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Welcome 5
About Thomas More 6
Study Offer in Mechelen & Sint-Katelijne-Waver 8
Planning your stay 10
Studying as an exchange student 16
Words and phrases in Dutch 201 Askingforhelpanddirections 202 Howtointroduceyourself 203 Wishsomeonesomething 214 Solvingamisunderstanding 215 Expressionsandwords 22
Facilities 241 InternationalOffice 242 StudentCard/Badge 253 CopiesandPrints 254 NetworkFacilities 265 Library 266 Cafetaria 277 StudentServices(former“STIP”) 27
Table of Content
MECHELEN AND SINT-KATELIJNE-WAVER 321 Mechelen 322 Sint-Katelijne-Waver 333 PublicServicesandusefulinformation 34
Belgium & Flanders 381 Belgium 382 Flanders 403 HighereducationinFlanders 40
School holidays 441 Academic Year 442 PublicHolidays 45
Policies and regulations 461 Smoking 462 DrugsandAlcohol 46
Useful links 47
Dearstudent,
Welcome to Belgium, Mechelen and our UniversityCollege.
Wehopethatthecomingweeksandmonthswillbeanexperienceofalifetime.ThomasMore(MechelenandSint-Katelijne-Waver)andKULeuven(Sint-Katelijne-Waver)wanttotryashardastheycantomakethisanenjoyableandintriguingtime.However,yourcontributionwillbeveryimportant.
Yourabilitytomeetpeople,communicate,makefriends,absorb the learningmaterial, interest yourself for the‘Flemish’culture,visitinterestingplacesandgatherings,takeinitiative…allthiswillcontributetoagreattimeinMechelen,Flanders,Belgium.
Trytodoabicycletour,gohikingintheArdennes,visittheArtNouveauinBrussels,takeacanaltourinBruges,and visit the cathedral in Antwerp or walk along theSchelde. Eat a Belgian waffle, ‘Gentse waterzooi’ or‘hutsepot’.Tasteeachtypeofbreadyoucangetandifyouhaveasweettooth,tryourpastries!
But most important, talk to people about whateveris interesting. About music, family, friendship, love,studies,job,dreams,expectationsinlife…whatever.Tryto understand the differences in people, the differentwaysofexpressingoneself,butseealsothethingsthatconnectus.Thewayweallexperiencefearorfriendship…
Haveagreatandinterestingstay!
Welcome
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Thomas More is the university college forthose who expect more from their future:more opportunities, more ideas, morechallenges. Every day, ThomasMore inspiresover14.000 studentson12 locations in theheartofEurope.andhostsover3000studentsofKULeuven.
Wealsogladlywelcomeinternationalstudentsfrom all around the world. Your internshipabroad is an excellent way to broaden youracademichorizon,discovernewpointsofviewand immerse yourself in other cultures andlanguages.
A part of Thomas More is Thomas MoreMechelen-Antwerpen. During the nextmonths, you will do your internship incampuses located in Mechelen or in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, along with 6000 otherstudents.
ThomasMoreMechelen-Antwerpentrains inMechelenandinSint-Katelijne-Wavernurses,communication specialists, teachers, interiordesigners, information managers, engineers,professionals for the world of tourismand industry… and more. It offers a variedprogramme,emphasizingthepracticalside.
About Thomas More
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ThomasMoreisamemberoftheK.U.LeuvenAssociation.
The K.U. Leuven Association is based on astructured cooperation between the K.U.Leuvenandtwelveotherinstitutionsofhighereducation(“hogescholen”).
Itsmembershavea totalof70.000 studentsin campuses in 23 towns and cities acrossFlanders, i.e.44percentof thetotalnumberofFlemishstudentsinhighereducation.
The challenges higher education in Flandersfaces,areverydemanding.Inordertoensurea long-term effect for their efforts, themembersoftheK.U.LeuvenAssociationhaveopted in favour of a strong decision-makingandexecutivestructure.
The primary aims of the K.U. LeuvenAssociationare:-Toofferawiderangeofstudyandtraining-Toimprovethequalityofeducation-Toimprovethequalityofresearchbyconcentrationandintensivecooperation
About KU Leuven Association
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Weofferfirstandforemostpracticallyorientededucation: theory is essential, but always inordertosupportpracticaltraining.
Thomas More creates modern learningenvironments for its students in which theycandeveloptheirtalentsundersupervision.
Graduating students will not only havethe knowledge, but also the necessarycompetencestomeettheexpectationsofthelabourmarket.
Oneofthedeterminantfactorsinthecourseof the further careerofour graduates is thefactthattheycanrelyonthelearningattitudeswhichtheyacquiredduringtheirstudies.
ThatiswhyThomasMoreprovidesateachingenvironment based on orienting studentstowardscooperation,responsibility,creativityand problem-solving which all are skillsabsolutely required in today’s professionalworld.
Study Offer in Mechelen & Sint-Katelijne-Waver
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BUSINESS STUDIES-BusinessManagement-CommunicationsManagement-Journalism-OfficeManagement-TourismandLeisureManagement-MediaandEntertainmentBusiness
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY-ITManagementandMultimedia-InteriorDesign-AutomotiveTechnology-DesignandProductionTechnology-Electromechanics-Electronics-ICT
EDUCATION & TRAINING-EarlyChildhoodEducation-PrimaryEducation-SecondaryEducation
HEALTH & WELLBEING-Nursing
APPLIED ENGINEERING (= MASTERS)-MAinconstructionengineering-MAinelectro-mechanicalengineering,automotiveengineering,energyandautomation-MAinbiochemicalengineering-MAinchemicalengineering-MAinengineeringinelectronics-ICT-MAinWeldingEngineering(advancedmaster’sprogramme)
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1 BEFORE ARRIVAL - VISA
BeforeyoustartyourstudiesinFlanders,pleasevisittheBelgianembassyorconsulateinyourcountry.(http://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/services/ embassies_and_consulates/belgian_embassies_and_consulates_abroad/)Students from EEAmember states (EuropeanUnion +Norway,IcelandandLiechtenstein)don’tneedavisa.Non-EEAstudentsshouldapplyforanAuthorisationforProvisionalStay.Thistypeofvisa(inDutch:MachtigingtotVoorlopigVerblijf)allowstheholdertostayinBelgiumforaperiodlongerthanthreemonths.Thisvisaisalso
referred to as Visa Type D. For non-EEA students, theAuthorisation for Provisional Stay is also commonlyknownasstudentvisa.AsaruleyoumustapplyforthisvisaattheBelgianConsulateorEmbassyinyourcountryorinthecountrywhereyoulegallyreside,andnotthepublicauthoritiesinBelgiumitself.IfthereisnoBelgianConsulateorembassyinyourcountry,youmaysubmityourapplicationtotheBelgianconsulateorembassyinaneighbouringcountry.NeverenterBelgiumonatouristvisa if you intend tostay longer than90daysor threemonths(www.studyinflanders.be).
Planning your stay
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2 UPON ARRIVAL - REGISTRATION
ForeignstudentshavetoregisteratthecityhallwithineightdaysafterarrivalinBelgium.ThelocalauthoritieswillissueanidentitydocumentforaforeignstudenttemporarilylivinginBelgium.
Office for Foreigners in Mechelen (=HuisvandeMechelaar):Reuzenstraat1-2800Mechelentel:+32(0)15297596or97or98fax:=32(0)15297599e:[email protected]
Openinghours:Monday 09.00–17.00Tuesday 09.00–17.00Wednesday 12.00–16.00Thursday 13.30–19.30Friday 09.00–17.00Saturday 09.00–12.00
Office for Foreigners in Sint-Katelijne-WaverLemanstraat63-2860Sint-Katelijne-Wavertel:+32(0)15305000fax:+32(0)15305002e:[email protected]
Openinghours:Monday 08.45–12.00Tuesday 08.45–12.00 18.00–20.00Wednesday 08.45–12.00 13.30–16.30Thursday 08.45–12.00Friday 08.45–12.00
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3 ACCOMMODATION
Student Services will try to help you find suitableaccommodation.Please take into account that it won’t be easy to findaroomontheprivatehousingmarketfor lessthan10months.Forthatmattersendane-mailto:[email protected] if you want help insearchingaccommodation.
StudentscanrentaroominMechelen.Mostofthemareownedbyaprivatelandlord.Studentroomsoftenhaveaprivatebedroomandworkingfacilities,butbathroomandkitchenareincommon.Roomswithprivatebathingand cooking facilities are of course more expensive.Housingpricesrangefrom€250to€300amonthforaroominahouseto€450foraonepersonflat.Housing in a student residence is possible at CampusKruidtuin.
Student services will also answer specific questionsabout rent-related issues. Should you have anycomplaints about your accommodation or a disputewiththelandlord,theycanalsoprovideassistanceandmediation.Itiscustomarytopaytherentfortheentiremonth,evenifyouarrivelaterorleavebeforethemonthis fully over. Landlords also charge a deposit, usuallytheequivalentofoneor twomonths’ rent,payable inadvance along with the rent of the first month. Thisdepositwillberefundedaftertheendofyourcontractifyourroomiscleanandingoodcondition.Therefore,it is important tohaveaccess tosufficient fundswhenyouarrive.
Belgian law obliges everybody to take out furnitureinsurance.Some landlordsmay take this responsibility.Please read your contract carefully. In case this is notincluded, you will have to take out this insurance byyourself.
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4 FIRE PREVENTION
-Don’tsmokeinbed.-Extinguishyourcigarettesinanashtrayandnotinthedustbinorbag.-Extinguishcandlesandswitchoffthelightwhenleavingtheroom.-Keepcookingandheatingdevicesona safedistancefrominflammablematerial.-Don’tmesswithelectricalmaterialorwiring.-Connectonly1appliancepersocket.-Neverputelectricalwiringunderacarpetorlooseonthefloor.-Keepthebuildingtidyandclean.Materiallyingaroundcausesafastextensionoffire.-Keepthefiredoorsclosed,asthesedoorscanblockthefireforawhile.-Readtheinstructionsofthefireextinguisher.-Neverpourwateronaburningfryingpan!Useadampclothortowelinstead.
5 BURGLARY PREVENTION
-Alwayslockyourroom,evenfor5minutes!-Nevergiveyourkeystoanybodyelse.-Ifyourroomislocatedatthestreetside,pleasemakesure that no valuable objects are visible through thewindow.-Neverleaveexpensiveobjectsinyourroom.-Closethefrontdoor.-Donotgiveaccesstoeverybody.Athiefcanactasastudentwhohasforgottenhiskey.-Ifanybodynotfamiliartoyouisinthebuilding,askhimorherwhatorwhoheorsheislookingfor.Thatwayyoucanfrightenoffpossiblethieves.-Informthelandlordorlandladyofeachtheft!-Ifthetheftisofconsiderablevalue,youhavetoinformthepolicedepartmentwithin24hours.ThelocalpoliceissituatedintheFrederikdeMerodestraat88oryoucancallthem:015/286666.
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6 MONEY
CheckwithyourbanktoseeifyourbankcardsandcreditcardscanbeusedinotherEuropeancountries.
If you are staying for a good number of months inBelgiumitcouldbeinterestingtoopenabankaccount.Quitesomebanksofferayouthaccountforfree.
Youcouldtransfermoneytothisaccountordepositthemoneyyoubroughtwithyou.Pleaseconsultyourhomebankonthedifferentwaystotransfermoney.
7 WHAT TO BRING
WhenyoupackforBelgium,youwillhavetopackforallkindsofweather.Sopackyourswimminggeartogetherwithsomewarmsweaters.
Belgianstudentsdressratherinformallywhenattendinglectures. Only during oral exams, students will dressmoreformally.
8 COST OF LIVING
Belowyouwillfindanapproximatebudgetthatwillhelpyou toplan yourfinances.Of course, a budget is verypersonaldependingonone’shabitsbutthisbudgetcanbeapointer.
Anaveragemonthlybudget:Food:€150Accommodation:between€250-350Localtravel:€25Medical/personalcare,amusement:€150
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9 TRANSPORT
By plane:
Brussels Airport, Zaventem (= 22 km from Mechelen)The airport train station is locatedbelow the terminal(basementlevel-1).Upto4trainsanhourconnecttheairporttoBrusselsNorth,BrusselsCentralandBrusselsMidistations.MoreovertherearedirecttrainservicestoMechelen and to the East, South,West and North ofBelgium.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (= 87 km from Mechelen)TakethebustothetrainstationinCharleroi.ThetraintoBrussels–AntwerphasastopatthemainrailwaystationofMechelen.FromBrusselsNorthyoucantakeatraintoSint-Katelijne-Waver.
By train:
Mechelen and Sint-Katelijne-Waver are stops betweenAntwerpandBrussels.Mechelenhas2railwaystations:Mechelen Nekkerspoel (small) and Mechelen Central(mainstation).Thecampusesareat10minuteswalkingdistancefromtherailwaystations.PleasebeawarethatNOTalltrainsstopinMechelenNekkerspoelorinSint-Katelijne-Waver.OnthewebsiteoftheBelgianrailroad(www.b-rail.be) you can find the timetables for trainstoMechelenandSint-Katelijne-Waver.Thewebsitehasfourlanguages.
Also for your travel in Europe during your stay inMechelen and Sint-Katelijne-Waver, this website is anidealtool.
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1 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The academic year is divided into two semesters. TheautumnsemesterfromSeptembertoJanuary,theSpringsemesterfromFebruarytoJune.
Therearetwolargebreaks:Christmasbreak(2weeks)andtheEasterbreak(2weeks).
Fortherestoftheschoolholidays, lookatpage44forthecompletelist.
Studying as an exchange student
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2 ECTS
What is ECTS?TherecognitionofstudiesanddiplomasisaprerequisiteforthecreationofanopenEuropeanareaofeducationand training where students and teachers can movewithout obstacles. ECTS, the European Credit TransferSystem, was developed by the Commission of theEuropean Community in order to provide commonprocedurestoguaranteeacademicrecognitionofstudiesabroad. Itprovidesawayofmeasuringandcomparinglearningachievements,andtransferringthemfromoneinstitutiontoanother.
TheECTSsystemisbasedontheprinciplesofmutualtrustand confidence between the participating institutionsofhighereducation.ThefewrulesoftheECTSsystem,concerningInformationonCoursesAvailable,Agreementbetweenthehomeandhostinstitutions,andtheUseofCreditPoints(toindicatethestudent’sworkload)aresetouttoreinforcethismutualtrustandconfidence.EachECTSdepartmentwilldescribethecoursesitoffersnotonly in termsof contentbutalso indicatingcredits foreachcourse.
The ECTS creditsECTScreditsareavalue(between1and60)allocatedtocourseunitstodescribethestudentworkloadrequiredto complete them. They reflect the quantity of workeachcourserequiresinrelationtothetotalquantityofworkrequiredtocompleteafullyearofacademicstudyatthehostinstitution.
ECTScreditsexpressarelativeratherthananabsolutemeasure of student workload. In ECTS, 60 creditsrepresent theworkload of an academic year of study.Normally,30creditsrepresentasemesterand20creditsaterm.
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It isuptotheparticipating institutiontosubdividethecredits for the different courses. Credits are awardedonly when the course has been completed and allrequiredexaminationshavebeensuccessfullytaken.
Moreinformationcanbefoundinthecourseguide.
ECTS Learning Agreement TheECTSLearningAgreement isa formwhich is tobeused when you choose among the different coursesfromthehostinstitution.Thecourseshavetobeagreedby you, theECTS coordinator at yourhomeuniversity,andthecoordinatorfromThomasMoreMechelen.Afteryouhavefinishedyourstudyabroadperiod,theagreedcourses should be fully recognized by your university.MoreinformationabouttheECTSsystemcanbefoundathttp://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/socrates/ects/index_en.html.
3 BASIC LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
The instruction language of all bachelor degreeprogrammes is Dutch. Sufficient knowledge of theDutchlanguageisanadmissionrequirementforallourbachelordegreeprogrammes.
For exchange students following the internationalprogramme,agoodknowledgeofEnglishisrequired.Theinternationalprogrammeisofferedinthefirstandsecondsemester.
Going abroad on an exchange programme requires alotofpreparationandadministration.Youhavetothinkaboutallthedocumentstoregulateyourcredits,butalso insurance, takingmoney along, passport and visarequirementsmustbeconsidered.
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1 ASKING FOR HELP AND DIRECTIONS
I’mlostCanIhelpyou?Canyouhelpme?Whereisthe(bathroom/pharmacy)?Gostraight!Thenturnleft/right!I’mlookingforJohn..Onemomentplease!Holdonplease!(phone)Howmuchisthis?Excuseme...!(toaskforsomething)Excuseme!(topassby)Comewithme!
2 HOW TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF
Doyouspeak(English/Dutch)?Justalittle.What’syourname?Mynameis...Mr.../Mrs.…/Miss…Nicetomeetyou!You’reverykind!Whereareyoufrom?I’mfrom(theU.S/Belgium)I’m(American)Wheredoyoulive?Ilivein(theU.S/Belgium)Doyoulikeithere?BelgiumisawonderfulcountryWhatdoyoudoforaliving?Iworkasa(translator/businessman)IlikeDutchI’vebeenlearningDutchfor1monthOh!That’sgood!Howoldareyou?
Words and phrases in Dutch
Ikbenverloren.Kanikjehelpen?Kanjemijhelpen?Waaris(hettoilet/deapotheker)?Garechtdoor!Dandraainaarlinks/rechts!IkbenopzoeknaarJohnEenmomentjealsjeblieft.Blijfaandelijn.Hoeveelkostdit?Excuseermij...!Excuseermij!Kommetmijmee!
SpreekjijEngels/Nederlands?Eenbeetje.Watisjenaam?Mijnnaamis...Mijnheer/mevrouw/juffrouwBlijjeteontmoetenJebentzeervriendelijkVanwaarbenje?IkbenvandeUSA/BelgiëIk ben een AmerikaanWaarwoonje?IkwoonindeUSA/BelgiëVindjehetplezanthier?Belgiëiseenzeermooiland.Watdoejealsberoep?Ikwerkalseenvertaler/zakenman.IkvindNederlandsleuk.IkleerNederlandsnualeenmaandOh!Datisgoed!Hoeoudbenje?
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4 SOLVING A MISUNDERSTANDING
I’msorry!(ifyoudon’thearsomething)Sorry(foramistake)Noproblem!Canyousayitagain?Canyouspeakslowly?Writeitdownplease!Idon’tunderstand!Idon’tknow!Ihavenoidea.What’sthatcalledinDutch?Whatdoes“…”meaninEnglish?Howdoyousay“please”inDutch?Whatisthis?MyDutchisbad.IneedtopracticemyDutchDon’tworry!
3 WISH SOMEONE SOMETHING
Goodluck!Happybirthday!Happynewyear!MerryChristmas!Congratulations!Enjoy!(formeals...)I’dliketovisitBelgiumonedayBlessyou(whensneezing)Goodnightandsweetdreams!
I’m(twenty,thirty...)yearsold.Ihavetogo.Iwillberightback!
Sorry,ikverstauniet.SorryGeenprobleemKanjehetherhalen?Kanjeietsjetragerspreken?Schrijfhetneer,alsjeblieftIkverstahetnietIkweethetnietIk heb geen ideeHoeheetditinhetNederlands?HoeheetditwoordinhetEngels?Hoezegje“please”inhetNederlands?Watisdit?MijnNederlandsisnietzogoed.IkmoetNederlandsoefenenGeenpaniek!
Succes!GelukkigeverjaardagGelukkigNieuwjaarZaligKerstmisProficiat!Eetsmakelijk!IkzoueensgraagBelgiëbezoeken.Gezondheid!Goeienachtendroomzacht
Ikbentwintig,dertigjaar.Ikmoetgaan.Ikbenstraksterug.
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5 EXPRESSIONS AND WORDS
Good/Bad/So-So.Big/SmallToday/NowTomorrow/YesterdayYes/NoHereyougo!(whengivingsomething)Doyoulikeit?Ireallylikeit!I’mhungry/thirsty.Inthemorning/evening.AtNight.This/that.Here/thereMe/you.Him/her.Really!Look!Hurryup!What?Where?Whattimeisit?It’s10o’clock.07:30pm.Givemethis!Iloveyou!Ifeelsick.Ineedadoctor.One,Two,ThreeFour,Five,SixSeven,Eight,Nine,Ten
Goed/slecht/zoenzoGroot/kleinVandaag/nuMorgen/gisterenJa/neeAlsjeblieftVindjehetleuk?Ikvindhettof.Ikhebhonger/dorst‘sochtends/’savonds/‘snachtsDit/dat.Hier/daarIk/jou.Hij/zijEchtwaar!Kijk!Haastje!Wat?Waar?Hoelaatishet?Hetistienuur.7:30pmGeefmedit!Ikhouvanje!Ikvoelmeziek!Ikhebeendokternodig.Een,twee,drieVier,vijf,zesZeven,acht,negen,tien
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1 INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
The international office provides services to allinternational exchange students who wish to study inMechelen.
The international office works in team together withinternationalcoordinatorsofthestudyprograms.We believe that each exchange student, who comestoThomasMoreforasemesterorafullyear,makesavaluablecontributiontoouruniversityandourstudentcommunity.
Ouraimistoprovidetheinformation,helpandsupportthatwillmakeyourvisit intoa rewarding internationalexperience.
Please consult the address list below if you need toget in touchwith the international staffor oneof ourinternationalcoordinators.
TheInternationalOfficeislocatedatCampusDeVestZandpoortvest60inMechelentel:+32(0)15369137fax:+32(0)15369189e:[email protected]
Openinghours:everydaybetween10.00and12.00hours
Facilities
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2 STUDENT CARD/BADGE
As an incoming international student, you will beregistered at the student administration. A digitalpicturewill be taken from you in order to issue yourThomasMorestudentcard/badge.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU CARRY THISSTUDENT BADGE WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES!
Itgivesyouaccesstoallcampusbuildings,classroomsandthecentrallibraryandwiththisbadgeyoucanbuylunchintheuniversitycafeteriaatthelowestprice.
3 COPIES AND PRINTS
YoucanchargeyourThomasMorestudentcardwithasmallamountinEuro.Thisgivesyouthepossibilitytoprintandtocopyinanycampusbuilding(youneedtoput your student card in themachine tobe ableto print or copy). Students in Sint-Katelijne-Waverwillhavetobuyaprintcard(value€5or€10)atCopyServices.
Youwill get further informationon how to proceedduringtheintroductionweekorduringaninformationsession.
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4 NETWORK FACILITIES
ThomasMoreanKULeuvenareusingaDigitalStudentPlatform(blackboard)calledToledo.Toledoistheofficialpublication channel. Both International Office andStudentServiceswillpostmessagesforyouonToledo.
Theuseof Toledowill be explained to youduring theintroduction week at an information session. You willgetyourowne-mailaddressfromThomasMoreorKULeuven.
Withthise-mailaddressyouwillbeabletocommunicatewithotherstudentsandpersonneloftheschoolwithoutusingyourprivatee-mailaddress.
IntheschoolcampusesinMechelenandSint-Katelijne-Waveryouwillfindcomputerrooms.
Youwill get informationduring the introductionweek,howtogetaloginID,informationaboutsoftware,rules,etc.
5 LIBRARY
The Central Library is accessible for all ThomasMoreandKULeuvenstudents.Thelibrary,whichissituatedinMechelenatCampusDeVest,hasquitesomemetersofbookshelves filledwith books,magazines, newspapersand course literature to borrow, in other words aninspiringplaceforlearningresources.
The library is also the perfect meeting place with itsreading areas, places for study and computer corners.At the library you canalsoprintdocumentsandmakecopies.
In Sint-Katelijne-Waver there is a media centre atyourdisposalwith the samepossibilities/content as inMechelen.
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6 CAFETERIA
In Mechelen and in Sint-Katelijne-Waver are threestudentrestaurantswheremealsareserved(breakfastandlunch)between08.00–15.00hoursateconomicprices.
Putyourstudentbadgeonthetraytogetthelowestprice.YoucanfindthemenuonToledo.
7 STUDENT SERVICES (former “STIP”)
You can find student services at James, Campus De Vest.
tel:+32(0)15369140e:[email protected]
StudentservicesatCampusDeNayerislocatedinroomF012andF013.e:[email protected]
Studentservicesoffersdifferentkindsofsupport.Thetext below is a summary. All details can be found atourwebsiteandonFacebook.Addressesonthebackof this brochure! You can also find student servicesinformationonToledo,theDigitalStudentPlatformofThomasMore.
CultureStudent services and culture: a happymarriage. Theaim of Student services is to enthuse students forculture. Student services will organize a lot of ownactivitiesandparticipateinanumberofactivitiesthatthecityofMechelenisorganizing.
HousingWould you like to know something about studentrooms? Are you looking for addresses? Do you needa room only for one semester? Student services can
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give you al the information you need about studentrooms.Thereisanonlinedatabaseofavailablestudentrooms in Mechelen and Sint-Katelijne-Waver. You canselectaroombasedonrentprice,surfaceoftheroomor location. You then contact the landlord and makean appointment to visit the room. Student services islettingseveralstudentroomsinthecitycentre,nexttothecitypark.Ifyouencounterproblemsrelatingtotheroom,(problemswiththelandlord,norefundofdeposit,problemswith housemates) you can contact Studentservices.Wewilltrytohelpyouortomediate.
AlsoatStudent services,wastebagsareavailable.Youcanbuythemapiece.
SportsIn for some sports activities: before, between or afterclasses? Student services offers you a wide range ofsports, as well as competition or recreation sports.Competewithotherclassesintheinterclasscompetitionindoor football or participate in ‘Start to Run’ so thatafter10weeksyouwillbeable torun5km.CompetewithotheruniversitycollegestudentsanduniversitiesintheVSFFcompetition.Recreationalvolleyball,basketballor soccer can be practised on the sports ground atcampusKruidtuinandatcampusDeNayer.
DiscountFor somesportsandcultural centres inMechelenandsurroundings, Student services offers you discountcoupons or a sportscard. Each coupon is worth €3 or€6.Thisamountwillbedeductedfromtheentrancefee.Thesportscardcosts€15andcanbeusedinmultpiplesportcentresintheneighbourhood.YoucangetthesecouponsandthesportscardatJames.
MobilityPleasecheckthetimetableofbusesandtrainsonwww.delijn.be(buses)orwww.nmbs.be(trains).
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The campuses in Mechelen and Sint-Katelijne-Wavercaneasilybereachedwiththepublictransportandarewithinwalkingdistancefromthestation.
Internationalstudentshavethepossibilitytorentabikeatschool(campusbike)forthetimetheyarestayinginMechelenorSint-Katelijne-Waver.Cost:€5eachmonth.Ifyouonlyneedabikeforsomehoursoroneday,youcan use a campus bike for free. You only have to gotoJamesatCampusDeVesttoregister.Thenyouwillreceivethekeyofabike.
Lockers
Doyouhavetocarryalotofheavybooks?Rentalockerin following campuses: De Ham, Kruidtuin, De Vest,DeNayer.YoucanobtainakeyatJamesatCampusDeVest or at the copy service of campusDeNayer. Youonlyhavetopayadepositof€10thatwillberefundedwhenyoureturnthekey.
CateringAt the student restaurants you can buy sandwichesorhotmealsatareasonableprice.Weguaranteeyouhealthy and tasty lunches. Student services is alsoorganizingcookingworkshops.Studentrestaurantsarelocated at campus De Vest, campus Kruidtuin and atcampusDeNayer.
RentalInternationalstudentscanrentatStudentservices:-Boxwithcookingmaterialandcutlery (forfree–deposit€20)
-Bedclothing(tobebought): duvetandpillow:€25
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AtStudentservicesyoucanalsorentalaptopforashortperiod.GotoJamestoaskfortheseservices.
BuddiesAn important aspect of your exchange is thecommunicationwithstudentsofThomasMore.Forthis,Studentserviceswillorganizeabuddysystem.ThroughthisbuddysystemwetrytolinkincomingstudentswithstudentsofThomasMore.
Several students offered to support the exchangestudents during their stay in Mechelen and in Sint-Katelijne-Waver.
Theycangiveyoumanyusefulinformationonallsortsofacademic, andnon-academicmatters, student life anddailylifeinBelgium.
Areyouupforthis?Pleaseletusknowsothatwecanlink you to a student. He or she will contact you andwillsupportyouasmuchaspossibleduringthosefirstdifficultweeksandtherestofyourstayinMechelenorinSint-Katelijne-Waver.
Student clubsThere are several student clubs at campus De Nayer
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andinMechelen.TheyorganizeallsortsofactivitiestomakestudyingatThomasMoremorepleasant,becauseit ‘s important that thestudentsalsohave funbesidesstudying.
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1 MECHELEN
MechelenisoneofthefivehistoricFlemishcitiessituatedintheDutchspeakingpartofBelgium.MechelenisalsosituatedbetweenAntwerpandBrusselsintheeconomic,culturalandeducationalcentreofthecountry.Inthelast10yearsMechelenhasbecomeanimportantcentreforhighereducation.The influenceof thereligiousorderswas important in the development of the city centre,resulting in a number of religious buildings.Mechelenis also famous for its carillon bells. Carilloneurs fromeverywhereintheworldhavereceivedtheirtraininginMechelen.
Industrial activity is concentrated in two industrialestates, one to the north and one to the south. As astudent, youwill immediately feel home in this city. Ithasalotofstudents,eating-placesforstudents,shops,...
Somesightseeingsuggestions:-SaintRombout’sCathedral-ThePalaceofMargaretofYork-ThemunicipalparkofMechelen-Planckendael-Technopolis
Forfurtherinformation:TouristOffice,Hallestraat2-4-6tel:+32(0)70222800e:[email protected]://toerisme.mechelen.be
MECHELEN AND SINT-KATELIJNE-WAVER
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2 SINT-KATELIJNE-WAVER
Sint-Katelijne-Waver is Belgium’s main vegetablegrowingareaandfamousforitsauctionhall.
Somesightseeingsuggestions:-UrsulineConventandWinterGarden-GroundsofRoosendaelAbbey-Mechelenauction-Researchstationforthecultivationofvegetables
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3 PUBLIC SERVICES AND USEFUL INFORMATION
BusTherearecitybuses thathave tours in thecentreandaroundtheringofMechelen.ThelinebusestakeyoutothevillagesandcitiesoutsideofMechelen.Informationcanbeobtainedatwww.delijn.be.
Trainwww.b-rail.be
Police stationsMechelenFrederikdeMerodestraat88-2800MechelenTel:+32(0)15286666e:[email protected]
Sint-Katelijne-WaverLemanstraat25-2860Sint-Katelijne-WaverTel:+32(0)15317711e:[email protected]
Health CareTherearethreedifferentlevelsofhealthcareserviceinBelgium:-generalpractitioners(gp’s) -specialist -specialistatalocaloranacademichospital.
If youhave a health relatedproblem, it is best to seea general practitioner first rather than going to thehospitalimmediately.
GP’s are easier to reach and cheaper than hospitalemergencies.AddressesoflocalGP’scanbeobtainedatStudentservicesorlistedonwww.mediwacht.beunder“huisartsen”,lookforyourcityin“zoek”.IftheGPcannotsolvetheproblem,hewillreferyoutoaspecialist.
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Emergency numbersFiredepartment&ambulance:100or112Police:101
HospitalSintMaartenziekenhuis:-CampusMechelen,Leopoldstraat2,tel:+32(0)15409511
-CampusZwartzustersvest,Zwartzustersvest47tel:+32(0)15296000
PharmaciesIn Belgium, drugs and medicines are only sold inpharmacies (to be recognized by the green cross).Whenclosed,allpharmacieswillpostintheirwindowalistofafterhourspharmacies(wachtdienst).
Supermarkets in Mechelen(closedonSunday)-ALDI-Electriciteitsstraat37-MATCH-Haverwerf1-DELHAIZE-OscarVanKesbeeckstraat21-GBEXPRESS-Bruul109(thisoneisopenonSunday)
Supermarkets in Sint-Katelijne-Waver-ALDI:GeneraalDeSchachtstraat37(closedonSunday)-DELHAIZE:Leliestraat59(closedonSunday)-CARREFOUREXPRESS:Markt30(openonSunday)-SPAR:Mechelsesteenweg324(openonSundaymorning)
There isaweeklymarketonSaturdaymorning in thecentreofMechelen.MostbakeriesareopenonSundaymorningifyouwantto enjoy a croissant or chocolate roll for breakfast.Belgiumisfamousforitswidevarietyofdeliciousbread.
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WASTE IN MECHELEN (SELECTION AND COLLECTION)WhenisthegarbagecollectioninthestreetwhereIamliving?ForeachstreetinMechelen,thereisafixeddayforwastecollection.Thereisaspecialwastecollectioncalendar.Thiscalendarmightbeavailableinyourroom.Ifnot,itcanbeobtainedattheinfodeskattheHuisvandeMechelaar. You can also consult the site of Ivarem(www.ivarem.be). If there is a holiday on Monday,Tuesday,ThursdayorFriday,thewaste,PMDandpaperand cardboard will be collected on Wednesday thatsameweek.Ifthestreetisblocked,youwillhavetoputyourwastebagonthecornerofthestreet.ForPMDandgarbage,youwillhavetobuyspecialbags.YoucanbuytheminthesupermarketsofMechelen(notinAldi)butattheStudentserviceshouse,youcanbuythemapiece.Moreadvisableforastudentbudget.
Sorting garbage-PaperandcardboardAllpaperandcarboardneedstobetiedupwithstringorputinacardboardbox.Don’tmakethepackagestooheavy:max.15kgperpackage.As from 23 hrs the evening before, you can put thegarbageoutside.Please put the packages in that way that you won’tbothertheroadusers.
-PMD(bluebag)PMD is the abbreviation for Plastic Metal and Drinkcartons. The cleaner that you sort, the better therecycling ofmaterial canbedone. It is important thatyouknowwhatbelongsinthebluebag,sincetheywillnotbepickedupiftheycontainthewrongthings.Alwaysallowed:washedtetrapacks,plasticbottles,metalcans,aluminiumtinsandtrays.
Neverallowed:butter tubs,yoghurtcups,plasticbags,plasticobjects,polystyrenefoil.
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Asfrom23hrstheeveningbefore,youcanputthebagoutside.Pleaseputthebaginthatwaythatyouwon’tbothertheroadusers.
-GlassGlassshouldbetakentooneofthebigglasscontainerslocated throughout the city. Please sort white andcoloured glass (separate containers). You can look atwww.ivarem.be to be informed about locations ofcontainersnearbyyourroom.
-KitchenandgardenwasteThere is no separate sorting for kitchen and gardenwaste.Youwillhavetoputitinthewhitegarbagebag.
-Everythingelse(whitebag)Nowastethathastobesortedorsharpobjects.Pleaseput thewhite garbagebagoutside, at the earliest asfrom23hrstheeveningbeforeandatthelatestat7.00hrsoncollectionmornings.Weightmax.15kg.
WASTE IN SINT-KATELIJNE-WAVERIn Sint-Katelijne-Waver, garbage bags and PMD bagscanbeboughtinthecityhall,inthepubliclibrariesorsomesupermarkets(Spar,Delhaize).
SPORT AND RECREATIONIn Mechelen and in Sint-Katelijne-Waver, there are several sports centres. Mechelen has 2 big swimming pools and Sint-Katelijne-Waver 3 smaller pools. Do you like fitness, tennis or squash? Or you can go for a walk in one of the public parcs of Mechelen.
At Student Services Desk James, you can buy a sports card for some sports centers.
RESTAURANTS AND BARShttp://toerisme.mechelen.be
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1 BELGIUM
The Kingdom of Belgium is a country in northwestEurope.ItisafoundingmemberoftheEuropeanUnionand hosts its headquarters, as well as those of othermajorinternationalorganizations,includingNATO.
Belgium covers an area of 30,528 square kilometers(11,787 square miles) and has a population of about10.5million.
Belgium’s two largest regions are the DutchspeakingregionofFlandersinthenorth,andtheFrench-speakingsouthernregionofWallonia.AsmallGerman-speakingCommunityexistsineasternBelgium.
Belgium’s linguistic diversity and related political andculturalconflictsarereflectedinthepoliticalhistoryandacomplexsystemofgovernment.
Historically,Belgium,theNetherlandsandLuxembourgwereknownastheLowCountries,whichusedtocoverasomewhatlargerareathanthecurrentBeneluxgroupofstates.
Capital:BrusselsOfficiallanguages:Dutch,French,GermanGovernment:ParliamentarydemocracyandConstitutionalmonarchyKing:FilipIIndependencedeclared:04.10.1830Currency:EUROTimeZone:UTC+1SummerTimeZone:UTC+2Internetcode:.beCallingcode:+32
Belgium & Flanders
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BeforeyoucometoBelgiumitisamusttoreadaboutthe countryand its inhabitants. The internet is a richsourceofinformation.
Use a search engine and e.g. words like: Belgium,Belgian culture, “Belgium, the best kept secret ofEurope”,…
Belowyouwillfindsomewebsites.OnthesewebsitesyouwillnotonlyfindinterestingfactsaboutBelgiumbutalsotipsfortheTraveler(visa,healthrisks,money,transport,…)
http://www.visitbelgium.comhttp://www.visitbelgium.behttp://belgium.fgov.be/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/theworld-factbook/index.htmlhttp://www.undp.org/http://www.geographia.com/belgium/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/belgium/printable.htm
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2 Flanders
FlandersisthenorthernregionofBelgium.
For many centuries Flanders has been an importantcommercial crossroads. This is reflected in thearchitecture and atmosphere of cities like Antwerp,Bruges,Ghent,LeuvenandMechelen.
Flanders is an internationally oriented centre of hightechnology. The Flemish economic network contains awebofinnumerablesmallandmedium-sizedenterprisesandmanymultinationalindustrieshavebranchesintheFlemishregion.
Flanders also has gateways to the larger ports ofAntwerp,Ghent,ZeebruggeandOstend.
The airports in Brussels, Antwerp and Ostend carrypassengersandgoodstoallcontinents.
3 Higher education in Flanders
Bachelor and Master StructureAfter signing the Bologna Declaration the FlemishMinister of Education started a process to reformthe Flemish higher education system. The FlemishParliament adopted a new Higher Education Act onthe 4th of April 2003. The degree structure based onthreemaincyclesconstitutesthecoreoftheAct,whichintroducedthisnewstructureforallprogrammesinthe2004/2005academicyear.Forlongerprogrammes,itmaylastuntil2010.
Thehighereducational systemconsistsofprofessionalBachelor’s degrees and two-tier academic Bachelor’sandMaster’sdegrees.
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Degree structureBachelor’sdegrees-professionalbachelor’sprogrammes-advancedbachelor’sprogrammes-academicbachelor’sprogrammes
Master’sdegrees-master’sprogrammes-advancedmaster’sprogrammes
Through the mechanism of bridging programmes,holders of professional Bachelor’s degrees may haveaccesstoMaster’sprogrammes.
DegreesBachelor’s degreeAftersuccessfullycompletingatleast180ECTS-creditsstudentsobtainaBachelor’sdegree.
Professional Bachelor’s degrees prepare students forspecificprofessionsin industry,education,commerce,agriculture, health and rehabilitation, social work,informatics,appliedartsorthemedia.
Courses are therefore practice-oriented and includeperiods of work placement. These degrees are onlyawarded by the university colleges. Some universitycolleges offer profession-oriented specialisationprogrammes for holders of a professional bachelor’sdegree. These subsequent bachelor’s programmescoveratleast60ECTScredits.
Academic Bachelor’s degrees prepare students forstudies atMaster’s level. Thesedegrees are awardedbyuniversitiesandsomeuniversitycolleges.
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Master’s degreeMasterprogrammesarecharacterisedbytheintegrationofeducationandresearchandaMaster’sdissertation.They cover at least 60 ECTS credits. Depending onthe field of study some programmes last longer (e.g.medicine,law,psychology,engineering,…).
Advanced Master programmes are organised atuniversities, at university colleges as part of anassociationandatpostgraduate training institutions.AMaster’sdegreeisrequiredforadmittance.
Ph D degree‘Doctor’isthehighestlevelofspecialisationinscientificresearch. It is based on an original research projectthat takes at least two years, resulting in the publicpresentation of a doctoral thesis. This degree is onlyawardedbyuniversities.
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Diploma SupplementThe Flemish Diploma Supplement is made upaccording to the recommendations of the Councilof Europe, UNESCO and the European Commission.It is an important tool to improve the internationaltransparency and fair recognition of qualifications intheEuropeanHigherEducationAreain2010.
A Diploma Supplement is awarded to all studentsregardless their programme. It is free of charge anddeliveredinDutchandEnglish.
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1 Academic yearThroughout an academic year at one of the ThomasMorecampusesyouwillget toenjoyquitea fewdaysoff. Thereare42holiday-days tobeprecise (excludingweekends).Afullacademicyearcounts26weeksof actual classes. Week 1 starts, just like in mostcountries,mid-SeptemberandtheacademicyearendsinJune,afterthefinalexams.
Your first week off won’t be long after classes havestartedinSeptember.AttheendofOctober/beginningof November there is the so called ‘Herfstvakantie’(Autumnbreak).
At the end of December, you will get 2 weeks off tocelebrateChristmas andNewYear. It is important youknow,though,thatassoonastheChristmasholidaysareover,examswilltakeplace.This iswhyyoushouldusethosetwoweekstopreparetheexamsandstudyallthematerial you have handled since the beginning of theschoolyear.
ToknowtheexactdateofyourexamsyouhavetocheckyourexamschedulewhichwillbegiventoyouinthefirstweekofDecember.
Afteryourexams,inFebruary,youwillbegivenanotherfull week off to recover from all that hard work andstudying.
In April you will get 2 weeks off for the Paasvakantie(EasterHolidays).
Just liketheChristmasHolidaysandtheAutumnbreakthesedateschangeeveryyear.AttheendofMay,your2ndsemesterwillcometoanendandthestudyleavewillstart.ThisisanotherweekthatyougettopreparefortheexamsthattakeplaceinJune.JuneisyourlastmonthatThomasMore.
School holidays
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Inthismonthyouwillhaveexamsbasedonthematerialyou have handled from February up until May. Onceyou’vefinishedtheseexamsyouwillgettoenjoyyourSummerholidays.
2 Public holidays •1January:NewYear’sDay•1May:LabourDay•21July:NationalHoliday•15August:AssumptionDay•1November:AllSaint’sDay•11November:ArmisticeDay•25December:Christmas
ChangeabledaysincludeEasterMonday,AscensionandWhitMonday.
Duringpublicholidaysshopsareusuallyclosed.
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1 SMOKING
Smoking is NOT ALLOWED INSIDE the university’sbuildings,onlyoutside.
Pleasebeawarethatsmokingisalsonotallowedinpublicbuildings,restaurantsandincafés.
2 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
InBelgiumit isagainstthelawtobuy,sell,useorcarrydrugs. It is also forbidden to use drugs or alcohol oncampusorattendclassesandotheractivitieswhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.
A student who is caught while under the influence ofalcoholordrugswillberemovedfromtheclassandtheuniversitybuildings.
In case of repeated abuse, the teacher in charge willcontacttheheadofthedepartmentforfurthermeasures.
Itisforbiddentodrinkalcoholicbeveragesundertheageof16.Thismeansbeer,wine,...Alsosmokingisnotallowedundertheageof16.
Itisforbiddentodrinkstrongliquorsundertheageof18.
Policies and regulations
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University Collegewww.thomasmore.be
Universitywww.kuleuven.be
Student Serviceswww.thomasmore.be/studentenvoorzieningen
Mechelenwww.toerisme.mechelen.be
Belgiumwww.visitbelgium.comwww.visitbelgium.bewww.belgium.fgov.be/www.undp.org/www.geographia.com/belgium/www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/belgium/printable.htmwww.cia.gov/library/publications/theworld-factbook/index.html
Flanderswww.visitflanders.com
Antwerp:www.antwerpen.beGhent:www.visitgent.beBruges:www.brugge.beLeuven:www.leuven.beBrussels:www.brucity.be
Ardenneswww.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArdennesNeighboursParis:www.parisdigest.comAmsterdam:www.holland.com/amsterdam/London:www.visitlondon.com
TransportBus:www.delijn.beTrain:www.b-rail.beThalys:www.thalys.comEurostar:www.eurostar.be
Useful links
Student Service Desk James Zandpoortvest 60 - 2800 Mechelen
Tel.: 015/36.92.23
[email protected]@thomasmore.bewww.thomasmore.be/studentenvoorzieningen
www.facebook.com studentenvoorzieningen thomas more mechelen
we hope you have an amazing and educational stay!
