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Welcome to Wageningen
Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation
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MAILING ADDRESS:
Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation
P.O. Box 88
6700 AB WAGENINGEN
The Netherlands
Telephone: (0)317/486800
Telefax: (0)317/486801
E/mail: info.cdi@wur.nl
Internet Wageningen UR CDI: http://www.cdi.wur.nl
Course calendar: http://www.cdi.wur.nl/UK/newsagenda/agenda/
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
A word of welcome……………………………………………………………...
Banks……………………………………………………………………………..
Cinema……………………………………………………………………………
Climate……………………………………………………………………………
Dentist……………………………………………………………………………
Diet……………………………………………………………………………….
Doctor……………………………………………………………………………
Euro………………………………………………………………………………
Hospital…………………………………………………………………………..
Hotel……………………………………………………………………………..
Insurance…………………………………………………………………………
Important tips for newcomers to Wageningen…………………………………
Map of the Netherlands………………………………………………………….
Museum …………………………………………………………………………
Pedestrians………………………………………………………………………
Pharmacy………………………………………………………………………..
Post Office Wageningen………………………………………………………...
Religion…………………………………………………………………………..
Return journey……………………………………………………………………
Schengen visa……………………………………………………………………
Sexual intimidation, discrimination, violence……………………………………
Shopping………………………………………………………………………….
(No) Smoking policy……………………………………………………………..
Train………………………………………………………………………………
Transport to Wageningen from Amsterdam (Schiphol) airport………………..
Transport to Amsterdam (Schiphol) airport…………………………………….
Typical Dutch festivities…………………………………………………………
Wageningen………………………………………………………………………
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A WORD OF WELCOME
Welcome to Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation.
Most of you have probably never been in the Netherlands before and perhaps feel a bit lost at this
moment.
In order to help you adapt to life in The Netherlands, the Project Support Department has put
together this booklet, which offers practical information. We hope it answers most of your
questions that will arise whilst you are here in Wageningen.
At the same time we realise that not all your questions can be answered by just reading this
booklet. In that case do not hesitate to contact one of the staff members at the Project Support
Department. We are here to help you and make your stay convenient and pleasant, so that you can
get the most out of your stay and studies in the Netherlands.
Suggestions for improvements, additions or modifications to this booklet are always welcome.
Please contact one of the staff members at the Project Support Department at the following e/mail
addresses:
Project Support Department
Mrs Lotte van den Berg
Mr Jan van Brakel
Mr Jan van Heerd
Mrs Manon van Lent
Mrs Titia Magendans
Mrs Ingrid Poolman
Mr Paul Puister
Mrs Maria Tactor+van Soelen
Mrs Gaia Vossen
Mrs Suzanne van der Wielen
lotte.vandenberg@wur.nl
jan.vanbrakel@wur.nl
jan.vanheerd@wur.nl
manon.vanlent@wur.nl
titia.magendans@wur.nl
ingrid.poolman@wur.nl
paul.puister@wur.nl
maria.vansoelen@wur.nl
gaia.vossen@wur.nl
suzanne.vanderwielen@wur.nl
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BANKS
Opening hours:
Most banks are open Monday through Friday, generally from 09.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs. Post
offices (Postbank) are generally open Monday through Friday from 09.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs
(see also page 11). Some main post offices and banks will open for a few hours on Saturday
mornings. In all cases you will find the hours posted by the door of the banks or post offices.
Cash Dispensers/ ATMs:
You will find a geldautomaat or cash dispenser at every bank and post office, and in railway
stations and other public places. Dispensers will accept almost every kind of card. You must
find a match among the symbols on the dispenser and your card. If a dispenser is not
working, you can read: buiten dienst. If you type the wrong pin/code, after three times, the
machine will swallow your card. When this happens please contact the bank.
For your information we give some addresses of banks near Wageningen International:
• ABN/AMRO
Stadsbrink 43
Monday 13.00 / 17.00 and Tuesday / Friday 09.00 / 17.00 hrs.
• Rabobank
Plantsoen 55
Monday 13.00 – 17.00, Tuesday / Friday 09.00 / 17.00 and Friday 19.00 – 20.00 hrs.
• SNS Bank
Stationsstraat 3
Monday 13.00 – 17.00, Tuesday / Friday 09.00 / 17.00 and Friday 19.00 – 20.00 hrs.
CINEMA
Wageningen has its own cinema the ‘HEERENSTRAAT THEATER’. For programmes and
reservations please refer to their website: www.heerenstraattheater.nl
Address:
Molenstraat 1b, Wageningen.
Phone:
+ 31.317.414029
Film House
‘MOVIE W’ is Wageningen’s alternative Film House. It is run by volunteers and is situated in the
Lawickse Allee 13 building. The theatre is brought under the wing of Studium Generale WUR
but operates as an independent association. The film season is from September till July, and
each week from Tuesday till Sunday, films are shown. The films shown at ‘MOVIE W’ come
from around the world. On the website www.movie/w.nl you will see the names of films and on
the right hand side of the screen you will see which language is spoken and what the
subtitling language is. Films begin at 20.30 hr.
Address:
Lawickse Allee 13, Wageningen
Phone:
+31.317.484809
CLIMATE
Someone once looked at the Dutch sky and glumly summarised it
at as follows: “Just look at that. It always looks as if it has just
rained, is about to rain or is raining”. Unfortunately this is rather
true. Those who are already suffering from culture shock will find
that the dreary Dutch skies do not do much to uplift the spirit. On
the contrary they reflect it. Holland has a “sea climate”, meaning
that the relatively constant temperature of the water moderates any
seasonal changes the climate might try to induce on the
temperature. Holland depends on an easterly wind (Siberia) for its
good, cold, blue/skied winter days and a southerly wind (Spain) for
nice, dry, sunny summer days. But, rest assured, these days do
occur.
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One of the great things about the Dutch, however, is their attitude towards the sun. They love
it! Once the sun breaks out in the summer, they take days off, leave the office early and
spend lengthy lunch breaks outside – soaking up the sun. Gone are the traffic jams, the
“moody blues” and life behind closed doors. Café terraces are well/populated, street/life is
lively and gardens are filled with the blue smoke of barbecues.
DENTIST
Dental treatment is generally not covered by medical insurance. An exception can be made if
you urgently need dental treatment. If you suffer dental pain please contact the Project
Support Department (see page 3), they can try to make an appointment for you with one of
the dentists in Wageningen.
For dental emergencies during the weekend please phone: + 31.318.611888 and you will
be referred to the dental emergency clinic in Ede (located in the hospital ‘ ZIEKENHUIS
GELDERSE VALLEI’ at Ede).
DIET
For any problems concerning diets, food complaints etc. please contact the restaurant staff.
Should these matters not be solved satisfactorily, your officer in charge will do her/his best
to help you.
DOCTOR
Family doctors (General Practitioners) generally work between 08.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs from
Monday to Friday. Most doctors have consulting hours early in the morning, during which you
can visit the doctor without an appointment. (See letter which was included with your health
insurance certificate).
After office hours / weekends
In case of emergency after office hours during the week (Monday till Friday
17:00 hrs till 08:00 hrs.) and during weekends (Friday 17.00 hrs till Monday
08.00 hrs) please telephone +31.318.434444. During these hours you will
be referred to the doctor’s clinic located in the hospital Gelderse Vallei at Ede.
You should inform the Project Support Department if you are referred to the
hospital for tests or further examinations to enable them to inform the
insurance company accordingly. They can also assist with arranging the
appointment.
If you have any other problems or questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Project
Support Department.
Please note:
If you are unable to attend class due to illness or a visit to the doctor you should always
inform your course coordinator as soon as possible. If you are referred to the hospital you
should always inform the Project Support Department to enable them to inform the insurance
company.
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EURO
€
Single European currency valid in the following European countries;
Austria
Luxembourg
Germany
Belgium
Finland
Greece
France
Portugal
Ireland
Spain
Italy
The Netherlands
HOSPITAL
The general hospital (ziekenhuis) is situated in Ede: ‘ZIEKENHUIS GELDERSE VALLEI’
You can take bus 88 (direction Ede/Wageningen) from the Wageningen bus station.
Address:
Willy Brandtlaan 10, 6716 RP, EDE
General phone: + 31.318.434343
HOTEL “HOF VAN WAGENINGEN”
Lawickse Allee 9
6701 AN Wageningen
Phone:
+31 317 490133
Please take note of the following:
Restaurant
For course participants who are accommodated on the basis of full board and lodging,
the following is included:
LUNCH:
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soup
coffee, tea, milk
one piece of fruit
either one of the hot dishes (on the central buffet) OR lunch snack (near the cash
register)
DINNER:
• soup
• coffee, tea, milk
• rice, potatoes and vegetables
• one dessert
• either one of the meat dishes, OR the fish dish
Vegetarian meals are provided upon request (please ask restaurant staff). Drinks during
dinner are not included.
Meal cards must be displayed at the cash/point. If the meal card cannot be produced, meals
will have to be paid for. The meal card will otherwise have to be collected (by which time the
food will be cold). € 2.50 will be charged for the replacement of lost meal cards.
If you have any questions or anything is not clear, please do not hesitate to contact the
restaurant or reception staff.
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Cleaning
• Your room will be cleaned every weekday (Monday to Friday)
• At weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and on public holidays your room will not be
cleaned
• Bed linen is changed once a week on Monday or Wednesday
• Towels are changed three times a week
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo etc.) are not provided
If you have any questions or anything is not clear, please do not hesitate to contact the
chamber maids or the reception staff
Lunch parcels
Lunch parcels can be ordered at the hotel reception (previous day before 19.00 hrs)
(Lunch parcels for group excursions have to be ordered one week in advance. The excursion
organiser should contact the reception desk. A list with the room numbers of the participants
should be handed over to the receptionist. Only one breakfast and/or lunch parcel can be
provided per person.)
Telephone
• It is not possible to make phone calls from your hotel room. The phone is
only for incoming calls.
• The cheapest way to make (international) phone calls is an international phone card.
You will, however, also need a Dutch phone card of 5 Euro which can be obtained
from the hotel reception. There is a phone booth in the hotel lounge
Television
• The television is turned on with the remote control
Mail
Stamps and postcards can be bought at the reception. At the reception there is a mailbox,
which is emptied every weekday at approximately 15.00 hrs. Incoming mail will be put in your
mailbox at the reception.
Checkout
• Rooms should be vacated before 11.00 hrs and keys returned to the reception
• Expenses can be paid in cash, or by credit card (Eurocard/Mastercard, Visacard,
American Express)
• If your departure is before 07.00 hrs you are kindly requested to settle your
account the night before (before 21.00 hrs)
INSURANCE
During your stay with us you are insured by AON Consulting, The Hague. According to Dutch
law, all residents, also foreign, must have adequate health insurance and third party liability
insurance. All participants will be insured for the duration of their study in the Netherlands. If
you have made your own arrangements please let us know. The insurance arranged through
Wageningen International has been specially designed for international students.
If you go away on a field trip or excursion etc., do not forget to take your insurance
certificate with you.
For any matters concerning your insurance please contact one of the staff members of the
Project Support Department.
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Life threatening emergencies
In case of life threatening emergencies, fires, accidents, etc. please dial: 112. Police and
ambulance will arrive in a few minutes. This number is only for serious emergencies,
unnecessary use of this number may endanger the life of others. If one calls this number for
no reason or just for fun, the person calling the number will receive a big fine.
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR NEWCOMERS TO WAGENINGEN
When you arrive in a new place for the first time you need a huge amount of information to
find your way around. As a course participant of Wageningen International you might find the
information below useful.
Discounts: Discounts and special price offers are an important part of Dutch life:
aanbieding (special offer), goedkoop (cheap), 2 halen 1 betalen (two for the price of one) and
uitverkoop (sale) are the words to look for. You’ll see these in supermarkets and other
shops.
Language: Wageningen is exceptional in The Netherlands (apart from Amsterdam) as you
can expect most people to speak English well, even in shops.
Cinema: If you decide to go to the cinema, be prepared for an intermission at the most
interesting moment of the film. There is usually a fifteen/minute break, so instead of getting
angry, use the time to drink something in the bar. Movies are generally screened in their
original language with Dutch sub/titles.
Activities and appointments: If you are planning to join in activities with Dutch people it’s
worth remembering that they are usually very serious about their daily schedule. This means
you need to be punctual. Take this tip especially seriously when it comes to official
appointments.
Transport: If you decide not to use a bike you have three options: driving a car which is
costly, walking which is a recipe for sore feet and blisters, or using public transport. If you go
for the last option you need to know that Dutch buses are as punctual as the inhabitants of
this country. They nearly always run on time, so if you oversleep and still hope to catch the
right bus, you are a dreamer.
Train station: Wageningen does not have its own train station, only a bus station. The
closest train station is ‘NATIONAL STATION EDE/WAGENINGEN’, but it is sometimes more
convenient to take the bus to Arnhem, depending on your final destination.
Address:
Stationsplein 6, Ede
Typically Dutch foods: Make sure that you try vla, drop (candy) and stroopwafels from the
supermarket. These are typically Dutch foods you’ve probably never tasted before, and they
are well worth it.
Meeting people: Meet as many people as you can. Wageningen is a very special place
where you have the chance to meet people from all over the globe. Use the opportunity to
get to know about other cultures, customs and traditions.
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MAP OF THE NETHERLANDS
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MUSEUM
Wageningen has his own museum ‘DE CASTEELSE POORT’. The
permanent collection consists three different exhibitions: the
history of Wageningen, the liberation in the Second World War and
the history of the university.
Address:
Bowlespark 1a, Wageningen
Phone:
+ 31.317.421436
Website:
www.casteelsepoort.nl
April / October:
Tuesday / Saturday 11.00 / 17.00 and Sunday 13.00 – 17.00 hrs.
November / March: Tuesday / Saturday 12.00 – 16.00 and Sunday 13.00 – 16.00 hrs.
PEDESTRIANS
Dutch drivers are not as polite as you might expect: a certain aggression seems to come
over these otherwise gentle people when they get behind the wheel of a car. It is therefore
wise to know what rules they are following and then to stay out of their way. The most
unexpected traffic rule for the foreign pedestrian or cyclist is that all traffic approaching from
the right has priority, unless there are signs or markings to indicate
otherwise. In other words, a driver will expect nearly everyone to
his left to yield to him. This is true even when a car is turning out of
a small side street. Cars have to stop for pedestrians only when
they are on a zebra crossing or when the car is turning across their
path, but even then, be careful. Trams have priority over
everyone, no matter where they are coming from. As a pedestrian
you must also become accustomed to the network of bicycle paths
(fietspaden), which at first you might mistake for pedestrian paths.
PHARMACY (IN DUTCH: APOTHEEK)
If you receive a prescription for medicine you will have to go to one of the
pharmacies in Wageningen, to buy the medicine. The Project Support
Department can arrange the reimbursement. Only original pharmacy
receipts will be reimbursed. Duplicates, photocopies, cash register
receipts or other receipts will not be reimbursed.
Some medicines are available without a doctor’s prescription, for
information you can contact the pharmacist.
Please note that:
•
medicines bought without prescription are not covered by the AON insurance
•
NOT ALL medicines (even if prescribed by a doctor) are covered by the AON insurance
•
the insurance only covers medicine for the duration of the insurance
There are 3 pharmacies in Wageningen:
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Apotheek Van Weringh
Plantsoen 57a
Phone: +31.317.412531
Monday till Friday 08.00 / 18.00 hrs.
•
Apotheek Ten Hoopen BV
Rooseveltweg 401 Phone: +31.317.412523
Monday till Friday 08.00 / 17.30 hrs.
•
Churchill Kring/apotheek
Geertjesweg 5
Phone: +31.317.423723
Monday till Friday 08.00 / 17.30 hrs.
If you urgently need medication during the evening or weekends you will have to go to the
hospital pharmacy, located next to the hospital ‘ZIEKENHUIS GELDERSE VALLEI’ in Ede (see
page 7).
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POST OFFICE WAGENINGEN
The post office near by is called ‘POSTKANTOOR’ Wageningen.
Monday / Friday 09.00 / 18.00 and Saturday 09.00 – 13.30 hrs.
Address:
Plantsoen 40/42, Wageningen
General phone: + 31.317.427391
RELIGION
International Christian Fellowship Wageningen (ICF)
ICF stands for International Christian Fellowship Wageningen. ICF Wageningen is part of IFES /
BIS in the Netherlands, which is part of IFES international. People who attend our activities are
mostly students and young graduates at the Wageningen University.
The ICF English spoken worship services are a time of worship and growth. During the service
there is a time of singing, preaching and praying. The speakers all have international
experience and represent several local churches.
Building Pieter Pauw, Costerweg 75
www.icfwageningen.org
Services: Every second and fourth Sunday of the month at 10.30 hrs., not during
summer/holiday.
Roman Catholic Church:
‘JOHANNES DE DOPERKERK’
Bergstraat 17
Every Tuesday, at 19.00 hr, the Eucharist is celebrated in Englisch in the chapel of the
church (entrance at the parish center, at the right side of the church). Every second Sunday
of the month the Eucharist is celebrated at 12.30 in the church.
Services: Wednesday 09.00 hrs
Thursday
19.00 hrs.
Saturday
18.30 hrs.
Sunday
10.00 hrs. (summer time)/10.30 hrs. (winter time)
Protestant Churches:
‘GROTE KERK’ (Reformed),
Markt 1
Services: Sunday 10.30 hrs. (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th Sunday of the month), 4th Sunday at 09.00 hrs.
‘BEVRIJDINGSKERK’ (Orthodox/Reformed)
Ritzema Bosweg 18
Services: Sunday 18.30 hrs. (The 4th Sunday in July and August at 10.30 hrs.)
‘VREDEHORST’ (Reformed)
Tarthorst 1
Services: Sunday 18.30 hrs. (except the last Sunday of the month)
‘DOOPSGEZINDE KERK’ (Mennonite),
Services: Sunday 10.00 hrs.
Arboretumlaan 1A
Islamic:
‘INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC CENTRE’
ISOW Building, Duivendaal 7
Services: Friday prayer 12.30 hrs (winter time), 13.30 hrs. (summer time)
Hinduism:
‘VAIDIEK SANATAN DHARM’
La Fraternité Building, Niemeijerstraat 7
Phone:
+31.317.418604
Services: 12.00 – 18.00 hrs., once a month
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RETURN JOURNEY
FOR PARTICIPANTS WHOSE TICKETS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED BY WAGENINGEN UR CENTRE
FOR DEVELOPMENT INNOVATION
•
If your tickets have been purchased through travel agent “VCK Travel”, it is only "VCK
Travel" that is authorised to deal with your tickets
• They are tourist/economy class tickets, therefore re/routing possibilities are practically
nil. Both the outbound and inbound journeys have been booked
• "VCK Travel" will automatically arrange for re+confirmation of your return flight if your
tiket has been arranged by Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation.
Re+confirmation of your return flight is only necessary if explicitly stated so on
your ticket
SCHENGEN VISA:
With your Schengen visa you can visit the following countries
Austria
Latvia
Belgium
Lithuania
Czech
Luxembourg
Denmark
Malta
Estonia
Netherlands
Finland
Norway
France
Poland
Germany
Portugal
Greece
Slovakia
Hungary
Slovenia
Iceland
Spain
Italy
Sweden
SEXUAL INTIMIDATION, DISCRIMINATION, VIOLENCE
If you experience any of the before mentioned matters please contact Mrs. Gaia Vossen. You
can contact her by e/mail: gaia.vossen@wur.nl
SHOPPING
Opening hours* of the shops in Wageningen:
Monday
: 13.00 – 18.00
Tuesday through Thursday
: 09.00 – 18.00
Friday
: 09.00 – 21.00
Saturday
: 09.00 – 17.00
(Please note that some shops are closed Monday all day)
* The main supermarkets have different opening hours:
Opening hours of the supermarket Albert Heijn in Wageningen:
• Monday through Friday
: 08.00 – 21.00
• Saturday
: 08.00 – 20.00
• Sunday
: 16.00 – 20.00
Many shops (e.g. Hema, Zeeman, Kruidvat) have a self/service system. This means that you
choose the article you wish to buy and take it to the cash desk to pay. Many of these shops
have shopping baskets in which you put the articles to take them to the cash desk.
Other shops have a semi self/service system: for example in a clothes shop you choose the
article and then ask the shop assistant to show you a cubicle for fitting. If the article is to your
satisfaction, you take it to the cash desk to pay.
Articles must always be visible, only after you have paid are you allowed to put your purchase
in your pocket or shopping bag. One is not allowed to take articles out of the shop if they
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have not yet been paid for. On many articles an electronic protection device is attached,
which is removed at the cash desk. The device is activated when leaving the shop without
payment.
It is furthermore essential that, while still in the shop, you keep the receipt that you receive at
the cash desk as proof that payment has been made. The receipt is also required if the
article is taken back to the shop e.g. if it is faulty.
Shops in Wageningen with budget price
Plantsoen
Action
Hans Textiel
Hoogstraat, main shopping street
Scapino
Schoenenreus
Wibra
Zeeman
Hoogstraat, main shopping street
Hoogstraat, main shopping street
Schoolstraat
Hoogstraat, main shopping street
Shops with second hand goods, clothing etc
Vijzelstraat, near market square
Kringloop
Heerenstraat, behind “Kringloop”
Emmaus
shop
Special shops in Wageningen
Salverdaplein
Toko Indura
‘t Zonnetje
Bergstraat 42
Buys & Co
African Delight
Bevrijdingstraat 22
Bergstraat 9
Zam Zam
Stadsbrink 20, near bus station
clothing, household articles,
toys, etc.
clothing, household articles,
toys, sportswear
shoes, clothing, sportswear
shoes, clothing
clothing, household articles, toys
clothing, household articles, toys
Limited opening hours:
Wednesday morning, Saturday
afternoon
Surinam, Indian and Indonesian
food shop: cassavas, okra,
sweet potatoes, yams, sweet
peppers, plantain, spices and
herbs etc.
health food shop: herbs, (herbal)
teas; also gifts, candles, sweets
organic or bio/dynamic foods
African food and African
cosmetics
Arabian and Dutch food
For the exact location of all the before mentioned shops, please check the map of
Wageningen
Open+Air Market is held twice a week round the church in the centre of town. The produce
is generally cheaper than in the shops. The prices are regulated. However, at the end of the
market, the sellers sometimes reduce the prices (e.g. for flowers, fruit and vegetables) to off/
load perishable goods.
Wednesday
08.30 – 13.00
General market: (Exotic) foodstuffs, flowers, clothing and dressmaking materials.
Saturday
08.30 – 17.00
Foodstuffs and flowers, “Farmers’ market” (boerenmarkt) and organic food.
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(NO) SMOKING POLICY
The Tobacco Act of 1990 implemented a no smoking policy in public
buildings. Since 2008 there’s a no smoking policy in almost every
restaurant and pub in Wageningen.
TRAIN
Whilst in the Netherlands you might like to travel around and even visit other parts of Europe.
We can recommend the train as one of the best options for getting from A to B. You can just
sit back and relax, you will have no stress of traffic jams nor any problems with finding a
parking space in a city you do not know.
There are 3 types of trains in the Netherlands: the “Intercity”, which offers fast city/to/city
connections, the “Sneltrein”, and lastly, the “Stoptrein” which makes more frequent stops
at the smaller stations. Most stations are centrally located. On the following website:
www.ns.nl you can find departure and arrival times, ticket and price information. They have an
English page and here you will find an international planner (choose as departure station Ede/
Wageningen or Arnhem).
On the following Dutch website: www.9292ov.nl you can plan your journey by busses and
trains on time.
NB Make sure you purchase your ticket before you board the train. Buying your ticket on the
train will result in a higher rate and a considerable sum (€ 35.00) will also be added to the
ticket price.
TRANSPORT TO WAGENINGEN FROM SCHIPHOL (AMSTERDAM) AIRPORT
• You will arrive at ‘AMSTERDAM AIRPORT SCHIPHOL’
• Proceed to the railway station, opposite the arrival hall
• Buy a single, second class, train ticket to ‘NATIONAL STATION EDE/ WAGNINGEN’.
Make sure you purchase your ticket before you board the train.
• Take a train (platform 3) direction ‘UTRECHT CENTRAAL RAILWAY STATION’
stopping at ‘EDE/WAGENINGEN’ (platform 4).
Travelling time 1 hr. Departure time at Schiphol station: /.00 and /.30
•
Or a train (platform 1/2) direction ‘UTRECHT CENTRAAL RAILWAY STATION’, change
at ‘UTRECHT CENTRAAL RAILWAY STATION’ and then proceed to platform 14 for
the train in the direction of ‘EDE/WAGENINGEN’ (arrival at platform 4).
Travelling time 67 minutes. departure time at Schiphol station: /.14 and /.44
• At ‘NATIONAL RAILWAY STATION EDE/ WAGNINGEN’ take bus no. 88 to
Wageningen bus station. For the location of buses see map 1. You can buy a
ticket (“strippenkaart”) on the bus
• “Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation” and the “Hof van Wageningen
hotel” are at approximately 3 minutes' walking distance from the bus station (map
2). At the hotel a room has been reserved for you.
Make sure you have sufficient money available in EURO’s or easily convertible currency
that can be changed at ‘AMSTERDAM AIRPORT SCHIPHOL’.
Travel expenses from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Wageningen by public
transport amount to approximately € 15.20. If you arrive in the evening, you may
have to stay overnight in Amsterdam. Hotel expenses vary from € 75.00 to € 150.00.
Information about hotels may be obtained from the Information Desk at the Airport. Hotel
expenses for an overnight stay in Amsterdam will NOT be reimbursed.
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If you are participating in the training programme on a NFP scholarship: the travel
expenses by public transport will be reimbursed to you. Do NOT take a taxi from the
Airport to Wageningen, these expenses will NOT be reimbursed.
N.B. Please note that in crowded places, such as airports, railway stations
etcetera (especially UTRECHT), there is always the possibility of theft! You are
therefore advised to hold on to your luggage at all times and not allow yourself
to get distracted. Moreover keep your valuables (money, passport, ticket, laptop)
in a safe place!
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TRANSPORT TO SCHIPHOL (AMSTERDAM) AIRPORT
The WICC hotel reception can arrange for transport from Wageningen to Schiphol Airport by
taxi or mini/bus.
If you wish to make use of this possibility, you should contact the hotel Reception at least 3
working days before your departure. Do not forget to take your air ticket with you.
When leaving on a Monday, the WICC Reception should be contacted no later than the
Thursday before your departure; when leaving on a Tuesday, no later than the Friday
before your departure.
The taxi/mini+bus fare is to be paid in cash when making the reservation.
TYPICAL DUTCH FESTIVITIES
Carnival
Carnival: the Dutch either love it or hate it. Celebrating carnival is most popular among the
people living “beneden de rivieren” (below the rivers) in the provinces “Noord/Brabant” and
“Limburg”. This does not mean that in the rest of the country it is not celebrated. Wageningen
has 4 carnival clubs. The carnival celebrators get dressed up and go from café to café,
singing songs, participating in parades and consuming large quantities of beer.
April 30: Koninginnedag – the Queen’s Birthday
The Queen’s birthday is actually on January 31st . All through history, the Dutch Royal family
has been very popular and their birthdays have been celebrated with enthusiasm. April 30th
officially became koninginnedag when Queen Juliana changed the date to her own birthday.
Later Queen Beatrix, whose birthday is on January 31st , kept April 30th as the official day to
celebrate her birthday as the weather should then (theoretically) be much better than at the
end of January. On koninginnedag there are several festivities throughout the country. For
example in Amsterdam and Utrecht there is a second hand market vrijmarkt, where the
streets are filled with stands manned by people aged 5/105, selling anything and everything.
In Wageningen there is also a vrijmarkt always in the main shopping street (Hoogstraat). Do
not forget to bargain!
May 4: Remembrance Day
On the sober day of May 4 (not really a festivity) we remember those who died during the
Second World War; soldiers, people in the resistance and those who died in concentration
camps in Europe as well as in Indonesia. At 20:00 hrs there is a 2/minute silence. In many
municipalities, people come together for short ceremonies and speeches, particularly in The
Hague, on the Waalsdorpervlakte, and in Amsterdam, on the Dam. In front of many houses
and buildings, flags are hung half/mast. Nearby Wageningen in the village of Rhenen on the
Grebbeberg there is a military cemetery where there is always a special ceremony. If you
want to attend this ceremony which is held every year on May 4, we advise you to be there at
about 19:30 hrs
May 5: Liberation Day
This is the day on which the Dutch celebrate their total liberation from the occupying forces in
1945. On this day, flags are hung full/mast and the streets take on a
festive look. On the day of May 5 there are many “liberation
festivals” (bevrijdingsfestivals) in many cities throughout the country.
The city of Wageningen had an important role during the liberation
period (the peace treaty was signed in hotel “de Wereld” in
Wageningen). In Wageningen there is also a “Liberation festival”, with
performances of Dutch artists in the centre of the town. These
performances are held during the whole day.
On this day just take a walk towards the centre of Wageningen and
you just won’t miss the festivities. Have fun!
More information on website: www.4en5mei.nl
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December 5: “Sinterklaas” (Saint Nicolas)
Sinterklaas always arrives in the Netherlands in November. He comes here
on his steamboat from Spain. December 6 is Sinterklaas’ birthday.
Sinterklaas through the centuries has been considered the patron saint of
children – therefore on December 5, the evening before his birthday, he
brings them gifts. Sinterklaas has a whole crew of helpers, “Zwarte Pieten”.
Zwarte Pieten were actually Moors: chased into the Sierra Nevada by the
Catholic Spaniards in the 15th century, they apparently sought gainful
employment in the services of Sinterklaas. Sinterklaas is not only here for
the children, but also for the grown/ups. So if you get to meet Sinterklaas
don’t be surprised of all the things he knows about you. He gets his
information from the Zwarte Pieten.
WAGENINGEN
Wageningen received city rights in the year 1263. Old houses, typical properties, and small
friendly streets define the scene. Inside the museum "De Casteelse Poort" a lot of the town’s
history can be found. Wageningen is a university town with a student/like atmosphere that
shows in its lively nightlife. Also, Wageningen is known for its important role during the
Second World War. In May 1945, the German capitulation was signed in hotel "De Wereld". In
springtime, it’s especially enjoyable down at the two botanical gardens in Wageningen. The
"Wageningse Berg" offers a beautiful view of the river Rhine (Rijn) and its wetlands.
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