Bachelor- & Master-Abschlüsse Semester - itchy feet

Liberal Arts: A Philosophy
American College Life in the Netherlands
None of my friends knew where Middelburg is
located. As a matter of fact, very few people
seem to have heard of this small yet charming
town. This excludes Dutch people. However, they
usually shake their heads when they find out I go to
college there. And I have to admit, they do have a
point. Middelburg is not a typical, vibrating student
town such as Berlin, where I am originally from. It
lacks a boosting nightlife, museums and cultural
diversity, but it has its own captivating charm
housing a small harbor, a busy marketplace and
picturesque Graachten. It is one of those towns
that have kept their authenticity. Yes, there is a
McDonalds and an H&M, but next to these chains
are cute little shops owned by local people, passed
on over centuries, selling local goods. Middelburg
is home to Roosevelt Academy, a small Liberal
Arts College with an international atmosphere.
It consists of four departments: Academic Core,
Arts and Humanities, Science, and Social Science.
Liberal Arts Colleges can mainly be found in the
USA or Canada. When I was an exchange student
in Alaska, I got to know the university system
and was very much impressed by the freedom of
choice in courses that is typical for the Liberal Arts
system. Unfortunately, the tuition fees in those
countries are exceptionally high. The Netherlands
therefore presented an excellent alternative to
the Northern American countries. Three Liberal
Arts Colleges, designed after their counterparts
in the United States, were founded over the last
few years: The University College of Maastricht,
the University College of Utrecht and Roosevelt
Academy. The tuition fees for any university in
the Netherlands amounts to about 1.500 Euros a
year. Each year EU-students can apply for study
financing (Studiefinanciering) through the IB-
Groep (Informatie Beheer Groep, similar to the
German ZVS). The Dutch government then usually
refunds about 1.000 Euros.
My first semester at Roosevelt Academy ended in
December, and thus it was time for a little resume
of the first months of time-consuming studies,
cultural adaptation and intense socializing. Soon
after I had sent my application to Middelburg, I
was called for an interview by the Dean. During
our conversation I was questioned about my
Curriculum Vitae and my study habits as well as my
attitude towards studying. The Dean immediately
told me that I was accepted. Shortly after, I
received my new address and packed my bags to
move to the Dutch province called Zeeland. When
I started university in late August, I already knew I
was interested in the great variety of courses the
Social Science Department offered. The academic
year started of with an Introduction Week for all
freshmen organized and run by students. Through
BBQs, bar hopping, games and beach days we
got to know the town and the university. We thus
Studium – 49
UDMHSC is a WHO listed and
internationally accredited
medical school. We offer foreign
students medical foundation,
M.D., D.M.D. and Doctor of
Pharmacy graduate programs,
and M.Sc. in Public Health
master programs. The language
of instruction is exclusively
English!
At present some 1200
international students enrolled
in our programs represent
countries from around the world,
particularly:
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Canada
Germany
Israel
Scandinavia
USA
Korea
Vietnam.
University of Debrecen,
Medical and Health Science
Center (UDMHSC)
General Medicine & Dentistry &
Pharmacy Programs
International Educational Center
University of Debrecen,
Medical and Health Science Center
H-4032 Debrecen,
Nagyerdei Krt.98, HUNGARY
Tel: +36 52 447 751
Fax: +36 52 414 013
Web: http://www.edu.dote.hu
E-mail: info@edu.dote.hu