Introduction and information guide for ITC students
Transcription
Introduction and information guide for ITC students
Introd&inform guide students'09:Brochures 11-08-2009 10:43 Pagina 1 International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation P.O. Box 6 7500 AA Enschede The Netherlands Introduction and information guide for ITC students P: +31 (0)53 4874 444 F: +31 (0)53 4874 400 E: pr@itc.nl I: www.itc.nl September 2009 INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION ITC 600 - 01092009 ITC Internation In ntern tion ional nall Hotel Hotel Table of contents INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION ITC........................................................................................................................1 What’s ITC all about? .......................................................................................1 Organisation ...................................................................................................1 Education at ITC..............................................................................................2 Research at ITC...............................................................................................2 ITC BUILDING .................................................................................................................................3 Opening hours ................................................................................................3 How to find your way around the building...........................................................3 Car park and bicycle shed.................................................................................4 Emergencies ...................................................................................................4 STUDENT REGISTRATION ..........................................................................................................5 Studying longer than three months in the Netherlands (MVV visa).........................5 Studying less than three months in the Netherlands (short stay visa) ....................6 STUDENT AFFAIRS ........................................................................................................................7 Student Affairs officers .....................................................................................7 Residence permits ...........................................................................................7 Citizen Service Number (BSN)...........................................................................8 Insurances .....................................................................................................8 International Student Identity Card ...................................................................9 Confidential advisor ....................................................................................... 10 Leaving ITC and the Netherlands ..................................................................... 10 STUDENT FACILITIES ................................................................................................................11 ITC smart card .............................................................................................. 11 Locker and mailbox........................................................................................ 11 Photocopy machines and public telephones....................................................... 11 Restaurant.................................................................................................... 12 Library ......................................................................................................... 12 Technical Support Services ............................................................................. 13 Computer facilities......................................................................................... 13 Alumni ......................................................................................................... 13 ITC INTERNATIONAL HOTEL (IIH)........................................................................................14 Rent ............................................................................................................ 14 Services and facilities..................................................................................... 14 FINANCIAL MATTERS ................................................................................................................16 Student Finance Administration ....................................................................... 16 Students in education programmes.................................................................. 16 Graduate students ......................................................................................... 17 Student Assistance Fund ................................................................................ 17 SETTLING IN AND SOCIALISING............................................................................................18 New environment .......................................................................................... 18 Association of ITC Students (SAB) ................................................................... 19 Social and sports activities.............................................................................. 19 Sports facilities and timetables........................................................................ 20 Cultural courses, seminars and workshops........................................................ 21 HEALTH CARE ..............................................................................................................................22 Health care in the Netherlands ........................................................................ 22 Medication .................................................................................................... 23 Dentist ......................................................................................................... 23 Psychologist.................................................................................................. 23 X-ray for Tuberculosis check ........................................................................... 24 Pregnancy .................................................................................................... 24 Vaccination ................................................................................................... 24 SHOPPING INFORMATION........................................................................................................27 Opening hours .............................................................................................. 27 Supermarkets ............................................................................................... 27 Market ......................................................................................................... 27 Department stores......................................................................................... 27 Specialty shops ............................................................................................. 27 Sales and discount......................................................................................... 28 Shopping bags and trolley .............................................................................. 28 Tax-free ....................................................................................................... 28 Forwarding freight and parcels home ............................................................... 28 FOOD ................................................................................................................................................29 Dutch food for daily cooking ........................................................................... 29 Restaurants and takeaways ............................................................................ 29 TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT .......................................................................................................30 The bicycle ................................................................................................... 30 Public transport ............................................................................................. 30 Car .............................................................................................................. 32 THE NETHERLANDS....................................................................................................................33 A small flat country........................................................................................ 33 Gateway to Europe ........................................................................................ 33 People.......................................................................................................... 34 Climate ........................................................................................................ 34 Summer and winter time ................................................................................ 34 Tourist information ........................................................................................ 34 ENSCHEDE......................................................................................................................................38 The history, the city and the people ................................................................. 38 Schools ........................................................................................................ 38 City Office .................................................................................................... 39 Leisure facilities ............................................................................................ 39 Tourist information ........................................................................................ 39 SOME HELPFUL DUTCH WORDS............................................................................................41 Introduction Welcome to the Netherlands, to Enschede, and in particular to the International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC). We’re happy to have you here with us in our international community ‒ a community made up of approximately 80 nationalities. The purpose of this guide is to provide you with information that we hope will help you to become acquainted with ITC and its facilities as quickly as possible. At the same time we’d like to give you information about the Netherlands in general, and the city of Enschede and its surroundings in particular. The subjects touched on in this guide may answer some questions you had before you arrived, or perhaps some questions that may arise while you’re settling down at the Institute and into the student accommodation. We hope that your studies will be challenging and rewarding, and we trust that the content of this Introduction Guide will contribute to making your stay as pleasant and as exciting as possible. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Ir. Fred Paats Head Education INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION ITC International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation ITC 99 Hengelosestraat, 7514 AE Enschede, The Netherlands. Mailing address: P.O. Box 6, 7500 AA Enschede, The Netherlands. Phone ITC Reception General Fax Education Affairs Fax Internet :+31 53 487 44 44 :+31 53 487 44 00 :+31 53 487 42 38 :www.itc.nl © Scientific departments What’s ITC all about? • The International Institute for GeoInformation Science and Earth Observation was established in 1950 and is usually referred to as ITC because of its original name, the International Training Centre for Aerial Survey. Based in Enschede, in the east of the Netherlands, it is the largest institute of international higher education in the country. • • • • • The aim of ITC's activities is the international exchange of knowledge, focusing on capacity building and institutional development in developing countries and emerging economies. Department of Earth Observation Science (EOS) Department of Geo-Information Processing (GIP) Department of Urban and Regional Planning and Geo-Information Management (PGM) Department of Natural Resources (NRS) Department of Water Resources (WRS) Department of Earth Systems Analysis (ESA) The Institute fulfils its mission through deploying its staff in three core processes: research, education and project services. As of 1 January 2010, ITC will be a faculty (with special status) of the University of Twente (UT). The merger will be implemented in a way that preserves the distinctive character and mission of ITC. Knowledge field Geo-information science and earth observation consists of a combination of tools and methods for the collection, storage and processing of geospatial data, and for the dissemination and use of these data and of services based on these data. Supervisory Board The Supervisory Board is composed of representatives from the four Dutch partner universities (Delft University of Technology, the Wageningen University and Research Centre, the University of Utrecht and the University of Twente) and public and private professional organisations. Organisation The Institute, headed by its rector, has some 160 scientific staff of more than 25 nationalities in six scientific departments that cover its knowledge field. 1 INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION ITC Education at ITC Accreditation Organization (NVAO). Since its foundation, more than 19,000 students from over 170 countries have completed courses at the Institute. ITC offers a wide selection of degree, diploma and certificate courses in the field of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation: • AES: Applied Earth Sciences (MSc, PGD) • GEM: Environmental Modelling and Management (MSc) • GFM: Geoinformatics (MSc, Master, PGD, Undergraduate diploma) • GSIM: Governance and Spatial Information Management (MSc) • LA: Land Administration (MSc, PGD) • NRM: Natural Resources Management (MSc, Master, PGD) • UPM: Urban Planning and Management (MSc, PGD) • WREM: Water Resources and Environmental Management (MSc, PGD). Course director ITC short and degree courses are implemented under the guidance of a course director, assisted by a course secretary. An ITC study guide is available for each course, describing course content, objectives, procedures and regulations. A weekly schedule of classes and practicals is issued to you separately. If you have any questions, please contact your course director and/or course secretary (coursesecretariat@itc.nl). Research at ITC Research leading to the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is pursued through registration in the ITC Graduate Programme. The research topic of each PhD student constitutes a project in one of the 15 research themes of the ITC Research Programme. In this way the PhD student benefits from membership of a research team, as well as from receiving expert supervision and attending researchsupporting advanced courses. Duration of the courses • Master of Science(MSc) degree: 18 months • Master degree: 12 months • Postgraduate diploma(PGD): 9 months • Undergraduate diploma: 9 months • Certificate: 1 week to 3 months. All courses are taught in English, and the diplomas received are at least comparable to the diplomas and courses with which students are familiar in their home countries. ITC’s degree programmes are legally recognised in the Netherlands and are accredited by the Netherlands Flemish Course AES GEM GFM Course Director Drs. Tom Loran Andre Kooiman Gerrit Huurneman, MSc GSIM LA NRM UPM WREM Ir. Kees Bronsveld Ir. Kees Bronsveld Dr. Michael Weir Monika Kuffer, MSc Ir. Arno van Lieshout Research leading to a PhD thesis at ITC normally takes about 3½ years. The doctoral degree is granted by the University of Twente, or by one of the other affiliated Dutch Universities (Utrecht, Wageningen or Delft). The ITC Graduate Programme also offers a limited possibility of internships for PhD students registered and graduating in an overseas university. Secretary Graduate Programme: Ms. Loes Colenbrander. Course Secretary Ms. Anneke Nikijuluw Ms. Monique Romarck Ms. Donny Scholtenor for the Master degree Ms. Laura Windig Ms. Laura Windig Ms. Jacqueline Mol Ms. Ceciel Wolters Ms. Laura Windig Ms. Ceciel Wolters 2 ITC BUILDING ITC Building Opening hours The building is open: Monday to Thursday : 7.30 - 22.30 hrs Friday : 7.30 - 21.00 hrs Saturday : 9.00 - 17.00 hrs Important dates / public holidays You can find the exact dates on the intranet pages; use the link 'Course calendar'. 1st January (building closed) - New Year (Nieuwjaar) - Good Friday and Easter Monday (Goede Vrijdag en 2de Paasdag) March/April (building closed) - Queen's Birthday (Koninginnedag) 30th April (building closed) - Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) 5th May (building closed) - Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag) April/May (building closed) - Friday after Ascension Day April/May (building closed) - Whit Monday (2de Pinksterdag) May/June (building closed) - St. Nicholas party (Sinterklaasfeest) 5th December - ITC Dies 17th December (not a public holiday but the birthday of Prof. Dr. Ir. Willem Schermerhorn, founder of ITC) 25th and 26th December (building closed) - Christmas Day and Boxing Day (1ste Kerstdag en 2de Kerstdag) How to find your way around the building The lecture rooms, practical rooms, and offices have an 'address' composed of floor number and room number. For example, room 1-126 is on the first floor and room 4-104 is on the fourth floor. Use the Who is Who on the Internet for email addresses and room numbers of ITC staff: www.itc.nl/about_itc/whoiswho/default.asp Student support services Student registration officers 1-126, 1-128, 1-129 Student Affairs officers 1-120, 1-122, 1-124 Student financial administration officers 1-130 Educational support services (Technical) 4-126 Course secretariat UPM, LA, GSIM, GFM 2-105 3 ITC BUILDING Course secretariat NRM, WREM, AES 4-105 Bookshop and Facility Management service desk 0-006 Information Technology Department (IT) helpdesk 1-004 Library 3-038 Other facilities Restaurant and annex ground floor Meeting rooms 0-142, 0-146 Photocopy machines ground floor and 3rd floor Coffee and tea dispensers ground floor, 2nd floor and 4th floor Soft drinks and candy vending machines ground floor and 3rd floor Smoking room ground floor In the case of fire, you should act as follows: • smash the window of the fire alarm • call the alarm number (ext. 260) • use one of the emergency exits to move to safety, helping the people nearby to do the same. Car park and bicycle shed Location: behind the ITC building. Please note that bicycles should be left in the shed. Access to the car park and the bicycle shed is via your smart card. Emergencies In some emergencies, it is necessary to evacuate the whole or part of the building. After the evacuation alarm goes off, the Evacuation Service (identifiable by the yellow jackets) gives instructions, which everyone must follow in order to guarantee a safe evacuation. In the event of evacuation, do not use the elevator under any circumstances! In the case of emergency (e.g. leakage, fire, accident, disturbance of the peace, suspicious circumstances inside or around the building), please dial the internal alarm number (ext. 260) immediately. The central reporting station will react to your call and summon internal and/or external assistance. © 4 STUDENT REGISTRATION Student Registration Registration of newly arrived students will take place in the auditorium on the official registration mornings in the opening week of the Academic Year. international sponsor organisation, or when the course fees have been fully paid in advance by the candidate or his/her employer. When authorised by the Visa Department in the Netherlands, the Dutch embassy concerned will be instructed to issue the MVV sticker for the passport. Please note that a multiple-entry Schengen visa is preferred, and you may have to remind the issuing embassy officer of this requirement. The Dutch embassy will instruct you to report within eight days of arrival in the Netherlands to the GBA at the City Office in Enschede. This will be arranged by ITC Student Affairs. GBA stands for the Gemeentelijke Basisadministratie persoonsgegevens (GBA), or the Personal Records Database of the municipality. The GBA is a Dutch government administration office in every city in the Netherlands where all inhabitants of that city must be registered. All students who are staying at ITC for longer than three months must register at GBA. © Students arriving after the official registration mornings are requested to apply to one of the student registration officers on the first floor for assistance: • Ms. Adrie Scheggetman, room 1-129 • Mr. André Klijnstra, room 1-128 • Ms. Tina Tian (for short courses), room 1-126. There are no registration dates for graduate students; on arrival graduate students should report to Ms. Loes Colenbrander, room 1-106. Studying longer than three months in the Netherlands (MVV visa) Students studying for longer than three months must have on arrival an MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf), which is a temporary authorisation to stay in the Netherlands and the document necessary to apply for a residence permit. The student registration officers apply for the MVV at the Visa Department of the Ministry of Justice in the Netherlands as soon as the candidate has been awarded a fellowship from the Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP) or from any other © 5 STUDENT REGISTRATION Studying less than three months in the Netherlands (short stay visa) The Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. For those students studying less than three months in the Netherlands, the registration officer will apply for a multiple-entry Schengen short stay visa via the Ministry of Justice in the Netherlands. Students or family members arriving in the Netherlands with a short stay visa must leave the Netherlands within the period of 90 days from the day of arrival for which the visa is valid. It is impossible to extend the validation period of a short stay visa, and the Dutch government makes no exceptions to this rule. On receiving an ITC letter of admission, the student will be instructed to go to the Dutch embassy concerned to collect the visa, as the application procedure will have been set in motion by ITC. Please note that a multiple-entry Schengen visa is preferred, and you may have to remind the issuing embassy officer of this requirement. This type of visa is preferred because it allows students to participate in possible study excursions and personal travel inside and outside the Schengen territory. © 6 STUDENT AFFAIRS Student Affairs Immigration and Naturalisation Department (IND). This code of conduct gives ITC a ‘short track’ in the visa procedures to get her international students to Enschede and provide them with a Residence Permit for the Netherlands within 3 months of arrival. Student Affairs are the link between the student/graduate and IND monitoring procedures. Student Affairs officers Student Affairs provides ITC students with information and advice on f.e.: • • • • • • • settling in and studying at ITC and living in Enschede and in the Netherlands general student administration, including social and cultural issues, consular affairs and emergencies at home residence procedures & issues visa applications for fieldwork/or study excursions, including emergency info Dutch health care & specifically healthcare information for ITC students in Enschede insurance policies and claim procedures out-of-office-hours emergency/calamity service. Occasionally, a student may have a particularly serious problem. Student Affairs officers can help by listening and advice you on where best to seek assistance. Anything you tell them is treated in the strictest confidence. © Students arriving with an MVV visa will need to apply for a residence permit. During the registration session, Student Affairs officers will help students to complete their application for their residence permit. Passports will be collected for registration purposes and will be returned within a week. Student Affairs monitor the further processing of their application with IND. This residence permit is valid for one year only and for all Schengen countries (see p. 6). The Student Affairs officers are: • Ms. Theresa van den Boogaard, room 1-122 (tboogaard@itc.nl) • Ms. Bettine Geerdink, room 1-124 (bgeerdink@itc.nl) • Ms. Marie-Chantal Metz, room 1-120 (metz@itc.nl) Students are welcome to visit their offices between 10.00 and 13.00 hrs Monday to Friday. A general email address to contact: studentaffairs@itc.nl. Students can always make an appointment with the officers when opening-hours conflict with their class schedule. Extension of a residence permit is necessary for students studying at ITC longer than one year (e.g. 18-month MSc courses). The extension of residence permits will be handled and monitored again by Student Affairs. Graduate students are usually granted a residence permit for the full duration of their studies. Residence permits ITC has signed an agreement/code of conduct with the Ministry of Justice, 7 STUDENT AFFAIRS Insurances Do not travel without your passport and residence permit. As a resident of the Netherlands, you are obliged to carry a form of identification at all times; your passport or residence permit is sufficient for this purpose. Insurance while studying All residents of the Netherlands, so this includes ITC students, are obliged by Dutch law to have a health insurance. An Insurance to cover the costs of repatriation and personal liability is strongly recommended. For students receiving a fellowship from the Netherlands Government (NFP), the ITC fellowship programme or international organisations (except the European Union), a full comprehensive insurance (ICS) is arranged. This insurance includes in general costs of health, personal liability, luggage, household contents, emergency assistance, accidental death and dismemberment. The Insurance Certificate will be sent to you by one of the Registration Officers through email whilst still in your home country, because you need proof of insurance in the process of getting a visa or MVV. ITC uses the services of the insurance company AON. For more information please see: www.aonstudentinsurance.com. When direct contact is necessary you can send an email to students@aon.nl. The insurance package is effective from the day of departure until the day of arrival in your home country. Therefore ITC Registration Officers need to know your exact travel dates. The endorsement fee for the residence permit (€ 188) will be charged to the student via the Student Finance Administration officers. Likewise, if an extension is applicable, the fee for extending the residence permit (€ 52) will be charged to the student. Please note that all correspondence with the GBA and IND is via the Student Affairs officers. You will be informed when and where you can collect your passport and residence permit. Citizen Service Number (BSN) Students with sponsors like the EU, Alban etc. have their own insurance organised by their sponsor. Student Affairs would appreciate a copy of the insurance policy to be able to help students when necessary. As part of your registration process within 6 weeks of arriving in the Netherlands Student Affairs will arrange an appointment at the City Office in Enschede (Gemeente Enschede) to register you as a citizen of Enschede. Once registered, you will receive a citizen service number (BSN), a unique personal ID number. Your BSN is required if you wish to open a bank account and will often be requested at the hospital, schools etc. It is important to make a note of your BSN as it will only be issued once. All other financed course participants are strongly recommended to use the insurance of AON Consulting: ICS Complete. Course participants from one of the countries of the European Union should be aware of the limitations of their own insurance in combination with the 8 STUDENT AFFAIRS European Health Card. They are strongly recommended to use the insurance for personal liability, luggage, household contents, emergency assistance, accidental death and dismemberment, which can be arranged by ITC Student Affairs, and when indicated, in combination with the health insurance. For more information: original papers like bills and medical certificates, need to be send to the insurance company. At www.myaon.nl/students/en/html/3027aa.pdf you can find the AON declaration form, alternatively check the ITC intranet student pages. Always make copies for your own administration. www.ec.europa.eu/social Some organisations like health centres, the pharmacy 'Centrum Apotheek' and the hospital 'Medisch Spectrum Twente', have made arrangements with the insurance company AON and will send the bill directly to AON Consulting, but only when you inform these organisations about your insurance policy. You will need to pay the pharmacist in cash for non-reimbursable (over-the-counter) medicine. Other organisations like the Travel Health Clinic, will send the bill to ITC, in case you consult them as part of your educational programme (fieldwork etc.). For those ITC students staying longer than three years in the Netherlands (PhD or unpaid international researcher): please check with Student Affairs or the NUFFIC site www.nuffic.nl to be sure your current insurance is still the right one. Relatives and guests of course participants are also obliged to have a health insurance during their stay in the Netherlands. Extra insurances are strongly recommended, especially the personal liability and the emergency assistance insurance (flight to home-country in case of a life threatening situation or death of a family member). A deposit should be paid in advance, based on the duration the family/guest plans to stay. Check with ITC Student Affairs to arrange this insurance for your guests. For questions concerning insurance policies, declarations, completing of claim forms, Student Affairs can be contacted. Please note that ITC is not responsible for any costs that fall outside your insurance policy. What exactly is covered? Most insurance companies have their own conditions and limitations. Please, check the eligibility requirements, terms and conditions carefully. The insurance companies are very strict in the implementation of their policy. Be aware: the regulations of the Insurance companies are strict, see, for example, the AON policy, chapter 4 'Extra cost insurance' –always inform the insurance company in case of admittance to a hospital. In case of an emergency, and if informing in advance is not possible, inform the insurance company as soon as possible. © International Student Identity Card The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is an international accepted prove of the status of being a student. It can give you all kinds of discounts (restaurants, accommodation, museums, transport, Claims A fully completed claim form, together with 9 STUDENT AFFAIRS IND (one week before your departure date) and to hand in your residence permit. international telephone-calls) in 106 countries, all over the world. For more information: www.isic.org It may be a requirement of your country to have your ITC diploma or degree officially legalised. Student Affairs can inform you of the correct procedure via the Dutch Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs and your embassy. Confidential advisor ITC is a unique community with people from all over the world: many different nationalities, many cultural backgrounds and many traditions. At ITC we hope and expect all members of this community to respect each other individually and respect the generally accepted code of conduct in the Netherlands, particularly regarding male-female relations. A confidential advisor can assist students who have experienced undesirable behaviour (sexual harassment, aggression, violence and discrimination) and nonacademic conflicts. The confidential advisor is indepentent and will only act with the student's permission. There is the possibility ‒ only with the student’s full agreement ‒ to lodge a complaint about undesirable behaviour with the ITC commission that deals with such matters. © You may require an official letter of 'good conduct' (verklaring omtrent goed gedrag) before leaving the Netherlands. Again, Student Affairs can inform you of the procedure to obtain 'A Certificate of Good Conduct' via the City Office or Ministry of Justice. For more information: Students can contact: Mr. Rens Brinkman, room 1-139, brinkman@itc.nl or Ms. Marion van Rinsum, room: 2-114, rinsum@itc.nl. http://english.justitie.nl Leaving ITC and the Netherlands Approximately six weeks before your anticipated departure date, you will receive information from Student Affairs regarding: • • • where and when you can make a reservation for your return flight forwarding your excess luggage and personal belongings via Worldwide Baggage Services (WBS) a clearance form that includes alumni registration, and notification of departure at the City Office and the 10 STUDENT FACILITIES Student Facilities will be given a private mailbox located on the ground floor. Your mailbox number should be added to any mail addressed to you. ITC smart card On arrival you will receive an ITC smart card. The initial 'upgrading' is € 25. The card can be used in the ITC building for the following: • • • • • Photocopy machines and public telephones entrance to the parking area and bicycle shed payment for copies on the photocopy machines registration in the library and the bookshop payment at the cash desk of the restaurant the coffee dispensers in the restaurant and on the second and fourth floors, and the candy and soft drinks vending machines in the restaurant and on the third floor. Photocopy machines for student use are located on the ground floor and on the third floor. The smart card can be used to make photocopies. For special printing requirements, please contact the service desk. The building has one public telephone for students and employees. You can pay with a prepaid phone card (sold at the reception). Bear in mind that the rates charged for external phone calls made from rooms at the ITC International Hotel are higher than those charged at phone booths. It is cheaper to use a telephone card to call from a green KPN Telecom phone booth or from the reception hall at ITC (ground floor). Revaluation of the card Revaluation of the card can be done in the so-called revaluation machine. This machine, located near the restaurant, allows you to credit the smart card with a minimum amount of € 1. You can also use your bank card to load your smart card. Access codes • Loss or theft • Please note: If you lose your card, you lose your money! On payment of € 10, you can order a new card at the service desk in the bookshop on the ground floor. We advise you not to credit the card with more money than you need for a few days in case you lose it. • Locker and mailbox The international access code in the Netherlands is 00. To call a country outside the Netherlands, dial the access code 00, then the country code, and then the rest of the number, perhaps omitting the first digit of the area code. The country code for the Netherlands is 31, and the local code for Enschede is 053 (omit the 0 and dial 31 53, when calling from a foreign country). Telephone inquiries A locker for the storage of personal items during breaks, etc., is made available to all students who do not have their own office space. The lockers are located on the various floors. Keys will be handed out at the reception at the start of the course. Students staying longer than one month • • 11 For telephone inquiries dial 1888 or 1850 (national); dial 09 00 8418 (international). Internet address: www.detelefoongids.nl (choose Internationaal to find country codes). STUDENT FACILITIES Restaurant bibliographical data on books, periodicals, congress proceedings, reports, reference books, theses, maps and audiovisual materials (AVM), as well as full text sources. The catalogue is accessible via Internet: www.itc.nl/library. On the ground floor at ITC, there is a central restaurant where coffee, tea, milk products, soft drinks, bread and fillings, snacks, fruit, cakes and sweets, hot meals and suchlike can be obtained. These meals are to be consumed in the restaurant and may not be taken to your own room. The ITC library collects the complete scientific output of the Institute and makes this visible to the outside world. The library also provides full access to many other specialised data sources. All ITC students are given a training on information skills, while a training on research skills is offered to MSc students. Staff and students are supported in their personal information management by the software EndNote. The web page 'Services to Alumni' gives an overview of the possibilities for ITC alumni. Distant students also receive support from the library. © Monday to Friday: 10.15 - 10.45 coffee/tea break* 12.15 - 13.30 lunchtime: self-service counter in the restaurant is open 15.15 - 15.45 coffee/tea break.* *Free coffee and tea in the restaurant and on The ITC smart card is needed for registering as a library user, as well as for borrowing books and extending loan periods. the 2nd and 4th floors. Library The ITC library is a scientific library specialising in remote sensing and GIS (geographical information sciences). The library is open to all students and staff and supports the education and research at ITC. Location: third floor, room 3-038 Opening hours: Monday Tuesday Wednesday 8.30 - 17.00 hrs 8.30 - 21.00 hrs 8.30 - 21.00 hrs Thursday Friday 8.30 - 17.00 hrs 8.30 - 17.00 hrs. Information about the collection can be found in the ITC Library Catalogue: Adlib. This automated catalogue contains © 12 STUDENT FACILITIES For information and help on using the different information sources and taking advantage of their possibilities, please contact the library staff members at the library information desk. site is open to various institutional, departmental, educational and student information. ITC Network Regardless of where you are at ITC you will have access to the Internet, data and applications on the ITC computer servers. The whole ITC building is equipped with a wireless network. University of Twente library ITC students are welcome to use the University of Twente library free of charge. A free library card will be issued by the University’s central library on presentation of your ITC smart card. When registering, you will receive a copy of the rules and regulations with which you must comply. ITC notebook programme ITC course participants have the opportunity to buy a state-of-the-art notebook computer at a very competitive price. The notebook comes with a threeyear international warranty plus accidental damage insurance. If any software or hardware problems are experienced during the stay at ITC Enschede, the ITC Notebook Service Centre will provide assistance. More information about the notebook programme is available on Technical Support Services Technical Support Services, staffed by the technical assistants, Mr. Job Duim and Mr. Benno Masselink, can be found in room 4-126. They offer technical services to staff and students, for example: • • • • providing fieldwork equipment assistance with scanning designing and producing posters archives of aerial photographs and maps. http://intranet.itc.nl/support/it/nsc/default.aspx Alumni Over the course of time, ITC has built up an extensive network of international contacts, in which former students take a prominent position. ITC assigns great importance to updating the knowledge and skills of its alumni and therefore regularly organises refresher courses and special short training programmes both in the Netherlands and abroad. ITC also supports its former students by providing access to library services, the ITC newsletter, an email address an ITC alumni LinkedIn community and a range of other facilities. © Computer facilities To stimulate and maintain contacts between alumni, ITC assists in establishing ITC alumni associations and organises alumni gatherings in the various regions. If you want to know more about the ITC alumni associations, please contact the ITC Alumni Office (alumni@itc.nl) or have a look at the alumni website www.itc.nl/alumni. All students have full access to Internet, including a personal lifelong email account. Computers play an essential role in all ITC education and research, and basic modules are offered on computer skills. Computer rooms are open to students during the regular ITC opening times. ITC offers you an intranet site on http://intranet.itc.nl; this 13 ITC INTERNATIONAL HOTEL (IIH) ITC International Hotel (IIH) The ITC International Hotel provides accommodation facilities to ITC students. It is located at Boulevard 1945-4, a distance of 1 km from ITC. 113 single apartment units and is located close to ITC. During your period of study, you are obliged to stay at the ITC International Hotel. Postal address: ITC International Hotel Boulevard 1945-4 On checking in at the ITC International Hotel, you will receive a card that opens the entrance door to the building, the door to your corridor, and the door to your own room. 7511 AE Enschede The Netherlands Phone: 31 53 4803999 Fax: 31 53 4803997 Email address: hotel@itc.nl Rent The actual rent for a single room in the ITC International Hotel for ITC students is € 13.25 a night. The rent has to be paid one month in advance, with the first payment being made on arrival. For graduate students, co-funded by the ITC Research Fund, this rent is paid direct to IIH. Any other costs, such as telephone charges and laundry expenses, are extra costs to be settled directly at the hotel reception. Services and facilities © The 'ITC International Hotel ABC Guide' familiarises you with the house rules, services, facilities and safety instructions. If this guide is not in your room or apartment on arrival, you can get a copy at the reception or you can check the intranet pages of the Hotel were you can find the latest version of the guide. Cleaning services All rooms and apartments are cleaned once a week by the housekeeping staff. All common kitchens are cleaned daily. © The ITC International Hotel has 302 single rooms and 13 apartments. There are 22 communal kitchens (two on each floor) that can be used by all residents. Another 55 two-room and three-room apartments are available in the 'Stadsweide' apartment building, but at times there is a waiting list for these apartments. The apartment building 'Plein van Arke' provides another Linen services Linen and towels are supplied to every occupant once a week. Reception The reception is the central point of contact between the student occupant and 14 ITC INTERNATIONAL HOTEL (IIH) the hotel organisation. It operates like a hotel reception desk and can be contacted 24 hours a day. They take care of such things as: • • • • • • • • reservations and room changes maintenance reports complaints and requests billing and collecting accommodation invoices connecting outside telephone calls messages and information sale of coins for operating the washing and drying machines sale of postage stamps and telephone cards. Launderette You can use the laundry facilities on the ground floor. At the reception you can buy coins for the washing and drying machines; detergent is included. Telephones, fax and internet The telephone in your room can be used for internal calls. For local and international calls a line can be opened after paying a deposit. Fax facilities are available via the hotel reception. Internet connection is available in each room. Guests All guests and visitors of residents should report to, or be announced at, the reception on arrival. In accordance with police instructions, guests and visitors staying in the residential areas from 22.00 to 08.00 hrs must complete a registration form at the reception. Kitchens There are two communal kitchens on each floor (one in each wing). These kitchens offer freezer facilities (one compartment per room) and induction-cooking equipment. Cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils are not provided. Each room is equipped with its own refrigerator. Central alarm and fire safety In Europe, in the case of emergency, dial the central alarm number 112 to call for first aid, the ambulance, the fire brigade or the police. Lives can be saved! Please read the safety leaflet in your room and the information in the 'ABC Guide' to familiarise yourself with the hotel fire regulations. 15 FINANCIAL MATTERS Financial Matters € 310. This amount will be deducted for the obligatory lecture notes, handouts, etc. that are to be obtained from the bookshop (room 0-006). Student Finance Administration The desk (room 1-130) is open daily from 10.30 to 13.30 hrs. Periodical allowances Students in education programmes • Students sponsored by the Netherlands Fellowship Programmes The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs awards a number of fellowships annually under the Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (NFP), with the specific intention of assisting students from developing countries. You can find detailed information on NFP fellowships at www.nuffic.nl/nfp. • Students sponsored by NFP should refer to the rules and regulations governing fellowships in the Netherlands Fellowship Programmes (edition September 2008). Payment of lump sum allowances* • • • A personal allowance of € 275 is to cover unexpected expenses on arriving in the Netherlands: € 170 is paid together with the first monthly subsistence allowance, and € 105 with the last subsistence allowance. A travel allowance of € 68 is paid as a lump sum together with the first monthly subsistence allowance. The travel allowance is based on the cost of train travel (2nd class) from the NS (Dutch Railways) railway station at Amsterdam airport to the NS railway station at Enschede, and the cost of a train-taxi from Enschede station to the ITC International Hotel, as well as the return trip to the airport at the end of the course. The travel allowance is a contribution towards the costs involved; it does not cover the costs in full. For degree course participants (12 and 18 months) the book allowance is The monthly subsistence allowance is € 970 per full month and will be paid to the student concerned in advance. The monthly subsistence allowance is a contribution towards the cost of living, including accommodation. Costs that are automatically deducted from the monthly subsistence allowance, or are invoiced, cover lodging expenses, service expenses and private expenses. For short course participants (up to 9 months), the personal allowance is € 17 a month, paid as a lump sum together with the first subsistence allowance. The book allowance is also € 17 a month. This amount will be charged for handouts and books, as well as € 34 for service expenses. A travel allowance of the real expenses will be paid upon receipt. The monthly subsistence allowance is based on the real number of days the course is lasting, including 3 days before arrival and departure. Students sponsored by organisations other than the Netherlands Fellowship Programmes Students sponsored by other organisations may receive their monthly allowances directly, or through ITC if the sponsor has made the transfer to ITC. If the sum has been transferred to ITC, the initial deductions applicable to NFP students likewise apply and are automatically deducted from the first payment. If extra allowances (e.g. for fieldwork or study excursions) are paid to ITC, Student Finance Administration officers will ensure that these amounts are credited 16 FINANCIAL MATTERS accordingly. If you receive monthly allowances directly from the sponsor, you will be invoiced for costs covering the service expenses, fee for residence permit, travel insurance certificate, fieldwork excursions. • • • Graduate students Graduate students (excluding Aio's, who have an employment contract, and coregistered PhD students based at a Netherlands university) receive a minimum monthly allowance whilst based in Enschede of € 1,190 per month made up as follows: • cash allowance € 790 per month, paid in advance • rent allowance € 400 per month. If the fellowship provider of the graduate student award less than this minimum, the graduate student (as part of the condition of admission) will have been awarded cofunding by the ITC Research Fund, which is applied first as rent allowance (part direct to IIH, not transferable) then as health insurance premium and finally as partial) cash allowance. Student Assistance Fund It may happen that ITC course participants run into financial problems for reasons beyond their control (think of serious illnesses, deaths or thefts). In case insurances or the student’s employer do not cover the costs of the claim(s), course participants with serious financial problems may apply for a financial contribution from the ITC Student Assistance Fund. This Fund operates completely independent of ITC and financial problems should first be discussed with an ITC Student Affairs and Support officer. The board of the Fund decides whether financial assistance will be provided or not and, if so, in what way. The decision will be based on the regulations and statutes of the Fund. Bank statements The details of your debit/credit transfers, as well as other transactions, are listed on a bank statement, which is sent to you by mail. Save the bank statements in a portfolio so that you can use them as proof of payment in the case of any argument. For any questions about your bank account and/or finances, please contact Student Finance Administration (room 1-130; by email: pierik@itc.nl or spaan@itc.nl or sherpa@itc.nl). Please note that the financial resources of the Fund are rather limited. Usually, when it has been decided to provide financial assistance, it can only be to cover part of the costs. Written applications for financial support (with motivation and cost specification) should be submitted to the secretary of the Student Assistance Fund (Corné van Elzakker, email: elzakker@itc.nl). For more information: Mastering euros • Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain). One Euro is made up of 100 cents (sometimes referred to as eurocents). The most common paper bank notes are €50, €20, €10 and €5. The Euro coins are €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c. The Euro (currency sign: €; banking code: EUR) is the official currency of the Netherlands together with other European Union member states (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, http://intranet.itc.nl/education/student%20infor mation/StudentAssistanceFund.aspx 17 SETTLING IN AND SOCIALISING Settling in and Socialising Dutch appear cold, distant, punctual and always in a hurry. And the relationships between men and women may be more ‒ or less ‒ formal than you are used to. New environment Leaving home and travelling to live and study in a new country is a challenging experience that, although very exciting, is not without stressful elements. Even though it may be something you have planned and prepared for, the extent of the change and the effect it has on you may take you by surprise. If so, it may be helpful to know that your experience is quite normal. Most students who travel abroad have a good time. They all make mistakes, see the consequences, and learn the lessons that come with such an experience. © What can you do yourself to keep feeling OK? • 'Culture shock' is the term that describes the impact of moving from one culture to another: dealing with a new environment, meeting many new people from all over the world, learning the ways of different countries, being separated from family, friends, and colleagues. • • • • • • • • © Rules of behaviour Every culture has unspoken rules on how to behave and treat others. A multicultural environment as found at ITC is unique and hardly found anywhere else in the world, but can be therefore also very complex. Subtle differences may be difficult to grasp and can contribute to that culture shock. Social behaviour may confuse, surprise or even offend you. You may find that the • • • 18 Realise that having difficulty in coping with this new situation is a normal experience. Keep in touch with home. Wear clothes suitable for the weather; buy an umbrella; do not wear coats indoors. Find a supplier of familiar food. Eat a healthy balanced diet. Share meals with others and take turns in preparing the meals. Use ITC’s restaurant. Don't hesitate to ask people to explain what they mean, or to repeat the sentence slowly if you don’t understand. Make friends with fellow students: they will understand what you are going through (even if not from the same culture, they will be having the same experience). Make friends with Dutch people: they can tell you about the Dutch culture. Join in sports activities: a good opportunity to meet other people and excellent for your physical and mental health. Join in cultural classes and activities (e.g. the International Evening and the SETTLING IN AND SOCIALISING • • • Graduate students have a separate Graduate Association, which represents their interests in the management of research and organises social events for graduate students. To contact SAB: sab@itc.nl. SAB excursions). If you wish to join a religious society, contact Student Affairs. Take frequent short breaks to relax. Above all, don’t isolate yourself but find someone to talk to who will listen uncritically and sympathetically. It is important to stress that experiencing culture shock is entirely normal, usually unavoidable, and certainly not a sign you have made a mistake or you won't be able to manage. The experience can be a significant learning curve, making you more aware of your own personality and your own culture, as well as aware of the cultures you encounter. It will give you valuable skills for your academic and personal life. Please, if you run into any problems you cannot handle or do not understand, don’t hesitate to contact ITC Student Affairs. Schermerhorn Lounge The Schermerhorn Lounge is located on the first floor of the ITC International Hotel and is managed by the SAB. In the lounge you will find two pool/billiard tables, a dartboard, mini soccer, and an audio set and beamer/video facilities. Gatherings, end-of-module parties and happy hours at the bar are held here. Association of ITC Students (SAB) All ITC students are automatically members of the Association of ITC Students, which is represented by the Student Association Board (SAB). Students are invited to support the activities of this voluntary body, which is set up to look after their interests. The Board consists of: • President • Secretary • Assistant Secretary (Communication Commissioner) • Academic Commissioner • Finance Commissioner • Gender Commissioner • Residence Commissioner • Social Commissioner • Sports Commissioner. The Board acts as an intermediary body between the students and the management. It organises many social activities, discusses residence and financial matters, etc. You can find the SAB constitution on the ITC intranet pages. Social activities for female students and female partners are organised by the International Neighbour Group (ING), a group of Dutch volunteers. Social and sports activities In cooperation with ITC Student Affairs, the Student Association Board (SAB) organises social and sports activities for students, such as: • day trips, for example, to Amsterdam or once a year in Spring to the famous Keukenhof Flower and Bulb Exposition • the annual ITC International Social Evening (in November), with students from each country per-forming dance and musical routines • ITC participation in the Inter-national Students Sports Day (in March), when 19 SETTLING IN AND SOCIALISING • • • • Basketball, volleyball, badminton students from the international education institutes and universities in the Netherlands compete against one another the annual ITC Spring Party in April when we celebrate the New Season and say goodbye to the Master of Science Graduates the annual ITC International Food Festival in May when students from each country present their culinary culture annually organised trips during long weekends, abroad to the capitals of Europe like Paris (December) & London (Spring); end-of-module parties. For ITC students only: Gym at Roessingh Medical Centre, 33 Roessinghsbleekweg Sunday, 12.00 - 18.00 hrs 12.00 - 14.00 hrs Volleyball 14.00 - 16.00 hrs Basketball 16.00 - 18.00 hrs Badminton (key to collect at reception desk at the main entrance of Roessingh Medical Centre) Fitness ITC fitness-room (0-166) http://intranet.itc.nl/recreation/fitness/ Monday: 12.30 - 13.30 hrs (Body Pump) 17.30 - 18.30 hrs (Fitness) Tuesday: 12.30 - 13.30 hrs (Club Yoga) 17.00 - 18.00 hrs (Fitness) Wednesday: 12.30 - 13.30 hrs (Fitness) 16.30 – 17.45 hrs (Run4Fun) Thursday: 12.30 - 13.30 hrs (Club Power) 17.30 - 18.30 hrs (Fitness) Friday: 12.30 - 13.30 hrs (Fitness) Sports facilities and timetables Run4Fun The initiative to set up a running group at ITC was taken in the early 1980s. By then ITC had already participated several times in the world-famous Batavierenrace. After a short break in the ‘90s, the initiative was revived and extended, and since 1998 ITC's Run4Fun group has successfully participated in several recreational and competitive running events. Many students and staff share warm memories of these events. The weekly training sessions are the basis of this success. For information about Run4Fun activities and the training schedule, please visit: Indoor soccer Gym at Roessingh Medical Centre, 33 Roessinghsbleekweg Soccer training for ITC students only: Wednesday, 17.30 - 19.00 hrs (coach & contact Javier Morales (jmorales@itc.nl) Squash Until 01-01-2010 ITC has rented a Squash Track for ITC students only: Squash Citadel, 75 Olympialaan Tuesday, 19.00 - 20.00 hrs Sunday, 15.00 - 16.00 hrs (rackets and balls available) http://intranet.itc.nl/recreation/run4fun 20 SETTLING IN AND SOCIALISING From the 1st of January 2010 the Xtra-card policy might change and by then you might be offered an Xtra-card to use both sports facilities (UT/Saxion) because by then ITC will be a faculty of the UT. The group’s objectives are: • Guess what? To Run4Fun! • To gather students and staff together in a social setting outside the classroom • To improve physical and mental stamina • To participate in the annual Batavierenrace, International Students Sports Day and ITC's own Sports Day. For more information you can contact: Wan Bakx (room 2-003). Cultural courses, seminars and workshops Vrijhof Cultural Centre of the University of Twente, Saxion offers a number of cultural courses, seminars and workshops in visual arts, photography, ICT and audiovisualrelated subjects, performing arts, languages and communication. These are organised by professional agencies. Xtra-card-holders who like to join one of the courses, please contact the Vrijhof Cultuurcentrum. With an Xtra-card the price is €40 for a course. Without an Xtra-card the price is €60. For more information, please check the autumn and spring course brochures or see www.studentunion.utwente.nl/culture For information about the Xtra-card and the cultural courses, you can contact Student Affairs. Xtra-card Until 1st of January 2010: You can make use of the sport facilities of the University Twente and the Saxion Hogeschool. You need to buy an 'Xtra-card'. For €60 it is possible to buy either an Xtra-card at the office of 'Sport & Cultuur' in the main hall of the Saxion Hogeschool and use the sport-facilities at Saxion only or buy an Xtra-card at the University Twente in the office of the Student Union, Bastille, room 332; Drienerlolaan 5 and use facilities at the UT campus only. ESN Students of ITC can join some of the activities of the Erasmus Students Network Twente (ESN/UT). For more information see www.esntwente.nl Please note: ITC students with an Xtra-card can only make use of the facilities of one of the institutes. In case you want to make use of the facilities of both institutes you need to buy both Xtra-cards. For more information: www.studentunion.utwente.nl/sports 21 HEALTH CARE Health Care and the address of the Medical Centre Veldpoort. Whenever you need medical support, take along this info-card together with your insurance policy certificate. Health care in the Netherlands In general the Dutch premise is that they are personally responsible for their own health and for their own well-being. They think people need to take their own responsibility to prevent illness, of course within the boundary of what National Healthcare offers and indicates. Appointing a GP for the duration of your study will allow your GP to gain a good impression of your complaints or calls for help, and develop a confidential relationship. To consult your GP is by appointment only. Healthcare is very culturally bound. Within the Dutch system you may face situations completely different from that which you are used to in your own country. Especially when feeling unwell and ill, these cultural differences might take you by surprise. But do not worry, you will always find and get the health care you need. It is only organised differently to how you might be used to. Making your first appointment to see a GP • • The Dutch health system is organised around the general practitioner (GP) in dutch : huisarts=homedoctor. Everyone is registered with his/her own huisarts and he/she is the first person you should go to when you have a medical problem. ITC has made special arrangements for her international students with the Medical Centre Veldpoort. The Medical Centre Veldpoort is ideally located: very close to the ITC hotel and the MST hospital. A number of GPs are working in this 'up to date' Medical Centre and are experienced with international students. You need to send an email to: itcstudents@gcveldpoort.nl. In this email you need to quote your full name, nationality, gender, your ITC Student ID and your insurance policy number. You will then receive an appointment through email and the name of your GP. You’ll be asked to be 10 minutes in advance of your appointment at the Healthcare Centre Veldpoort to exchange information with the receptionist. This kind of arrangement offers you the best possible care. Making an appointment to see your own GP Check the name of your GP on your ITC health information card to find the telephone number. • The best time to make an appointment with the GP’s of Health Centre Veldpoort is either to call between 8.00 and 10.00 hrs in the morning. The receptionist (skilled in medical issues) will ask you some questions. • In emergency cases outside opening hours of the Health Centre Veldpoort you can contact the HDTP-O Emergency post tel: 088-5551188. This service is intended only for emergency situations which cannot wait for the When you make your first appointment you will be appointed a GP within the Medical Centre Veldpoort for the duration of your study at ITC. After your first appointment you can than contact your GP directly by phone. On your first visit the name of the GP will be put by the receptionist of the Medical Centre Veldpoort on a small ITC Healthcare Information Card with the phone numbers 22 HEALTH CARE • next day with your own GP. If your GP is on holiday and postponement is not an option, you can contact the general reception of Health Care Centre Veldpoort and make an appointment with a replacement GP. prescribed medication to the insurance company. Pharmacies The pharmacy of the Veldpoort Health Centre can be used by ITC students. For more information, see www.veldpoort.nl Centrum Apotheek is open day and night. They are in fax contact with GPs and the hospital. Your GP can decide to refer you to a specialist or other health care official. For example a: • medical specialist at the hospital • physiotherapist • dietician • nurse practitioner • nurse specialist • psychologist • dentist. If you wish to have treatment, medication, etc., that does not fall within the terms of the insurance policy, you can try to make arrangements with the company concerned. ITC will not pay bills that are not covered by the insurance. Always take your ITC Healthcare Information Card and your insurance certificate when you visit your GP, a health centre or hospital. Make sure the name on the insurance paper is the same as the name in your passport. Dentist Emergency www.students- Naturally, you can go directly to the hospital First Aid Department in case of emergency. In this situation, you can also call the national alarm number 112. However, there is a penalty for improper use of this number. insurance.eu/studenten/international/home. Dental care for people over the age of 19 is covered by the insurance up to a certain amount and only in the case of an emergency. Please check the insurance policy: The following dentists regularly treat ITC students: Dr. Besseler, Dr. Boshagen, Dr. Herzig. Making an appointment • Medication • Not all examinations, treatments or medications/drugs, are covered by the insurance. For example: • medications for which a prescription is not necessary and are sold over the counter have to be paid for privately like i.e. paracetamol • most medications only obtained on prescription from your GP or specialist are covered by the insurance. For more information on insurance matters see page 8. If you take your ITC Health Information Card or insurance certificate with you, the pharmacy will forward the bill for Call between 08.00 and 12.00 hrs to make an appointment. If these dentists cannot treat you, or in the case of a dental emergency in the evening or at the weekend, you can contact the dental service in Hengelo (see address list on page 25). They can tell you which dentist in Enschede is on duty. They prefer you to pay cash. Usually the costs remain under € 75. Psychologist A psychologist at the University Twente can be consulted only on referral by your GP. 23 HEALTH CARE expense, an insect repellent, bed net and medication against diarrhoea. The THC also provides a first aid kit. If you can't attend your appointment, GP, hospital, specialist or dentist you must cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Noshow will cost you personally around € 20. Neither the insurance company nor ITC will reimburse these expenses. The THC can be reached by phone 24 hours a day and they react to emails within 24 hours. They are in contact with hospitals and medical staff abroad. The THC address and phone number will be given by Student Affairs to those whose fieldwork destination is outside Europe. X-ray for Tuberculosis check By law, some nationals from outside the Netherlands need to have a lung X-ray every six months during the first two years of their stay in the Netherlands. This examination will be carried out by the GGD (Municipal Occupational Health Centre). • The GGD will send a completed form to the IND. This procedure is part of the application for obtaining a residence permit. The form will be given to you at ITC by Student Affairs. • You will only be informed if the X-ray result is not satisfactory. The reason for these X-rays is to check for tuberculosis, a highly infectious disease that can be treated by medication. It can take some time before an infection shows up. For the check the dosage of radiation is very low and not harmful to health. For further information on travel and tropical diseases, please visit: www.who.int/ith/ Pregnancy In the case of pregnancy, please contact a midwife in or before week 10 of the pregnancy. The costs for the midwife and prenatal care will be covered by the insurance company up to the maximum amount of € 2,000 (see the insurance policy). Vaccination The Travel Health Clinic (THC) provides: • vaccinations • malaria prophylaxis • general health information. All this will take place a couple of weeks before departure for fieldwork. You will receive an invitation if your fieldwork destination is outside Europe. There is also an opportunity to buy, at your own 24 HEALTH CARE Important addresses Pharmacy National alarm number: 112 Centrum Apotheek Beltstraat 43A Phone: 053 4314664 Fax: 053 4317619 General medical service Health Centre Veldpoort Nassaustraat 20 Insurance Phone: 053 4324207 ACE European Group Limited www.veldpoort.nl Avenue des Nerviens 9-31 itcstudents@gcveldpoort.nl (email address for 1st appointment only) 1040 Bruxelles, Belgium Your General Practitioner: mundus/insurance_en.html www.ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/ Dr. Van Holten AllianzWorldwide Care Limited Phone: 053 4316565 client.services@allianzworldwidecare Dr. Van Gerwen & Dr. Bonnema www.allianzworldwidecare.com Phone: 053 4322687 Dr. Waaijer & Dr. Soeteman AON Phone: 053 4315735 P.O. Box 1005, 3000 BA Rotterdam students@aon.nl Your Physiotherapist: www.aonstudentinsurance.com Mr. Leo Visser Phone: 053 4305130 IPS P.O.Box 30706 Your Pharmacy: 2500 GS The Haque Mr. Westenberg & Mr. Kok, Pharmacists info@lippmann.nl Phone: 053 4347855 www.ace-ips-nl.com/en/inbound.asp HDT-O-Emergency Post Only during weekend, evening or night At MST Hospital, Haaksbergerstraat 55 GGD-Occupational Health Centre Phone: 088 5551188 GGD Regio Twente www.hdt-oost.nl Nijverheidstraat 30 7511 JM Enschede Phone: 053 4876888 Dental care GGD-TBC department (you are insured only in case of emergency) tbc.ggd@regiotwente.nl Dr. Besseler (Dentist) Phone: 053 4876980 Gezondheidscentrum Oosterpoort GGD-Infectieziektebestrijding (Infectious diseases) Oosterstraat 2-25, 3rd floor, Phone: 053 4323165 Phone: 053 4876868 GGD-Reizigersadvisering (Travel advice) Dr. Boshagen en Dr. Herzig (Dentists) Phone: 0900 4893893 Beltstraat 76, Phone: 053 4358478 GGD-Jeugdgezondheidszorg (Youth health) Dental emergency post Phone: 053 4876930 Only during weekend, evening or night Phone: 0900 1282632 25 HEALTH CARE Hospital Hospital Medisch SpectrumTwente Ariensplein 1 and Haaksbergerstraat 55 Phone: 053 4872000 www.mstwente.nl Mental health Psychologists, University of Twente Drienerlolaan 5 Bastille Building, Room 207 7522 NB Enschede Phone: 053 4892035 http://intoffice.utwente.nl/internationalstudents /practical_information/ Perinatal care Kraamzorg (perinatal care) Phone: 074 3677666 Fax: 074 3677617 Midwife Practice 'liberis libenter' Van Deinselaan 18 Phone: 053 4318948 Fax: 053 4367533 Under-fives Clinic Ouder- en kindzorg / Thuiszorg Boulevard 1945 no 460 admokz@teh.nl Phone: 053 4881250 Kraamzorgwinkel Enschede Haaksbergerstraat 338 75 EJ Enschede Phone: 0800 4880000 www.vvt-thuiszorg-kraamzorg.nl Travel health Travel Health Clinic Oosterstraat 2, 7514 DZ Enschede Phone: 0900 2904900 info@thci.nl www.thci.nl GGD-Reizigersadvisering (Travel advice) Phone: 0900 4893893 26 SHOPPING INFORMATION Shopping Information Opening hours Shops are open: Monday 13.00 – 18.00 hrs (supermarkets 8.00 – 20.00 hrs) Tuesday to Friday 09.00 – 18.00 hrs (supermarkets 8.00 – 20.00 hrs) Thursday 09.00 – 21.00 hrs (shops in the city centre) Saturday 09.00 – 17.00 hrs (supermarkets 8.00 – 18.00 hrs) Sunday Shops are generally closed, every 1st Sunday of the month shops are open. Supermarkets Department stores Aldi supermarket is close to the ITC International Hotel at 202 Haaksbergerstraat; Plus supermarket is in the Zuidmolen shopping centre at 94 Van Loenshof, opposite the Eden Dish Hotel; Super De Boer supermarket is at 56 Schuttersveld, not far from the ITC building. The national chains are Vroom & Dreesman, Hema and Bijenkorf. V&D has more departments and a larger selection, but is slightly more expensive than Hema. Bijenkorf has the reputation for being the most fashionable and most expensive. Specialty shops Other national chains specialise in particular sectors. Prices in chain stores tend to be lower than those of their local competitors. Market There is an open market in Enschede every Tuesday (8.00 - 17.00 hrs) and Saturday (8.00 - 17.00 hrs), in front of the Vroom & Dreesman (V&D) department store. Some things may be cheaper there, others may cost more than they would in a supermarket or department store ‒ and the quality may not be as good. Bargaining is not possible when prices are displayed. The best prices can be obtained late on Tuesday and Saturday, when traders try to sell the last of their remaining stock. Bear in mind that you can't choose the fruit or vegetables; the trader does this. You should check that the quality is acceptable before paying. The best way to find the best prices is simply to shop-around. • • Apart from the approved market area, it is not customary to sell things in the street in the Netherlands. • • 27 Household goods: Blokker, Xenos Drugstores selling cosmetics, toiletries, and health-care products: Kruidvat, Etos Electronics: Mediamarkt, BCC, It's Bicycles and repair kits: Halfords, Profile. SHOPPING INFORMATION Sales and discount form from the shop, which you should have stamped by the Dutch customs on leaving the Netherlands. If you see opheffings uitverkoop (sale) on shop fronts, and reclame (on offer) or korting (discount) in supermarkets, this means there are special offers and price reductions available on various items. If you are intending to buy certain things to take back to your own country, don’t forget to take the cost of transport into account. This could mean either postage, shipping costs, or excess weight charges at the airport. Bargaining is not customary in the Netherlands. With very few exceptions, you are expected to pay the marked price. Forwarding freight and parcels home The post office The post office (postkantoor) is at Boulevard 1945 326, near the ITC International Hotel. Here, among other things, you can obtain information on postal rates and can purchase stamps. Stamps can also be purchased at the reception desk of the ITC International Hotel. Shopping bags and trolley When shopping, remember to take a shopping bag with you. In supermarkets too, you must pack your own groceries. The supermarket provides plastic shopping bags, but they are not free. Also remember to use the shopping trolley or basket provided in the supermarket. You must pay € 0.50 deposit on the trolley, which is returned when you return the trolley. If you do not use a trolley or basket, shop assistants and cashiers are entitled to check your bag for shoplifting. You are not allowed to take a shopping trolley or basket home. Your mail ‒ priority mail too ‒ should go into the TNT orange mail collection boxes. If you plan to send a parcel, it might be wise to go to the post office first to ask about the possibilities. Forwarding private parcels and luggage If you have a lot of things to send home, you may wish an air-freight agency to collect, pack and deliver the goods. You could use the services of the Worldwide Baggage Services in Amsterdam. For more information: www.baggage.nl Tax-free Look out for the 'tax-free for tourists' logo on shop fronts. This means that if you spend more than € 150 on one bill in that shop, you are entitled to reclaim the VAT (value-addedtax; in Dutch btw) paid on that item. You must export your purchase within three month of the purchase date. You get a 28 FOOD Food costs less than eating out. Dutch convenience foods include friet or frites, also called patat frites (French fries), eaten with fried fish (fish and chips) or a meat snack called kroket. Supermarkets sell instant meals of all sorts and sizes to suit different tastes and different pockets. Dutch food for daily cooking Breakfast generally consists of tea and sliced bread, which is eaten with cheese, thinly sliced cold meat, or jam. Lunch is much the same, with the possible addition of soup, salad or fruit; and for the evening meal potatoes and other vegetables, together with meat or fish. Vegetables especially are plentiful, of high quality, and quite cheap if you buy those in season. What is not grown domestically is available through the Common Market. Tip: If you are invited for coffee at around 11 o’clock in the morning or after 8 o’clock in the evening, you will not get a meal. Likewise, an invitation to tea around 3 or 4 o’clock in the afternoon will not include dinner. Restaurants and takeaways The number and variety of restaurants and takeaways are growing all the time. In addition to the popular ChineseIndonesian, Hongkong-Chinese and Singapore-Chinese restaurants and takeaways, there are many relatively inexpensive grill-rooms, pizzerias and pizza express services, serving Italian pizza, Turkish shoarma (broodje shoarma, a Mediterranean meat sandwich) and various Greek dishes. You can pay anything from € 6 to € 10 for a meal from a takeaway/pizza express or in a restaurant/pizzeria. Dinner (main course only) in a Chinese restaurant or an Italian pizzeria, for example, will cost between € 10 and € 20, excluding drinks. A simple Dutch main dish in an 'eating pub' (eetcafé) or bistro will cost approximately € 20, excluding drinks. Chinese takeaways are less expensive. Plenty of other food is available as well. Dutch tastes are becoming increasingly international: rice and pasta dishes are now almost standard fare in most Dutch homes. You will find imported tropical food, vegetables and fruit sold in many shops, and tropical ingredients can be found at the special Indonesian grocery shop called a toko. In the larger cities, there are butchers, who work (slaughter) according to religious rituals (Islamic, Hindu and Jewish) and shops selling food products from Turkey, Morocco and Surinam. Typical Dutch dishes include Erwtensoep, the famous Dutch pea soup served in winter; Hollandse Nieuwe, fresh salted herring, eaten on the spot ‒ or at the ITC herring party in June; Stamppot, generally a steamed pot of potatoes, vegetables and meat or sausage. Convenience foods are increasingly available. Some of this can be rather unhealthy, but it does save time and it also 29 TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT Travel and Transport If you are cycling in the dark, your bicycle must have front and rear lights and a red reflector. The bicycle Cycling is the cheapest and most popular mode of transport in the Netherlands. It is especially useful for short distances and getting around the city. There are many shops in Enschede selling both new and second-hand bicycles. It is best to buy an inexpensive second-hand bicycle, as a new expensive-looking bicycle may get stolen. The Enschede railway station, like most Dutch railway stations, has bicycle parking facilities (rijwielstalling), another parking facility you can find in the centre (rijwielstalling de Graaf, Brammelerstraat) Public transport Almost any place, village or town in the Netherlands can be reached by a combination of tram, bus and train. If you have any questions, there are information desks for buses and trams and ticket offices for trains at almost every Dutch railway station. The trains operated by the Dutch Railways (NS) run frequently and almost always on schedule. The same goes for buses and trams (electrically driven streetcars in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague). Tip: If a stranger offers to sell you a bicycle for less than € 25, don't buy it. It's probably stolen, and you too will be breaking the law if you accept it. Trains You can buy return tickets for train journeys, but remember that the return journey has to take place on the same day. If you are not travelling both ways on the same day, you must buy two single tickets. If you plan to travel around the Netherlands regularly by train while you are here, it would be advisable to inquire about any special discount arrangements available. For information: www.ns.nl. Here you can find information on (additional) services, ticket offers, booking, payment methods, seat reservations, on-board service and travel in general, as well as some useful addresses. Traffic regulations for cyclists Taxi As a cyclist, you too must obey the rules of the road, and should keep to the cycle lanes. As a rule, cars turning across your path are supposed to stop for you, but it is wise to watch out. You should signal with your arm if you are planning to turn, and you should yield to traffic coming from the right. All regular Dutch taxis use meters, and all charge roughly the same rates. When you start, the meter will already show a balance of several euros. This ensures the driver of a minimum fare. Only for very long distances it is sometimes possible to negotiate a fare, otherwise you pay the amount indicated on the meter. It is 30 TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT The central bus terminus in Enschede is opposite the railway station. Bus timetables can be obtained from the bus information desk (near the bus terminus). Buses usually run every half hour to all parts of the city, and at least once an hour to outlying towns and villages. customary to give taxi drivers a tip, which usually means rounding up the fare. All major railway stations have a taxi stand. Hotels and restaurants are always happy to call a taxi for you if you ask. You cannot hail taxis on the street in the Netherlands as you can in many parts of the world. You must either telephone or go to a taxi stand where taxis wait. Traintaxi When visiting one of the larger cities in the Netherlands by train, you can buy a traintaxi ticket at the railway station. This taxi takes people to destinations within the city limits at a fixed fee. Bear in mind that there may be more passengers in the taxi; taxi drivers wait for about ten minutes for any other passengers going in the same direction. The traintaxi stand can be recognised easily. It is separately located from the normal taxi stand and is designed in blue and yellow (the colors of the Netherlands Railways). You can buy traintaxi tickets at the railway station. One trip costs € 4.60 for one person, no matter where you are going within the local area. If you want to be picked up from your residence to go to the railway station, you should reserve the train-taxi half an hour before departure (call 0900 873 46 82, € 0.35 per minute). Where do you get the ticket stamped? On the buses you can always have the ticket stamped by the driver. You can also use one of the stamp machines next to the entry doors. You use these as follows. First count the number of zones you will travel through ‒ let's say the number is two ‒ then add one strip to this number. So, in total, you will use three strips. Then fold the ticket at the bottom of the second strip and place it in the machine face up. The machine will then stamp the third strip. Bus How long is it valid? How much time is allowed between changes? The key to the Dutch public transportation network is the multi-journey ticket ('strippenkaart'), valid througout the country on all buses, trams and subways. Tickers are valid for a number of travel zones and for a specific time, based on the number of zones that is crossed. Unlimited travel and changes with each zone during a certain period of time (specified on the back of the card). It is cheaper to buy tickets at a post office or railway station than it is to buy them on the bus, tram, or metro. Within the number of zones for which you have paid, you can change an unlimited number of times within a certain period. The validity periods for a journey are as follows: • 1 hour for a journey within 1, 2 or 3 zones • 1½ hours for a journey within 4, 5 or 6 zones. If you don't manage to keep within the time limit, you must stamp the card again for the zones you still have to travel 31 TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT order before taking ownership. At the post office, application forms are available for the following documents: through, or have it stamped by the driver. In this case too, one extra strip must be added to the number of zones. • registration licence parts I and II ('kenteken deel I, II') • personal liability insurance ('W.A.verzekering') • ownership papers ('vrijwaringsbewijs'). You are also advised to buy a car with a 'BOVAG-garantie' (a guarantee given by a Dutch association for motor-vehicle dealers and repairs). It is now compulsory for cars older than four years to be examined for road safety ('APK-keuring'). Travel passes If the car is regularly checked at the garage, this inspection is included in normal maintenance. If not, students must have the car checked every year in order to receive the special 'APK' certificate and a sticker on the number plate. The test costs approximately € 45,- not including the necessary repairs. If you travel a great deal, it will be cheaper to buy a weekly or monthly travel pass for one or more zones. These can be bought at every post office (postkantoor), the bus information desk or other advanced sales offices ‒ but not from the railway stations. You will need to show a passport or driving licence. Take a passport photo with you and ask for the cheapest type of travel pass. There are also various travel passes for train travel. Please inquire at the ticket office in the railway station. Car Whether or not you need a Dutch driving licence depends on where your current driving licence was issued. Nationals of some countries can simply use their original driving licence. In some cases an international driving licence is required. Your embassy can give you more information about the specific cases where an international driving licence is required. You can also check the national traffic authority website www.rdw.nl. For more information about traffic, transportation, and traffic regulations: www.holland.com/global Buying a car If you decide to buy a used car in the Netherlands, all documents need to be in 32 THE NETHERLANDS The Netherlands transport canals for barge traffic to the narrow drainage ditches that cross the fields where the five million cows graze. Some 16 million people live in an area of less than 40,000 square kilometres. This means an average density of 440 people per square kilometre. Land is a precious commodity in the Netherlands: much of the land area had to be painstakingly reclaimed from the sea, or converted from swamp. The Dutch are world leaders when it comes to controlling water, and the struggle to tame the forces of water forms a large part of their history. A small flat country On a world map, the Netherlands looks very small indeed. You can drive the greatest distance, from north to south, in around four hours. To the east the The Netherlands has a constitutional monarchy, with a democratic parliamentary system composed of the Upper House (Eerste Kamer) and the Lower House (Tweede Kamer), together forming the Dutch Parliament. The Head of State is Queen Beatrix, and the seat of government is The Hague (Den Haag or 'sGravenhage) ‒ although Amsterdam is the capital of the country. Netherlands borders Germany, to the south Belgium, and to the north and west lies the North Sea. The formal name of the country is 'The Netherlands', which means 'the low countries', referring to the fact that the land is at or below sea level. 'Holland' is in fact the name of the western part of the country, currently the two most heavily populated of the 12 provinces. Purists insist that the only proper name of the country is 'The Netherlands', but 'Holland' is used in informal situations, and in international trade, since this name is more identifiable when adapted to other languages. Gateway to Europe The Netherlands is at the centre of a complete transportation network, comprising air, sea, river, road and rail On arrival you will be struck by certain features of the landscape. To start with, the Netherlands is very, very flat. There are a few hills in the south-eastern corner of the country, but they disturb the flat horizon only slightly. This means there are no obstacles to the wind, which is an almost constant feature. Another thing you will notice is the water everywhere ‒ lakes, rivers, canals and ditches of all sizes, ranging from the large 33 THE NETHERLANDS in every season. This is typical of the marine climate you would expect in the Netherlands after looking at a map and seeing the North Sea on its doorstep. However, the Dutch climate is not that predictable. links extending in all directions. Rotterdam is the world's largest port and millions of tons of cargo are loaded and unloaded there everyday. Schiphol International Airport is the fourth largest passenger and cargo airport in Europe. The Netherlands accounts for 53% of the river transport on the Rhine and the Maas, and 27% of all European trucks make use of its highways. In the morning there may be bright sunshine, but within a few hours the wind can change direction and all of a sudden a cold gale is blowing in from the west. Of course days can also start out badly and end well. People The ethnic Dutch tend to be tall and fair, but Dutch society is becoming increasingly multicultural and, especially in the larger cities, you will see many other physical types as well. There are people of Caribbean, Indonesian and Surinamese descent, because of the Dutch colonial past in these regions. But there are also many people of Mediterranean descent. In the 1950s and 1960s Dutch cities and industry were growing fast as the country recovered from the second world war, and workers arrived from Italy, Spain, Morocco and Turkey to meet the shortage of labour. In winter (December to February) there are not too many days of frost and, although you will probably see some snow, there is seldom a lot. The winter cold is penetrating, however, because it is often wet and windy. If you spend a winter in the Netherlands, by about March you will understand why Dutch people talk so much about the glorious sunshine of countries to the south, and why the minute that spring arrives they run out and turn their faces to the sun every chance they get. Language In summer (June to August) there are a few fairly hot days. In the months between, the temperature will vary from about 5º to 15º C (40º to 60º F) in the course of the day. Within ITC the main language is English, although there are many different accents. Most of the Dutch can communicate in English. Summer and winter time Within the countries of the European Union, summer time runs from the last Sunday in March (clocks go forward one hour) to the last Sunday in October (clocks go back one hour), and winter time from the last Sunday in October to last Sunday in March. Tourist information Tourist information offices in the Netherlands, called Vereniging Voor Vreemdelingenverkeer (VVV), have offices in all Climate Over the year, climate is moderate, with gentle winters, cool summers, and rainfall 34 THE NETHERLANDS 42 Stadhouderskade: take the tram that stops behind the museum (exit stop: Hobbemastraat) from the central railway station. For information about other places of interest and for practical information: cities, and are always well signposted. The VVV office can give you all the information on what there is to see and enjoy in the Netherlands. For more information: www.holland.com/global Day trips www.holland.com/global/cities/amsterdam To Amsterdam The InterCity train to Amsterdam leaves from Enschede railway station every hour (see train schedule). When you arrive at Amsterdam Central (CS), you can get more information at the VVV office right outside the station. An information desk is located in front of Amsterdam Central station for inquiries about public transport. To Arnhem: Burgers’ Zoo Zoological gardens, indoor bush, desert and safari park, plus an exhibition on the tropical rainforest and an artificial desert environment. Good train and bus connections. Train to Arnhem; at Arnhem railway station take the (electrically powered) trolley-bus that will stop right at the entrance to Burgers' Zoo. If you travel by train, you can buy an all-in-one ticket for the train, trolley-bus and entrance fee. Please check at the railway station. From Enschede there is also a good bus connection (check the timetable at the bus station). For more information: Amsterdam, the official capital, is the social, cultural and tourist centre of the Netherlands. Its theatres, concert halls, museums, and cafés are world-famous. The city's bustling liveliness and its liveand-let-live attitude towards deviant behaviour have earned it an international reputation. Amsterdam is the place for having fun ‒ but do not let its atmosphere fool you into thinking that Dutch society is promiscuous. Although the Dutch are very tolerant, most people live moderate, orderly lives. Amsterdam is the extreme rather than the norm. www.burgerszoo.nl To Emmen: Noorderdierenpark Emmen Zoo has a South American aviary, African wildlife and a tropical surprise ‒ more than 1,500 butterflies! It is about a 10-minute walk from Emmen railway station to the zoo. For more information: Places of interest include: • Madame Tussaud’s Scenerama Wax museum located on the Damrak: a five-minute walk or the first stop by tram from the central railway station • The Rijksmuseum, housing famous paintings by Dutch painters, located at www.dierenpark-emmen.nl To Deventer A historic Hanseatic town with an impressive waterfront along the river IJssel, Deventer is a lovely city to visit. Connections are excellent and it takes 35 THE NETHERLANDS about 45 to 50 minutes to travel from Enschede to Deventer by either car or train. Suggestions: the Toy and Tin Museum; 'De Waag', explaining the history of Deventer; and various interesting exhibitions, for example, of topographic paintings of Deventer. For more information: residence for some 300 years until Queen Beatrix officially turned it over to the state in 1984 to be opened to the public as a museum. The entire complex, including the formal gardens and stables for horses, has been fully restored to its 17th century splendour, a process that took seven years. At Apeldoorn railway station you can take a bus that stops near to the palace. For more information: www.vvvdeventer.nl www.vvvapeldoorn.nl To Utrecht This surprising and friendly city boasts cultural and historical highlights. The city's ultimate symbol is the beautiful Dom Tower. In addition, Utrecht offers great shopping, contemporary convention and meeting venues, and pleasant sidewalk cafés. Utrecht railway station is adjacent to a large shopping centre. At the station follow the signs to the tourist information office, and there you can get a map of Utrecht. For more information: To the Dutch islands To visit one of the Dutch islands (Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog), ask for a combined ticket for train, bus and ferry. Check with the information desk at the railway station and consult the tourist information office. For more information: www.utrecht.nl www.wadden.nl To Apeldoorn: Palace Het Loo Members of the House of Orange, the family providing the Netherlands with its monarchs, had occupied this country To Lisse, Keukenhof The Keukenhof measures 32 hectares, which makes it the world's largest spring garden. This flower park has welcomed lovers of flowers for the past fifty springs. They come to admire some seven million colorful bulb flowers. Keukenhof's surprising spring program offers many hours of enjoyment in various flowerbeds, 36 THE NETHERLANDS example, the Boymans van Beuningen gallery, the Architecture Centre, and the Kunsthal. For more information: gardens and indoor exhibitions. For more information: www.keukenhof.nl www.rotterdam.info To The Hague The Hague (Den Haag) is the seat of government and diplomacy, and the residence of Queen Beatrix, the Head of State. Interesting places to visit in The Hague include Madurodam, an open-air museum that shows the Netherlands in miniature, and the Binnenhof, where the 'Ridderzaal' and the Dutch Parliament are located. For more information: www.denhaag.com To Rotterdam Rotterdam is the nation's industrial and commercial centre, with its Europort being the largest European port with container terminals and bulk transit terminals. The city is very modern, with lively shopping malls and interesting museums, for 37 ENSCHEDE Enschede With approximately 156,000 inhabitants, Enschede is the largest city in the east of the country. Around 15,000 of these are students, either at the University of Twente, Saxion Hogeschool Enschede (Saxion University of Professional Education, Enschede), the Academy of Music, the Academy of Art, or ITC. Enschede is a pleasant city to live and work in. Attractive shopping facilities attract people from the local area, as well as from over the border. On market days (Tuesdays and Saturdays) many of the shoppers in town come from Germany, particularly on certain Saturdays when the shops in Germany close earlier than those in the Netherlands. The history, the city and the people If you were to ask a local person about Enschede and its history, he or she would say that Enschede was a textile city. It seems that all anyone knows about Enschede is that it used to be home to a lot of textile factories. The name 'Enschede' comes from 'Am Esche', old Dutch for 'on the border'. Germany is only a stone's throw away from the city. Around 35 years ago, as the textile industry shifted to Asia, this reliance on a single industry began to cause problems for Enschede. In 1950 the textile industry employed 21,000 people, but by 1970 this figure had dropped to 8,000, and by the time of the world recession in the early 1980s it had fallen to 2,500. As the noisy, dirty factories disappeared, Enschede was forced to change direction before the 1980s recession hit everyone else as well. Schools In the Netherlands, education is compulsory for children aged 5 to 17. In Enschede, the Prinseschool has an international department where children from abroad, aged 4 to 12, receive English lessons (International School Twente). This primary international department is attended by children whose parents are studying or teaching at ITC or the University of Twente. International School Twente is located at Staringstraat 15 in Enschede, in one of the school buildings of the Dutch Prinseschool, about 500 meters from Enschede central train and bus station. All teachers do their best to make sure that the classes are adapted to the standards of the individual child and intensive contact is maintained with the parents. For more information: http://istwente.com There is a Dutch/English bilingual stream at one of the local secondary schools in Enschede (Stedelijk Lyceum, locatie Zuid). Of the classes, approximately 50% are conducted in English. During the first three years the pupils follow the bilingual stream 38 ENSCHEDE at higher intermediate and pre-university level. In the fourth year Dutch takes over as the language of instruction. For pupils with insufficient command of Dutch, a special timetable can be arranged, with the possibility of dropping certain subjects. For more information: • The main cinemas in Enschede are CineStar at Go Planet, 60 Colosseum Cineast at 4 Bolwerkstraat, and Concordia at 26 Oude Markt. To check the film schedule, pick up the weekly brochure from the leaflet display at the entrance to the ITC restaurant. www.hetstedelijk.nl/index.php?id=4232 Tourist information City Office The VVV tourist information service in the Netherlands has well-signposted offices in all cities. The VVV can give you information on what there is to see and enjoy in the Netherlands and especially in the region of Enschede. The office hours of the GBA Department of Enschede City Office, 51 Hengelosestraat, are: Monday to Friday, 9.00 - 13.30 hrs, Thursday also 17.00 - 19.30 hrs. The office hours of he tourist information office (VVV) in Enschede at 1a Stationsplein are: Monday, 13.00 - 17.30 hrs Tuesday to Friday, 10.00 - 17.30 hrs Saturday, 9.30 - 16.00 hrs. A selection of places of interest: • Leisure facilities Most activities in Enschede are held at or near the old market square and are often free of charge. • • • Most bars and discotheques offer live music in the evenings at weekends, but often there is an admission fee. Contact the Muziekcentrum and the Muziekkwartier, respectively, for information on musical events and theatre productions. For more information: • www.muziekkwartier.nl 39 Rutbeek, 182 Jacobsrietweg It’s fun to go to this attractive park right outside Enschede if it is sunny. Pleasant park for walking (about five kilometres around the lake), windsurfing, canoeing or rowing. You can also rent water-bikes. This park is easily accessible by bike, car or bus and has a restaurant and a playground. To get there by bike or car: Take the Haaksbergerstraat (street passing ITC International Hotel and Stadsweide) towards Haaksbergen until you see the sign 'Rutbeek'. Turn left and follow the signs. Het Hulsbeek, Oldenzaal Another recreation park, with woods and water. For bus connections to the Hulsbeek and Rutbeek, ask at the information desk at the bus station or the tourist information office. Waarbeek, Hengelo An amusement park for children. An enjoyable way of travelling to the ENSCHEDE • • Aquadrome, 2 J.J. van Deinselaan Tropical indoor swimming centre with two big water slides, waves (at least 10 minutes every hour) and streams. Bus direction 'Hogeland'. Ask for bus line and travel time at the information desk at the bus station. • Ancient Dutch windmills and water-mills The unique, historical windmill of Usselo grinds today like it did over two centuries ago. You will find the mill just outside Usselo, between Enschede and Haaksbergen (7 km southwest of Enschede). The entrance is behind the mill. Also of interest: the 'Korenbloem' windmill and the 'Oostendorper' watermill in Haaksbergen; the 'Lonneker Molen', a windmill in the small village of Lonneker, situated between Enschede and Oldenzaal (Lonneker can easily be reached by bike!); the watermills 'Den Haller' and 'Singraven' in Denekamp; and the water-mills 'Bels' and 'Frans' in Vasse. All these mills are open to the public and can be reached by public transport. • Zoutmuseum If you are interested in the history of salt production, then why not visit the salt museum in Delden. From the VVV tourist information office, you can obtain detailed information on entrance fees and opening hours. Waarbeek is by boat from the marina/harbour in Enschede. Parking at the harbour and at the Waarbeek is free of charge. No reservations are needed. You can also take the train to Hengelo and then take the bus, which stops in front of the entrance. For more information on the Waarbeek and the boat connection, contact the tourist information office. Rijksmuseum Twenthe, 129-131 Lasondersingel Museum of antiquities and modern art. For more information: www.rijksmuseumtwenthe.nl • Museum Twentse Welle, 11 Het Rozendaal History of the culture, nature, language and environment of Twente • Wooldrikspark, Lorenzlaan Public gardens, with a farm open for children. Volkspark, Volksparksingel Public gardens, famous for the annual Easter Fair. • 40 SOME HELPFUL DUTCH WORDS Some helpful Dutch words baker bakery bar barber bicycle bookshop breakfast bus bus stop butcher butchers cafe/pub car church cinema city hall city coffee day after tomorrow dentist dinner Dutch English fish shop flower shop general physician good afternoon good evening good luck good morning greengrocer greengrocers have a nice trip hospital if you please information ladies fashion shop left library liquor shop market bakker bakkerswinkel bar kapper fiets boekenwinkel ontbijt bus bushalte slager slagerswinkel cafe auto kerk bioscoop stadhuis koffie overmorgen tandarts warme maaltijd Nederland Engels viswinkel bloemenzaak (huis)arts, dokter goede middag goeden avond veel succes goede morgen groenteboer groentewinkel goede reis ziekenhuis alstublieft inlichtingen damesmodezaak links bibliotheek slijterij markt men's wear shop milk milkman motorcycle Mr., sir Mrs., madam Ms. municipality no nurse pharmacy police station post office right see you later shoe shop shop station (train) straight on tea thank you theatre to dance to drink to eat to toast to walk tobacconists today tomorrow tomorrow afternoon tomorrow evening tomorrow morning tonight train yes yesterday 41 herenmodezaak melk melkboer motorfiets meneer mevrouw mejuffrouw gemeente nee zuster apotheek politiebureau postkantoor rechts tot ziens schoenenwinkel winkel/zaak station rechtdoor thee dank u wel schouwburg, theater dansen drinken eten toasten wandelen, lopen tabakswinkel vandaag morgen morgenmiddag morgenavond morgenochtend vanavond trein ja gisteren CITY MAP OF ENSCHEDE 42 CITY MAP OF ENSCHEDE 43 Note: The information contained in this booklet has been obtained from a number of sources, both inside and outside the ITC organisation and the ITC International Hotel. While the contents have been carefully checked, some of the information may change or become outdated. Any corrections or observations you may wish to make are most welcome, and should be sent to Marion van Rinsum, Communication Department (room 2-114, rinsum@itc.nl). INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION P.O. Box 6 7500 AA Enschede The Netherlands T: +31 (0)53 487 44 44 F: +31 (0)53 487 44 00 I: www.itc.nl Photos cover and pages 1-5, 7, 9, 10-15, 18, 44: © Gerard Kuster page 6: © Bart Slot 44 Introd&inform guide students'09:Brochures 11-08-2009 10:43 Pagina 1 International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation P.O. Box 6 7500 AA Enschede The Netherlands Introduction and information guide for ITC students P: +31 (0)53 4874 444 F: +31 (0)53 4874 400 E: pr@itc.nl I: www.itc.nl September 2009 INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR GEO-INFORMATION SCIENCE AND EARTH OBSERVATION ITC 600 - 01092009 ITC Internation In ntern tion ional nall Hotel Hotel
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