A Passion for Antwerp HIGHER EDUCATION IN ANTWERP
Universiteit Antwerpen The Antwerp University Association provides an intellectual home for more than 28,000 students. Hogere Zeevaartschool Hogeschool Antwerpen Karel de Grote-Hogeschool Plantijnhogeschool
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EUROPE, BELGIUM, FLANDERS, ANTWERP Destination Europe Belgium, two cultures and three languages Flanders and the province of Antwerp The city of Antwerp
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STUDYING AT THE Antwerp University Association The structure of higher education in Flanders … ... and the Bologna process More about three essential factors Education at the Antwerp University Association About the University of Antwerp About the University colleges in Antwerp Curricula available at the Antwerp University Association Admission of exchange students Language requirements
3 | TRANSPORT & TRAVEL GETTING TO ANTWERP By air By train By bus By car GETTING AROUND IN ANTWERP By bike (or motorbike) By public transport By car GETTING OUT OF ANTWERP Travelling in Belgium Travelling outside Belgium
5 5 5 7
11 11 11 14 14 14 17 21 21
25 25 25 25 26 26 26 26 28 29 30
4 | ARRIVAL & ACCOMMODATION BEFORE LEAVING FOR BELGIUM Registration at the home institution 33 Visa requirements and other formalities before leaving for Belgium 33 ARRIVAL IN ANTWERP Your first night - an interesting tip 35 Addresses of the Antwerp University Association 35 Registration at the host institution 39 Registration in the host town 39 Registration with the Embassy or Consulate 41 LIVING IN ANTWERP Financial matters 41 Arranging your financial affairs 41 Bank holidays 42 Working 43 Cost of living 43 2
Settling in Youth hostels Housing The rental agreement Place description Safety and comfort Services Student cards and student clubs/associations Student cards Student clubs/associations
45 46 47 48 48 50 51 51 52
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CULTURE & LEISURE General information for visitors Cultural life in Antwerp Radio and television Life stances & Active Pluralism Sports and recreation Wining and dining
55 55 57 58 59 59
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HEALTH & INSURANCE Accidents & third party liability Fire insurance Medical care Refunding of medical costs Emergency numbers Pharmacies General practitioners Dentists General hospitals
61 61 61 61 62 62 62 63 63
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KEEPING IN TOUCH Using the phone Telephone booths Mobile phones
65 65 66
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CONTACTS Important telephone numbers Institutions’ services International offices Language centres Tourist information
69 70 70 71 72
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GLOSSARY
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INDEX
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Europe, Belgium, Flanders, Antwerp
Destination Europe The European Union (EU) is the result of a process of co-operation and integration which began in 1951. Today, more than 50 years later, the EU has 25 members. The main objectives of the EU are to introduce the concept of European citizenship, which carries with it a number of civil and political rights for European citizens and to develop an atmosphere of freedom, security and justice. The EU also encourages the development of the international market and the freedom of movement of people. In 1999, 29 countries in Europe signed the Bologna Declaration. One of the primary purposes of this declaration is to encourage and facilitate mobility between higher education systems and institutions in Europe. Belgium, two cultures and three languages Belgium consists of 2 main parts: the northern part Flanders (Vlaanderen) and the southern part Wallonia. Although Belgium is a small country, 3 languages are spoken here. There is no such language as ‘Belgian’. The Flemish people in the north of Belgium speak Dutch, while the Walloons in the south speak French. In the eastern part of the country there is a small German-speaking population. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is officially bilingual (Dutch and French). It should be pointed out that the inhabitants of the Netherlands also speak Dutch. Surrounded by three numerically stronger languages, i.e. French, German and English, 21 million people who live in the Netherlands and Flanders share a common language - Dutch - which is the sixth most important language in the European Union. Since 1989 several constitutional reforms have turned Belgium into a federal state consisting of 3 Communities (Dutch-speaking, French-speaking and German-speaking) and 3 regions (Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels). Whereas the Communities are responsible for person-related matters like culture and education, the regions take care of territory-related matters such as social and economic affairs. Despite the fact that the regions are continually gaining power, Belgium is still one country. The reigning monarch, Albert II, is the sixth king of Belgium since the declaration of independence from the Netherlands in 1830. The central location of Belgium within the European Union and its economic importance have contributed to its international significance. Brussels hosts both the European Commission and the Council of Ministers. Flanders and the province of Antwerp In the north of Belgium, Flanders is set in a flat landscape. The historical name, the ‘Low Countries’ reflects the geography of the area occupied by Flanders and the Netherlands. The proximity of Flanders to the North Sea means that it has a temperate climate with mild winters and cool summers.
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EUROPE, BELGIUM, FLANDERS, ANTWERP
The province of Antwerp is one of 5 Flemish provinces. It is situated between Limburg in the east, West- and East-Flanders to the west, and Flemish-Brabant to the south. With a population of more than 1.6 million, the province covers roughly 16% of the entire population of Belgium. From a cultural point of view, the province of Antwerp is the most important Flemish region. Its many churches, museums, theatres etc. are only a few aspects of the cultural wealth of the province. Antwerp is an area of major economic importance. As the home of more than 86,000 companies, the province has the highest concentration of industrial enterprises in Belgium. The partner institutions of the Antwerp University Association (university and university colleges - AUHA) can be found all over the province, with the city of Antwerp as the main centre. The campuses of Lier, Mechelen or Turnhout are to be found in more rural surroundings. The city of Antwerp Antwerp, a city with about half a million inhabitants, is of major importance to economic and cultural life in Flanders. The river Scheldt has played a fundamental role in the development of the city. The harbour of Antwerp is one of the largest in the world, and gives the city its international dimension. For the year 2004 UNESCO has granted the city the title of “World Book Capital” on the basis of the unusually rich literary environment that it offers. The City of Antwerp has developed an international programme -ABC2004- with the support of the Flemish Community and the Province of Antwerp. The City of Antwerp is using all its literary advantages and pursuing a coordinated and continuous policy, which aims to generate an even bigger impact for Antwerp as a book capital. The city currently has an official municipal poet (Bart Moeyaert) and an apartment for a Writer in Residence. ABC2004 wants to promote Antwerp internationally as a historic, contemporary and future book capital - a city that loves words. The settlement of Antwerp goes back to Roman times. The river Scheldt has always played an important role in defence and trade. The fourteenth century was a period of economic growth and population increase, which resulted in major building activities. Our Lady’s Cathedral, the Elisabeth Hospital and the St Jacob’s, St Paul’s and Carolus Borromeus churches were all built at that time. During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries the city expanded considerably. Antwerp became one of the cities of the Hanseatic League and an important financial centre. The Hessenhuis, the Vleeshuis and the city hall are examples of mercantile buildings from that period. From a cultural point of view, Antwerp was one of the most important cities of the age. The art of printing, for example, flourished in Antwerp under the influence of Christoffel Plantin. There was a crisis, however, at the end of the sixteenth century. As a result of the religious wars of the time, the Low Countries were separated in 1585 into an independent north, and a southern part under Spanish rule. This led to the decline of Antwerp’s position as a major harbour and centre of trade. Almost half the population of Antwerp - among them many artists, scientists and talented craftsmen emigrated to the north as a result of the partition. Although the closing of the river Scheldt led to a period of economic recession in the south, the first half of the seventeenth century was a time of cultural importance when many of the important figures that are associated with the city, such as Rubens and Van Dyck, were alive.
7
EUROPE, BELGIUM, FLANDERS, ANTWERP
8
EUROPE, BELGIUM, FLANDERS, ANTWERP
In the nineteenth century Antwerp recovered economically and demographically. Ever since, there has been a continued effort to make the old city an attractive and pleasant place in which to live. Industrial activity in Antwerp is export-based and capital intensive. Every year more than 100 million tonnes of goods pass through the port, a process which employs about 75,000 people. The success of these activities is partly due to the favourable natural surroundings, but also to acquired advantages such as high productivity, and a favourable economic climate. One-fifth of Belgium’s Gross National Product is generated in Antwerp. The petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries, and a major car assembly plant also contribute significantly to the economic importance of Antwerp. The city is famous for its diamonds. The Antwerp diamond trade is by far the largest in the world in terms of volume. The diamond district is located around the central station. Thanks to the effort of numerous young designers, Antwerp, like London and Paris, is now a major centre in the fashion world. The fashion district just off the Meir shopping street is certainly worth visiting. Apart from its cathedral, Rubens, its diamonds and its fashion business, Antwerp can also be proud of its zoo, which has an international reputation. Further information and pictures can be found by visiting the following sites: > www.visitantwerp.be > www.aviewoncities.com/antwerp.htm > www.trabel.com/antwerp.htm > www.use-it.be/antwerpen/eng/ More detailed information about cultural life in Antwerp can be found in part 5 ‘Culture & Leisure’.
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Studying at the Antwerp University Association (AUHA)
The structure of higher education in Flanders … Higher education in Flanders is organised at universities and at university colleges (‘hogescholen’). Whereas most training programmes at the university colleges prepare students for a specific profession, such as nursing and translation work, university curricula are typically more academic and generic. All students who have obtained a certificate of secondary education or an equivalent foreign diploma, are admitted to tertiary education. However, some courses are subject to an entrance exam, e.g., medicine and dentistry at the university, and courses that focus on art at the university colleges. … and the Bologna process In 1999, 29 European Ministries of Education, including Flanders’, signed the Bologna Declaration. They agreed to reform their systems of higher education by 2010 at the latest. The essence of the declaration is the creation of a European area of higher education as a way to stimulate mobility, employability and Europe’s overall development. In the shortterm, the Declaration poses many challenges: Internationalisation, improving transparency, rationalizing course supply, improving the quality assurance system and promoting life long learning. These are, and will remain, important issues on the higher education policy agenda in Europe. After signing the Bologna Declaration, the Flemish Minister of Education started a process to reform the Flemish system of higher education. The reforms have meant that there is greater focus on objectives and outcomes, and task-based and problem-solving education has become more central. A student receives a degree after having collected the required number of credits for the subjects that make up the qualification. The implementation of the Bologna Declaration in Flanders revolves around three essential factors: - re-organisation of the curriculum into the ‘Bachelor - Master’ structure - establishment of a common system of accreditation between the different European educational systems. - foundation of ‘associations’ between universities and university colleges. More about these three essential factors: • Bachelor – Master in Flanders Flanders has introduced the new system by decree in 2004-2005. The use of the ECTS credit system (60 credits per academic year) is also compulsory. Each subject represents a minimum of 3 credits. One credit represents 25 to 30 hours of a student’s workload. 11
STUDYING AT THE Antwerp University Association
After successfully completing 180 ECTS-credits (a study period of at least three years) students obtain a bachelor’s degree. There is a difference between a profession-oriented bachelor’s degree and an academic bachelor’s degree. Professional bachelor’s degrees prepare students for specific professions. Courses are therefore practice-oriented and include periods of work placement. These degrees are only awarded by the university colleges. Academic bachelor’s degrees prepare students for advanced studies at master’s level. These degrees are awarded by universities and university colleges within the framework of an university ‘association’ (see below). Master’s programmes are characterised by the integration of education and research and a master’s dissertation. They cover at least 60 ECTS credits (one year of study), although some programmes last longer depending on the field of study. Master’s programmes are organised at universities and university colleges, always in the framework of an university ‘association’. Academic bachelor’s degrees give direct access to master’s programmes. Professional bachelor’s degrees give access to some master’s programmes after a ‘bridging’ course. This new system has been introduced gradually. The first bachelor’s programmes started in the academic year 2004-2005 and the first master’s programmes will be introduced in the academic year 2007-2008. In the meantime, students who have enrolled in the previous system (i.e. started their first year before the academic year 2004-2005), remain unaffected by the new system. • Accreditation The main goal of the Bologna Declaration is to create a system of higher education with comparable, compatible and readable degrees across the European continent. The accreditation will enable comparisons of quality to be made for different degree programmes across borders. Its aim is to guarantee a certain level of quality in higher education across the European Union. Flanders has developed considerable experience in this, as both universities and university colleges have been subject to external inspections for quite a number of years already. Moreover Flanders and the Netherlands have created a joint accreditation agency (NVAO: Netherlands-Flanders Accreditation Organisation). • The Antwerp University Association The process of harmonising European higher education, as initiated by the Bologna Declaration, has led to broader co-operation between the university and the university colleges. The University of Antwerp, Hogeschool Antwerpen, Plantijnhogeschool, Karel de GroteHogeschool and the Antwerp Maritime Academy: five institutions for higher education in Antwerp are cooperating under the name ‘Antwerp University Association’. The Association consists of academic and vocational institutions, both private and public, which work together on a basis of trust and mutual respect. It is actively involved in the debate on intercultural issues and diversity in society and within member institutions. In total the Antwerp University Association has approximately 30.000 students. Fifteen workgroups (ICT, communication, finance, internationalisation, etc.) formed by members of the partner institutions, make up the Association. 12
STUDYING AT THE Antwerp University Association
The institutions of the Antwerp University Association have the resources and the experience which make them attractive international partners. They have countless bilateral agreements for international co-operation concluded with partner institutions all over the world. They are active in a wide variety of exchange programmes. Every year they also receive a large number of international students, researchers and visiting professors. The Association covers the full spectrum of high quality education and research. Antwerp University Association - AUHA Lange Nieuwstraat 55, B-2000 Antwerpen T +32 3 212 16 75 F +32 3 212 16 81 E
[email protected] www.associatie-antwerpen.be or www.auha.be
Direct access (or via a preparatory programme)
PHD Degree
Minimum 60 ECTS
Access via a bridging programme More info: www.highereducation.be
Minimum 60 ECTS
Advanced Master’s Programme
Master’s Degree
Professional Bachelor’s Degree
Academic Bachelor’s Degree
Offered at University Colleges
Offered at Universities & at University Colleges in the framework of an association
13
Minimum 180 ECTS credits
Advanced Bachelor’s Programme
Offered at Universities
STUDYING AT THE Antwerp University Association
Education at the Antwerp University Association For bachelor’s programmes in Flanders, the language of instruction is Dutch. For some disciplines there are also some courses offered in English. A considerable number of master’s programmes are offered in English and a few in other languages. For further information, please contact the individual higher education institutions. The academic year at the University of Antwerp starts at the end of September, while the university colleges start mid-September. The year is divided into two semesters, except for some specific programmes where a trimester system exists. Trimesters/semesters are normally followed by a revision and examination period as well as by a short holiday. Summer recess starts at the end of June or the beginning of July. Resits take place at the end of August and in September. Each institution is spread over several campuses. Information on the location of your study programme is available at your host institution. You can find the name of your international officer under part 4 and under part 8. About the University of Antwerp The University of Antwerp (UA) is a merge of 3 university institutions, formerly known as: Universitair Centrum Antwerpen (RUCA, now: Campus Middelheim/Groenenborger), Universitaire Faculteiten Sint-Ignatius Antwerpen (UFSIA, now: City Campus), and Universitaire Instelling Antwerpen (UIA, now: Campus Drie Eiken). The City Campus is situated in the historic city centre while the other three campuses are situated in the green surroundings to the south of the city. The University of Antwerp is the third largest university in Flanders, with a student population of almost 10,000. It offers education in the arts, political and social sciences, law, applied economic sciences, commercial engineering, natural and medical sciences, pharmaceutical, biomedical and veterinary sciences, instructional and educational sciences. Furthermore, a university hospital is linked to the university. The University of Antwerp is an entrepreneurial university. It focuses largely on scientific research, and as such competes for grants in an international context. In 1995, the University of Antwerp was the first to start intensive collaboration with the university colleges of the province even before it became part of the educational system in Flanders. The University of Antwerp was awarded the ECTS quality label in 2004. About the University Colleges of Antwerp (Hogescholen) The university colleges, with their different campuses, have a long tradition of their own. They are situated at different locations in the city centre and its surroundings. They are also active partners in various European exchange programmes. The international structure is fully integrated within the university colleges at both departmental and central level. • The Antwerp Maritime Academy is the only institution in Belgium that provides maritime training at an academic level, and has a total of almost 500 students in both the ‘Deck’ and ‘Engine’ departments. The premises are situated between the city and the port of Antwerp. • The Hogeschool Antwerpen was founded in 1995, following the merger of 17 institutions. The different departments are located in Antwerp, Lier, Mechelen, and Turnhout. 14
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STUDYING AT THE Antwerp University Association
Besides professional Bachelor programmes in business administration, teaching, social work, health care, industrial science and technology, it provides academic Bachelor programmes in architecture, physiotherapy, industrial science and technology, industrial design, translation and interpreting, and in the arts, including visual arts, dance, drama and music. Together all these departments attract over 7,200 students. • The Karel de Grote-Hogeschool was founded in 1995, following the merger of 13 Catholic university collegesin Antwerp with approximately 7,300 students. Altogether the Karel de Grote-Hogeschool offers about 70 courses and has 6 departments: arts, commercial sciences and business administration, industrial sciences and technology, teacher education, applied social studies and health care. This institution also offers postgraduate courses and specialised training programmes for commercial and nonprofit making organisations. • The Plantijnhogeschool was founded in 1995, after several institutes merged together and covers almost 3,200 students. The Plantijnhogeschool consists of four campuses and offers courses in the following subjects: communication management, business management, socio-educational care work, industrial sciences and technology, health care and teacher training, and electro mechanics. The Institute of Tropical Medicine (Prins Leopold Instituut voor Tropische Geneeskunde) is not a partner within the Association, but the excellent relationship with this institution makes it possible to take common decisions. For more information please contact the Antwerp University Association.
D D(E) D/E D/FR
courses are organized in Dutch courses are organized in Dutch only some specific subdegrees (not mentioned in thes overview) have courses in English courses are organized both in Dutch and in English courses are organized both in Dutch and in French
** at least one language chosen from the Romance Languages (French, Spanish, Italian) or the Germanic Languages (Dutch, English, German) *** co-operation between University of Antwerp, Karel de Grote-Hogeschool and Hogeschool Antwerpen **** interuniversity programme All courses available for the academic year 2006-2007 For up-to-date information, consult http://www.highereducation.be
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Universiteit Antwerpen Hogere Zeevaartschool Hogeschool Antwerpen Karel de Grote-Hogeschool Plantijnhogeschool Plantijnhogeschool
Karel de Grote-Hogeschool
Hogeschool Antwerpen
Antwerp Maritime Academy
University of Antwerp
STUDYING AT THE Antwerp University Association
UA AMA HA KdG PL
n
n
UA: HA: KdG: Plantijn: AMA:
Universiteit Antwerpen Hogeschool Antwerpen Karel de Grote Hogeschool Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerp Maritime Academy
Academic Bachelor Professional Bachelor Bachelor and Master Bachelor and Master Advanced Master
AcBa PrBa BaMa BaMa AdMa
Degree
Language Code
PrBa
Applied Computer Science
D
n
BaMa
Applied Economic Sciences: Business Administration
D
n
BaMa
Applied Economic Siences: Economic Policy
D/E
n
BaMa
Applied Engineering: Biochemistry
D
n
n
BaMa
Applied Engineering: Chemistry
D
n
BaMa
Applied Engineering: Construction
D
n
n
BaMa
Applied Engineering: Electromechanics
D
n
n
BaMa
Applied Engineering: Electronics-ICT
D
n
AcBa
Applied Linguistics
D
n
BaMa
Architecture
D
n
n
BaMa
Art & Design
D
n
PrBa
Audiovisual Technology: Photography
D
n
PrBa
Automotive Technology
D
n
BaMa
Biochemistry and Biotechnology
D
n
AcBa
Bio-Engineering Science
D
n
BaMa
Biology
D
PrBa
Bio-Medical Laboratory Technology
D
n
BaMa
Biomedical Science
D
n
BaMa
Business Engineering
D
n
BaMa
Business Engineering in Management Information Systems
D
n
n
n
n
n
PrBa
Business Management
D(E)
n
n
PrBa
Chemistry
D
n
BaMa
Chemistry
D
PrBa
Communication Management
D(E)
n
AcBa
Communication Studies
D
n
Ma
Communication Studies
D
n
Ma
Political Communication
D
n
Ma
Conservation of Monuments and Sites
D
n
BaMa
Conservation Studies
D
n
17
STUDYING AT THE Antwerp University Association
UA
AMA
HA
KdG
PL
n
Ma
Culture Management
D/E
n
PrBa
Dance
D
n
BaMa
Drama
D
n
Ma
Ecological and Marine Management
E
PrBa
Electromechanics
D
n
n
n
PrBa
Electronics-ICT
D
n
PrBa
Graphical and Digital Media
D
n
BaMa
History
D
PrBa
Hotel Management
D
n
Ma
Information and Library Sciences
D
n
BaMa
Information Science
D
n
Ma
Instructional and Educational Sciences
D
n
BaMa
Interior Architecture
D
n
Ma
Interpreting
D
PrBa
Journalism
D
n
BaMa
Law
D
n
AcBa
Linguistics and Literature **
D
n
n
n
Ma
Linguistics
D
n
Ma
Linguistics and Literature **
D
n
Ma
Literature of the Modernity
D
n
Ma
Multilingual Professional Communication
D
n
Ma
Theater Studies
D
n
Ma
Management and Communication
D/E
PrBa
Marine Engineering
D/FR
n
n
BaMa
Mathematics
D
n
BaMa
Medicine
D
PrBa
Midwifery
D
n
Ma
Molecular Biology
E
PrBa
Multimedia and Communication Technology
D
n
BaMa
Music
D
n
BaMa
Nautical Sciences
D/FR
n
n
n
n
n
PrBa
Nursery Education
D
n
n
PrBa
Nursing
D
n
n
n
n
Ma
Nursing and Obstetrics/Midwifery ***
D
PrBa
Nutrition and Dietetics
D
n
PrBa
Occupational Therapy
D
n
PrBa
Office Management
D
AcBa
Pharmaceutical sciences
D
n
n
n
18
STUDYING AT THE Antwerp University Association
UA
AMA
HA
KdG
PL
n
Ma
Drug Development
D
n
Ma
Pharmaceutical care
D
n
BaMa
Philosophy
D
n
BaMa
Physics
D
n
BaMa
Physiotherapy
D
n
AcBa
Political Sciences
D
n
Ma
Political Communication
D
n
Ma
International Politics
D
n
n
n
PrBa
Real Estate
D
n
PrBa
Secondary Education
D
n
n
n
PrBa
Primary Education
D
BaMa
Product Development
D
n
BaMa
Social and Economic Sciences
D
n
n
PrBa
Social Work
D
n
n
n
Ma
Social Work and Welfare Studies ***
D
n
PrBa
Socio-Educational Care Work
D
n
BaMa
Sociology
D
n
Ma
Translation
D
n
Ma
Urban Design and Spatial Planning
D
n
AcBa
Veterinary science
D
n
Ma
Women’s Studies
D
n
AdMa
Advanced Management Studies
D
n
AdMa
Advanced Studies in Computer Sciences
D
n
AdMa
Advanced Studies in Linguistics ****
E
n
n
n
AdMa
American Studies ****
E
n
AdMa
Applied Econometrics ****
E
n
AdMa
Archival Science: Cultural Heritage Management and Records Management D
n
AdMa
Biomedical Imaging
D
n
AdMa
Business Administration
D
n
AdMa
Business Administration (Executive MBA)
E
n
AdMa
Business Law
D
n
AdMa
Computer Auditing
D/E
n
AdMa
Development Evaluation and Management
E
n
AdMa
Disabled Person’s Care
D
n
AdMa
E-business
D/E
n
AdMa
Economics of International Trade and European Integration ****
E
n
AdMa
Educational Management
D
n
AdMa
Environmental Science
D
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STUDYING AT THE Antwerp University Association
UA
AMA
HA
KdG
PL
n
AdMa
Executive MBA Moscow (part-time)
D
n
AdMa
Family Medicine****
D
n
AdMa
Finance
E
n
AdMa
Global Management
E
n
AdMa
Globalisation and Economic Development
E
n
AdMa
Governance and Development
E
n
AdMa
Health Data Management****
D
n
AdMa
Hospital Hygiene and Infection
D
n
AdMa
Hospital Pharmacy****
D
n
AdMa
Human Resource Management
D
n
AdMa
Human Resource Studies
D
n
AdMa
Industrial Pharmacy****
D
n
AdMa
Insurance medicine and medico-legal expertise****
D
n
AdMa
International Relations and Diplomacy
D
n
AdMa
Laboratory Medicine
D
n
AdMa
Literary Studies****
D
n
AdMa
Management
D/E
n
AdMa
Management and Development
D
n
AdMa
Management Studies
D
n
AdMa
Maritime and Transport Law
D
n
AdMa
Maritime Sciences
D
n
AdMa
Maritime Sciences ****
D
n
AdMa
Nanophysics
E
n
AdMa
Occupational Medicine****
D
n
AdMa
Personal Financial Planning
D/E
n
AdMa
Public Administration
D
n
AdMa
Public Management
D
n
AdMa
Real Estate Management
D/E
n
AdMa
Tax Law
D
n
AdMa
Theatre Studies****
D
n
AdMa
Transport and Maritime Economics
E
n
AdMa
Transport and Maritime Management
E
n
AdMa
Youth Health Care****
D
20
STUDYING AT THE Antwerp University Association
Admission of exchange students Exchange students who wish to attend a particular course or programme, carry out a project, or write a thesis (dissertation, paper), have to be accepted by the guest institution and the department/faculty concerned. First, it is necessary to contact the international coordinator at the host institution (for addresses, see part 4 and part 8). Terms of admission for exchange students in the framework of European exchange programmes or bilateral agreements. Students who are coming to Antwerp in the framework of a European or bilateral exchange agreement do not have to pay a tuition fee at the host institution. They will have to meet the following requirements: • Approval of the home institution. It is essential that the home university institution fully accredits the study programme in Antwerp; • Acceptance by the host institution For more information about the course programme (subjects, projects, thesis work, and timetables) and admittance procedures students should contact the international co-ordinator at the appropriate department/faculty. (S)he will advise students on their study programme and will ensure that reports and grades for their work are sent to the home institution; • Provide evidence of exchange student status. Terms of admission for other international students Students who make their own arrangements and are not coming in the framework of a European or bilateral exchange agreement, have to pay the full tuition fee. They should contact the international co-ordinator at the host institution well in advance. (S)he will tell the students whom to contact for further information on the course programme (courses, projects, thesis work, and time-tables) and admission procedure. Language requirements The Dutch language Dutch is one of the less widely spoken and taught languages of the EU: 21 million people speak Dutch (15 million in the Netherlands and 6 million in Flanders). The language of instruction in Flanders is Dutch. The institutions of the Antwerp University Association’s only offer a limited (but growing) number of courses in English. The Antwerp Maritime Academy is the only institution with full courses in both Dutch and French. The ability to master the language of instruction is crucial to international students. Students wishing to register as full-time degree students (i.e. not as exchange students) with one of the institutions of the Antwerp University Association may first have to fulfill some language requirements in accordance with the Flemish law. Some of the Association’s institutions may require students to submit proof of sufficient knowledge of Dutch before admission is allowed. Language courses The institutions of the Antwerp University Association organize Dutch language courses which are specifically tailored to the needs of participants. Courses ‘Dutch as a foreign language’ are organized at the beginning of each semester and during the academic year. Students practice basic skills like reading, speaking, listening and writing. Grammar and vocabulary are introduced in a communicative way. Courses are available at different levels. The level is tailored to suit international students. 21
STUDYING AT THE Antwerp University Association
• Erasmus Intensive Language Courses (EILC) The EILC is an initiative of the European Commission and gives Erasmus students the opportunity to study the Dutch language before starting their exchange period. An EILC is offered in September and in January - a must for students who will be attending classes in Dutch. The language course provides not only a linguistic and cultural preparation; it is also an excellent opportunity to socialise with other international students and to make new friends in a new environment. Erasmus students who wish to sign up for this course can apply for an EILC-grant, which allows them to participate for free. The winners of an EILC-scholarship receive a supplementary Erasmus grant from their National Agency or home institution for the duration of the course. Applications should be submitted to the student’s home institution, which is responsible for forwarding the applications to the course organizers. > http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/programmes/socrates/erasmus/eilc/index_en.html • Karel de Grote-Hogeschool This institution offers an intensive EILC in Dutch for two weeks (5 hours a day) in September and in January. After an intensive lasting two weeks, the Dutch course becomes an integrated part of the study programme consisting of two hours per week (altogether 62 contact hours). The primary aim of these Dutch classes is to introduce the basic skills of the language. The course offers an introduction to Dutch grammar and pronunciation with practice in comprehension and use of Dutch in daily life, in order to stimulate the integration of students in their new surroundings. Students are encouraged to use Dutch as often as possible when they come into daily contact with Flemish people so that they can apply their knowledge of the language in everyday situations. A system of continuous assessment is used. Throughout the course several short tests are organized, both oral and written, to check students’ progress. These courses are free of charge. > http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/programmes/socrates/erasmus/eilc/index_en.html • Hogeschool Antwerpen An introductory Dutch course (level one, 60 hours, daytime course) will be organized before the start of the academic year (beginning of September). This course is free of charge for exchange students. > www.ha.be (choose English - Dutch Language Course) • University of Antwerp The university’s language centre LINGUAPOLIS, Institute for Language and Communication, organises various intensive language courses at the beginning of each semester and during the academic year. A Dutch EILC is offered in September and in January for Erasmus students. This course focuses on communicative skills (listening, comprehension and speaking) and gives an introduction to Flemish society and culture. Moreover intensive and less intensive daytime and evening courses are also offered at 4 different levels consisting of either 30h, 45h, 60h or 90h. The EILC-courses are free of charge for students who have been granted an EILC-scholarship. For non-EILC-courses, a small fee has to be paid. > www.linguapolis.eu
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Other languages There are plenty of opportunities in Antwerp to acquire or improve foreign language skills. Each semester, language courses at different levels are organised at the Linguapolis, Campus Drie Eiken in 19 languages: Arabic, Chinese, Danish, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Rumanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish. > www.linguapolis.eu . Distance learning LINC (an Interactive Approach to Language and Culture) consists of a serie of language learning materials on CD-ROM. There are CD-ROMs for 18 languages, including Dutch. For every language there are 3 levels. Each CD-ROM contains ten video recordings, together with transcripts and explanations of relevant social and cultural issues. In addition, various exercises are available on reading, writing, listening, pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar complete with feedback and pedagogical help screens. For more information: > www.linguapolis.eu
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Transport and Travel
GETTING TO ANTWERP By air The international airport of Brussels (Zaventem) is the most frequently used gateway to Antwerp. It is located at about 45 kilometers from the centre of Antwerp. There are flights from all major European cities as well as from the most important overseas metropolis. Various airlines fly into Brussels airport. From the airport you can travel to Antwerp by taking the SN Brussels Airport Express bus or train. The bus runs every hour and reaches the centre of Antwerp (De Keyserlei - Century Center) in approximately 40 minutes. It runs from 07.00 until 23.00 (Brussels airport to Antwerp) and from 05.30 until 22.00 (Antwerp to Brussels airport). A single ticket costs €8 (info: T +32 (0)5 233 40 00). The train to Antwerp takes approximately one hour (you have to change at “Brussel Noord” station) and costs € 6 for a single ticket. > www.brusselsairport.be/bus If you fly with Ryanair, you will arrive at the airport of Brussels South, near Charleroi. You can then buy a ‘bulk’ ticket for €10 at the Ryanair desk at Charleroi airport. This is a one-way ticket that enables you to go by public bus (line A) to any train station in Belgium. It takes approximately 1h and 30 minutes to reach Antwerp Central Station from Charleroi. > www.charleroi-airport.com By train Antwerp is easy to reach by train. International railway lines link Brussels and Antwerp to several other major European cities. The European high-speed train project includes the Thalys, the Eurostar and the Eurotunnel. There are direct rail links with different cities in France, the Netherlands and Germany. Antwerp can be reached from the UK by Eurostar via Brussels, or by taking the ferry-rail link via Ostend (Ramsgate/Ostend) or Zeebrugge (Hull/Zeebrugge). Antwerp has two main stations: Central Station and Berchem station. > www.b-rail.be: information about the Belgian rail-network: train connections (travelling in Belgium and Europe), timetables and prices. By bus If you are looking for a cheap way to come to Antwerp you could travel with ‘Eurolines’. The Eurolines bus goes to the centre of the city (Van Stralenstraat 8, 2060 Antwerpen). Within the province and the city of Antwerp transport is organised by the public transport company “De Lijn”. Buses leave to all parts of the city from Antwerp Central Station. From the bus station “Rooseveltplaats”, which is close to the Central Station, there are direct bus links to various other towns and cities. > www.eurolines.com: detailed information on destinations, timetables and prices > www.delijn.be: information about trams and buses 25
TRANSPORT & TRAVEL
By car All destinations are within easy reach by car. Antwerp itself lies at the crossroads of the E17, E19, E34, and E313 motorways. GETTING AROUND IN ANTWERP By bike (or motorbike) Cycling and walking are amongst the most popular ways of getting to classes. Anyone may ride a bicycle in Belgium; there is no minimum age, and no license or insurance are required. To avoid bicycle theft, be sure to lock your bike at all times. Bicycle storage is often available in railway stations and schools, either free of charge or for a small fee. Renting a bike Students of the Antwerp University Association can rent a bike for cheap at the “Fietshaven” (“bike harbour”): € 20 for 3 months, € 30 for 6 months and € 50 for 10 months. > www.fietshaven.be By public transport Trains Belgium has the most dense rail network in the world. Trains run at regular intervals between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.; later in the evenings only a selection of trains runs until about 11 p.m. Trains run less frequently during the weekends. There are first and second class compartments, and a standard return (round-trip) fare is double the price of a single (oneway) fare. Smoking is not allowed. Keep in mind that a ticket is valid for one day only. Telephone numbers of some information desks (in 4 languages): Antwerp Central Station: +32 3 204 20 40 Berchem Station: +32 2 528 28 28 Useful Internet sites: > www.b-rail.be: train connections, timetables and prices (in Dutch, French, English, and German) > www.buzzy.be: the site of “De Lijn” for their youth magazine (also available on every bus and tram) Trams and buses Antwerp has a dense public transportation network. Buses and trams are available to take you to many different parts of the city. With the tickets mentioned below you can travel throughout the whole district of Antwerp. This means that you can travel in the city of Antwerp and its surrounding suburbs (Berchem, Berendrecht, Borgerhout, Deurne, Ekeren, Hoboken, Lillo, Merksem, Wilrijk and Zandvliet). For more detailed information go to the “De Lijn” shop in the city centre (Rooseveltplaats T +32 3 232 75 23). The following rates apply when you take a tram or bus: • A single ticket within the city: €1,5. You can purchase this from the tram or bus driver. But if you buy this single ticket in presale at “De Lijn” shops or several bookstores it will cost you € 1,2. It allows you to use public transportation (buses and trams) for one hour. However, it can be less expensive to buy one of the following tickets. 26
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If you have to travel several times a week, it is cheaper to buy a “Lijnkaart” for 10 rides, for which you pay € 8 (i.e. € 0,8 per journey). • A Tov ticket will cost you €1.50. This can be bought from the bus or tram driver. With this type of ticket you take the tram or bus on the first leg of your journey and then return by taxi, in which case you will get a rebate of € 2 per person on the taxi fare. • A monthly pass costs € 20.30 for those under 25 years of age, or € 25.50 for those between 25 and 64. This can be bought from one of the “De Lijn” shops. It is only worth buying a monthly pass when you use public transportation on a regular and frequent basis. Whenever you travel by tram or bus you have to validate your ticket by inserting it into the yellow device that can be found on buses and trams. Once you have done this, your ticket will be valid for sixty minutes. Press one of the blue buttons to ring the bell when you are about to reach your destination - otherwise the driver might pass your stop. During the weekend, night buses are provided. A ticket costs € 2 and can be bought on the bus. A timetable for these night buses is available in any “De Lijn” shop. As prices are subject to change please telephone +32 3 218 14 06 or consult www.delijn. be.
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Taxis In general, taxis are quite expensive and hence not very student-friendly. You always have to pay a standard rate (even before you start driving) which is € 2.75 between 6 a.m. and 22 p.m. and € 4.75 between 22 p.m. and 6 a.m. On top of this you have to pay a specific amount (€1.40) for each kilometer travelled. On occasion there are promotional offers that make travelling by taxi more affordable. You can find taxis at various fixed locations around Antwerp, such as the Central Station, Rooseveltplaats, Groenplaats, etc. It is also possible to call a taxi or hail one on the street by raising your hand. Here are some telephone numbers of taxi companies in Antwerp: AAT (Algemene Antwerpse Taxicentrale): 03 216 16 16 ANTWERP TAX: 03 238 38 38 By car In Belgium, traffic moves on the right-hand side of the road. Unless otherwise indicated, the speed limit is 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on other roads and 50 km/h in builtup areas. Around schools and in some residential areas, there is a speed limit of 30 km/h. Drinking and driving is a serious offence in Belgium. If you are breathalysed and found positive (i.e. if your blood contains more than 0.5‰ of alcohol, a limit you can reach by drinking 2 glasses of beer or small glasses of wine), harsh penalties will be imposed. In Belgium, there is a well-known campaign to prevent drinking and driving. This is the so-called “BOB campaign”, which suggests that when a group of people go out for the evening they should always appoint one person for the night (called BOB) who stays sober so that he or she can drive everyone home safely. In order to drive a car in Belgium you must have a Belgian driving licence or a licence recognized by Belgian law. The minimum age to drive a car is 18, and for renting a car it is 21. Insurance, including unlimited third party liability, is obligatory, and the ‘green insurance card’ which is issued upon payment of the insurance fee should always be kept in the car. The registration form (‘pink card’) should also be kept in the car at all times. Finally, the car has to have a valid licence plate. Buying a new car in Belgium is expensive. Alternatives include buying a used car, or using a rental car. When buying always remember that the purchase price of a car does not cover the total expense involved. It is also worth bearing in mind that finding parking space in Antwerp can be difficult and expensive. For this reason, we do not advise students to bring their own car.
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GETTING OUT OF ANTWERP Travelling in Belgium Transport While staying in Antwerp it is worthwhile taking some time off to visit some of the other parts of Belgium. The city of Antwerp is a good point of departure. From here, nearly all major tourist destinations can be reached by train. There are direct connections to Leuven (40 minutes), Brussels (40 minutes), Ghent (50 minutes), Bruges (1h and 20 minutes), Ostend (1h 35 minutes) and Namur (2h 10 minutes). Luxemburg (3h 45 minutes) and Dinant (2h 10 minutes) can also be easily reached. In addition to the rail network, buses and trams are available to take you to towns and the farthest corners of the countryside. The coastal tram links the seaside resorts and stops in the centre of every seaside town. You can also take your bike to tour around. You are allowed to take your bike on the train for a small fee. Useful information (guides, maps, etc.) about cycling tours can be obtained from the “Grote Routepaden” in Antwerp (Flanders Youth Hostel Federation T +32 3 232 72 18), Toerisme Vlaanderen (T +32 2 504 03 90) or in provincial or local tourist offices (For addresses; see Part 8 ‘Contacts’ (p. 71)). Maps can be found at http://users.pandora. be/fietsroutes/Routes.html. Useful websites with a lot of tourist information and links: > www.toerismevlaanderen.be > www.belgique-tourisme.net Travel guides Different kinds of travel guide are available to fulfill every need. The more adventurous will appreciate the following: Rough Guide, Lonely Planet, and Le Guide du Routard. If you are looking for more in-depth information try the Insight Guides. A wide selection of travel guides can also be found at the public library, or are available to buy at the Standaard Boekhandel Antwerpen Reisgids (Meirbrug 2, 2000 Antwerpen), Fnac bookshop (Groenplaats) in the city centre of Antwerp. Tourist offices The best way to become well-informed about different travel opportunities is to drop in at the provincial or local tourist information centers. Nearly every small town has a tourist information centre where you can get information about transport, accommodation and places of interest. You are most likely to find them at the “Grote Markt” in the city centre. Accommodation There are many different types of accommodation to choose from when travelling in Belgium: • Hotels: the website “Toerisme Vlaanderen” is a database of hotels where you can choose your ideal type of accommodation, or alternatively have a look at www.hotels-belgium. com. • Bed and breakfast or “gastenkamers”: check at the tourist information centre. • Youth hostels: there are 22 youth hostels in Flanders. The “Vlaamse Jeugdherbergcentrale” (Van Stralenstraat 40, 2060 Antwerp, T +32 3 232 72 18) will give you an overview of what is available. You can also find a list on their website: www.vjh.be. A list of youth hostels in the French-speaking part of the country can be found at www.laj.be - or alternatively call the main office for more information (T +32 2 219 56 76). • Campsites: a useful website can be found at www.kompascamping.be 29
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Travelling outside Belgium Travel agencies Some travel agencies offer special student prices and specialise in organising trips and holidays for students: • Usit connections, Melkmarkt 23, 2000 Antwerp, 03 225 31 61, www.connections.be • Joker Toerisme, Blauwtorenplein 10, 2000 Antwerp, 03 231 72 68, www.joker.be • Airstop, St. Jacobsmarkt 84, 2000 Antwerp, 070 23 31 88, www.airstop.be If you would like to visit some of Belgium’s neighbouring countries check the Eurolines buses website (www.eurolines.be), or www.b-rail.be for details of travelling around Europe by train. Amsterdam, Paris or London are all worth a visit. There is a direct rail link between Antwerp and Amsterdam (2h 10 minutes). Paris can be easily reached by taking the train called the Thalys - 1h30 minutes via Brussels. (Thalys tickets are cheaper if you book them well in advance.) And London is only a three hour journey away by train (the Eurostar).
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Arrival & Accommodation
BEFORE LEAVING FOR BELGIUM Going abroad for a longer period is always the start of an adventure. This is why it is important that you do not set out unprepared. Additional information can be downloaded from www.studenttravelinformation.be Registration at the home institution During the summer months the International Relations Office will send information packages to all announced exchange students in order to prepare them for their stay in Antwerp. You are requested to complete and return the registration and/or accommodation form, which you received from the host institution. Please apply through your home institution well in advance before leaving if you would like to take a Dutch language course. Information about language courses is given in part 2 ‘Studying at the Antwerp University Association’. Make sure that you have been given the status of exchange student by your home university before leaving, and bring all necessary documents with you to Antwerp. Visa requirements, formalities before leaving Belgium Nationals of the European Economic Area countries1 or from Monaco or Switzerland may stay in Belgium on the strength of a national passport or identity card. All other nationalities should apply for a student visa with the Belgian embassy or consulate of their current place of residence before leaving for Belgium, if they want to stay in Belgium for longer than 3 months. When visiting the Embassy or Consulate you will need the following documents: - Valid passport (with at least one year’s validity remaining) - Permission to enrol at the higher education institution - Proof of solvency - Certificate of good conduct - Medical certificate - Declaration signed by yourself, certifying that you will leave Flanders (Belgium) upon the completion of your studies - Recent passport pictures, signed on the back - Financial support declaration More information on the application procedure can be found at: http://www.diplobel.fgov.be/en/addresses/abroad/default.asp Addresses of the nearest Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country can be found at: http://www.diplobel.fgov.be/en/addresses/abroad/default.asp The Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Rue des Petits Carmes 15, B-1000 Brussels, T +32 (0)2 501 81 11, www.diplomatie.be,
[email protected] 1 EEA: EU + Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein 33
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For some countries, approval by the Belgian authorities can take up to 3 months and even longer. It is therefor necessary that you start the visa application procedure well in advance! Students are urged not to come on a tourist visa, unless they wish to return after 3 months. All students who will be staying in Antwerp for longer than 3 months must register with the town administration office/the Department of Foreigners (through the International Office!) within 8 working days of arrival. More information can be found under the section entitled ‘Registration in the host town’. ARRIVAL IN ANTWERP Your first night - an interesting tip If your host institution recommends that you arrive in advance or during the summer months to find a room of your own choice, you can spend the first few nights in a youth hostel. You will get a discount for this first night. Meanwhile, contact your student “buddy”, “godmother” or “godfather”, or the housing service of your guest institution to start all arrangements for finding suitable accommodation. For more details about youth hostels please refer to the section entitled ‘Settling in Antwerp’. Some institutions arrange accommodation for you before arrival; in that case you will receive information from the housing service well in advance. Addresses of the Antwerp University Association (University–University colleges) UNIVERSITY OF ANTWERP The University of Antwerp is spread over 4 campuses: the City Campus, Campus Middelheim, Campus Groenenborger and Campus Drie Eiken. The City Campus is situated in the old historic city centre while the other three campuses are situated in the leafy suburbs to the south of the city. The International Relations Office is situated at Campus Groenenborger Name Mailing address Office Phone General fax number General email Website 35
Patricia De Clopper (Institutional Socrates Co-ordinator) Nele Voorspoels (incoming exchange students) Jill Aerts (outgoing exchange students) Martine Depauw (work permits, visa, mobility of teaching staff) International Relations Office Universiteit Antwerpen – Campus Groenenborger Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerpen U237 (building U, 2nd floor) +32 3 265 35 43 (Patricia De Clopper) + 32 3 265 35 61 (Nele Voorspoels) + 32 3 265 35 59 (Jill Aerts) + 32 3 265 35 60 (Martine Depauw) + 32 3 265 36 22
[email protected] www.ua.ac.be/international
ARRIVAL & ACCOMMODATION
City Campus Main building: Prinsstraat 13, B-2000 Antwerp T +32 3 220 41 11 How to get to the City Campus By train The Central Station is within walking distance (15 minutes) By tram From the Central Station: line 12 (stop at Rooseveltplaats) (to nearest stop) From the Central Station to Kipdorp, Lange Nieuwstraat: line 10 From the Central Station or Berchem Station: line 11 From Berchem Station to Meirbrug: line 8 From Groenplaats to Minderbroedersrui: line 4 By metro From the Central Station to Opera, Meir or Groenplaats: line 2, 3, 15 By bus From Wilrijk to Groenplaats: line 22, 25, 26 (to nearest stop) From Wilrijk to the Central Station: line17, 21, 27, 32 From Berchem Station to Rijnkaai: line 9 Regional connections: Rooseveltplaats By coach from airport De Keyserlei – Century Centre (close to the Central Station) Campus Middelheim Main buildings: Middelheimlaan 1 (building A), B-2020 Antwerp T +32 3 265 30 51 How to get to Campus Middelheim By train From Berchem Station: bus 21, 32, 501, 502 From Central Station: bus 27, 21, 32, 501, 502 By tram From the Central Station and Groenplaats: line 15 (direction Mortsel – stop “Koninklijkelaan”) By bus From Berchem Station: bus 21, 32, 501, 502 From Groenplaats: line 25, 26 stop “BIST” - connection with bus 21, 27, 33, 501, 502 From the Central Station: line 21, 27, 32, 501, 502 By coach from airport Stop Central Station - connection with bus: 21, 27, 32, 501, 502 Campus Groenenborger Main building: Groenenborgerlaan (building T), B-2020 Antwerp T +32 3 265 32 11 How to get to Campus Groenenborger By train From Berchem Station: bus 21, 501, 502 From Central Station: bus 27, 21, 501, 502 By tram From Central Station and Groenplaats: line 15 (direction Mortsel – stop “Koninklijkelaan” - connection with bus 21, 27, 501, 502) By bus From Berchem Station: bus 21, 501, 502 From Groenplaats: line 25, 26 (stop “BIST” - connection with bus 21, 27, 33, 501, 502) From Central Station: line 21, 27, 501, 502 By coach from airport Stop Central Station - connection with bus: 21, 27, 501, 502 36
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Campus Drie Eiken Main building: Universiteitsplein 1 (building G), B-2610 Wilrijk T +32 3 820 20 81/82 How to get to Campus Drie Eiken By train From Central Station (Pelikaanstraat): bus 17 From Berchem Station: bus 21 By bus From Berchem Station: line 21 (to the south side of the campus), 25, 26 From Groenplaats: line 22, 25, 26 From Central Station: line 17 By coach from airport Stop “Crown Plaza Hotel” or “De Keyserlei – Century Centre” – connection with bus: 17 (direction Wilrijk) UNIVERSITY COLLEGES Antwerp Maritime Academy Noordkasteel – Oost 6, B-2030 Antwerp T +32 3 205 64 30 International Relations Office Name Sophie Deltour and Steve Heymans Mailing address International Relations Office Antwerp Maritime Academy Noordkasteel – Oost 6, B-2030 Antwerp Phone + 32 3 205 64 35/74 Fax number + 32 3 205 64 72 Email
[email protected] /
[email protected] Website www.hzs.be How to get to the Antwerp Maritime Academy The Antwerp Maritime Academy can be found between the river Scheldt and the harbour, at the beginning of the Scheldelaan. By bus From Rooseveltplaats: line 35 and 37. You can also take a bus that stops at the corner “Rijnkaai/Londenstraat” which leaves you with a walk of about 1500m to the institution. Hogeschool Antwerpen Keizerstraat 15, B-2000 Antwerp T +32 3 213 93 00 International Relations Office Name Frank Rylant Mailing address International Relations Office Hogeschool Antwerpen Keizerstraat 15, B-2000 Antwerp Phone + 32 3 213 93 26 Fax number + 32 3 213 93 41 Email
[email protected] Website www.ha.be 37
ARRIVAL & ACCOMMODATION
How to get to the Hogeschool Antwerpen? The Hogeschool Antwerpen is situated within walking distance of the Central Station. From here take the De Keyserlei, and - after crossing the central boulevard - continue along the Meir towards the city centre. Then take the fifth street on the right (Lange Klarenstraat) and continue straight on. After crossing the Lange Nieuwstraat and the Sint Jacobsmarkt turn left into the Keizerstraat, where you will find - at number 15 - the central administration office of the Hogeschool Antwerpen. Karel de Grote-Hogeschool Van Schoonbekestraat 143, B-2018 Antwerp T +32 3 213 26 26 International Relations Office Name Helene Vanbrabant Mailing address International Relations Office Karel de Grote-Hogeschool Van Schoonbekestraat 143, B-2018 Antwerp Phone + 32 3 241 03 00 Fax number + 32 3 241 16 86 Email
[email protected] Website www.kdg.be The central International Relations Office makes practical arrangements with each individual student before his/her arrival. Within 8 working days of arrival, each incoming student has to register at the central International Relations Office (Van Schoonbekestraat 143, 2018 Antwerp). How to get to the Karel de Grote-Hogeschool? By train From the Central Station or from Berchem Station; several connections by bus and metro By busFrom Central Station or from Berchem Station: 27 (direction Wilrijk) By metro From the Central Station: line 2 (direction Hoboken), line 15 (direction Mortsel) Plantijnhogeschool Meistraat 5, B-2000 Antwerp T +32 3 221 07 00 International Relations Office Name Marleen Matyn Mailing address International Relations Office Plantijnhogeschool Meistraat 5, B-2000 Antwerpen Phone + 32 3 221 07 09 Fax number + 32 3 221 07 01 Email
[email protected] Website www.plantijn.be Based on the arrival information we receive, you will be welcomed by a “student buddy” who will assist you with all practical arrangements. 38
How to get to the Plantijnhogeschool? By train: From the Central Station or from Berchem Station; several connections by metro, tram or bus By bus From Berchem Station: line 9 (stop “Komedieplaats”) By metro From the Central Station: line 2, 3, 15 (stop “Meir”) By tram From the Central Station to Rooseveltplaats: line 12 From Berchem Station: line 8 From Berchem: line 7 (stop “Oudaan”) Registration at the host institution Please contact the international co-ordinator of the host institution well in advance to learn about the registration formalities and to receive the necessary forms. It is recommended that students inform the host institution of their expected date of arrival in advance. A student card and a registration certificate will be given to you upon arrival. The first person on campus that you will probably meet upon your arrival in Antwerp will either be the international officer (or your “student buddy” or “godmother”/”godfather”) or the housing co-ordinator. Upon arrival you are expected to have carried out all necessary registration formalities concerning your studies and your arrival. Please contact the international office if you have any problems. For questions about your study programme you can ask the international academic co-ordinator of the department in question. An orientation session will be held for all exchange students at the start of each semester (term). Registration in the host town All students who will be staying in Antwerp for longer than 3 months must register with the town administration office, Department of Foreigners (“Dienst Bevolking/Afdeling Vreemdelingen”) in the town or area where they are living within 8 working days after arrival. The International relations office organizes a “registration session” for students living in Antwerpen-Wilrijk (post code 2610) or in the city centre (post code 2000) at the beginning of each semester. Please also check p. 33 for visa requirements and formalities before leaving Belgium. During the registration session students have to submit the following documents: • 2 copies of the ID card or national passport (incl. visa + entrance stamp + place and date of issue + date of expiry) • 1 original + 1 copy of the certificate of registration delivered by the host institution • 1 copy of the rental agreement • 5 passport pictures sized 3,5 x 4,5 cm – white background – no photocopies! (for non-EU citizen: 4 passport pictures) The IRO will pass on your registration file to the appropriate administrative department and will contact you when your residence permit card is available.
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Addresses Town Administration, Department of Foreigners Antwerp Centre (2000) Lange Gasthuiststraat 21 T +32 3 201 34 11
[email protected] Antwerp-Berchem (2600) Grotesteenweg 150 T +32 3 286 40 20
[email protected] Antwerp-Berendrecht (2040) Antwerpsebaan 140 T +32 3 568 38 10
[email protected] Antwerp-Borgerhout (2140) Moorkensplein 1 T +32 3 270 17 11 district.borgerhout@ stad.antwerpen.be Antwerp-Deurne (2100) Maurice Dequeerckeplein 1 T +32 3 360 45 11
[email protected] Antwerp-Ekeren (2180) Veltwijcklaan 27 T +32 3 543 29 30
[email protected] Antwerpen-Hoboken (2660) Marneflaan 3 T +32 3 820 30 30
[email protected] Antwerpen-Merksem (2170) Burgemeester Jozef Nolfplein 1 T +32 3 641 72 11
[email protected] Antwerpen-Wilrijk (2610) Bist 1 T +32 3 820 53 11
[email protected] Antwerp-Zandvliet-Lillo (2040) Antwerpsebaan 140 T +32 3 568 38 10
[email protected] These offices are open to the public from Monday to Friday from 9.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m. From September until June these offices are also open on Thursday from 5.00 p.m. until 7.00 p.m. (but then they are extremely busy). Edegem (2650) Kontichstraat 19 T +32 3 289 26 50
[email protected] Open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 p.m. until 12.p.m., and also on Wednesdays from 2.00 p.m. until 4.00 p.m., and Tuesdays from 5.00 p.m. until 7.30 p.m. Registration with the Embassy or Consulate Registration with the embassy or consulate in Belgium/Antwerp is optional, but it may be useful in order to keep more fully informed. The Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Rue des Petits Carmes 15, B-1000 Brussels, T +32 2 501 81 11, www.diplomatie.be,
[email protected]
LIVING IN ANTWERP Financial matters Arranging your financial affairs Money and banks Currency: the euro (€) Anyone under the age of 25 can open and close a bank account free of charge. It is possible to open an account as of the age of 12. At the same time it is advisable to apply for a bank card which gives you access to the cash machines / ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines). Most bank cards also have a PROTON chip 41
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that allows you to use the card as an ‘electronic purse’, which means that you can load a certain amount of ‘cash’ onto your bank card at cash machines. The device that allows to pay by proton can be found in many shops at the checkout. Phone banking services mean that bank cards also enable you to pay for transactions by phone. Conditions and services may differ from bank to bank. For further details, such as information about the location of local branches, contact the customer service help line of the bank concerned, or consult their website: Fortis Bank This bank offers the ‘Move@Fortis Account’ for foreign students. Free of charge. They only ask a fee when using your card outside Belgium. Meir 48, B-2000 Antwerpen T 03 204 62 11 / F 03 204 68 80 general T 0800 16 789 www.fortisbank.com
[email protected] Dexia Bank Nationalestraat 124b, B-2000 Antwerpen T 03 238 75 50 / F 03 248 65 49 www.dexia.be www.axionweb.be
[email protected] KBC Schoenmarkt 20, B-2000 Antwerpen T 03 206 83 27 / F 03 206 83 11 www.kbc.be
[email protected] [email protected] ‘Bank’ holidays Banks, public offices and shops are closed on the following days: November 1st All Saints Day Allerheiligen November 2nd All Soul’s Day (public offices only) Allerzielen November 11th Armistice Day Wapenstilstand December 25th Christmas Day Kerstmis December 26th Boxing Day Tweede Kerstdag January 1st New Year’s Day Nieuwjaar Easter Sunday Paaszondag Easter Monday Paasmaandag May 1st Labour Day Feest van de Arbeid 40 days after Easter Ascension Day Onze Heer Hemelvaart 50 days after Easter Whit Sunday Pinksteren Whit Monday Pinkstermaandag July 11th Flemish Community Day Vlaamse Feestdag (public offices only) July 21st National Day Nationale Feestdag August 15th Assumption Day Onze Lieve Vrouw Hemelvaart 42
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Working All institutions of the Antwerp University Association have their own ‘job service’ (employment service), where you can get information about student jobs. Moreover, they developed a job database (www.studentjobweb.be), in order to help students find a suitable student job. Jobweb also provides you with more information on regulations, … In order to access the web page, you need to obtain a password from the social service of your host institution. Most jobs require a sound knowledge of Dutch. However a special section mentions jobs not requiring knowledge of the Dutch language. Ask for more information at the social service of your host institution, mentioning that you are an exchange student. Conditions may vary. For students from outside the EU and the new member states it might be more difficult to get a job since they need a work permit card. The law specifies minimum wage rates for working students, which vary according to age: 19-year-olds: € 6,47 per hour 20-year-olds: € 6,91 per hour 21-year-olds: € 7,35 per hour Overtime is not always paid extra. Employers often compensate overtime with hours or days off. In case you have more questions, dial +32 3 213 78 10 and you will receive a free brochure (in Dutch or French). A few tips: • Several temp agencies allow you to register as a job-seeking student. • You can also present yourself as a job-seeker at a number of places, such as clothing stores, department stores, restaurants, … Cost of living General costs Living in Antwerp will cost you around € 550 per month. This covers the following and is an approximation: Rent € 230 Meals € 190 Transport/Leisure € 113 Course materials € 25 Detailed costs The following list will give you an idea of other costs Small load of bread € 1.09 Bar of chocolate € ±0.60 Coffee (250g) € 2.30 1 kg sugar € 1.12 1 kg rice € 0.62 to € 3.49 1 litre milk € 0.80 1 kg potatoes € 0.60 1 kg apples € 1.60 3 kg oranges € 2.00 1 kg bananas € 2.44 Small chicken € 4.28 Breakfast cereals € 1.59 to € 5.24 Jam € 1.70 Portion of fries € 1.50
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Sandwich € 2.50 A glass of coca cola in a café € 1.50 A glass of beer in a café € 1.50 A cup of coffee/tea in a café € 1.50 Toilet paper (4 rolls) € 1.20 Shower gel € 2.00 Tooth paste € 1.80 Washing powder € 3.50 Telephone card € 10.00 (or more) Newspaper € 0.90 Writing pad € 1.26 Roll of film € 3.50 Cigarettes (20) € 3.85
These are average prices of brand name products, but the supermarket chains (Carrefour, GB, Delhaize, Colruyt, Aldi and Lydl) have their own-brand goods which cost less, particularly with regard to basic food such as bread, milk, water, rice, etc. The cheapest supermarkets are Aldi, Lydl and Colruyt. However, at Aldi or Lydl you will not find any official bags for your rubbish (garbage). More information about getting rid of household waste (rubbish/ garbage) is given in the section entitled ‘public utilities’. Dairy products, especially cheese, can be bought cheaply at local markets (in Antwerp on Saturday and Sunday, in Wilrijk on Tuesday). The same goes for fruit and vegetables. Belgians are smart shoppers, so look for the stalls with the longest queues! Small grocery stores are more expensive. They are usually open between 9.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m., sometimes even later, and are closed on Sundays (although there are exceptions). Look for “wekelijkse rustdag” or closing day. It is best to check opening hours as these may vary from town to town. You can find night shops all over town. These are rather expensive. Second-hand goods (furniture, clothes,…) can be bought at special markets or in special shops. Note: “reclame”, “aanbieding”, “voordeel” indicate bargain. Whilst “opruiming”, “solden”, “uitverkoop” indicate sales (in January and July). Market days Apart from a weekly market day in almost every town and metropolitan area, where fresh vegetables, meat and fish can be bought at reasonable prices, there are other more specialised markets which are certainly worth a visit, including antique markets, flower markets, vegetable markets, meat markets, animal markets, and art markets. The Vogelmarkt in Antwerp is well worth visiting. It is held on Saturdays (when exotic food is on sale) and Sundays. The famous Vrijdagmarkt takes place on Fridays, when you will find the square full of old furniture, knick-knacks, and sometimes some excellent bargains. The local tourist information offices will be glad to give you further information.
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Settling in Antwerp Youth hostels Some students prefer to arrive in advance or during the summer months to find a room of their own choice. In such cases accommodation for the first few days can be found in a student hostel (you will get a discount for the first night). In the meantime you should contact your “student buddy”, “godmother” or “godfather”, or the international co-ordinator to start the accommodation-seeking process. Youth hostels are also an option when friends visit and need somewhere to stay for a short while at little cost. If you are a youth hostel association member you can rent a room with breakfast at cheap rates. Membership costs € 9 for those under 26 years of age, and € 15 for those who are older. Youth hostels in Antwerp: A. ANTWERP CENTRE (historical city centre) “Boomerang Youth Hostel” Lange Leemstraat 95-97, B-2000 Antwerpen T +32 3 238 47 82 “Scoutel” Stoomstraat 3-7, B-2018 Antwerpen T +32 3 226 46 06 F +32 3 232 63 92 e-mail:
[email protected] www.vvksm.be/uk/centres/scoutel.asp Near the Central Station. “New International Youth Hotel” Provinciestraat 256, B-2018 Antwerpen T +32 3 230 05 22 F +32 3 281 09 33 e-mail:
[email protected] www.youthhotel.be “Sleep Inn” Bolivarplaats 1, B-2000 Antwerpen T +32 3 237 37 48 e-mail:
[email protected] B. ANTWERP SOUTH (near Campus Middelheim, Campus Groenenborger & Campus Drie Eiken) “Op Sinjoorke” Eric Sasselaan 2, B-2020 Antwerpen T +32 3 238 02 73 F +32 3 248 19 32 e-mail:
[email protected] 45
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www.vjh.be/N/JHB/antwerpen.htm Can be reached by taking tram 2 and buses 25 or 27. “Theologisch & Pastoraal Centrum” Groenenborgerlaan 149, B-2020 Antwerp T +32 3 287 35 61 e-mail:
[email protected] www.bezinningshuizen.be/html/TPC.html
Housing There are several areas in Antwerp where students live. The price of a room, flat or studio varies according to the neighbourhood and the type of accommodation (studios and flats are more expensive). Some institutions have their own halls of residence. Rooms on campus are generally cheaper than private student rooms. The city of Antwerp has no shortage in suitable student accommodation. Host institutions help students find rooms, provided that they apply well in advance, especially with regard to short stays. The international coordinator of the host institution will be able to inform you on the necessary formalities. If you want to look for accommodation yourself, you should search for orange “te huur” (for rent) signs in house windows, or signs saying “studentenkamers” (student rooms). Telephone numbers of landlords are also available. All institutions located within the city of Antwerp have developed a database of accredited student accommodation, called KOTWEB, that offers a wide selection of available rooms, studios and apartments. Kotweb also provides you with useful information on rental agreements, tenants’ rights and obligations, garbage selection, fire insurance,… You can consult the database at: www.studentkotweb.be . If you want a list of what is available you have to ask for a login and password with the International Relations Office or the housing service of your host institution. More information can also be obtained from the social services at your host institution: www.sovoha.be, www.kdg.be,
[email protected]. The average price for a basic room in the city centre is € 250. 46
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The rental agreement Host institutions have standardised agreement forms for student accommodation. If these agreements are used, fire insurance is covered by the institution. In order to qualify, one copy of the agreement has to be deposited with the international co-ordinator or with the housing service. Usually the rental agreement stipulates that you need to take out fire insurance, but even without such stipulations you need to get insurance, which costs about € 25 to € 37. You can see an insurance agency (for phone numbers, check the Yellow Pages www.yellowpages.be) or draw up an agreement with your landlord. If the KOTWEB rental agreement is used, the University of Antwerp is the only institution that offers free fire insurance, on certain conditions. More information can be obtained from:
[email protected]. The other institutions do not cover fire insurance! For more information see part 6 ‘Health & Insurance’. You can get a copy of a model agreement at your host institution or download one in several languages from www.studentkotweb.be. The rental agreement will specify several things: the amount of the security deposit, the duration, rent, notice period(s), obligations, rights and prohibitions (e.g. pets), etc. Student rooms are always rented by the month. Rent should be paid on the first day of the month. A security deposit of 1 month (sometimes 2 or even 3 months maximum) is to be paid to the landlord before or upon arrival. Make sure the landlord gives you a receipt! The landlord can request you to open a joint bank account for the depos, which will be returned to you upon departure if no damage has been ascertained to the room or its furniture. If you are having trouble recovering the deposit, you should write a registered letter to the landlord. In the event that he or she still does not return your money after a second letter, you can see a magistrate (justice of the peace). But first try to find assistance and advice at the international office or housing office of your host institution. A contract is binding, so once it has been signed there is no backing out of it - so make sure to pay attention to the details of the agreement, keep well-informed, and be sure of your choice. Read the agreement carefully! For advice, you can turn to the social services office of your host institution. Getting out of a rental agreement is not easy, so think twice and do not agree to rent accommodation you are not completely happy with. Any termination of a tenancy should always be done in writing and you should always bear in mind the specified notice period. If you are the only person who signs the contract, you are also the only one responsible for fulfilling it. Your co-occupiers cannot rely on the contract to reside in the house but neither can they be compelled to pay rent. When you sign the contract as a group, then all co-signers have the same rental rights and obligations. The owner can ask each tenant to respect the rental agreement. When a co-tenant wants to give notice, written authorisation from the landlord is required and the name of the leaving tenant has to be deleted from the contract, otherwise he or she continues to be responsible for the rent. When you agree to a contract for a specific duration, then that time period is binding, which means that, in principle, the contract cannot be broken before the end of the rental period. This usually requires that the terms of giving notice are also kept. Again, make sure that you read the contract carefully! In turn, your landlord has to respect the rules of tenancy and provide a compensation as well as a notice period in case he or she wishes to terminate the rental agreement. 47
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If something is broken or does not function in your accommodation, the landlord is obliged to carry out repairs (at his/her expense) to electrical, heating and plumbing systems. It is the tenant’s responsibility has to inform the landlord of any defects. Place description A ‘place description’ is a detailed, written description of the state of the room. It should be drawn up before you move into the room and needs to be signed by both parties. At the end of the rental period, it will be compared to the actual condition of the room. The law does not oblige you to draw up one of these descriptions, but it can protect you against improper claims afterwards. If you draw up a place description the landlord cannot make you pay for damage that was already there. Make sure that everything is filled in accurately. You have to mention even the smallest damage because failing to write everything down can later be pinned on you! Safety and comfort Housing facilities Your room or apartment should be in a good condition. A number of legal regulations have to be followed. Dangerous electrical fittings, unsafe water or heating devices, vermin, unsafe stairs, etc. are not allowed. Make sure the heating system is safe. Ensure that there is a good air supply. Do not plug all the cracks and slits. Find out if there is an air grate (i.e. vent) in the door of the bathroom, kitchen or bedroom. Five-litre water heaters are not suitable for showers; they can only be used for a washbasin (i.e. sink) or in kitchens. Also make sure that the heater for the shower is connected to a vent, something which is officially required. If you have any trouble with any of these matters, please contact the housing service at your host institution or contact JAC (Youth Advice Centre) or the Tenant’s Union. JAC (Youth Advice Centre) gives free information, advice and assistance to people under 25. You can turn to them with all sorts of questions. More info: www.jac.be Tenants’ union: an organisation that defends the interests of tenants. You can get help and specialised advice on all kinds of tenants’ issues. Membership costs € 11,15. Address: Tenants’ Union/Huurdersbond Antwerpen V.Z.W. Langstraat 102 B-2140 Antwerpen-Borgerhout www.huurdersbond.be T 03 272 27 42 (9:00 - 12:00) e-mail:
[email protected] It is always a good idea to make a checklist before you start looking for accommodation. What should be on the list? First of all you should look for a room that suits your needs: furnished or unfurnished, large or small, in a quiet or a lively neighbourhood? How many people live in the building? Are they all students? Another, equally important point is, of course, your budget: does the room fit your budget? Are there supplementary costs? What is the cost of water, gas and electricity? Also pay attention to the following: • Heating: Does it actually work? Does it use gas (watch out for safety) or electricity (expensive!). Does the accommodation have central heating? • Plumbing: Is there hot water? If you have to share a bathroom with others, will there be 48
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enough water for everyone? How is the plumbing maintained? Is there sufficient ventilation? • Electrical fittings: Are they safe? Are there plenty of sockets? Which and how many devices can you use? For example, can you use both a personal computer and an audio system? • Do doors and windows close properly? If you have a heater that uses gas, is the air supply (i.e. ventilation) in the room sufficient? • Are there damp spots on the walls? Are there curtains or do you have to bring your own? Are cooking utensils provided? • Another useful tip: When you want to decorate your room (“kot”), you could visit “Kringloop”, a recycling centre, or the Vrijdagmarkt (see p. 46). There you can buy a variety of items like furniture, extra pots and pans, kitchen utensils, etc. for very little money. Smaller household items can also be bought cheaply in small retail shops (such as Krak or Wibra). • What about rubbish (i.e. garbage)? Do you have to leave GFT bags (bags with vegetable, fruit and garden waste) in your room (which is obviously not ideal) or is there a storage area for garbage? Is there a place to put your bicycle? Is there a telephone? When inquiring about rental costs do not forget to ask whether water, gas, and electricity are included. Do you have to pay a fixed amount or is it calculated according to meter readings? Very often a landlord will ask for an advance of approximately € 50. At the end of the rental period this sum is compared with the real costs by reading the meters and then you either get a refund or may be required to pay extra. In some cases extra charges will be included for maintenance. This charge, written down in the rental agreement, is fixed. It cannot be changed during the rental period. The electric current is 220 volts (50 volts (50 cycles AC)). Tap water is safe for use as drinking water (sometimes included in the rent). There are a number of launderettes and dry-cleaning places. You can also have your laundry done for you, but this may turn out to be quite expensive, especially for dry-cleaning. Public utilities Rubbish/garbage is collected once or twice a week, which should be put on the pavement outside your place of accommodation in special plastic bags (for sale in supermarkets and general stores), but not prior to 8.00 p.m. the evening before it is due to be collected. You need special green bags for vegetable, fruit and garden waste (GFT Groenten/Fruit/ Tuinafval). A 50 litre green bag costs € 0.42. A 15 litre bag costs € 0.21. Other waste material, such as cans and plastic bottles, goes into special blue bags which cost € 0.25 each (60 litres). Paper should be put in a box or bound together. Collection days vary according to the neighbourhood. Non-refundable glass bottles and jars (no deposit: “geen statiegeld”) can be disposed of in green/white containers (i.e. bottle banks) on street corners and squares. Other waste material, such as chemicals, paint, and medicine should be kept separately and disposed of at the local rubbish dump. The way you have to sort your waste can vary in the different communities. It is best to check because fines can be high!
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Services Student restaurants Students are welcome to use the student restaurants or cafeterias; these offer a choice of cold lunches for around € 2.50, and hot meals, usually between € 2.65 and € 4.00, snacks and sandwiches around € 1.65. There are reductions for students of the University of Antwerp in all the student restaurants on the different university campuses. Libraries Institutional libraries: the University and “Hogescholen” have their own library. An interlibrary loan system exists between most libraries. In most institutional libraries you can use e-mail and surf the Internet for free (sometimes, a small fee is charged). Please check the institution’s library guidelines. The students of the University of Antwerp have access to and can borrow books for free from all the libraries on the different university campuses. Public libraries: all towns have public libraries. You can find their addresses in the Yellow Pages (www.yellowpages.be) under “openbare bibliotheken” or “gemeente”. A small annual membership fee is required. A good selection of books in foreign languages is available. Between the public libraries there is an interlibrary loan system. In most public libraries you can also use e-mail and the Internet for a small fee. In each town the main library runs a record and CD-ROM collection as well. These can be rented for a small fee. In the main library in Antwerp (De Coninckplein, 2060 Antwerpen, T 03 260 38 00) and in some smaller branches (at Deurne and Ekeren) there is a cyber café as well, where you can surf the Internet for a limited period, free of charge. ICT facilities All institutions provide free use of PCs for word processing, Internet use and access to CD-ROMs for the students of that institution. The students of the University of Antwerp have access to all ICT facilities on the different UA campuses. Some campuses offer exchange students a free e-mail account during their stay. Messages and important information about activities, jobs, information, visits, etc. from the International Relations Offices and from ESN, the European Student Network, are sent by means of the exchange students’ mailing list. Students who would like to send a message to all exchange students can use this mailing list as well by sending their message to the International Relations Office. Furthermore, there are lots of cyber cafés where you can surf the Internet for about € 5 per hour. You can find their addresses via www.goldenpages.be. The city of Antwerp also offers free computer Internet lessons. The course centre even has a free cyber café. Contact: www.digipolis.be Generaal Armstrongweg 1 2020 Antwerpen T 03 241 99 41
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Student Cards and Student Associations Student cards A student cards and a registration certificate will be delivered to you by the host institution after arrival. There are several more commercial student cards that can help you save money, e.g. the CJP card (Cultural Youth Pass) and the ISIC (International Student Identity Card). The ISIC gives you discounts on lodging, travelling, museum tickets, cultural events and entertainment. This card is valid in more than 90 countries. It is the only internationally recognised student ID card that proves you are a student. This card is also officially supported by UNESCO to improve relations between students. Their help line is a telephone number that you can always call in an emergency. The extensive list of places that provide discounts for ISIC-card holders can be found at the following web address: www.connections.be/voordeelkaarten/isic/index_nl.htm. To obtain an ISIC-card in Belgium, you have to go to the Connections travel agency. There is one condition: you have to be a full-time student. A schematic overview: CJP International Student Card International Student Identity Card Price € 10 postage included €9 Conditions • younger than 26 years old • between 12 and 31 years old • full-time student • full-time student Extra advantages • CJP gift cheques • help line emergency number • CJP magazine (6x year) • several discounts Validity (duration) 1 year 1 year Application address and telephone CJP Connections c/o Kaaitheater Melkmarkt 23 Sainctelettesquare 19 2000 Antwerpen 1000 Brussel T 03 225 31 61 T 02 203 02 00
[email protected] [email protected] Website www.cjp.be www.istc.org www.connections.be/voordeelkaarten/isic/index€nl.htm 51
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Student clubs/associations In every institution and/or faculty, student associations organise cultural, sporting, political, and other typical student activities. ESN, the Erasmus Student Network, is also active in the province. ESN is the official European organisation that tries to give structure to all local initiatives around the European Exchange Programme called Erasmus. ESN tries to get you settled, helping you out with whatever practical problems you may encounter. In addition, they give you information about Flemish student life and its traditions. This is done through various kinds of activities: cultural excursions, sporting activities, counselling sessions, and information meetings. Their main goal is to get students involved as much as possible with the great mixture of cultures, traditions and experiences that Erasmus stands for. Most institutions have their own ESN representative. Website: www.esnantwerp.be. Information about your ESN representative can be obtained from your host institution. Participating in one or more ESN activities is the ideal way to get to feel more at home in Antwerp. Do not hesitate to contact them at: www.esnantwerp.be. Please contact the international co-ordinator of the host institution for further details. Antwerp has a very broad system of student associations. Nearly every faculty has at least one association, most of the time even one for each subject/discipline. The associations organize several activities throughout the year. This goes from a “cantus” (singing songs and drinking beer) to a party or even a grand ball and cultural excursions. Students are not obliged to join a students’ association, but it is an easy and pleasant way to get to know lots of new people and to speed up your integration process. The leadership (the “praesidium”) or the members can also give you some information on student life in Antwerp and about different courses. Membership is quite cheap (approximately € 5) and offers several advantages when taking part in an association’s activities (usually an entrance fee discount of €1 or € 2). Towards the end of the academic year – around the time of the Easter holidays - new “praesidiums” are chosen. This means a lot of free gifts on offer to students, such as a free breakfast, free drinks and/or food. Overview of student clubs/associations University of Antwerp Acura (culture) Aesculapia (medicine) Biomedica (biomedical sciences) Campinaria (for students staying in student halls of residence) Demetris (applied biological sciences) Diefka (veterinary science) EKA (European issues) ESN (European Student Network) Fabiant (biology) KDA (chemistry) Klio (history) Mistral (literature and linguistics: French, Italian and Spanish) NSK (applied economic sciences – commercial engineering) Prisma (incoming srudents at City Campus) PSW (political and social sciences) PTP (residence Ten Prinsenhove; for students staying in the student’s hall of the stads-campus 52
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Skald (literature and linguistics: Dutch, English and German) Sofia (law) Sportraad UA (sport) TTT (philosophy, history and classics) UFKA (pharmaceutical sciences) Wikings (applied economic sciences - commercial engineering) WINAK (mathematics, computer sciences, physics) Karel de Grote-Hogeschool Brabo (industrial sciences and technology) Eligia (commercial sciences and business management) ESN (European Student Network) Expeditia (dispatching and secretarial studies) Groep E (industrial engineering) Magistra (teacher education) Socio (social work) Transfusia (health care) Hogeschool Antwerpen De Stuivers (health care) ESN (European Student Network) Kinesia (physiotherapy) Translatio (translation and interpreting) Vulcanis (industrial engineering) Plantijnhogeschool Dionysos (hotel management) ESN (European Student Network) Media (communication management) Nucleo (chemistry, laboratory and food technology) Technica (electro-mechanics) Antwerp Maritime Academy Argonaut ESN (European Student Network) For more information about student associations, check www.studiant.be or the websites of the individual student associations.
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Culture & Leisure
General information for visitors The Flemish are fond of the good things in life. They like an “easy” atmosphere – as shown by the abundance of pubs (“cafés”)! One can also satisfy one’s appetite for culture in Antwerp. Theatre, opera, and film tailored to all types of audience are available. The city also offers a wealth of exhibitions and other cultural events. A list of museums in the province of Antwerp can be found in tourist information brochures, the telephone directory, and on the city’s official website. > www.visitantwerp.be As far as sport is concerned, football, cycling, and tennis are particularly popular. There are plenty of opportunities for sports lovers to practice and keep up with their favourite sports. The following paragraphs contain a general overview of things to know and places to visit in Antwerp. Cultural life in Antwerp Antwerp is very proud of its rich historical heritage. In the 17th century many famous painters, sculptors, instrument builders and printers were born and lived in Antwerp. Rubens, Jordaens, Van Dyck, Jan Breugel and Erasmus II Quellinus are a few of the most famous painters of this time who worked in Antwerp. The many museums and churches in the city all contain splendid art treasures. There is the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in the south district next to a large range of municipal and provincial museums: from the ethnological, through to photography and contemporary art. The Middelheim open air park of sculpture, with its biannual contemporary sculpture exhibition, is well-renowned. Walking through the city, one will discover many art galleries. The different architectural styles of houses and churches offer an interesting overview of the long history of the city. Entrance to municipal museums is free to students who live in the city upon submission of a valid student card. All municipal museums and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts are free on the last Wednesday of each month for all visitors. All museums, both municipal and provincial, are generally open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are closed every Monday. For more specific information visit: http://www.visitantwerp.be/musea_uk.html or http://museum.antwerpen.be A trip to one of the animal parks of Antwerp is a good day out. The Antwerp zoo is one or the oldest and most famous zoos in the world. This park, next to the Central Station, delights visitors with a wide variety of animals in a beautiful scenery. Plankendael in Mechelen is a large park which is lovely to walk through. Plankendael and the Zoo both co-operate in the European Endangered Species Programme. 55
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Aquatopia, near to the Central Station is a brand new futuristic complex with 35 aquariums featuring a fascinating collection of exotic fish and animals in their natural biotope. Antwerp is a centre for film, theatre and concert life. Large theatres and opera houses include the Flemish Opera, the international Art Centre “deSingel”, the Queen Elisabeth Auditorium, the City Theatre and the Bourla Playhouse. Current and past genres can all be seen and heard in a large number of theatres, concert halls and cinemas. The famous Flemish Opera housed in the recently renovated historical building has its own orchestra and choir and an annual repertoire. “deSingel” is a cultural centre which has an international programme of contemporary art, performing dance, theatre, music and architectural exhibitions. In addition, various smaller but equally interesting theatre houses and companies can be found all over the city. Programmes can be consulted and tickets can be bought online. The Flemish Opera www.devlaamseopera.be / www.operaexplorer.be deSingel www.desingel.be Zuiderpershuis www.zuiderpershuis.be Arenbergschouwburg www.arenbergschouwburg.be Royal Flemish Philarmonic www.defilharmonie.be Koninklijk Ballet van Vlaanderen www.koninklijkballetvanvlaanderen.be De Monty www.monty.be Petrol www.5voor12.be/petrol De Roma www.deroma.be Special prices for students are available. At the Flemish Opera tickets still available 15 minutes prior to the performance, are sold at the special rate of € 12.50 for opera performances an € 7.50 for operas in concert version and concerts. Students can use culture checks. At the social services of the university colleges and the university students can buy a booklet containing 10 checks for 10 different cultural institutes in Antwerp. The effictive price of ten tickets would be up to 67 euro. Students only pay 15 euro for one booklet, social services pays the rest. Books are offered for sale from the end of September and checks are valuable until September the year after. Students can buy one booklet in an academic year. Participating institutes are: Arenbergschouwbrug, Cartoons, deSingel, Flemish Opera and many others. Each booklet also provides a free membership for the city library of Antwerp. All information can be found at the social services department of the university colleges and the university. Cinema Antwerp has a number of cinemas. UGC and Metropolis show the latest blockbuster films. Other cinemas, such as Cartoons and the Film Museum, show classic and alternative films, from early silent movies to the most recent releases, using the best available film. The programme can be found online. UGC > www.ugc.be/NL/reservation/ChoixResa.jgi?REGION=2 Metropolis > www.kinepolis.be/index.cfm?PageID=326&cid=METRO Cartoons > www.cartoons-cinema.be Film Museum > www.muhka.be click on film In summer, carillon (bells) concerts are held every Monday evening at the Cathedral of Our Lady and attract a large crowd: people come together on the squares surrounding the cathedral to have a drink and enjoy the music. 56
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Plenty of outdoor activities are organised, such as the world music ‘sfinks festival’ (www. sfinks.be) at the end of july and laundry day in september (www.laundryday.be). In July and August groups from all over the world bring their performances (theatre, circus, dance, attractions) to the city in the framework of “de zomer van Antwerpen” (www. zva.be). All through the year, lots of cultural events are organised, a programme can be found in newspapers and in free brochures such as ‘Zone03’ and ‘Week Up’ (als available online: www.weekup.be). Tickets for concerts, festivals, shows can also be bought on ticket sites such as www. tickets.com, www.sherpa.be, www.teleticketservice.com or at the reception desk of Fnac shops. Information about museum cards, bike rental and guided city tours can all be obtained from the Tourist Information Office. Radio and television Flanders has a public broadcasting corporation, the VRT (Flemish Radio and Television), as well as several commercial stations such as VTM (Flemish Television Company), VT4 (Flemish Television 4), KANAAL 2 (Channel 2), JIM, TMF and many others. Programmes can be found in the newspaper and weekly TV guides. There are also a number of local radio and television channels. Many foreign broadcasters are also available on cable television. Films and international programmes on Flemish television are shown in their original version with subtitles in Dutch (with the exception of natural history programmes, which are often dubbed).
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Life stances & Active pluralism Being a multicultural city, Antwerp is a home to a range of different religions and beliefs. The Antwerp University Association adheres to active pluralism. This focuses on the knowledge and experience of different values and persuasions and wishes to intensify the discerning dialogue between members in a respectful atmosphere. The Pieter Gillis centre, housed at the city campus of the university (Hof van Liere, Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerpen) aimes to offer a forum on communication and philosophical issues and to stimulate philosophical reflection within the activities of the university and the university colleges of the association. The Belgian constitution recognizes and finances certain religions and life stances, based on their general social, human and moral significance in Belgian society. The authorities have deliberately chosen to maintain an array of values in order to create a liveable society. At this moment there are six recognised life stances in Belgium: Catholicism, Protestantism, Anglicanism, Judaism, Islam and Orthodox. The non-confessional organizations heve been constitutionally recognized since 1993 on equal footing with the recognized religions. Contact details: Roman Catholic service Pastorale dienst, Prinsstraat 32, 2000 Antwerpen, T 03 220 46 17 www.ua.ac.be/pastoraledienst Contact person: Johan Vanhoutte:
[email protected] Protestant service Lange Winkelstraat 5, 2000 Antwerpen, T 03 231 02 56 Contact person: Egbert Rooze Jewish service Bouwmeesterstraat 7, 2000 Antwerpen, T 02 512 21 90 or 03 232 01 87 Islamic service Wipstraat 16, 2018 Antwerpen, T 03 232 47 49 Orthodox service Ter Rivierenlaan 153, 2100 Antwerpen, T 03 325 98 63 Contact: Angelos Kamalidis
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Anglican service Gretrystraat 39, 2018 Antwerpen, T 03 440 25 81 Contact person: Ann Turner Non-confessional organisations Venusstraat 35, lokaal 1.3A, 2000 Antwerpen, T 03 220 45 24 www.ua.ac.be/moreelconsulent Contact person: Jurgen Slembrouck
[email protected] Sports and recreation There are different parks in and around the city where you can walk and enjoy the scenery. On the left bank of the river Scheldt you can find St Anneke beach – the place to go sunbathing. Nearly every district has its own sports centre. There are quite a lot of municipal swimming pools, which are open to the public. Some institutions also have their own sports centre, tennis courts and student sports clubs. Information can be obtained from the local co-ordinator. Wining and dining Flemish drinking habits Flanders has plenty of tradition and history when it comes to beer. Typical beers from the province of Antwerp are De Koninck, Trappist Westmalle, Gouden Carolus and Duvel. Soft drinks, warm drinks and wine are, of course, also available in pubs and restaurants. In addition there is a large choice of restaurants that offer something for all tastes and budgets. Flemish eating habits In Flanders, people usually have three meals a day: breakfast consisting of bread (or nowadays often breakfast cereal), a sandwich at lunchtimes, and a hot meal for dinner, which is served around 6 p.m.. Typical Flemish dishes are steak and chips, mussels, and various stews (rabbit cooked in Trappist beer, or Gentse Waterzooi, a kind of chicken stew). French fries are still a popular snack, and afternoon coffee may come with pancakes or waffles. Over the last few decades, food tastes have become increasingly international. Eating out in Antwerp As a metropolis, the city of Antwerp has a large number and a great variety of restaurants. The menu ranges from traditional Flemish cuisine to French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Asian, South American and vegetarian. There are restaurants and pubs in every price range, and some cater specifically for students at lunchtime. Some pubs offer a limited menu as well. It is possible to have hot and cold meals all day. Lunch prices in cheaper restaurants vary between € 8 and € 10 for a main course, and between € 10 and € 15 for a three-course meal (drinks not included). Lunchtime snacks (usually cold) are also available for those who wish to spend less, as well as student restaurants and cafeterias: these offer snacks and sandwiches and a choice of hot and cold two-course lunches at prices between € 2.65 and € 5. Information on other restaurants can be obtained at the local tourist information office. Student associations usually have a leaflet with information about student restaurants as well. For additional information about cultural matters through student associations refer to part 4 ‘Arrival & Accommodation’, ‘Student Cards & Student Associations’. 59
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Health and Insurance
Accidents & third party liability In most cases student registration at the host institution will include accident and third party liability insurance during educational and recreational activities in all buildings of the institution. Some institutions also insure transfers to and from the institute and excursions approved by the institution. Please inquire with the international co-ordinator if this is the case at your host institution, since this does not apply to all institutions. Fire insurance Fire insurance is covered by the host institution, if institution’s standardised accommodation contract is used. In this case, a copy of the duly signed contract has to be submitted to the housing service. In case of fire damage there can be an exemption of around €125, which the student will not be reimbursed for. Medical care As medical treatment can be extremely expensive it is essential that foreign students have health insurance. They should inquire before leaving home whether their home insurance covers all medical costs for the entire period of stay in Belgium. Insurance is valid for Belgium Nationals of the EEA or from Switzerland are insured during their stay in Belgium through the medical insurance company in their home country. They should bring along a European Health Insurance Card or a provisional replacement certificate, which can be obtained from the home insurance company. The European Health Insurance Card (replaces the forms E128 or E111) facilitates access to health care during their study stay abroad. No supplementary fee is to be paid. It guarantees immediate reimbursement of medical bills and allows to obtain a reduction at the pharmacy. Insurance is not valid for Belgium Students who have no valid health insurance coverage for Belgium can take out health insurance with a local health insurance federation in Antwerp. Another option is to arrange insurance through a private agency, either in your home country or upon arrival in Belgium. Some insurers provide broader, complementary insurance for hospital or other medical expenses, repatriation, unexpected illness or accidents which occur while you are abroad. Through the university, a very extensive insurance is offered with the Student Insurance Program (SIP) at the price of € 1,28 a day. More information can be found at: www.studenttravelinformation.be/sip.asp. Refunding of medical costs If you go to a doctor or receive other medical treatment during your period of study in 61
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Antwerp, you will have to pay any costs up front. You will receive a medical receipt or proof of payment, which you can take to a local health insurance federation (“ziekenfonds” or “mutualiteit”) for refunds or submit to your health insurance provider very soon after you return home. More information on health insurance within Europe can be found at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/healthcard/index_en.htm. Emergency numbers (Noodnummers) For medical emergencies and fire services dial 100. For urgent police matters dial 101. The European emergency number, 112 can be reached from any phone (fix or mobile, even without a SIM card). If you are feeling down or depressed and want to talk about your problems, anonymously help is available 24h a day at phonenumber 106. Pharmacies (apotheek) In Belgium medication and certain health products are only for sale in pharmacies, whereas they are sometimes sold in drugstores abroad. A list of all pharmacies can be found in a separate selection of the Golden Pages (www.goldenpages.be) under the section ‘Pharmacists’. Pharmacies are usually closed on Saturdays and Sundays. However, a limited number of pharmacists are on duty during the weekends and at night for urgent medication, although an extra fee will be charged. A weekly list of pharmacists that are on night and weekend duty is posted at every (closed) pharmacist. Addresses of pharmacists on duty can also be found in newspapers and free local newspapers. You can dial 0900 10 512 or consult www.kava.be and click on “wachtdiensten”. General Practitioners Some host institutions have a General Practitioner on campus who can be consulted by students on a daily basis. It is also possible to contact a student psychologist. University of Antwerp Student Information Point for consultation hours (
[email protected]) Campus Drie Eiken, Gebouw G, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk T 03 820 20 82 Hogescholen Karel de Grote-Hogeschool • Mieke Coenen T 03 259 01 55 Hogeschool Antwerpen • Social Services T 03 205 90 90 Plantijnhogeschool • Hilde Roelandt T 03 221 07 25
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
A list of all general practitioners can also be found in the Golden Pages (www.goldenpages. be) under the section ‘Doctors’. You are free to consult the doctor of your choice. During weekends only a limited number of GP’s are on duty. They will be listed on the answering machine of your GP and in newspapers and in free local papers. Dial 0900 10 512 to find out which GP is on duty. You can always consult the international office if you are unsure what to do. In the event of an emergency, dial 100 or 112 for an ambulance. 62
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Dentists A list of all dentists can be found in the ‘Dentists’ section of the Golden Pages (www. goldenpages.be) Dental care in Belgium is quite expensive, as only a small percentage of the cost is refunded by the insurance for some treatments - and in some cases there is no refund at all. For urgent dental problems during the weekend or on public holidays you can call 0903 99 591 to find out which dentist is on duty. General hospitals A list of all hospitals can be found in the Telephone Directory and in the Golden Pages (www.goldenpages.be) under the ‘Hospitals’ section. In each town area there is at least 1 hospital with a 24 hour emergency unit. For other specific needs, such as psychological help, legal problems, abortion, and advice about drugs and AIDS, specific help is available. You can turn to the social service or the international relations office at your host institution and/or consult the list under part 8 ‘Contacts’ (p. 71). Algemeen Ziekenhuis Middelheim, Lindendreef 1, 2020 Antwerpen > www.zna.be T 03 280 31 11 Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem > www.uza.be T 03 821 30 00 Jan Palfijn, L. Bremstraat 70, 2170 Merksem > www.zna.be T 03 640 21 11 Sint Vincentius, Sint-Vincentiusstraat 20, 2018 Antwerpen > www.st-vincentius.be T 03 285 20 00 Eeuwfeestkliniek Monica, Harmoniestraat 68, 2018 Antwerpen > www.monica.be T 03 240 20 20 Stuivenberg, Lange Beeldekensstraat 267, 2060 Antwerpen > www.zna.be T 03 217 71 11 Sint Elisabeth, Leopoldstraat 26, 2000 Antwerpen > www.zna.be T 03 234 41 11 63
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Keeping in touch
Using the phone Calling Belgium from abroad If you want to call Belgium from abroad, dial the international prefix (this number varies per country, but is usually 00) and • the country code for Belgium: 32 • the area codes which are used for making local calls (omitting 0): for Antwerp and Lier: 3 for Turnhout 14 for Mechelen 15 • the telephone number Example If you want to call the tourist information office of the city of Antwerp from abroad, dial 0032 3 232 01 03 Calling abroad from Belgium If you want to dial a phone number abroad from Belgium dial: • 00 (international prefix) • country code • area code (omitting 0) • telephone number You can make international calls to Belgium’s neighbouring countries (France, The Netherlands, Luxembourgh and Germany), Spain, Italy, North America and Canada at the interzonal rate (€ 0,09/min off-peak, € 0,18/min on peak hours). Calling Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Finland and Norway is a bit more expensive (€ 0,20/min off-peak, € 0,25/min on peak hours). Dialling in Belgium If you want to dial a phone number in Belgium dial: • 0 • area code • telephone number Telephone booths or phone boxes Telephone booths can be found all over town. In most booths you can only use telephone cards, which can be bought at post offices, railway stations, bookshops or at telephone shops. You can also find public telephones in post offices and railway stations, at the Belgacom telephone shop in Antwerp and at the various host institutions. Belgacom Telephone Shop Antwerp Jezusstraat 1, 2000 Antwerp Opening hours: Mo, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9AM - 6 PM T 03 201 66 20 65
KEEPING IN TOUCH
A local phone call from a public telephone costs € 0.025 per minute to € 0.05 per minute, depending on the time of the day. The cheapest rate is from 7 p.m. until 8 a.m. and during the weekends and holidays. Belgian telephone rates for international calls are rather high. The cheapest rates are from 7 p.m. untill 8 a.m. and during the weekends and holidays. For information on international rates call 0800 55 800 (English) or 0800 33 800 (French) for free. For frequent callers cheaper rates can be obtained by using international calling cards from Belgacom or other companies. Go to www.belgacom.be/private for further information. In the city there are also ‘telephone-call centres’, where you can make calls to all corners of the world, at sharply reduced rates. Mobile phones Belgium has three mobile phone operators: Proximus, Mobistar and Base. Proximus You can choose between a subscription and a calling card. The calling card is called Pay&Go and comes in three different Kinds: Pay&Go Original, Pay&Go AnyTime and Pay&Go Student. There is also an option called ‘Top3’. This allows you to choose 3 (national or international) phone numbers which you can call more cheaply. You have to put a specific amount of money onto the card before you can make a telephone call. You can choose between €15, € 25 and € 50. The subscription formula means that payment has to be made at the end of each month and also consists of three formulae: ProxiTime, ProxiFun and ProxiPro. Retail outlets include: B-Com, Sint-Katelijnevest 44, 2000 Antwerpen T 03 227 41 81 F 03 227 41 62 E
[email protected] Fnac Antwerpen, Shopping Center Groenplaats, 2000 Antwerpen T 03 213 56 11 F 03 232 97 22 The Phone House Antwerpen, Meir 38, 2000 Antwerpen T 078 15 30 60 The Phone House Antwerpen II, Keyserlei 2, 2000 Antwerpen T 078 15 30 60 Mobistar Mobistar also offers the choice between a subscription and a calling card. The calling card is called Tempo and you can choose between Easy, Together and After School. You can also reload your card with € 15, € 25 and € 50. Retail outlets include: Mobistar Centre, Meir 127, 2000 Antwerpen T 0495 51 81 50 F 03 231 94 00 Belcompany Meir, Meir 42, 2000 Antwerpen 66
KEEPING IN TOUCH
T 03 213 11 64
F 03 213 32 28
The Phone House Meir, Meir 38, 2000 Antwerpen T 078 15 30 60 F 03 201 19 88 Base You can choose between a BASE Prepaid formula, which can be compared to the call cards of the other operators, or a BASE Postpaid formula, which is like the subscription method. The amounts of the Prepaid formula differ from the other operators: you can reload with € 5, € 10, € 15 € 20 and € 30. Retail outlets include: BASE shop Antwerpen, Meir 117, 2000 Antwerpen T 0486/501.185 F 03/225.16.25 B-Com, Sint-Katelijnevest 44, 2000 Antwerpen T 03 227 41 81 F 03 227 41 62
E
[email protected]
The Phone House, Meir 38, 2000 Antwerpen T 078 15 30 60 F 03 232 09 27 Fnac Antwerpen, Shopping Center Groenplaats, 2000 Antwerpen T 03 213 56 11 F 03 232 97 22
Please note, if you call a mobile phone from a landline (fixed telephone), there are different tariffs, depending on the operator you are calling: Rush hour to Proximus € 0.1985/min. to Base € 0.2923/min. to Mobistar € 0.2481/min. Off-peak hours to Proximus € 0.1409/min. to Base € 0.1988/min. to Mobistar € 0.1649/min. Connection cost per call to Proximus € 0.11 to Base € 0.11 to Mobistar € 0.11
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Contacts
Important telephone numbers 100 101 0800 123 12 106 1207 1307 1204 1225 03 217 75 95 070 245 245 02 649 95 55 02 648 40 14 070 344 344 03 221 13 33 02 233 22 11 03 224 10 52 02 533 75 75 078 15 15 15 078 15 10 20 09 238 26 26 078 15 40 60 untill early July 03 232 27 28 0800 173 64 03 271 16 16 03 201 49 11 078 35 35 35
urgent medical assistance and fire brigade police, for urgent cases Antwerp police, for non-urgent cases (e.g.: information) ‘tele-onthaal’, a helpful ear for urgent psychological needs * to find telephone numbers in Belgium (Dutch) to find telephone numbers in Belgium (French) to find telephone numbers in foreign countries to send a telegram (only on weekdays) special centre for the treatment of burns anti-poison centre suicide prevention * help line (English speaking, 24 hours, crisis information and support centre for a wide range of problems) * Cardstop in case of loss of credit cards Eurocard/Master Card, Visa and Bancontact/Mister Cash Stadhuis Antwerpen (City Hall) Touring Wegenhulp (Car Problems) VTB – VAB (Car Problems) Europe Assistance Aids-telephone: information about safe sex, HIV, aids,... Drugsline: information about drugs, alcohol,... Holebifoon (for gay, lesbian and bisexual people) Teleblok (problems preparing for your exams)* from the end of May Jongeren Advies Centrum (JAC) (Youth Advice Centre)* free help with any kind of problem Centrum voor Gelijke Kansen en Racismebestrijding (Centre for Equal Opportunities and Fight against Racism) Amnesty International Lost and found objects Electrabel Electricity and Gas
* though it might be a better idea to contact the social services office at your host institution (SOVO)
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Institutions’ services For addresses of specific services of the host institutions please consult the institutions’ publications or contact the international co-ordinator. On p. 50 you can find information about general services (campus restaurants, libraries, ICT-facilities) at the institutions of the AUHA. INTERNATIONAL OFFICES University of Antwerp Groenenborgerlaan 171 (building U, 2nd floor), B-2020 Antwerpen Fax +32 3 265 36 22 E-mail:
[email protected] > www.ua.ac.be/international Nele Voorspoels Contact person for incoming exchange students T +32 3 265 35 61
[email protected] - building U237 Martine Depauw Contact person for work permits, visa, mobility of researchers and teaching staff T +32 3 265 35 60
[email protected] - building U237 Location: 3 campuses in Antwerp (City Campus + Campus Middelheim/Groenenborger), 1 in Wilrijk (Campus Drie Eiken) Antwerp Maritime Academy Sophie Deltour / Steve Heymans Noordkasteel – Oost 6, B-2030 Antwerpen T +32 3 205 64 35/74, F +32 3 205 64 72
[email protected] [email protected] > www.hzs.be Location: 1 campus in Antwerp, near the harbour Hogeschool Antwerpen Frank Rylant Keizerstraat 15, B-2000 Antwerpen T +32 3 213 93 26, F +32 3 213 93 41
[email protected] > www.ha.be Location: 5 campuses in Antwerp, 1 in Merksem, 1 in Turnhout, 1 in Lier, and 1 in Mechelen
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Karel de Grote-Hogeschool Helene Vanbrabant Van Schoonbekestraat 143, B-2018 Antwerpen T + 32 3 241 03 00 F + 32 3 241 16 86
[email protected] www.kdg.be Location: 11 campuses in Antwerp Plantijnhogeschool van de Provincie Antwerpen Marleen Matyn Meistraat 5, B-2000 Antwerpen T +32 3 221 07 09 F +32 3 221 07 01
[email protected] www.plantijnhogeschool.be Location: 2 campuses in Antwerp, 1 in Boom LANGUAGE CENTRES University of Antwerp Linguapolis Institute for language and communication City Campus Prinsstraat 13 B-2000 Antwerpen T +32.3.220.48.03 F +32 3 220 46 37
[email protected] www.linguapolis.be
Campus Drie Eiken Universiteitsplein 1 B-2610 Antwerpen - Wilrijk T +32 3 820 27 87 F +32 3 820 27 86
[email protected] www.linguapolis.eu
Hogeschool Antwerpen Dutch Language Course, Departement Vertalers & Tolken Schildersstraat 41, B-2000 Antwerpen T +32 3 213 93 26, F +32 3 213 93 41
[email protected] www.ha.be (choose English-Dutch Language Course)
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Karel de Grote-Hogeschool Erasmus Intensive Language Courses (EILC) Department of Commercial Sciences and Business Administration Centrum voor Talen Nationalestraat 5, B-2000 Antwerpen T +32 3 205 18 00, F +32 3 205 18 44
[email protected] http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/programmes/socrates/erasmus/eilc/index_en.html TOURIST INFORMATION Province of Antwerp Toerisme Provincie Antwerpen Kon. Elizabethlei 16, B-2018 Antwerpen T 03 240 63 73, F 03 231 19 37
[email protected] > www.tpa.be Mon-Fri: 8.30 a.m. to 16.30 p.m. City of Antwerp Tourist Office, Grote Markt 13, B-2000 Antwerpen T 03 232 01 03, F 03 220 82 96
[email protected] > www.dma.be > www.visitantwerpen.be Mon-Sat: 9 a.m. to 5.45 p.m. Sun-/holidays: 9 a.m. to 4.45 p.m. > www.antwerp.be > www.aviewoncities.com/antwerp.htm > www.trabel.com/antwerp.htm Cultural events and tickets Prospekta, Grote Markt 13, B-2000 Antwerpen T 03 203 95 85, F 03 203 95 97
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Glossary English-Dutch
In the shop Type of shops a shop a bakery a bookstore a butcher’s a chemist’s a dairy shop a fish shop a florist a grocery store a hairdresser’s a newspaper shop a pharmacy
een winkel een bakker een boekhandel een slager / beenhouwerij een drogist een zuivelhandel een viswinkel een bloemist een kruidenier / algemene voeding een kapper / kapsalon een krantenwinkel een apotheek
What can you buy there? bread chicken coffee fish meat a potato rice tea vegetables a price money
brood kip koffie vis vlees een aardappel rijst thee groente(n) een prijs geld
Practical expressions How much does that cost? Thank you / thanks / cheers
Hoeveel kost dat? Dank u / bedankt
Frequently used words and expressions light licht heavy zwaar easy gemakkelijk difficult moeilijk left links right rechts pretty / nice mooi ugly lelijk 73
sweet sour dark less more long short full empty cold warm big small Where is that? How are you doing?
zoet zuur donker minder meer lang kort vol leeg koud warm groot klein Waar is dat? Hoe gaat het met u?
The classroom a university sir miss / madam a course a mistake correct / good wrong a room a chair a table a sheet of paper a language I don’t know Could you please repeat that? Could you speak slower, please?
een universiteit mijnheer mevrouw een les / cursus een fout juist / goed fout een kamer een stoel een tafel een blad papier een taal Ik weet het niet Zou u dat kunnen herhalen? Kan u wat trager (langzamer) spreken alsjeblieft?
Personal pronouns I you he she we you they
ik jij hij zij wij jullie zij
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The time Time of the day good morning good evening
goedemorgen goedenavond
Days of the week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
maandag dinsdag woensdag donderdag vrijdag zaterdag zondag
Time in general morning noon evening yesterday today tomorrow
ochtend middag avond gisteren vandaag morgen
Me and my family My name is… a mother a father a son a daughter
Ik heet… / mijn naam is… een moeder een vader een zoon een dochter
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Index
page
page
(Tele)phone Academic bachelor Accreditation Airplane Antwerp Association Bachelor – Master Bank Bed & Breakfast Beer Belgium Bike Bus Campsite Campus Drie Eiken Campus Middelheim Car Cathedral Church Climate Consulate Contact Cost Dentist Department of Foreigners Dutch Dutch language courses Embassy Europe Film Museum Financial Flanders Flemish Opera General practitioner / GP Golden Pages Harbour Antwerp Maritime Academy University College Hogeschool Antwerpen
65 13-20 12 25 7-9/55 12 11 41 29 52 5-9 26 26 29 37 36 26 56 58 5 41 70 43 64 39 21 21 41 5-9 56 41 11 56 62 69 37/70 14 14 14/37
Home institution Hospital Host institution Hotel Housing ICT Insurance Fire Health Language Courses International relations office Karel de Grote-Hogeschool Linguapolis Library Meal Museum Painters Pharmacy Plantijnhogeschool Professional bachelor Registration Student restaurant Scheldt deSingel Sports centre Stadscampus Student card Student’s union Taxi Theatre Tourist office Train Transport University of Antwerp Youth hostel Zoo
33 63 39 29 46 50 61 61 61 71 35 16/38 7 50 59 55 55 62 16/38 12 33/39 50 7 56 59 36 51 52 28 56 29/72 26 25 14/35 45 9/55
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Colophon Editorial Team University Nele Voorspoels Sara Bervoets Patricia De Clopper University Colleges Brigitta Bijloos (Karel de Grote-Hogeschool) Pauline Deleu (Plantijnhogeschool) Wouter De Pesseroey (Hogeschool Antwerpen) City of Antwerp Tom Ollivier Editorial Coordinator Pauline Deleu Lay-out Erik Desombere Photography Stefan Dewickere Tony Gonzales (City of Antwerp) Printing Printing Antilope
This booklet has been developed with the support of the European Union Socrates-Erasmus programme.
July 2006 copyright:
H. Van Brabant (Karel de Grote-Hogeschool)
P. Van Hove (University)
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