths to succeed in a given task. However, these challenges present you with enormous opportunities and benefits. Not only will you learn how to work with people from all around the world, but also you will learn from them, discover new ways of thinking and working, and broaden your horizons. For more information, please visit ‘Study in Holland’ Nuffic website: www.studyinholland.nl/education-system/the-dutch-way-of-teaching We wish you the best of luck with your studies!

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ANNEX 1

Digital University

International Student Handbook

Table of Contents 1. Login to the Student Portal 70 2. Choosing your study Program 71 3. Selecting Groups in COMAP 72 4. Group registration in the Personal Study Guide 73 5. Checking your timetable 73 6. Enrollment in Blackboard courses 74 7. Register for Exams 75

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1. Login to the Student Portal The Student Portal is the starting point of this workshop. You will be using the Student Portal to start other applications and services. Go back to the Student Portal now and then, to check if you made the right moves. Open in your browser the website of Tilburg University (TiU) http://www.tilburguniversity.edu/ â&#x20AC;˘ Select in the top of the screen Students, and you get to Student Portal â&#x20AC;˘ In the green box, click on: Log in Student Portal If you have questions about the Student Portal, try to find an answer using Student Portal Help, FAQ. Or you can contact the LIS Service Desk in the Library Level 1 (also if you do not have your username and password). Telephone: (013) 466 3111 E-mail: lis-servicedesk@tilburguniversity.edu Log in with your TiU username and TiU password Your TiU username starts with the letter U followed by 7 digits You received your TiU username by e-mail after you registered in Studielink. Follow the instructions in this e-mail in order to get your own password. Now you get to the Student Portal, on the tab My Study. On the left side you will notice information concerning Blackboard (e.g. Blackboard courses): on the right you will find other TiU applications and services. On the right side, on top, you will find the module My Study Facilities. This module consists of links to applications and websites to organize the administrative part of your study at TiU, like: register for courses; sign up for exams; and get access to Google Apps.

International Student Handbook

2. Choosing your study Program First you have to select your Study Program. You have to indicate the School of your choice as well. • Click in the module My Study Facilities on Personal Study Guide(PSG) The first time you get to this page, you will see a welcome screen. Read the information and click OK. You are now on the Start Page of your Personal Study Guide (PSG). On the basis of the choices you make in the PSG, specific information is added to the module My Week Schedule at the Student Portal, like your personal timetable. Go to the section “Select or change” • Select My program • Select: your School The programs of your School are shown. • Select your program • Click Continue • Select all appropriate courses for the first semester. • Go to the bottom of the page and click

You will return to the Start Page of the Personal Study Guide. By clicking subjects you will return to the page where you selected your courses to make possible adjustments. Using my optional subjects you can select extra courses

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3. Selecting Groups in COMAP COMAP is an application specially made for Tilburg University to register for special groups in your educational program, like work groups and practicals. If you need to use COMAP for a specific course in your program, it is mentioned in your Personal Study Guide. Together with the group registration in COMAP, you have to select the same groups in your Personal Study Guide as well, in order to adjust your personal timetable. You will find the link to COMAP on the Student Portal in the module My Study Facilities. • In the module My Study Facilities, click on COMAP. You get to the Start Page of COMAP. • Select the method to register for a specific group. Choose Show the subject that I have selected in the Personal Study Guide. You will see a summary of all available courses for your program. • Click I select subject to select a course. You will now see a summary of all available groups. • Select a Group and click on register to make the registration complete. You will receive a confirmation that you have registered. For some courses you need to register for more than one group. Simply repeat the above steps. • When you’re done, click Log Out You can cancel your registration up to the closing date: • Go to the summary page with all available courses, click Show/delete registrations. You will now see a summary page for the specific course, with all the groups for which you registered. • Click on delete to cancel your registration undone. You will receive confirmation of having cancelled the registration.

International Student Handbook

4. Group registration in the Personal Study Guide Together with the registration of groups in COMAP, you have to adjust the information in your Personal Study Guide to obtain a correct timetable in the Student Portal. In the Personal Study Guide sometimes all groups are shown, not only the group you are registered for. You can select a different group, but if your selection differs from that in COMAP, the lecturer may refuse your participation in the group. The registration in COMAP is leading in this case. You now continue in your Personal Study Guide (click in the module My Study Facilities on Personal Study Guide (the tab My Study on the Student Portal)) Select under “Select or changes”: My Groups. You now get to the overview page with all available groups of all the courses that you selected. • Select a group for all the courses of your program. Click:

You get back to the Start Page of the Personal Study Guide

5. Checking your timetable Go to the Student Portal to check your personal timetable. If necessary, select Refresh in your Browser (Internet Explorer) to update the information coming from the Personal Study Guide. In the module My Week Schedule you can now check if you selected the right courses and groups. Use the right arrow to select the proper week. Check if all your classes and groups are in the timetable. If the timetable does not hold the proper information, go back to the Personal Study Guide and make adjustment in My program or My groups

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6. Enrollment in Blackboard courses Blackboard is an important part of the Digital Learning Environment. Each course has its own counterpart in Blackboard and for each Blackboard course you have to register separately. In Blackboard this is called enrollment. In a Blackboard course you can find all important study information, like class sheets, literature, internet addresses of video classes, assignments and other useful information about the course. Every student at Tilburg University will automatically receive a Blackboard account. After logging in to the Student Portal and selecting the tab My Study, you can see an overview of all the courses for which you enrolled, in the module My Courses. Go to your Personal Study Guide • Select My Blackboard courses • Select at the part “Select or changes”: My Blackboard courses

You now see an overview with the courses you selected on the left and the Blackboard counterparts on the right. Check if all of your courses are on the left side. Next, click on all of the checkboxes on the right side (Blackboard). You do not have to confirm your choices; after clicking on the checkbox you are immediately enrolled in the course. If you return to this page a next time, you can change your enrollment. But be careful!! You can only change your choice once yourself. After that, you have to go to the LIS Service Desk. On the Student Portal you can now check if you are properly enrolled for all of your courses • Select Refresh if necessary to update the information coming from your Personal Study Guide. Check the module My courses on the left side if it contains all the courses for which you have to enroll.

International Student Handbook

7. Register for Exams Everyone who wishes to sit a written exam must register to do so. The Regulations and Guidelines for the Examining Board of your school stipulate the procedure for registration. Using the Personal Study guide If you wish to register for an exam, you must first select the relevant courses and subjects in your Personal Study Guide. You should select the courses and subjects in which you have attended lectures. In the Exam Registration, you can then select those subjects for which you wish to sit (or resit) the examination. Opening and closing dates of registration period In the Exam Registration, the registration period for every written exam opens 56 days (8 weeks) before the scheduled date of the exam, or 28 days (4 weeks) for resits. In both cases, the online registration period closes 10 working days prior to the date of the exam. Registering after the closing date If you wish to register for an exam after the online registration period has closed, you must contact the Student Desk which will accept registrations until 5 working days prior to the date of the exam. The first time you register late for an exam, you will receive a warning. After that you will be charged an administration fee of â&#x201A;Ź20 for each late registration. The final closing date is final. No further registrations will be accepted within five working days of the exam date itself, even if you have your lecturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permission! Checking your registration Once you have registered for a written exam, you can view the status of your registration using the Exam Registration. We advise you to do so in order to avoid any mistakes or misunderstandings which may be difficult to rectify later on.

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Entitlement If you wish to sit an exam, your registration will be automatically checked to ensure that you are entitled to do so. In the Exam Registration you will see whether your registration has been approved. If not, and if you think that an error has been made, you must contact the Student Desk. If your registration has been approved, you will receive confirmation by e-mail. Cancelling your registration If you wish to cancel (withdraw) your registration to sit an exam, you should follow the same procedure. Cancellation is possible at any time until the day before the examination itself. Students are encouraged to cancel their registration for any exam they do not intend to sit, as this will save printing costs and reduce environmental impact. If you have questions about the Student Portal, check the Help Page first: • On the Student Portal page, click the Help button • Click ‘Support for Students’, • Click Frequently Asked Questions. If you can’t find your answer, go to: LIS Service Desk Library Level 1 Telephone: (013) 466 3111 E-mail: lis-servicedesk@tilburguniversity.edu

International Student Handbook

ANNEX 2

Top app list The 12 most important apps for students in Tilburg 1. iStudent TiU app iStudent TiU is an application for Tilburg University students. The application offers a number of student services conveniently grouped and developed specifically for use on your mobile device. Once loaded, most items are available for offline reading when an internet connection is not available. 2. Blackboard Mobile Learn The app makes it easier for you to keep up with your courses by letting you access them whenever and wherever you want. 3. myHomework Student Planner ThisÂ planner helps you stay organized. 4. Dutch News

First free English application with Dutch news. Read the latest news as it happens! 5. Buienalarm The weather in the Netherlands can be unpredictable. Buienalarm warns you of approaching rain, based on your location. In this way you know when you should take an umbrella and when you can leave it at home.

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6. NS – Journey Planner An official journey planner app provides you with up-to-date information for your train journey in the Netherlands and in Europe. You will get a reminder before departure, you will be informed about any transfers you need to make and you will get an alert before arrival. On top of that, you will receive additional information about train breakdowns and work on the railways. 7. 9292OV A daily source of travel information for all public transport in the Netherlands. 8. ABN AMRO mobile banking It’s really easy to check your balance on your smartphone or tablet with the Mobile Banking app. Make banking even more personal by adding images and text to your accounts. 9. Tilburg Studentenstad Every student activity in Tilburg is brought together in one app. It has a complete list of activities organized especially for students. This way, every Tilburg student will know exactly which parties, events and performances Tilburg has to offer. It includes a map and this free app is available for iPhone and Android phones. This app is currently only available in Dutch – check http://www.tilburgstudentenstad.com/en/ for English information. 10. Visit Holland Online and offline up-to-date information on countless things you should know about Holland. View the most beautiful pictures, read inspiring texts and access maps of all the big cities in Holland. 11. Hoi Holland! Learn to survive in Dutch in a fun way! This serious but fun game is your first step towards mastering the Dutch language. 12. Whatsapp A mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. International Student Handbook

Map of Tilburg University’s Campus Tilburg University’s campus consists of 14 buildings. Each School or service is located in one of these buildings.

• Tilburg School of Humanities (TSH): Dante building • Tilburg School of Catholic Theology (TST): Koopmans building • Tilburg Law School (TLS): Montesquieu building • Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (TSB): Prisma Building • Tilburg School of Economics and Management (TiSEM): Koopmans Building Another important location for you, especially in the starting phase of your study at Tilburg University, is the Academia building as it houses departments and facilities such as the Student Desk, Student Advisory Office, Language Center, International Office and many others. www.tilburguniversity.edu/contact/campus-map

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Disclaimer: This is a publication of Tilburg University. Although this brochure was prepared with great care, Tilburg University reserves the right to change, without notice, any programs, policies, requirements or regulations published in this brochure. Some information may vary per School and/or study program and may be adjusted throughout the year. Therefore, make sure to visit the website of your respective Tilburg University School and/or study program for relevant information.

International Student Handbook

International Student

Handbook