GUIDE for international students TABLE OF CONTENT
Welcome ...... 3 About Thomas More Mechelen ...... 4 Studying as an exchange student ...... 6 Planning your stay ...... 8 Facilities ...... 11 Policies and regulations ...... 15 School holidays ...... 15 Mechelen and Sint-Katelijne-Waver ...... 16 Words and phrases in Dutch ...... 19 Flanders and Belgium ...... 21 Useful links ...... 23
2 WELCOME
Dear student,
WELCOME TO BELGIUM, TO MECHELEN AND TO OUR UNIVERSITY COLLEGE.
We hope that the coming weeks and months will be an experience of a lifetime. Thomas More Mechelen wants to try as hard as she can to make this an enjoyable and intriguing time. However, your contribution will be very important.
Your ability to meet people, communicate, make friends, absorb the learning material, interest yourself for the ‘Flemish’ culture, visit interesting places and gatherings, take initiative… all this will contribute to a great time in Mechelen, Flanders, Belgium.
Try to do a bicycle tour, go hiking in the Ardennes, visit the Art Nouveau in Brussels, take a canal tour in Bruges, and visit the cathedral in Antwerp or walk along the Schelde. Eat a Belgian waffle, ‘Gentse waterzooi’ or ‘hutsepot’. Taste each type of bread you can get and if you have a sweet tooth, try our pastries!
But most important, talk to people about whatever is interesting. About music, family, friendship, love, studies, job, dreams, expectations in life… whatever. Try to understand the differences in people, the different ways of expressing oneself, but see also the things that connect us. The way we all experience fear or friendship…
Have a great and interesting stay!
Annemie Gommers Hedad International Office Thomas More Mechelen
3 ABOUT THOMAS MORE MECHELEN
K.H.KEMPEN AND LESSIUS COLLEGES THOMAS MORE IS A MEMBER OF THE RECENTLY JOINED FORCES TO BECOME MORE, K.U. LEUVEN ASSOCIATION THOMAS MORE. The K.U.Leuven Association is based on Thomas More is the university college for a structured cooperation between the those who expect more from their future: K.U.Leuven and twelve other institutions of more opportunities, more ideas, more higher education (“hogescholen”). challenges. Every day, Thomas More inspires over 17.000 students on 12 locations in the Its members have a total of 70.000 students heart of Europe. in campuses in 23 towns and cities across Flanders, i.e. 44 percent of the total number We also gladly welcome international of Flemish students in higher education. students from all around the world. Your internship abroad is an excellent way to The challenges higher education in Flanders broaden your academic horizon, discover faces, are very demanding. In order to new points of view and immerse yourself in ensure a long-term effect for their efforts, the other cultures and languages. members of the K.U.Leuven Association have opted in favour of a strong decision-making A part of Thomas More is Thomas More and executive structure. Mechelen-Antwerpen. During the next months, you will do your internship in The primary aims of the K.U.Leuven campuses located in Mechelen or in Association are: Sint-Katelijne-Waver, along with 6000 other to offer a wide range of study and training students. to improve the quality of education to improve the quality of research by Thomas More Mechelen-Antwerpen trains in concentration and intensive cooperation. Mechelen and in Sint-Katelijne-Waver nurses, communication specialists, teachers, interior designers, information managers, engineers, professionals for the world of tourism and industry… and more. It offers a varied programme, emphasizing the practical side.
4 STUDY OFFER IN MECHELEN BUSINESS STUDIES AND IN SINT-KATELIJNE-WAVER Business Management We offer first and foremost practically Communications Management oriented education: theory is essential, but Journalism always in order to support practical training. Office Management Thomas More creates modern learning Tourism and Leisure Management environments for its students in which they can develop their talents under supervision. DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
Graduating students will not only have the IT Management and Multimedia knowledge, but also the necessary Interior Design competences to meet the expectations of Automotive Technology the labour market. Design and Production Technology Electromechanics One of the determinant factors in the course Electronics-ICT of the further career of our graduates is the fact that they can rely on the learning EDUCATION & TRAINING attitudes which they acquired during their studies. That is why Thomas More provides a Early Childhood Education teaching environment based on orienting Primary Education students towards cooperation, responsibility, Secondary Education creativity and problem-solving which all are skills absolutely required in today’s professio- HEALTH & WELLBEING nal world. Nursing
APPLIED ENGINEERING (= MASTERS)
MA in construction engineering MA in electro-mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, energy and automation MA in biochemical engineering MA in chemical engineering MA in engineering in electronics-ICT MA in Welding Engineering (advanced master’s programme)
5 STUDYING AS AN EXCHANGE STUDENT
ACADEMIC CALENDAR The ECTS credits
The academic year is divided into two ECTS credits are a value (between 1 and 60) semesters. The autumn semester from allocated to course units to describe the September to January, the Spring semester student workload required to complete from February to June. them. They reflect the quantity of work each There are two large breaks: Christmas break course requires in relation to the total (2 weeks) and the Easter break (2 weeks). quantity of work required to complete a full year of academic study at the host ECTS institution. ECTS credits express a relative rather than an absolute measure of student What is ECTS? workload. In ECTS, 60 credits represent the workload of an academic year of study. The recognition of studies and diplomas is a Normally, 30 credits represent a semester prerequisite for the creation of an open and 20 credits a term. European area of education and training where students and teachers can move It is up to the participating institution to without obstacles. ECTS, the European Credit subdivide the credits for the different courses. Transfer System, was developed by the Credits are awarded only when the course Commission of the European Community has been completed and all required in order to provide common procedures to examinations have been successfully taken. guarantee academic recognition of studies abroad. It provides a way of measuring More information can be found in the course and comparing learning achievements, guide. and transferring them from one institution to another. ECTS Learning Agreement
The ECTS system is based on the principles of The ECTS Learning Agreement is a form mutual trust and confidence between the which is to be used when you choose participating institutions of higher education. among the different courses from the host The few rules of the ECTS system, concerning institution.The courses have to be agreed Information on Courses Available, by you, the ECTS coordinator at your home Agreement between the home and host university, and the coordinator from Thomas institutions, and the Use of Credit Points (to More Mechelen. After you have finished your indicate the student’s workload) are set out study abroad period, the agreed courses to reinforce this mutual trust and confidence. should be fully recognized by your university. Each ECTS department will describe the More information about the ECTS system can courses it offers not only in terms of content be found at http://ec.europa.eu/education/ but also indicating credits for each course. programmes/socrates/ects/index_en.html.
6 BASIC LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
The instruction language of all bachelor degree programmes is Dutch. Sufficient knowledge of the Dutch language is an admission requirement for all our bachelor degree programmes.
For exchange students following the international programme, a good knowledge of English is required. The international programme is offered in the first and second semester.
Going abroad on an exchange programme requires a lot of preparation and administration. You have to think about all the documents to regulate your credits, but also insurance, taking money along, passport and visa requirements must be considered.
7 PLANNING YOUR STAY
BEFORE ARRIVAL UPON ARRIVAL
VISA REGISTRATION BEFORE YOU START YOUR STUDIES IN FOREIGN STUDENTS HAVE TO REGISTER AT THE FLANDERS, PLEASE VISIT THE BELGIAN CITY HALL WITHIN EIGHT DAYS AFTER ARRIVAL EMBASSY OR CONSULATE IN YOUR COUNTRY. IN BELGIUM. The local authorities will issue an identity document for a foreign student http://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/services/ temporarily living in Belgium. embassies_and_consulates/belgian_embas- sies_and_consulates_abroad/ Office for Foreigners in Mechelen (= Huis van de Mechelaar) Students from EEA member states (European Reuzenstraat 1 - in Mechelen Union + Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) tel: 015 29 75 96 or 97 or 98 don’t need a visa. fax: 015 29 75 99 Non-EEA students should apply for an [email protected] Authorisation for Provisional Stay. This type of visa (in Dutch: Machtiging tot Voorlopig Opening hours: Verblijf) allows the holder to stay in Belgium Monday 08.00 – 13.00 hours for a period longer than three months. This Tuesday 08.00 – 13.00 hours visa is also referred to as Visa Type D. Wednesday 12.00 – 16.00 hours For non-EEA students, the Authorisation for Thursday 08.00 – 13.00 hours Provisional Stay is also commonly known as 15.00 – 19.00 hours student visa. As a rule you must apply for this Friday 08.00 – 13.00 hours visa at the Belgian Consulate or Embassy in Saturday 09.00 – 12.00 hours your country or in the country where you legally reside, and not the public authorities Office for Foreigners in Sint-Katelijne-Waver in Belgium itself. If there is no Belgian Lemanstraat 63 in Sint-Katelijne-Waver consulate or embassy in your country, you tel: 015 30 50 00 - fax: 015 30 50 02 may submit your application to the Belgian [email protected] consulate or embassy in a neighbouring country. Never enter Belgium on a tourist visa Opening hours: if you intend to stay longer than 90 days or Monday 08.45 – 12.00 hours three months (www.studyinflanders.be). Tuesday 08.45 – 12.00 hours 18.00 – 20.00 hours Wednesday 08.45 – 12.00 hours 13.30 – 16.30 hours Thursday 08.45 – 12.00 hours Friday 08.45 – 12.00 hours
8 ACCOMMODATION FIRE PREVENTION Don’t smoke in bed. STIP (STUDENT SERVICES) WILL TRY TO HELP Extinguish your cigarettes in an ashtray and YOU FIND SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION. not in the dustbin or bag. Please take into account that it won’t be Extinguish candles and switch off the light easy to find a room on the private housing when leaving the room. market for less than 10 months. Keep cooking and heating devices on a For that matter send an e-mail to safe distance from inflammable material. [email protected] if you want Don’t mess with electrical material or help in searching accommodation. wiring. Connect only 1 appliance per socket. Students can rent a room in Mechelen. Most Never put electrical wiring under a carpet of them are owned by a private landlord. or loose on the floor. Student rooms often have a private bedroom Keep the building tidy and clean. Material and working facilities, but bathroom and lying around causes a fast extension of fire. kitchen are in common. Rooms with private Keep the firedoors closed, as these doors bathing and cooking facilities are of course can block the fire for a while. more expensive. Housing prices range from Read the instructions of the fire from 180 to 300 euros a month for a room in extinguisher. a house to 450 euros for a one person flat. Never pour water on a burning frying pan! Housing in a student residence is only pos- Use a damp cloth or towel instead. sible at campus De Nayer as from 200 euros a month. BURGLARY PREVENTION Always lock your room, even for 5 minutes! STIP will also answer specific questions about Never give your keys to anybody else. rent-related issues. Should you have any If your room is located at the streetside, complaints about your accommodation or a please make sure that no valuable objects dispute with the landlord, they can also are visible through the window. provide assistance and mediation. Never leave expensive objects in your It is customary to pay the rent for the entire room. month, even if you arrive later or leave Close the front door. efore the month is fully over. Do not give access to everybody. A thief Landlords also charge a deposit, usually the can act as a student who has forgotten his equivalent of two months’ rent, payable key. in advance along with the rent of the first If anybody not familiar to you is in the month. This deposit will be refunded after the building, ask him or her what or who end of your contract if your room is clean he or she is looking for. That way you can and in good condition. frighten off possible thiefs. Therefore, it is important to have access to Inform the landlord or landlady of each sufficient funds when you arrive. theft ! If the theft is of considerable value, you Belgian law obliges everybody to take out have to inform the police department furniture insurance. Some landlords may take within 24 hours. The local police is situated this responsibility. Please read your contract in the Frederik de Merodestraat 88 carefully. In case this is not included, you will or you can call them: 015/28 66 66. have to take out this insurance by yourself.
9 INSURANCE COST OF LIVING
European students have to visit their health/ Below you will find an approximate budget social insurance organization before coming that will help you to plan your finances. Of to Belgium and bring the E128 form with course, a budget is very personal depending them in case they are in need of medical or on one’s habits but this budget can be a dental care. You are then entitled to use the pointer. public medical services on the same basis as Belgian citizens. An average monthly budget Food: 150 euro Non-European students are obliged to check Accommodation: between 250 - 350 euro the insurance policy of their home institute Local travel: 25 euro and country and to have some form of Medical/personal care, amusement: 150 euro private medical insurance before their Bike rent: 30 euro arrival. For all students it is a good idea to discuss with their parents and your individual TRANSPORT insurance company what type of coverage (e.g. accident, travel, property and liability) By plane: would be most beneficial for your stay in Belgium. Brussels Airport (= 22 km from Mechelen) Take the train with a stop at Brussels North. MONEY In Brussels North take the train to Mechelen Central or Sint-Katelijne-Waver Check with your bank to see if your bank Brussels South Charleroi Airport (= 87 km cards and credit cards can be used in other from Mechelen) European countries. Take the bus to the train station in Charleroi. The train to Brussels – Antwerp has a stop at If you are staying for a good number of the main railway station of Mechelen. From months in Belgium it could be interesting to Brussels North you can take a train to Sint- open a bank account. Quite some banks Katelijne-Waver. offer a youth account for free. By train: You could transfer money to this account or deposit the money you brought with you. Mechelen and Sint-Katelijne-Waver are stops Please consult your home bank on the dif- between Antwerp and Brussels. Mechelen ferent ways to transfer money. has 2 railway stations: Mechelen Nekkerspoel (small) and Mechelen Central (main station). WHAT TO BRING The campuses are at 10 minutes walking distance from the railway stations. Please be When you pack for Belgium, you will have to aware that NOT all trains stop in Mechelen pack for all kinds of weather. So pack your Nekkerspoel or in Sint-Katelijne-Waver swimming gear together with some warm On the website of the Belgian railroad sweaters. (www.b-rail.be) you can find the timetables for trains to Mechelen and Sint-Katelijne- Belgian students dress rather informally when Waver. The website has four languages. attending lectures. Only during oral exams, students will dress more formally. Also for your travel in Europe during your stay 10 in Mechelen and Sint-Katelijne-Waver, this website is an ideal tool. FACILITIES
INTERNATIONAL OFFICE COPIES AND PRINTS
THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE PROVIDES Your Thomas More student card has been SERVICES TO ALL INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE charged with a small amount in Euro. This STUDENTS WHO WISH TO STUDY IN MECHELEN. gives you the possibility to print and to copy The international office works in team in any campus building (you need to put together with international coordinators of your student card in the machine to be able the study programs. to print or copy). The amount charged on your student card will be invoiced. We believe that each exchange student, To recharge the card there are 2 possibilities: who comes to Thomas More for a semester or you have opened a bank account in a full year, makes a valuable contribution to Mechelen and you are using your PROTON our university and our student community. to charge it. Our aim is to provide the information, help you ask the ICT division of the school to and support that will make your visit into a charge your card after you have paid the rewarding international experience. amount to be charged to our financial services. Please consult the address list below if you need to get in touch with the international You will get further information on how to staff one of our international coordinators. proceed during the introduction week or during an information session. The International Office is located at Zandpoortvest 31 in Mechelen NETWORK FACILITIES T +32 (0)15 369 137 F +32 (0)15 369 189 Thomas More is using a Digital Student E [email protected] Platform (blackboard) called Toledo.
Opening hours: Toledo is the official publication channel. every day between 10.00 and 12.00 hours Both International Office and Student Services will post messages for you on Toledo. STUDENT CARD/BADGE The use of Toledo will be explained to you during the introduction week at an As an incoming international student, you will information session. be registered at the student administration. A digital picture will be taken from you in You will get your own e-mail address from order to issue your Thomas More student Thomas More. With this e-mail address you card/badge. will be able to communicate with other students and personnel of the school without IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU CARRY THIS using your private e-mail address. STUDENT BADGE WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES!
It gives you access to all campus buildings, classrooms and the central library and with this badge you can buy lunch in the university cafeteria at the lowest price. 11 In the school campussen in Mechelen and Cafeteria Sint-Katelijne-Waver you will find computer rooms. You will get information during the In Mechelen and in Sint-Katelijne-Waver are introduction week, how to get a login ID, three student restaurants where meals are information about software, rules, etc. served (breakfast and lunch) between 08.00 – 15.00 hours at economic prices. Put your Library student badge on the tray to get the lowest price. You can find the menu on Toledo. The Central Library is accessible for all Thomas More students. You need your Student Services (STIP) student card to get access. Their aim is trying to make student life as The library, which is situated in Mechelen at pleasant and smooth as possible. campus De Vest, has quite some meters of bookshelves filled with books, magazines, The main office of STIP is located at Lange newspapers and course literature to borrow, Ridderstraat - campus Kruidtuin in Mechelen in other words an inspiring place for learning tel 015 369 140 fax 015 369 149 resources. [email protected] The library is also the perfect meeting place opening hours: 8.00 – 16.30 hours with its reading areas, places for study and computer corners. At the library you can also STIP at campus De Nayer is located in room print documents and make copies. F012 ([email protected])
In Sint-Katelijne-Waver there is a media STIP offers different kinds of support. The text centre at your disposal with the same below is a summary. All details can be found possibilities/content as in Mechelen. at our website and on Facebook. Addresses on the back of this brochure! You can also Campus shop Mechelen find STIP information on Toledo, the Digital Student Platform of Thomas More. In the campus shop you can buy course literature. Please make sure to order these Culture course books in time. Also the larger copy STIP and culture: a happy marriage. The aim work and bookbinding can be done at the of STIP is to enthuse students for culture. STIP campus shop. The campus shop is situated at will organize a lot of own activities and campus De Vest in Mechelen. participate in a number of activities that the Courses in Sint-Katelijne-Waver are available city of Mechelen is organizing. from the international coordinator. STIP bar Our STIP bar in campus De Vest in Mechelen (mezzanine of cafeteria De Poort) opens each day at lunchtime. Present your student card and get the opportunity to read the paper, a comic book or to play a game.
12 You can register for one of the sports or other competition. Recreational volleyball, basket- activities, get a discount coupon, and make ball or soccer can be practised on the sports reservations for the campus sports hall. ground at campus Kruidtuin and at campus The STIP bar will be specially decorated for De Nayer. Valentine and Easter. Prepare yourself for special meals and drinks. Discount The students at campus De Nayer as well will For some sports and cultural centres in receive this special offer during these weeks. Mechelen and environment, STIP offers you discount coupons. Each coupon is worth 3,00 Housing euro. This amount will be deducted from the Would you like to know something about entrance fee. A brochure with the addresses student rooms? Are you looking for is available at STIP. Ask for it! addresses? Do you need a room only for one semester? STIP can give you al the Mobility information you need about student rooms. Please check the timetable of busses and There is an on line database of available trains on www.delijn.be (busses) or student rooms in Mechelen and Sint-Katelij- www.nmbs.be (trains). The campuses in ne-Waver. You can select a room based on Mechelen and Sint-Katelijne-Waver can rent price, surface of the room or location. easily be reached with the public transport You then contact the landlord and make an and are within walking distance from the appointment to visit the room. station.
STIP is letting several student rooms in the city International students have the possibility to centre, next to the city park. rent a bike at school (campus bike) for the time they are staying in Mechelen or Sint- If you encounter problems relating to the Katelijne-Waver. Cost: 5 euro each month. room, (problems with the landlord, no refund If you only need a bike for some hours or one of deposit, problems with housemates) you day, you can use a campus bike for free. You can contact STIP. We will try to help you or to only have to go to the reception desk of mediate. campus De Vest and hand over your student card. Then you will receive the key of a bike. Also at STIP, waste bags are available. You can buy them apiece. Lockers Do you have to carry a lot of heavy books? Sports Rent a locker in following campuses: De In for some sports activities: before, between Ham, Kruidtuin, De Vest, De Nayer.You can or after classes? STIP offers you a wide range obtain a key in the STIP house (Mechelen) or of sports, as well as competition or recreation at the copy service of campus De Nayer. You sports. Compete with other classes in the only have to pay a deposit of 10 euro that interclass competition indoor football or will be refunded when you return the key. participate in ‘Start to Run’ so that after 10 weeks you will be able to run 5 km.
Compete with other university college students and universities in the VSFF
13 Catering Laundry At the student restaurants you can buy International students have the possibility to sandwiches or hot meals at a reasonable do their laundry (washing and drying) at STIP price. We guarantee you healthy and for free. tasty lunches. STIP is also organizing cooking You only have to make an appointment at workshops. Student restaurants are located STIP and bring your own washing powder! at campus De Vest, campus Kruidtuin and at campus De Nayer. Student clubs There are several student clubs at campus Rental De Nayer and in Mechelen. They organize International students can rent the following all sorts of activities to make studying at at the STIP house: Thomas More more pleasant, because it ‘s - Box with cooking material and cutlery important that the students also have fun (for free – deposit € 20) besides studying. - Bed clothing: duvet and pillow € 5 bedsheets : € 5
At STIP you can also rent a laptop for a short period.
Buddies An important aspect of your exchange is the communication with students of Thomas More. For this, STIP will organize a buddy system. Through this buddy system we try to link incoming students with students of Thomas More.
Several students offered to support the exchange students during their stay in Mechelen and in Sint-Katelijne-Waver. They can give you many useful information on all sorts of academic, and non-academic matters, student life and daily life in Belgium.
Are you up for this ? Please let us know so that we can link you to a student. He or she will contact you and will support you as much as possible during those first difficult weeks and the rest of your stay in Mechelen or in Sint-Katelijne-Waver.
14 POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
SMOKING
Smoking is NOT ALLOWED INSIDE the university’s buildings, only outside. Please be aware that smoking is also not allowed in public buildings, restaurants and in cafés.
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
In Belgium it is against the law to buy, sell, use or carry drugs. It is also forbidden to use drugs or alcohol on campus or attend classes and other activities while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A student who is caught while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be removed from the class and the university buildings. In case of repeated abuse, the teacher in charge will contact the head of the depart- ment for further measures.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Easter holidays from 7 April until 20 April
Easter Monday 21 April
Labour Day 1 May
Ascension Day 29 and 30 May
Whitmonday 9 June
15 MECHELEN AND SINT-KATELIJNE-WAVER
MECHELEN SINT-KATELIJNE-WAVER
Mechelen is one of the five historic Flemish Sint-Katelijne-Waver is Belgium’s main cities situated in the Dutch speaking part of vegetable growing area and famous for its Belgium. Mechelen is also situated between auction hall. Antwerp and Brussels in the economic, cultural and educational centre of the Some sightseeing suggestions : country. In the last 10 years Mechelen has Ursuline Convent and Winter Garden become an important centre for higher Grounds of Roosendael Abbey education. The influence of the religious Mechelen auction orders was important in the development of Research station for the cultivation the city centre, resulting in a number of of vegetables religious buildings. Mechelen is also famous for its carillon bells. Carilloneurs from PUBLIC SERVICES AND USEFUL INFORMATION everywhere in the world have received their training in Mechelen. Bus There are city busses that have tours in the Industrial activity is concentrated in two centre and around the ring of Mechelen. industrial estates, one to the north and one The line busses take you to the villages and to the south. As a student, you will cities outside of Mechelen. Information can immediately feel home in this city. be obtained at www.delijn.be. It has a lot of students, eating-places for students, shops, ... Train www.b-rail.be Some sightseeing suggestions: Saint Rombout’s Cathedral Police stations The Palace of Margaret of York Frederik de Merodestraat 88 - 2800 Mechelen The municipal park of Mechelen Tel 015/28.66.66 Planckendael [email protected] Technopolis or Lemanstraat 25 - 2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver For further information: Tel 015/31.77.11 Tourist Office, Hallestraat 2-4-6 [email protected] +32 (0)70 222 800 [email protected] Health Care http://toerisme.mechelen.be There are three different levels of health care service in Belgium: general practioners (gp’s), specialist and specialist at a local or an academic hospital.
16 If you have a health related problem, it is There is a weekly market on Saturday best to see a general practitioner first rather morning in the centre of Mechelen. than going to the hospital immediately. GP’s are easier to reach and cheaper than Most bakeries are open on Sunday morning hospital emergencies. Addresses of local if you want to enjoy a croissant or chocolate GP’s can be obtained at STIP or listed on roll for breakfast. Belgium is famous for its www.mediwacht.be under “huisartsen”, look wide variety of delicious bread. for your city in “zoek”. If the GP cannot solve the problem, he will refer you to a specialist. WASTE IN MECHELEN (SELECTION AND COLLECTION) Emergency numbers for fire department & ambulance: 100 or 112 When is the garbage collection in the street for police: 101 where I am living? For each street in Mechelen, there is a fixed day for waste Hospital Sint Maartenziekenhuis: collection. There is a special waste collection campus Mechelen, Leopoldstraat 2, calendar. tel 015/40 95 11 campus Zwartzustersvest, This calendar might be available in your Zwartzustersvest 47 room. If not, it can be obtained at the tel 015/29 60 00 infodesk at the Huis van de Mechelaar. You can also consult the site of Ivarem (www. Pharmacies ivarem.be). If there is a holiday on Monday, In Belgium, drugs and medicines are only Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, the waste, PMD sold in pharmacies (to be recognized by the and paper and cardboard will be collected green cross). When closed, all pharmacies on Wednesday that same week. If the street will post in their window a list of after hours is blocked, you will have to put your waste pharmacies (wachtdienst). bag on the corner of the street. For PMD and garbage, you will have to buy Supermarkets in Mechelen special bags. You can buy them in the super- (closed on Sunday) markets of Mechelen (not in Aldi) but at the ALDI - Electriciteitsstraat 37 STIP house, you can buy them apiece. More MATCH - Haverwerf 1 advisable for a student budget. COLRUYT - Liersesteenweg 351 DELHAIZE - Oscar Van Kesbeeckstraat 21 Sorting garbage GB EXPRESS - Bruul109 (this one is open on Sunday) Paper and cardboard All paper and carboard needs to be tied up Supermarkets in Sint-Katelijne-Waver with string or put in a cardboard box. Don’t ALDI: Generaal De Schachtstraat 37 make the packages too heavy: max. 15 kg (closed on Sunday) per package. As from 23 hrs the evening DELHAIZE: Leliestraat 59 before, you can put the garbage outside. (closed on Sunday) Please put the packages in that way that CAREFOUR EXPRESS: Markt 30 you won’t bother the road users. (open on Sunday) SPAR: Mechelsesteenweg 324 (open on Sunday morning)
17 PMD (blue bag) SPORT AND RECREATION PMD is the abbreviation for Plastic Metal and Drink cartons. The cleaner that you sort, In Mechelen and in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, the better the recycling of material can be there are several sports centres. Mechelen done. It is important that you know what be- has 2 big swimming pools and Sint-Katelijne- longs in the blue bag, since they will not be Waver 3 smaller pools. Do you like fitness, picked up if they contain the wrong things. tennis or squash? Or you can go for a walk in Always allowed: washed tetra packs, plastic one of the public parcs of Mechelen. bottles, metal cans, aluminium tins and trays. Never allowed: butter tubs, yoghurt cups, At STIP you can aks for the discount coupons plastic bags, plastic objects, polystyrene foil. to get a reduction voucher at some sports As from 23 hrs the evening before, you can centres. put the bag outside. Please put the bag in that way that you won’t bother the road RESTAURANTS AND BARS users. http://toerisme.mechelen.be Glass Glass should be taken to one of the big glass containers located throughout the city. Please sort white and coloured glass (separate containers). You can look at www. ivarem.be to be informed about locations of containers nearby your room.
Kitchen and garden waste There is no separate sorting for kitchen and garden waste. You will have to put it in the white garbage bag.
Everything else (white bag) No waste that has to be sorted or sharp objects. Please put the white garbage bag outside, at the earliest as from 23 hrs the eve- ning before and at the latest at 7.00 hrs on collection mornings. Weight max. 15 kg.
WASTE IN SINT-KATELIJNE-WAVER
In Sint-Katelijne-Waver, garbage bags and PMD bags can be bought in the city hall, in the public libraries or some supermarkets (Spar, Delhaize).
18 WORDS AND PHRASES IN DUTCH
ASKING FOR HELP AND DIRECTIONS
I’m lost Ik ben verloren. Can I help you? Kan ik je helpen? Can you help me? Kan je mij helpen? Where is the (bathroom / pharmacy)? Waar is (het toilet / de apotheker)? Go straight! Then turn left / right! Ga rechtdoor! Dan draai naar links / rechts! I’m looking for John. Ik ben op zoek naar John. One moment please! Een momentje alsjeblieft. Hold on please! (phone) Blijf aan de lijn. How much is this? Hoeveel kost dit? Excuse me ...! (to ask for something) Excuseer mij...! Excuse me! (to pass by) Excuseer mij! Come with me! Kom met mij mee!
HOW TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Do you speak (English / Dutch)? Spreek jij Engels / Nederlands? Just a little. Een beetje. What’s your name? Wat is je naam? My name is ... Mijn naam is ... Mr.../ Mrs.…/ Miss… Mijnheer / mevrouw / juffrouw Nice to meet you! Blij je te ontmoeten You’re very kind! Je bent zeer vriendelijk Where are you from? Vanwaar ben je? I’m from (the U.S/ Belgium) Ik ben van de USA / België I’m (American) Ik ben een Amerikaan Where do you live? Waar woon je? I live in (the U.S/ Belgium) Ik woon in de USA / België Do you like it here? Vind je het plezant hier ? Belgium is a wonderful country België is een zeer mooi land. What do you do for a living? Wat doe je als beroep? I work as a (translator / businessman) Ik werk als een vertaler / zakenman. I like Dutch Ik vind Nederlands leuk. I’ve been learning Dutch for 1 month Ik leer Nederlands nu al een maand Oh! That’s good! Oh! Dat is goed! How old are you? Hoe oud ben je? I’m (twenty, thirty...) years old. Ik ben twintig, dertig jaar. I have to go. Ik moet gaan. I will be right back! Ik ben straks terug.
19 WISH SOMEONE SOMETHING
Good luck! Succes Happy birthday! Gelukkige verjaardag Happy new year! Gelukkig Nieuwjaar Merry Christmas! Zalig Kerstmis Congratulations! Proficiat! Enjoy! (for meals...) Eet smakelijk! I’d like to visit Belgium one day Ik zou eens graag België bezoeken. Bless you (when sneezing) Gezondheid! Good night and sweet dreams! Goeie nacht en droom zacht
SOLVING A MISUNDERSTANDING
I’m sorry! (if you don’t hear something) Sorry, ik versta u niet. Sorry (for a mistake) Sorry No problem! Geen probleem Can you say it again? Kan je het herhalen? Can you speak slowly? Kan je ietsje trager spreken? Write it down please! Schrijf het neer, alsjeblieft I don’t understand! Ik versta het niet I don’t know! Ik weet het niet I have no idea. Ik heb geen idee What’s that called in Dutch? Hoe noem je dit in het Nederlands? What does “…” mean in English? Hoe noem je dit woord in het Engels? How do you say “please” in Dutch? Hoe zeg je “please” in het Nederlands? What is this? Wat is dit? My Dutch is bad. Mijn Nederlands is niet zo goed. I need to practice my Dutch Ik moet Nederlands oefenen Don’t worry! Geen paniek!
EXPRESSIONS AND WORDS
Good / Bad / So-So. Goed / slecht / zo en zo Big / Small Groot / klein Today / Now Vandaag / nu Tomorrow / Yesterday Morgen / gisteren Yes / No Ja / nee Here you go! (when giving something) Alsjeblieft Do you like it? Vind je het leuk? I really like it! Ik vind het tof. I’m hungry / thirsty. Ik heb honger / dorst In the morning / evening. At Night. ‘s ochtends / ’s avonds / ‘s nachts This / that. Here / there Dit / dat. Hier / daar
20 Me / you. Him / her. Ik / jou. Hij / zij Really! Echt waar! Look! Kijk! Hurry up! Haast je! What? Where? Wat? Waar? What time is it? Hoe laat is het? It’s 10 o’clock. 07:30pm. Het is tien uur. 7:30 pm Give me this! Geef me dit! I love you! Ik hou van je ! I feel sick. Ik voel me ziek! I need a doctor. Ik heb een dokter nodig. One, Two, Three Een, twee, drie Four, Five, Six Vier, vijf, zes Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten Zeven, acht, negen, tien
FLANDERS AND BELGIUM
FLANDERS BELGIUM
Flanders is the northern region of Belgium. The Kingdom of Belgium is a country in north- For many centuries Flanders has been an west Europe. It is a founding member of the important commercial crossroads. This is European Union and hosts its headquarters, reflected in the architecture and as well as those of other major atmosphere of cities like Antwerp, Bruges, international organizations, including NATO. Ghent, Leuven and Mechelen. Belgium covers an area of 30,528 square Flanders is an internationally oriented centre kilometers (11,787 square miles) and has a of high technology. The Flemish economic population of about 10.5 million. network contains a web of innumerable small and medium-sized enterprises and Belgium’s two largest regions are the Dutch- many multinational industries have branches speaking region of Flanders in the north, and in the Flemish region. Flanders also has the French-speaking southern region of gateways to the larger ports of Antwerp, Wallonia, a small German-speaking Ghent, Zeebrugge and Ostend. The airports Community exists in eastern Belgium. in Brussels, Antwerp and Ostend carry Belgium’s linguistic diversity and related passengers and goods to all continents. political and cultural conflicts are reflected in the political history and a complex system of government.
21 Historically, Belgium, the Netherlands and HIGHER EDUCATION IN FLANDERS Luxembourg were known as the Low Countries, which used to cover a somewhat Bachelor and Master Structure larger area than the current Benelux group of states. After signing the Bologna Declaration the Flemish Minister of Education started a Capital Brussels process to reform the Flemish higher Official languages Dutch, French, education system. The Flemish Parliament German adopted a new Higher Education Act on the Government Parliamentary 4th of April 2003. The degree structure based democracy and on three main cycles constitutes the core of Constitutional the Act, which introduced this new structure monarchy for all programmes in the 2004/2005 acade- King Filip I mic year. For longer programmes, it may last Independence declared 04.10.1830 until 2010. Prime minister Elio Di Rupo Currency EURO The higher educational system consists of Time Zone UTC + 1 professional Bachelor’s degrees and two-tier Summer Time Zone UTC + 2 academic Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Internet code .be Calling code +32 Degree structure
Before you come to Belgium it is a must to Bachelor’s degrees read about the country and its inhabitants. professional bachelor’s programmes The internet is a rich source of information. advanced bachelor’s programmes Use a search engine and e.g. words like: academic bachelor’s programmes Belgium, Belgian culture, “Belgium, the best Master’s degrees kept secret of Europe”,… Below you will find master’s programmes some websites. On these websites you will advanced master’s programmes not only find interesting facts about Belgium but also tips for the Traveler (visa, health risks, Through the mechanism of bridging money, transport,…) programmes, holders of professional Bachelor’s degrees may have access to http://www.visitbelgium.com Master’s programmes. http://www.visitbelgium.be http://belgium.fgov.be/ Degrees https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- world-factbook/index.html Bachelor’s degree http://www.undp.org/ http://www.geographia.com/belgium/ After successfully completing at least 180 http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/ ECTS-credits students obtain a europe/belgium/printable.htm Bachelor’s degree. Professional Bachelor’s degrees prepare students for specific professions in industry, education, commerce, agriculture, health and rehabilitation, social work, informatics, applied arts or the media. 22 Courses are therefore practice-oriented and include periods of work placement. These degrees are only awarded by the university colleges. Some university colleges offer profession-oriented specialisation programmes for holders of a professional bachelor’s degree. These subsequent bachelor’s programmes cover at least 60 ECTS credits. Academic Bachelor’s degrees prepare students for studies at Master’s level. These degrees are awarded by universities and some university colleges.
Master’s degree Master programmes are characterised by the integration of education and research and a Master’s dissertation. They cover at least 60 ECTS credits. Depending on the field of study some programmes last longer (e.g. medicine, law, psychology, engineering,…). Advanced Master programmes are organised at universities, at university colleges as part of an association and at postgraduate training institutions. A Master’s degree is required for admittance.
Ph D degree ‘Doctor’ is the highest level of specialisation in scientific research. It is based on an original research project that takes at least two years, resulting in the public presentation of a doctoral thesis. This degree is only awarded by universities.
Diploma Supplement The Flemish Diploma Supplement is made up according to the recommendations of the Council of Europe, UNESCO and the European Commission. It is an important tool to improve the international transparency and fair recognition of qualifications in the European Higher Education Area in 2010. A Diploma Supplement is awarded to all students regardless their programme. It is free of charge and delivered in Dutch and English.
USEFUL LINKS
University Flanders http://www.thomasmore.be http://www.visitflanders.com Student Services Antwerp: www.antwerpen.be http://www.thomasmore.be/stip Ghent: www.visitgent.be Mechelen Bruges: www.brugge.be http://toerisme.mechelen.be Leuven: www.leuven.be Belgium Brussels: www.brucity.be http://www.visitbelgium.com Ardennes http://www.visitbelgium.be www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardennes http://belgium.fgov.be/ Neighbours https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- Paris: www.parisdigest.com world-factbook/index.html Amsterdam: www.holland.com/amsterdam/ http://www.undp.org/ London: www.visitlondon.com http://www.geographia.com/belgium/ Transport http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/ Bus: www.delijn.be europe/belgium/printable.htm Train: www.b-rail.be Thalys: www.thalys.com Eurostar: www.eurostar.be 23 THOMAS MORE - STIP MECHELEN
Lange Ridderstraat 44a - 2800 Mechelen T 015/369.140 | F 015/369.149 [email protected] [email protected] www.thomasmore.be/stip www.facebook.com/stipmechelen
February 2014