Handboek internationalisering (RBS) 2015-2016 aangepast 22-1-16

EXCEED EXPECTATIONS
HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS
Rotterdam
Business
School

Welcome to Rotterdam Business School
We are happy that you have chosen to study at Rotterdam Business School! We hope that
your stay here will be exciting and that you will achieve your personal and academic goals.
This handbook has been developed to enable you to find your way at Rotterdam Business
School, in the city of Rotterdam, and in the Netherlands. We look forward to meeting you
upon your arrival and getting to know you while you are studying here.
Team Recruitment and Team Exchange
Centre of International Affairs (CoIA)
Hyam Falconi
Menno Kramer
Tanya Mudde
Usman Barry
Ingrid Lachman
Jet Spanjers
Rotterdam
Business
School

Table of contents
1. General information 5
1.1 The Netherlands 5
1.2 Rotterdam, World Port World City 6
2. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences 7
2.1 Education 8
2.2 Outside In Inside Out 9
2.3 Rotterdam Business School 9
3. Facilities at the Rotterdam Business School 9
3.1 Study success for everyone 9
3.2 Other facilities 10
4. Where to live 10
5. Useful tips 12
5.1 Living expenses 12
5.2 Transport 12
5.3 Health care 12
5.4 Bank account 13
5.5 Social security number 14
5.6 Working while studying 14
5.7 Learning Dutch 14
5.8 Sports 14
5.9 Academic calendar 2013/2014 14
6. How to get to the Rotterdam Business School 15
7. Important addresses 16

1. General Information
1.1 The Netherlands
The Netherlands today is one of the world’s most prosperous
countries. A highly developed system of social
welfare ensures that everyone in The Netherlands has
an opportunity to share in this prosperity.
Geography
The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated
countries in the world. Some 17 million people live in an
area of approximately 37,000 km². About 60% of the
population lives in the western part of the country, this
is called Holland. This name is often used to refer to
The Netherlands as a whole. ‘The Netherlands’ literally
means ‘the Low Countries’. The name refers to the fact
that about half of the country lies below sea level.
It would be under water if it were not for the system
of dykes and dams that prevent the land from
being flooded.
Landscape
The country occupies a large river delta: the place
where the rivers Rijn (Rhine), Maas (Meuse) and Schelde
(Scheldt) flow into the North Sea. The landscape is
flat; there are only a few small hills in the centre and
in the south. Stretches of forest are only to be found
in the centre and the east of the country. Other typical
features of the Dutch landscape are the broad sandy
beaches and dunes that draw many Dutch and foreign
tourists to the North Sea coast.
Climate
The climate is typical of a maritime west coast: unstable
but moderate, with mild winters and cool summers. Days
with temperatures below minus 5 degrees or above
30 degrees Centigrade are unusual. Clouds and wind are
common features. The annual rainfall is moderate but
unpredictable; therefore, a raincoat and an umbrella are
essential. Because of the fact that the weather is very
unpredictable, it is a topic of never-ending discussion.
Language
Dutch, a Germanic language, is spoken everywhere in
the country. In addition, Friesian (a related Germanic
language) is spoken in Friesland, one of the Northern
provinces.
The Netherlands are internationally oriented. Many
Dutch people speak at least two foreign languages;
nearly everyone understands and speaks at least
some English.
Traditions and Customs
One of the first things that newcomers to The Netherlands
will notice is the fact that the Dutch have a great
respect for privacy. As a consequence you are expected
to introduce yourself: it is up to you (the stranger) to
make the Dutch person aware of the sort of contact you
want. After that, your Dutch acquaintance will introduce
you to other people.
You will also notice that Dutch people use their ‘agendas’
(diaries) a lot. Do not be surprised if you have to
arrange a date for next week, or even later.
All Dutch people expect to be treated as equals.
Whenever a Dutch person feels that he is treated in an
arrogant way, he will express this by saying so or by
shrugging his shoulders with indifference. His intention
is not to be impolite, but to put mutual relations in their
proper perspective or clarify them.
The Dutch have a very direct manner of speaking,
especially when expressing their opinions. The Dutch
like to criticise all kinds of things. This may sometimes
seem worrying; however, to the Dutch this is often a
sign of interest.
Socialising in the Netherlands
When socialising, the Dutch enjoy visiting bars and
cafés. Cinemas are also very popular. They are keen
on sport and fitness, music, social clubs and organised
events. They also love flowers - Dutch homes are often
full of houseplants, and bunches of flowers are frequently
given as gifts when visiting friends or relatives.
Food
The Netherlands are not famous for its food. Traditionally,
Dutch cuisine is simple and straightforward, with
many vegetables and little meat; breakfast and lunch
are typically bread with toppings while dinner is meat
and potatoes, supplemented with seasonal vegetables.
The Dutch diet was relatively high in carbohydrates and
fat and contained many dairy products, reflecting the
dietary needs of the labourers whose culture moulded
the country. Without many refinements, it is best
described as rustic, though many holidays are still
celebrated with special foods. In the course of the
twentieth century this diet changed and became much
more cosmopolitan, with most international cuisines
being represented in the major cities.
Holidays
In The Netherlands, not all holidays are celebrated in an
equally exuberant manner. Christmas, for instance, is
often celebrated in the family circle. The King’s Birthday
will, however, be a feast that is celebrated in the streets.
As of 2013 King Willem-Alexander will take over the
reign from his mother Queen Beatrix. Until this year the
Queen’s birthday was celebrated by tens of thousands
of people in the streets enjoying the delicious food,
the various bands and the stalls selling all kinds of
(second-hand) goods. This will not be different for King
Willem-Alexander’s birthday in the future.
Exceed Expectations 5

Holidays in the Netherlands
1 January New Year’s Day
27 April The King’s Birthday
5 May Liberation Day
5 December Saint Nicholas’ Eve
25 & 26 December Christmas Day & Boxing
Day Variable dates Good Friday,
Easter Sunday and Monday, Ascension Day
and Whit Sunday (Whit sun) and Monday
1.2 Rotterdam, World Port World City
Rotterdam has one of the largest ports in the world, the
second city and the industrial heart of the Netherlands
and the economic, social and cultural centre of the
Rijnmond (“Rhine Estuary”) region. In addition,
Rotterdam is a city of modern architecture, events,
leisure and recreation. More than one million people
from over 170 countries live in the Rotterdam region,
with over 600,000 living in the city itself.
Some famous Dutch people:
Painters: Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes
Vermeer, Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondriaan,
Karel Appel
Writers and poets: Jacob Cats, Multatuli,
Jan Wolkers, Harry Mulish, Joost van den Vondel
Philosophy: Desiderius Erasmus, Hugo Grotius
Movies: Paul Verhoeven (director), Carice van
Houten (actrice), Rutger Haur (actor)
Scientist: Christiaan Huijgens (astronomist,
physicist and mathematician), André Kuipers
(physician and ESA astronaut)
Music: DJ Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, Golden
Earring, 2Unlimited, Caro Emerald, Afrojack
From old to new architecture
Rotterdam was founded in the mid 13th century after
a dam had been constructed in the River Rotte on the
site of the present Hoogstraat. Rotterdam received
municipal rights in 1340. Over the centuries Rotterdam
grew from a fishing village into an international centre
of trade, transport, industry and distribution. At the
beginning of the Second World War, on 14 May 1940,
virtually the entire city centre was devastated by a
German bombardment. This explains why there are
scarcely any pre-war buildings in this part of Rotterdam.
After the war, reconstruction of what had been
destroyed was given the highest priority.
Now, more than sixty years later, a new, modern city
centre has risen from the ashes. The avant-garde architecture
is famous at home and abroad.
Food you must try
Drop – The Dutch love Liquorice, the sweet as well as
salty versions. Sold in all supermarkets
Cheese – The Netherlands are famous for their cheese,
e.g. Gouda, Leerdammer and Maaslander.
Stroopwafels – Always popular are the sweet stroopwafels.
Best when you buy them fresh at the market.
Oliebollen – Traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve.
The best oliebollen in the Netherlands are sold in
Rotterdam at Richard Visser’s oliebollen stand.
Being one of the largest ports in the world, Rotterdam is
known as the ‘Gateway to Europe’. It’s international orientation
as a port and the regeneration of its city centre
have made Rotterdam a business city without parallel.
Innumerable trade and distribution companies operate
from Rotterdam.
Famous Rotterdam
Rotterdam is home to the worldwide headquarters of
Unilever and the largest medical centre in the Netherlands,
Erasmus MC. The film and visual arts sector in
Rotterdam continues to grow, with the International Film
Festival Rotterdam as the annual highlight. Designer
Richard Hutten, lingerie designer Marlies Dekkers and
architect Rem Koolhaas cause a stir all over the world
from their home base in Rotterdam.
Festivities
As host city for the Summer Carnival, the City Racing
and the North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam is the
ultimate festival city of the Netherlands. Besides these
big events other smaller festivals are also worth a visit:
Motel Mozaïque, the Dunya Festival and Camping
Rotterdam. A few famous sport events are: Marathon
Rotterdam and the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament.
Rotterdam is lively all year round, hosting festivals and
events that show the best of the city’s international
culture, sports and music.

Where to go? – student associations
Once you are studying in Rotterdam, a healthy social
life will undoubtedly enhance your stay. Social contacts
are very important, especially for international students
who arrive in a new country with a different culture.
It is in fact this particular ‘student culture’ together with
the different ‘education culture’ which makes a period
of study abroad so worthwhile.
One of the best ways to get in touch with other students
is to visit one of the many student associations in
Rotterdam. Student associations are primarily established
for extra-curricular activities. Here you will find
students from all faculties and departments.
The associations usually have their own off-campus locations
where their members meet. The different student
associations of Rotterdam have distinctive features.
RISA
A great place to meet fellow students of Rotterdam
Business School is RISA. RISA is the Rotterdam International
Student Association and organises lots of activities
for international students. For more information
you can visit the RISA website or like the RISA Facebook
page for the latest news and events.
Nightlife:
Rotown – café, restaurant and pop music venue
under one roof.
BED – comedy nights, live performances and more.
Blender – stylish cocktail bar and restaurant
Festivals & events
International Film Festival Rotterdam – One
of the largest audience driven film festivals in
the world focussed on independent cinema.
North Sea Jazz Festival - World-famous
jazz festival encompasses the past, present
and future of jazz.
City Racing - The yearly presence of the
F1’s has become part of the scenery on the
streets of Rotterdam.
Pleinbioscoop (open-air cinema) – Watching
the most popular films of the year under a
starry sky.
2. Rotterdam University of
Applied Sciences
More information about all Rotterdam has to offer:
www.rotterdam.nl/discover_rotterdam
Great places to go!
Food:
Café Beurs – Hangout of RISA, affordable food and
drinks.
Hotel & Wereldeethuis Bazar - North African and
the Middle Eastern dishes.
Hotel New York – Beautifully located at the
waterfront, famous for their high tea.
Rotterdam Business School is part of Rotterdam University
of Applied Sciences; one of the major Universities of
Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. Currently almost
30,000 students are working on their professional
future at the university.
The university is divided into eleven schools, offering
more than 80 graduate and undergraduate programmes
in seven fields: art, technology, media and information
technology, health, behaviour and society, engineering,
education, and of course, business.
Exceed Expectations 7

A major factor of the university’s success is staying
closely tuned in to the pulse of the city of Rotterdam.
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences also has a
vast international network of partner universities as
well as corporate relations.
Together with its partners the university can offer our
students the global outlook they need to thrive. Over
60 different nationalities are represented amongst the
student population; the ideal environment to prepare
for an international career.
2.1 Education
own individual learning objectives and gives room for
individual coaching and student support.
How the keystones are related
These three keystones are embedded in all study programmes
at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.
The basic principle is that students acquire knowledge
and skills which they directly learn to put into practice.
During the first phase of the study programme, the emphasis
lies mainly on the knowledge track as students
acquire the basic knowledge and skills necessary in their
field.
Education at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
has been developed to combine a mixture of knowledge
accumulation, practical experience and personal development,
reflecting the practical, innovative and handson
mentality associated with the city of Rotterdam.
As the student progresses through the study programme,
the intensity of the practical track and the
student track increases. Interaction between the school
and the professional field is an important part of this
approach.
Three Keystones
Knowledge track: This track includes modules aiming at
acquiring knowledge, theoretical concepts and skills.
Practical track: This track includes modules in which
students work on solutions for projects and research
questions directly derived from the professional field.
Student track: This track offers students the opportunity
to choose modules or assignments that meet their
Throughout the programme, the complexity level rises
and students learn to act independently. Group work
is encouraged, including collaborations with students
from other programmes, faculties and partner universities.
Lecturers and experts from professional practice
remain at hand for stimulation and inspiration. Throughout
the entire programme students receive individual
study coaching.

2.2 Outside In Inside Out
No imaginary exercises, but concrete projects, research
questions and societal demands that need solutions.
Students at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
are learning by doing.
To be closely connected to society and to teach students
to link their knowledge and skills to a sense of social
responsibility, the university cooperates closely with
businesses and organisations in the region. This benefits
both the practical field as well as the quality of education.
Project assignments from businesses and organisations,
internships and graduation projects, both in the
Netherlands and abroad, are an important part of the
curriculum.
Rotterdam Business School offers international study
programmes at undergraduate (Bachelor) level and at
postgraduate (Master) level.
Undergraduate programmes:
International Business and Management Studies (IBMS)
International Business and Languages (IBL)
Trade Management for Asia (TMA)
Postgraduate programmes (official language English):
Master in Finance and Accounting
Master in Consultancy and Entrepreneurship
Master in Logistics Management
Master in Business Administration
Rotterdam Business School also offers preparation courses
for both the Bachelor and the Master programmes.
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences also frequently
invites guest speakers from the field who share
recent developments and activities in their working
environment with students; challenging them to think
further than the classroom. Additionally, for each study
programme a representative group of field professionals
are consulted to help continue meeting the demands of
the professional field. In this way Rotterdam University
of Applied Sciences keeps the content and quality of the
degree programmes highly relevant and up to date.
Contributions of the university to the professional field
are just as important: the creativity, brainpower and labour
of students and more than one thousand teaching
and research staff are utilised to work on solutions for
issues from the region and further afield.
2.3 Rotterdam Business School
3. Facilities of Rotterdam
Business School
3.1 Study success for everyone
As Rotterdam Business School wants to give all students
the best chances for success in their study, the school
offers several tools and facilities for study success.
You will be assigned a Study Career Coach who will offer
you personal guidance throughout your study. You
will do an intake test which you will discuss with your
Study Career Coach. This test is designed to identify
your strengths and weaknesses which may impact your
study progress. Based on the results, your Study Career
Coach will advise you on the best options to help you towards
successful completion of your study programme.
Business is what it is all about at Rotterdam Business
School. Education, business placements, education
exchange programmes, they are all aimed at preparing
students for a career in international business.
Real-life business cases are at the heart of many
courses. They challenge students to learn to act quickly
and decisively. To base their decisions on growing experience
and healthy reflection.
Just like in the world of business, the focus is fully
international. Rotterdam Business School works closely
together with partners in the business and education
communities in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Together with our partners the school is able to offer
students the global outlook they need to succeed in
today’s competitive business climate.
Some other tools and facilities available include:
STARTweek for Bachelor students
The STARTweek in the first week of September is mandatory
for all students. In this week you will meet your
classmates and receive a lot of important information
about your study at Rotterdam Business School.
Peer Coaching
Peer Coaching is the tutoring of students in lower years
by students in higher years. A peer coach is there for
students in the lower years who need some extra
tutoring to find their way in the university.
You can turn to a peer coach with questions about
subjects, assistance with assignments and study skills.
Peer coaches help you find your way within the university
Exceed Expectations 9

and teach you to become a successful student. This is
done both individually and in groups.
about your schedule, booklist, organisation of the
Rotterdam Business School etc: www.hint.hro.nl.
Studying with a Disability
The student counsellors provide arrangements and
facilities for students with a disability. For students with
a visible or invisible functional disability. This includes all
motor, sensory or mental disabilities, but also such conditions
as fear of failure, dyslexia, RSI, chronic diseases
and depression. Do you have a functional disability?
Please inform you Study Career Coach.
Copiers
Each location of Rotterdam University of Applied
Sciences hosts a ‘Xerox’ copy shop. The copiers in the
buildings are available to all users. Payment is by means
of your chip card (more information about the chip card
in chapter 5.4). For printing theses, reports, A3 copies,
colour copies, overhead sheets, etc. you can
contact Xerox.
Honours Programme for Bachelor students
A tailor-made programme, partly consisting of additional
education, which educates students to become excellent
professionals. For ambitious students of Rotterdam
University seeking more challenge in their studies.
The Honours Programmes educate you to find innovative
solutions to societal issues within a multi-disciplinary
context. This will give you the chance to receive an
Honours Degree.
For more information about tools and facilities for
study success you can check the intranet of Rotterdam
University of Applied Sciences - HINT.
3.2 Other facilities
Library
Every location of Rotterdam University of Applied
Sciences has it’s own library. You can use your student
card to borrow books and use the database to search
for useful information. Students can also use the library
of the Erasmus University for free.
Other Libraries
The Municipal Library (located next to metro station
Blaak) has a vast collection of books, audio-visual
materials, periodicals and newspapers. You can also
reserve one of the many study rooms (including a piano
study room) where you can study undisturbed and in
peace for a few hours. At the Erasmus University
campus Woudestein Library there is a computer
catalogue linked to the one of the Municipal Library.
Student cafeteria and restaurant
Each location of Rotterdam University of Applied
Sciences has its own restaurant. At the Kralingse Zoom
location you can also find the Grand Café where you can
have a drink with your friends after class. Be aware that
payments in the restaurants, the Grand Café and vending
machines have to be made by chip card.
Four Important departments
Student Service Center (SSC): Registration department
concerned with your application and tuition
fee. Visitors Centre (Paviljoen) is located at
s’Jacobplein 1 in the city centre of Rotterdam.
Global Recruitment & Student Support (GR&SS):
Service desk for questions about living in the Netherlands,
insurance, bank matters etc. Front desk
located at Room ME.0.109.
Front desk RBS: Administration office concerned
with student administration (course schedules,
exams, study results etc.). Front desk located at
location Kralingse Zoom, D0.142.
Student Housing Office: Service desk can help you
with all questions related to accommodation in
Rotterdam. Front desk located at location Kralingse
Zoom, B2.126 (2nd floor).
You can find more contact details with the important
addresses in chapter 7.
4. Where to live?
Computers and HINT
After registration in Studielink you will receive a
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences computer
account. With this account you will be able to work with
the computers in the Rotterdam University network
and make use of e-mail and internet.
With this computer account you also login to the
intranet of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences:
HINT. On HINT you can find all practical information
What to expect
Finding good, affordable accommodation can be challenging.
In the Netherlands, students usually have their
own bedroom. Depending on the house where you are
staying, the shower, lavatory, kitchen and living room
may be shared with other students.
10 Exceed Expectations

What to find out?
Find out in advance what a room is going to cost and
don’t forget to include additional expenses such as the
deposit and the bills for gas, water and electricity. The
utilities are not always included in the rent. Thinking
about these things in advance could help avoid unpleasant
surprises later.
You should also find out whether the room is furnished
or not. The quality can vary greatly and furnishings may
range from just a bed and a chair to a fully equipped
room with an internet connection. If you rent an unfurnished
room, you can find inexpensive furniture at many
second-hand shops in every large town.
Finding accommodation
Rotterdam Business School offers accommodation for
international students for the first semester after
arrival in The Netherlands. For more information about
housing and reservation of student housing please
contact the Centre of International Affairs: coiastudentsupport@hr.nl
Please note that without reservation accommodation
cannot be guaranteed.
If Rotterdam Business School cannot help find suitable
accomodation, the following links might be of help in
finding an accommodation in Rotterdam:
www.stadswonen.nl (student rooms)
www.housingonline.nl (furnished rooms)
www.kamernet.nl (click English button)
www.roomrotterdam.nl (click English button)
www.pararius.com (search engine for accommodations)
www.vvv.rotterdam.nl/engels/hotels
(Hotels in Rotterdam)
Real estate agencies in the direct vicinity
Direct Wonen
Mariniersweg 24
3011 NN Rotterdam
T +31 (0)10 414 55 55
I www.directwonen.nl
ROTS-VAST GROEP
Mariniersweg 72a
3011 NS Rotterdam
T +31 (0)10 476 23 23
I www.rotsvast.nl
E rotterdam@rotsvast.nl
Conform Vastgoed
Oudedijk 153-A
3061 AB Rotterdam
T +31 (0)10 414 47 53
I www.rotterdamapartments.com
E info@conformvastgoed.nl
Dynamis ABC
Westblaak 147
3012 KJ Rotterdam
T +31 (0)10 201 25 55
E r.werkhoven@dynamisabc.nl
Match Makelaars
Hang 19
3011 GG Rotterdam
T +31 (0)10 233 01 01
I www.matchmakelaars.nl
E rotterdam@matchmakelaars.nl
Exceed Expectations 11

5. Useful tips
5.1 Living expenses
The living expenses in Rotterdam and in the rest of
the Netherlands are similar to the rest of the Northern
part of Europe. Your daily expenses include food, public
transport, books, clothes, and going out. But you also
need to take into account the costs for housing and
insurance. Experience has shown that students living
and studying in Holland for one year spend between
€ 800 and € 1.100 per month.
It is advised to make a budget before arrival. Some of
the costs you need to take into account include:
There is also a bike shop right next to the central train
station in Rotterdam (Rotterdam CS)
Rijwielshop Rotterdam CS
Conradstraat 18
3013 AP Rotterdam
There are several websites that you can check for used
bikes; www.marktplaats.nl or www.2dehands.nl
People advertise their bikes on these websites.
Prices vary from € 15 up to € 500 euro and above.
If you are lucky you can find a good one for € 15.
5.3 Health Care
Food: € 200
Accommodation: € 350 / 600
Leisure € 150
Transport € 40 - 105
Total € 740 – 1055
More budgeting tips?
www.studyinholland.nl/practical-matters/daily-expenses
The Health Care system is very well organised in the
Netherlands. As a European citizen your basic health
insurance will cover you in the Netherlands. In that case,
you should obtain an E111 form from the health service in
your own country and bring it with you. Please note that
you will have to pay for your treatment up-front and
5.2 Transport
Rotterdam has tram and bus lines running throughout
the city and its surroundings. Besides this, Rotterdam
has four underground (metro) lines, running North to
South and East to West. All locations of Hogeschool
Rotterdam are situated nearby one of these metro lines.
For more information regarding public transport:
www.9292ov.nl Timetables etc.
www.NS.nl Railway website
www.RET.nl Public Transport Rotterdam website
Do as the Dutch!
You can save a lot of money if you buy a bike upon
arrival. Most people in the Netherlands use it because it
is the easiest form of transportation in the city area.
It is best to buy a second-hand bike to minimise the risk
of theft. Also, make sure to buy a good lock. There are
various places where you can buy a second hand bike.
A good shop is Mega Bike located near metro station
Oostplein. You can call Mega Bike and ask for used
bikes: Tel. 010 476 37 43.
Mega Bike Rotterdam
Burgemeester van Walsumweg 2
3011 MZ Rotterdam
12 Exceed Expectations

then send the bill to your insurance company to get your
money back.
If you do not have health insurance you can either
insure yourself in your home country or you can have a
look at: www.myaon.nl/students or
www.studentsinsured.com/ips/.
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences has made
several arrangements with doctors and dentists in
Rotterdam in case of medical problems.
The Dutch word for family doctor or GP is huisarts -
which literally translates into ‘house doctor’.
The general word for doctor is dokter or arts.
Medical Assistance
General Practice DWL – De Esch
Rijnwaterstraat 10, 3036 HC, Rotterdam
Telephone
Practice: 010 452 63 63
Prescriptions: 010 452 55 19
Emergency weekdays: 010 452 54 83
Emergency other times: 010 466 95 73
Doctors
Dr. M.M.P. van Meer
Dr. M.T. Slockers
Dentist
Telephone number for acute dental problems
010 455 21 55.
Please note that if you visit a dentist or doctor (GP) you
will need to pay cash. Don’t forget to ask for the receipt
as your insurance company will need these.
Emergency number: 112 (ambulance, fire department,
police) In case of an immediate emergency.
Telephone number police: 0900 – 8844 not in case of
an emergency but when you do need the police.
If you have any problems you can contact team
Support of CoIA.
Once you have an address in the Netherlands you can
open a Dutch bank account for which you will get a
debit card. GR&SS can help you open a bank account
at ABN AMRO bank, but naturally you can also choose
another bank.
How to open a bank account at ABN AMRO:
Go to: www.abnamro.nl/internationalstudents.
Click on the button: apply for an international
student account .
For school details choose: Stichting Hogeschool
Rotterdam.
The course will end on: fill in end date of your
Bachelor or Master.
Click “volgende” to go to the next page.
Fill in all the necessary personal information.
Click “volgende” to go to the next page.
Residence permit number: i f not yet known, write X.
Answer ‘YES’ at the question: Do you have a
residential address in The Netherlands?
Fill in your Dutch address at: your residential
address in The Netherlands.
If your correspondence address is the same as your
residential address, you can leave it blank.
Answer ‘YES’ at the question: rental contract in
The Netherlands.
If your BSN number (= social security number) is
not yet known, answer ‘NO’ at this question.
Print out the form and sign it.
You can hand in the form at the COIA-front desk,
Kralingse Zoom 91.
COIA will submit your application and the
ABN AMRO bank will invite you for an appointment.
For the first appointment you will need to bring:
A valid passport or identity card (the same
document as mentioned on the Application Form
Foreign Student Account).
A proof of enrolment (to be purchased at Student
Service Center, by sending an email request to
ssc-communicatie@hr.nl with mention of your
student number and reason why you need this
proof of enrolment) .
A tenancy agreement or proof of registration
at City Hall (GBA).
5.4 Bank Account
You will notice that it is very useful to open up a Dutch
bank account. The Dutch use their debit cards a lot for
purchases in stores, restaurants etc. .
ABN AMRO Bank will charge:
Monthly : € 3
Opening a bank account is free
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5.5 Social security number
BSN is short for Burger Service Nummer, which translates
as ‘citizen service number’. The BSN is equivalent
to a social security number: a unique registration number
for every citizen, used in contacts with any government
service.
When registering with your local municipality, you are
automatically issued a BSN. Your local town hall will
most likely send you a letter to confirm all your personal
details listed in their administration. This letter will also
mention your BSN.
Various people may ask for your BSN. If you have a job,
your employer will need to know your BSN. Insurance
companies may also ask for your BSN-number.
5.6 Working while studying
If you are from the EU/EEA (but not from Croatia) or from
Switzerland, you are free to work without restrictions.
If you are from Croatia, or from a country outside the
EU/EEA or Switzerland, there are some restrictions if
you want to take a job next to your studies. You need
a permit and you can only work for a maximum of ten
hours a week or, instead, you can work full-time during
the summer months of June, July and August.
Work permit application
Your employer needs to apply for a work permit for you.
The organisation that issues work permits is called UWV
Werkbedrijf.
Exception for internships
If you are studying at a Dutch host institution and you need
to do an internship as part of your study programme, you
do not need a work permit. Your host institution and your
employer do need to sign an internship agreement.
Health insurance and jobs
You need to be aware that as soon as you start a job,
you are obliged to take out the Dutch basic healthcare
insurance. If you do not meet this requirement you risk
a huge fine.
Income tax
You are required to pay tax over your total Dutch
income for the year. Scholarships may also be counted
as income and added to the total. For more information
on income tax, you can check with your employer or
directly with the Dutch tax office.
For more information about working in the Netherlands
while you are studying here, you can visit the website of
Nuffic: www.studyinholland.nl
5.7 Learning Dutch
Although the Bachelor programmes of Rotterdam
Business School are offered in English it might be nice
to learn some Dutch. In the IBMS programme you can
choose Dutch as you second language. If you do not
have this opportunity the Erasmus Language and Training
Centre offers Dutch courses for international students.
As a student of the Rotterdam Business School
you can take part in these courses for a reduced fee.
5.8 Sports
Maybe you like to relax after class. Arrangements have
been made with the Erasmus University Rotterdam
campus Woudestein (Kralingse Zoom). You can make
use of their sport facilities for € 145 per year (prices are
subject to change). In the month of September you can
try out different sports and classes for free, so that you
can decide whether the sports card is what you want.
With the card you can use the EUR sports facilities all
year long, e.g. tennis, squash, fitness, aerobics and
various team sports. For more information you can visit
this website: www.erasmussport.nl
5.9 Academic calendar 2015/2016
(subject to change)
The academic year is divided into four blocks of 10
weeks. In between these blocks students have the holidays
mentioned below.
Fall break 19 October 2015 - 23 October 2015
Christmas holiday 21 December 2015 - 1 January
2016
Spring break 22 February 2016 – 26 February
2016
Good Friday 25 March 2016
Easter Monday 28 March 2016
King’s birthday 27 April 2016
May holiday 2 May 2016 - 6 May 2016
Ascension Day 5 May 2016
Whit Monday 15 May 2016
Summer holiday 11 July 2016 - 26 August 2016
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6. How to get to Rotterdam
Business School
Applied Sciences which you can see on your right after
10 minutes.
Rotterdam Business School is situated at the
Kralingse Zoom location of Rotterdam University of
Applied Sciences.
Public transport
Tram 1 from Rotterdam Central Station: Direction „
De Esch”. Disembark at stop „Honingerdijk”, cross the
(busy-traffic) road, then turn right and walk alongside
the same road towards the Kralingse Zoom Location.
After 2 minutes walking, you will see the building on
the left.
By Car
From direction Breda/Dordrecht: From the “A 16”, after
the “Van Brienenoord” bridge take the exit direction
“Rotterdam Centrum/Capelle aan de Ijssel” and turn
left at the traffic lights, towards “Rotterdam Centrum”.
Now take the first exit on the right, direction “Brainpark/De
Esch/Autostrada”. On top of the fly-over, turn
right. Turn left after 50 metres. Now you can find the
Kralingse Zoom location of the Rotterdam University of
Applied Sciences on your left and the parking area (P4)
on your right.
Tram 7 from Rotterdam Central Station: Direction
„Woudestein”. Disembark at the end stop. Walk in the
direction of the parking areas of Erasmus University and
of the Kralingse Zoom location (P4). After 2 minutes
walking, you will see the Kralingse Zoom location of
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences on your right.
Metro from Rotterdam Central Station: Change at
station “Beurs” and take another metro (A,B or C), to
station “Kralingse Zoom”. From here, walk south to the
Kralingse Zoom location of Rotterdam University of
From direction Utrecht/Den Haag: Drive towards the
A 16, in the direction of Breda/Dordrecht. Take the exit
towards “Kralingen/Feijenoord/Ijsselmonde” (N 210).
Take the exit “Rotterdam Centrum/Capelle aan de
IJssel”. At the traffic lights, turn right. Now take the
first exit on the right, direction “Brainpark/De Esch/
Autostrada”.
On top of the fly-over, turn right. Turn left after
50 metres. Now you can find the Kralingse Zoom location
of the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
on your left and the parking area (P4) on your right.
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Praktische informatie
7. Important addresses
Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences /
Rotterdam Business School
Visiting address:
Kralingse Zoom 91
3063 ND Rotterdam
(metro station Kralingse Zoom)
Administration Office:
Front desk: D0.142
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 9.00 - 12.45 hrs and 13.15 - 17.00 hrs
T +31 (0)10 794 62 14 (general telephone number
Rotterdam Business School)
E administration.rbs@hr.nl
Centre of International Affairs (CoIA)
Visiting address:
Kralingse Zoom 91
3063 ND Rotterdam
Room B2.119
(metro station Kralingse Zoom)
Student Service Center
Visitor Center
Rochussenstraat 198 (ground floor)
3015 EK Rotterdam
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday 8.30 - 17.30 hrs
Friday 8.30 - 17.00 hrs
E SSC-communicatie@hr.nl
T +31 (0)10 794 42 00
Housing Office
Visiting address:
Rochussenstraat 198
3015 EK Rotterdam
Room: RS.00.111
E studenthousingoffice@hr.nl
T +31 (0)10 794 63 47
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 10.00 - 12.00 hrs and 13.00 - 15.00 hrs
T +31 (0)10 794 62 50
E coia-recruitment@hr.nl
I www.rotterdambusinessschool.nl
The information in this handbook is not legally binding and
is subject to change.
16 Exceed Expectations