ContactSecretariat, Australian European Network (AEN) |
University of AntwerpAntwerpen – Belgium
Information Sheet:
University of Antwerp (PDF CityThis historic, lively and pleasant waterfront city, with its distinctive baroque architecture, is built on the banks of the river Scheldt. The Port of Antwerp is the second largest in Europe and the fourth largest in the world. Antwerp is well known as the home of Peter Paul Rubens, the famous 16th Century painter whose house is now a museum. Many of his works can be seen throughout the city in museums and churches, including the magnificent gothic cathedral. Another claim to fame, is that Antwerp is the world diamond trade centre. 85% of all rough diamonds are handled here and 50% of all cut diamonds pass through the city. Antwerp is also well known for its delicious chocolates. There is a wonderful Central Square with splendid historical buildings from Antwerp's Golden Era in the 16th and 17th centuries. Surrounding the Central Square are interesting small streets lined with shops and cafés – in fact there are over 2,000 cafés and restaurants in Antwerp that contribute to the lively nature of the city. Because of Antwerp’s maritime tradition, contemporary architecture often refers to the harbour and maritime life.It is a city of fashion designers and trendsetters too. A real shoppers’ paradise! From Antwerp it is very easy to travel to almost anywhere in Europe and train connections are excellent. English is widely spoken across Belgium, so students should have very few problems in making themselves understood. Exchange students must register with the town administration office within 8 working days of arrival. Students who are living in certain designated areas can register through the International Relations Office. UniversityAntwerp University has 7 faculties: Applied Economic Sciences, Arts and Philosophy, Law, Political and Social Sciences, Medicine, Pharmaceutical/Biomedical/Veterinary Sciences, Sciences. The student population is over 11,000 students. There are approximately 1,400 foreign degree students and 340 incoming exchange students each year. The University’s teaching method is based on student-centered teaching and competence-based learning with e-learning playing an important role. The European Commission awarded the ECTS Label of Excellence to the University of Antwerp, recognizing the successful implementation of the European Credit Transfer System principles. This makes it a reliable and transparent partner in international co-operation. The University has 4 campuses. The Humanities are taught at City Campus, which is situated in the historic city centre. Sciences and Life Sciences are taught at Campus Groenenborger, Campus Middelheim and Campus Drie Eiken. The latter 3 campuses are situated in the leafy suburbs to the south of the city, about 30 minutes by public transport from the City Campus. Each of the four campuses has its own library. Antwerp is a very safe option for students looking to study somewhere a little different. Course InformationThe University of Antwerp offers a wide range of subjects. Social Sciences (humanities): Applied Economics, Business Engineering, Business Engineering In Management Information Systems, Communication Studies, Culture Management, History, Instructional And Educational Science, Philosophy, Linguistics, Literature, Law, Political And Social Sciences; Sciences and Life Sciences: Biochemistry And Biotechnology, Bio-Engineering Science, Biology, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Film Studies And Visual Culture, Information Science, Mathematics, Medicine, Molecular Biology, Pharmacy, Physics, Veterinary Medicine. All bachelors and (initial) masters programs are open to AEN exchange students, provided that they meet the prerequisites for each course. See the list at www.ua.ac.be/OODE2008. Specific requirements apply for most advanced master’s programs! When in doubt, check with the international academic co-ordinator. The language of instruction in Flanders (the northern part of Belgium) is Dutch. Hence, most undergraduate courses at UA are taught in Dutch. In order to attend the courses successfully, exchange students are highly recommend to sign up for the intensive Dutch language course that is organized before the start of each semester. Most professors allow foreign students to take their examinations in English. Additional library work/research is mostly in English (or French). Some faculties organize a full program or a selected number of courses and seminars in English to accommodate international students. The Faculty of Political and Social Sciences offers a selected number of courses in English in each of their degrees (sociology, political sciences, communication studies) at Bachelor, at Master (initial and advanced) level. www.ua.ac.be/PSW&n=49060 Courses at the Departments of Linguistics and Literature are medium-taught in Dutch, English, German, French, Italian or Spanish - www.ua.ac.be/OODE2008 Some Science departments organize certain lectures in English if there is an international audience. Advanced Master Programs in English are offered in Nanophysics, Economics of International Trade and European Integration, Development Evaluation and Management, Globalisation and Management, Governance and Development, Transport and Maritime Economics, Transport and Maritime Management, MBA executive, Finance, Global management, Management: Product Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Linguistics, American Studies. OrientationThere is an Orientation Day for incoming exchange students which is held before the start of each semester. AccommodationAccepted exchange students who come to Antwerp for only one semester can apply for a room in an international student building at the City campus through the University Housing Office by submitting a housing application form. Prices vary between €210 and €300 per month (rates 2008-2009), all costs included. Only a limited number of rooms are available. More information can be obtained from the housing department at kotweb@ua.ac.be. Students who will be staying in Antwerp for an entire academic year cannot apply for housing through the university housing service. However, they should not have any great difficulty in finding a student room. Most rooms are rented for a period of 10 months. They will be given access to the student housing database "KOTWEB" that offers a wide selection of recognised student accommodation in and around Antwerp. Prices for a furnished room start from €250 per month (studios from €350) when rented for a full academic year. This does not include utility costs such as water, electricity, heating etc. Another database for student accommodation in Antwerp is www.kotspotting.be (no login/password required). We strongly advise students to start looking as early as possible, as this will enhance their options of finding suitable accommodation!
International Relations Office
The International Relations Office is located at City Campus (Gratiekapelstraat 10, BE-2000 Antwerpen). It is available to assist students with advice and help with problems. The staff is helpful, warm and welcoming. For more information please contact Nele Voorspoels:
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