An Exchange Experience in Leeuwarden, Netherlands
Courses offered in Applied Math and Computer Science, Business and Management, Cultural Studies, Engineering, Psychology, Studio Art, Vocational Rehabilitation, and General Education.
Program Cost: $3,543
Fall Dates: August – January
Spring Dates: February – July
Deadline for Fall: February 15
Deadline for Spring: October 1
Number of Positions: 4
Updated: July 28, 2008
Index:
Program Description
This academic exchange program offers students an opportunity to gain international experience in Europe while earning credit toward their degrees. The Stenden University (Formerly CHN, Christian University of Professional Education) program of study is truly international with over 300 students and many faculties coming from outside the Netherlands. All instruction is in English. Students are encouraged to study the Dutch
Language but English is spoken by all students and faculty.
Stenden University is a non-sectarian; government accredited university with about 4,600 students and 400 staff. Like UW-Stout, its curriculum combines theoretical and practical learning. The hospitality program operates a hotel and restaurants on campus and students in business and retailing work on real projects with businesses in the Netherlands and other countries. For more information on Stenden University visit its web site at: http://www.chn.nl
Leeuwarden, Netherland
Stenden University is located in Leeuwarden, a city of about 90,000 people about one hour's drive from Amsterdam. Founded more than 700 years ago, Leeuwarden is the capital of Friesland and is famous for its winding medieval streets and canals, 17th century houses and its hospitality. With three different universities and over 15,000 students, the city offers many social activities for students including museums, sports clubs, cinemas, discos and outdoor cafes.
The Netherlands is a country of about 15 million with its own distinct language and culture. Given its small population, most people speak English as well as Dutch. It is famous for its water management since about 60% of the country is below sea level. Its lower cost of living and location makes it an ideal place to study and travel to other parts of Europe. Train service every half-hour during the day offers easy access to other parts of the Netherlands and Europe. Major cities such as Paris and London are only a few hours away by high-speed train.
Courses
Stenden University uses a modular structure of education. The semester is divided into two modules of nine weeks duration. Students study only one course full time during each module. Learning is problem based, which involves confronting students with real problems from business and industry as a stimulus for learning. Classes/modules are seminar style and emphasize small group and self-directed learning projects rather than lectures.
Students are evaluated on their contributions to the group projects, case studies and on a final exam at the end of the module. Thinking, problem solving, communication and writing skills are all important to success. In general, exchange students need to be mature and self-directed to have a good learning experience abroad. Upon successful completion of the two modules students will receive 12 transfer credits from UW-Stout-- 6 credits for each module passed.
Estimated Costs
As an exchange student, an application/service fee and regular tuition and fees will be paid to UW-Stout. All other expenses, including housing, personal expenses, visa fees, meals and travel are paid directly by students. Eligible students can use their financial aid to help pay these expenses. Costs are subject to change and can vary due to exchange rates, host institution increases, travel to, from and within the host country, and personal spending habits. Upon arrival, students must also pay a security deposit of 300 Euros for housing.
Fall or Spring Term:
Estimated Program Cost: $3,543
- Non-Residents add: $3,162
- Midwest Exchange Residents add: $1,142
Estimated Housing Costs: $2000
Estimated Personal Expenses: $6,800
Total Estimated Costs: $12,343
For further breakdown of all estimated costs, please contact the Office of International Education (below).
Eligibility
Students must be at least a junior and have a GPA of 2.75 or higher in order to participate. Qualified students are accepted on a first come basis so apply early.
Housing and Meals
Students live off campus in furnished apartments with private bedroom/study and share kitchen, living room and bathroom facilities with other students. Some units have shared bedrooms at lower cost. There is a Dutch host student program to help international students get acquainted with Stenden University and the city. Stenden University has meal service available on campus but most students prepare breakfast and evening meals at their apartments.
Passport/Visa
Students make their own travel arrangements, typically flying to Amsterdam and then taking a train from the airport to Leeuwarden. You will need to obtain a U.S. passport before you leave and an alien resident permit once you arrive in Leeuwarden. Stout’s Office of International Education has information on travel, passports and immigration and will assist you in making these arrangements. Once you arrive at Leeuwarden you will check in at the International Office and have an orientation to the city and university.
Application Procedures
Please make an appointment with the Office of International Education (OIE), 400 Bowman Hall, to review and receive the application materials. Completed forms are returned to OIE. A $100 nonrefundable application fee is paid to the Student Business Services Office located in the Administration Building at time of application. Once accepted by UW-Stout, a $200 nonrefundable service fee will be required to hold a place in the program.
For detailed instructions on the application process, please see how to apply.
For More Information
- Please contact OIE for an appointment
to discuss your Study Abroad options
and receive application materials.
715/232-2132, E-mail: globaled@uwstout.edu - For more information on Stenden University visit its web site at: http://www.chn.nl