Welcome to Thomas More 5

University College 5

Thomas More - expect more 6

Thomas More campuses 8

Antwerp 8Mechelen 9Sint-Katelijne-Waver 10Turnhout 11Vorselaar 12Geel 13Lier 14

Belgium & Flanders 161 BELGIUM 162 Flanders 183 HighereducationinFlanders 19

Practical information 221 Climate and clothing 222 Crime 223 Time 224 Using the phone 225 Mobile phone 226 Sockets 237 How to pay 238 Important phone numbers 239 Belgian cuisine 2310 Transport 2511 Health & insurance 2812 Postal system in Belgium 28

Table of Content

Studying as an exchange student 301 Academic year and public holidays 302 Public holidays 31

Words and phrases in Dutch 341 ASKING FOR HELP AND DIRECTIONS 342 How to introduce yourself 343 WISH SOMEONE SOMETHING 354 SOLVING A MISUNDERSTANDING 355 EXPRESSIONS AND WORDS 36

Facilities 381 Internationaloffice 382 Student services (STIP) 383 Buddy programme 394 Networkfacilities 405 Student union 406 Student card 41

Thomas More offers an exciting and diverse studyenvironment where students can obtain internationaland intercultural competencies.

We are happy to welcome you to in our university college. Our international office and student services(STIP)willensurethatyourtimeatThomasMoreisanunforgettableexperience.Itwillbeapleasureforustoprovide you with whatever assistance you need.

Wewillnotonlyprovidepracticalassistancebutalsotrytoofferyouawidevarietyoffunandrelaxingactivitiessuchassight-seeingtours,sportsandculturalactivities.Also the student unions will make sure you enjoy differentleisureandpartyactivites.

We hope that you will make the most of your stay in Belgium and that you will enjoy your internationalexperienceinthisexcitingenvironment.

Welcome to Thomas More University College

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K.H. Kempen and Lessius Colleges recently joined forces and became more, Thomas More.

Thomas More is the university college for those who expect more from their future: moreopportunities, more ideas, more challenges.Every day, Thomas More inspires over 14.000 studentson12locationsintheheartofEurope.and hosts over 3000 students of KU Leuven.

Wealsogladlywelcomeinternationalstudentsfrom all around the world. Your internship abroad is an excellent way to broaden youracademic horizon, discover new points of view and immerse yourself in other cultures and languages.

Thomas More - expect more

Thomas More is a member of the K.U. Leuven Association.

The K.U. Leuven Association is based on astructured cooperation between the K.U.Leuvenandtwelveotherinstitutionsofhighereducation(“hogescholen”).

Its members have a total of 70.000 students in campuses in 23 towns and cities acrossFlanders, i.e. 44 percent of the total number ofFlemishstudentsinhighereducation.

The challenges higher education in Flandersfaces, are very demanding. In order to ensure a long-term effect for their efforts, themembersoftheK.U.LeuvenAssociationhaveopted in favour of a strong decision-making andexecutivestructure.

The primary aims of the K.U. Leuven Associationare:-Toofferawiderangeofstudyandtraining-Toimprovethequalityofeducation- To improve the quality of research by concentrationandintensivecooperation

About KU Leuven Association

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ANTWERPHost of the Carolus campus, Sanderus campus and Sint-Andries campus

A CITY FULL OF SURPRISES

Antwerp is a trendy and vibrant city, that’s for sure. The many cafés, squares, beautifulbuildings and the good atmosphere make Antwerp a modern metropolis.If you’re looking for a city that is lively and cosmopolitan you’re at the right place. Maybe we can sum up a couple of reasons why you shoulddefinitelyvisitthismarvelouscity:Asabig city Antwerp is the capital of the Antwerp region. Thanks to the stores of its world famous designers it is a dream for fashionistas – if you look for a place to go shopping and discover a lot of cultural places, that is the place to go! Antwerp has quite some eye-catching architecture, both historical and modern. The city has one of the largest seaports in Europe anditstrainstationisconsideredasoneofthemostbeautifuloftheworld!

Formoreinfovisit:www.visitantwerpen.be

Thomas More campuses

MECHELENHost of De Ham, Kruidtuin, De Vest and the Lucas Faydherbe campus

AUTHENTIC AND SENSATIONAL

Mechelen is situated in the heart of Flanders - halfway between Antwerp and Brussels.Mechelenofferssomewonderfulexamplesofhistorical heritage such as the imposing Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral, the large beguinage, eight historical churches, the belfry which is now part of the town hall and many museums.Nature lovers will enjoy a stroll through the parks and scenic areas in and around the city. WalkalongthefloatingfootpathontheriverDyle which lightsupatnightormakeamagnificentboattrip.

Formoreinfovisit:www.toerisme.mechelen.be

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SINT-KATELIJNE-WAVER Host of the Nayer campus

HORTICULTURE

Sint-Katelijne-Waver is a small village located in the province of Antwerp.This village has 4 areas: the centre, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver, Elzestraat and Pasbrug-Nieuwendijk. Sint-Katelijne-Waver has about 20,000 inhabitants or ‘kadodders’, the nickname of its inhabitants.

Sint-Katelijne-Waver is known for its horticulture.Farmerscultivatearound40kindsof vegetables. And they also have Europe’s largestco-operativeauction(vegetables,fruit& biological products). This village really is the heart of the local vegetablecultivation.

But Sint-Katelijne-Waver is more than only horticulture, they also have some culturalheritage. Roosendael Domain, which used to be an abbey, and the botanical garden of the UrsulinenInstitutearesomeexamples.

Formoreinfovisit:www.toerismeskw.be

TURNHOUTHost of the Turnhout Campus

WORLD CENTER OF THE PLAYING CARDS

Turnhout is a vibrant town with lots of things to see and to do.

Every two years the town hosts the comic festival‘StripTurnhout’.ItistheoldestcomicfestivalinBelgiumandalsooneofthelargestwhichhostsartistsfromallovertheworld.

Theten-dayfilmfestivalcalled‘Mooov’takesplace in spring.

Turnhout’s cultural centre also organizes concerts, exhibitions, theatre performancesand workshops throughout the year.

Formoreinfovisit:http://www.visitturnhout.be

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VORSELAAR Host of the Vorselaar campus

SURPRISINGLY NATURAL

Vorselaar is a small village, situated in the heart of the Kempen region. There is no industry to be found, only nature and green open space. The village was built around a triangular market square in the centre. The centre used to consist only of the church, the castle and the convent which were constructed centuries agoandstillcarrymanystorieswiththem.

Therearenumerousculturalassociationsthatset up events throughout the year for you to experience.

All in all, Vorselaar is a typical rural village with itstraditions,activestudentlifeandathrivingfoodserviceindustryandayearlyfolkfestival“NaFirBolg”.

Formoreinfovisit:www.vorselaar.be

GEELHost of the Geel Campus

ONCE YOU VISIT, YOU WILL STAY

Geel is a small town but it covers a fairly large area. Geel is well world-wide known for the early adoptionofdeinstitutionalizationinpsychiatriccare. This practice is based on the positiveeffects that placement in a host family givesthepatient,mostimportantlyaccesstofamilylife that would otherwise have been denied. The rural area around Geel offers a lot fornature lovers: woods, sand dunes, a birdsanctuary and many walk and bicycle paths.

Formoreinfovisit:www.geel.be

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LIER Host of the Lier Campus

CHARMING AND FUN

Lier is a charming small town in the Antwerp province.Itisknownforits“Beguinage”(semi-monasticcommunity of women called “Beguines“),which is one of the oldest in Flanders. Other landmarks in the city centre are the City Hall and the Gummarus church.

The Zimmer Tower is a famous curiosity in Lier. Here you can see Louis Zimmer’s world-famous Centenary Clock, the Astronomical Studio and theAstronomical Clock.

Formoreinfovisit:www.toerismelier.be

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1 BELGIUM

The Kingdom of Belgium (Dutch: België; French:Belgique; German: Belgien) is a country in northwestEurope. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters, as well as those of other majorinternationalorganizations,includingNATO.

Belgium covers an area of 30,528 square kilometers (11,787 square miles) and has a population of about10.5 million.

Belgium’s two largest regions are the Dutchspeaking region of Flanders in the north, and the French-speaking southern region of Wallonia. A small German-speaking CommunityexistsineasternBelgium.Brussels(thecapital)isofficiallybilingualbutisamostlyFrench-speaking enclave within the Flemish Region.

Belgium’s linguistic diversity and related political andculturalconflictsarereflectedinthepoliticalhistoryandacomplexsystemofgovernment.

Historically,Belgium,theNetherlandsandLuxembourgwere known as the Low Countries, which used to cover asomewhatlargerareathanthecurrentBeneluxgroupof states.

Roman Catholicism is traditionally Belgium’s majorityreligionwith75%ofthepopulation.OthersareMuslims(1,5%), Jews (0,3%) and Protestants.

Belgium & Flanders

Capital:BrusselsOfficiallanguages:Dutch,French,GermanGovernment:ParliamentarydemocracyandConstitutionalmonarchyKing:FilipIIndependencedeclared:04.10.1830Currency:EUROTimeZone:UTC+1SummerTimeZone:UTC+2Internetcode:.beCallingcode:+32

Before you come to Belgium it is a must to read about the country and its inhabitants. The internet is a rich sourceofinformation.

Belowyouwillfindsomewebsites.OnthesewebsitesyouwillnotonlyfindinterestingfactsaboutBelgiumbutalsotipsfortheTraveler(visa,healthrisks,money,transport,…)

www.visitbelgium.comwww.visitbelgium.bewww.belgium.be/enwww.belgium.fgov.bewww.cia.gov/library/publications/theworld-factbook/index.htmlwww.undp.org/www.geographia.com/belgium/www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/belgium/printable.htm

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2 Flanders

Flanders is the northern, Dutch speaking region of Belgium.

For many centuries Flanders has been an important commercial crossroads. This is reflected in thearchitecture and atmosphere of cities like Antwerp,Bruges, Ghent, Leuven and Mechelen.

The historical cities of Flanders (Antwerp, Bruges,Brussels, Ghent, etc.) share a historical and cultural heritage that includes historical market places, magnificentguildhouses,beautifulcathedralsandmanyother monuments that display proud witness of a rich and influential past. The numerous smaller squares,cobbled streets, churches and beguinages all contribute to their typically old and charming atmosphere.

One of the advantages of Flanders is that everything is closeathand:evenonashortbreak,youcanvisitalotof places throughout the region.

For more info visit: www.visitflanders.com and www.fansofflanders.beandwww.flanders.be

Flanders is an internationally oriented centre of hightechnology. The Flemish economic network contains a web of innumerable small and medium-sized enterprises andmanymultinationalindustrieshavebranchesin the Flemish region.

Flanders also has gateways to the larger ports of Antwerp, Ghent, Zeebrugge and Ostend.

The airports in Brussels, Antwerp and Ostend carry passengersandgoodstoallcontinents.

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 on threemaincyclesconstitutesthecoreoftheAct,whichintroduced this new structure for all programmes in the 2004/2005academicyear.Forlongerprogrammes,itmaylastuntil2010.

ThehighereducationalsystemconsistsofprofessionalBachelor’s degrees and two-tier academic Bachelor’sand Master’s degrees.

DEGREE STRUCTUREBachelor’s degrees- professional bachelor’s programmes- advanced bachelor’s programmes- academic bachelor’s programmes

Master’s degrees- master’s programmes- advanced master’s programmes

Through the mechanism of bridging programmes, holders of professional Bachelor’s degrees may have access to Master’s programmes.

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DEGREESBACHELOR’S DEGREEAfter successfully completingat least180ECTS-creditsstudents obtain a Bachelor’s degree.

Professional Bachelor’s degrees prepare students for specific professions in industry, education, commerce,agriculture, health and rehabilitation, social work,informatics,appliedartsorthemedia.

Courses are therefore practice-oriented and includeperiods of work placement. These degrees are only awarded by the university colleges. Some university colleges offer profession-oriented specialisationprogrammes for holders of a professional bachelor’s degree. These subsequent bachelor’s programmes cover at least 60 ECTS credits.

Academic Bachelor’s degrees prepare students for studies at Master’s level. These degrees are awarded by universitiesandsomeuniversitycolleges.

MASTER’S DEGREEMasterprogrammesarecharacterisedbytheintegrationofeducationandresearchandaMaster’sdissertation.They cover at least 60 ECTS credits. Depending on the field of study some programmes last longer (e.g.medicine, law, psychology, engineering,…).

Advanced Master programmes are organised at universities, at university colleges as part of anassociationandatpostgraduate training institutions.AMaster’sdegreeisrequiredforadmittance.

PH D DEGREE‘Doctor’isthehighestlevelofspecialisationinscientificresearch. It is based on an original research project that takes at least two years, resulting in the publicpresentation of a doctoral thesis. This degree is onlyawardedbyuniversities.

DIPLOMA SUPPLEMENTThe Flemish Diploma Supplement is made up according 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 students regardless their programme. It is free of charge and delivered in Dutch and English.

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Thereisaswellaproviderwhichoffersagoodpriceforinternationalcalls:www.lycamobile.be/en/

6 SocketsIf you want to use Belgian sockets, it is best to bring an internationalplugwithyou.Thesesockets require220volts,50HzACandstandardtwo-pinroundcontinentalplugs.

7 How to payThe currency in Belgium is the euro. Commonly accepted credit cards are Visa, MasterCard, DinersClubandAmericanExpress.Thesecardscanalsobe used in cash machines like ‘Bancontact’ or ‘Mister Cash’.

8 Important phone numbers Medicalurgenciesandfirebrigade100Police 101Pan-European emergency number 112Red Cross ambulance (not urgent) 105Anti-PoisonCentre070245245Card Stop Central service to block bank and credit cards (24h/24)070344344

9 Belgian cuisineBelgiancuisineoffersawidevarietyof regionaldisheswhilealsoreflectingthecuisinesofneighbouringFrance,Germany and the Netherlands. Outside the country, Belgium is best known for its chocolate, waffles, friesand beer.

There are hundreds of different beer types withdistinctivetastes,allservedintheirownspeciallymadeglasses. But be careful as good as they are, they might be stronger then in your home country!Wherever you are in Belgium you find fast-food

1 Climate and clothingThe climate is changeable but moderate, with mild winters and good summers. Clouds and wind are common. The annual rainfall is moderate but unpredictable. Do not forget to bring appropriate clothing.

2 CrimeAlthoughBelgiancitiesareamongthesafestinEurope,crimes do occur. Bicycle thieves in particular are verycommon, which is why we advise you to lock your bike securelywhenleavingitunattended.

3 TimeBelgium uses Central European time (GMT+1) and(GMT+2)fromtheendofMarchtotheendofOctober.

4 Using the phoneCalling Belgium from abroad you have to dial the international and the country code (Belgium= 0032),followedby theareacode (omit the0)andfinally thesubscriber’s number.

If you want to make a call to a foreign country from Belgium, dial 00 (the international code), followed bythe country code, the area code (omit the 0) and the subscriber’s number.

Telephone cards, which are necessary when making a call from a telephone booth, can be purchased in post offices, supermarkets, railway stations, book shops ortelephone shops.

5 Mobile phone If you consider to get a Belgian SIM-card there are many mobile phone providers in Belgium – the four main ones are:Proximus,Mobistar,BaseandMobileVikings.Asitdepends on your usage of the phone have a look on the following website to consider which provider is best for you:www.mobile-belgium.be

Practical information

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restaurantscalled“frituur/frietkot”–thereyoucangetfries with a big variety of sauces, snacks and burgers. A speciality of Belgium is the Bicky Burger!

InFlanders,peopleusuallyhavethreemealsaday:•Breakfast:sandwiches,slicesofbreadorcereals,coffeeortea•Lunch:sandwiches/breadwithcoffeeortea•Dinner:3-coursehotmeal(servedaround6pm) • Soup •Maindishwithmeatorfishandpotatoes • Desserts

TypicalFlemishdishesare:• Steak and French fries• Mussels•Rabbitin“Trappist”beer•“GentseWaterzooi”• Stoofvlees (Beef stew)

10 TransportIn Belgium there are several ways to go from one place to another - you can take the bus, tram, bike, train or metro to travel within one city.

AIRPORTSThe two main international airports in Belgium arethe International Airport of Brussels (Brussels AirportZaventem) and the Charleroi Airport in Brussels south. This airport mainly caters for cheap flights offered byairlines such as Ryanair.

Formoreinfovisit:www.brusselsairport.be/en/orwww.charleroi-airport.com

Another alternative is the Eindhoven airport in theNetherlands. This airport also mainly caters for cheap flightsofferedbyairlinessuchasRyanair.

Formoreinfovisit:www.eindhovenairport.com

TRAIN Belgium has the densest rail network in the world. Trains runregularlybetween06:00and20:00,onlyaselectionoftrainsrunsuntilabout23:00.Trainsrunlessfrequentlyduring weekends.

Therearefirstandsecondclasscoachesandastandardreturn (round-trip) fare is double the price of a single (oneway)fare.Keepinmindthatthisticketisonlyvalidfor one day. Tickets can be bought online, in the railway stationorifyouhadnotimetobuyoneinadvance,youcanalsobuyaticketonthetrainbyinformingthetrainconductor before you get on the train or as soon as possibleafterdeparture.

The cheapest ways to get around are either week-end-ticketsor theGo-Pass.Go-Pass-Ticketscanbeusedbyeverybody under 26 years. Just get either online or at the

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METROThe metro can be used in Brussels and Antwerp. Tickets areavailable inthestationatthecounterortheticketdispenser.Inmanymetrostationsyouhavetopasstheentrancegatestotakethemetro.Holdyourticketagainstthe scanner and the gates will open. Don’t forget to scan yourticketwhileleavingthemetrostation.PleasetakeintoaccountthattheticketyouboughtinAntwerpcan’tbe used in Brussels and vice versa.

RENT A BIKEAtthedifferentcampusesofThomasMoreyoucanrenta bike via Student services on good terms for your whole stay.

If youonlywant to exerciseor if youneed to travel ashortdistance,youcanrentabikeat“Fietspunt”foraday or for several months (including maintenance costs). YoucanfindthematthemainentrancetotherailwaystationinMechelen,Geel,Antwerp,andmostmedium-sized towns.

Inmany other cities you can rent a ’Blue-bike’ in therailwaystation.Afterregisteringonlineoratoneofthemeetingpointsyou receivea cardwithwhichyoucanindependently rent bikes at the nearest cycle point.

Formoreinfovisit:www.fietsenwerk.beorwww.blue-bike.be/en

trainstationaGo-Pass1(7,80€foroneway)oraGo-Pass10(51,00€for10ways)andtraveltoanydestinationinBelgium.

Formoreinfovisit:www.b-rail.be

Check out the free “NMBS/SNCB” app for yoursmartphone!

BUS AND TRAMThe busses and trams are operated by ‘De Lijn’ company. Youcanfindtheiryellowbus/tramsignstowaitandtakethebus tofind informationabout the service inmanystreets.

Whenyougeton thebusor tram,validateyourticketbyputting it intheyellowboxwiththearrowpointingdownwards. You canfind these yellowboxes either atthe front of or in the middle of the vehicle. When you havenearlyarrivedatyourdestination,press thebluebuttonsothedriverknowswheretodropyouoff.Watchout for the redbuttons, they areonly used in caseofemergency.

Youcanbuyaticket•Eitheronlineonthewebsite:www.delijn.be• At the selling points• With the driver.•Bysendingatextmessageto4884(text“DL”fora60minutedrivefor1,55€ortext“DL120”fora120minutedrivefor2,35€accordingtowww.discobal.delijn.be/en/verkooppunten/sms_ticketing_copy.htm

If you plan on using the bus and tram on a daily base, it isbettertobuyaBuzzyPazz(undertheageof24)oranOmnipas (if you are over 24) for a period of a week, a month, three months or a year.

Checkoutthefree“DeLijn”appforyoursmartphone!

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11 Health & insuranceIfyouareanEUcitizeninsuredinyourcountrybyyourNational Health Service, you will be covered by theBelgianhealthserviceaswell;inthatcaseyouwillhaveto obtain a European Health Insurance Card from the health service in your country and bring it with you. We strongly advise you to carry adequate medical insurance with you.

Please check with your home institute and insurancecompany which costs are covered in case of an accident or any other inconvenience. Make sure you are insured against third party liability.

12 Postal system in Belgium

POST CARDS AND LETTERSInBelgiumyouuseBpost,thenationalpostalservice,tosendaletter,apostcard,apackage,etc.Youcanbuypoststampsatthepostofficeand in some newsstands.Tosendyourpost,youcanputitintheredletterboxofBpostorhandittotheemployeeatthecounter.

PACKAGESIfyouwanttosendaparcel,youcanbuyspecialboxesatthepostoffice.

Formoreinfoandcurrentratesvisit:www.bpost.be/en/orwww.bpostinternational.com

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Inthismonthyouwillhaveexamsbasedonthematerialyou have handled from February up until May. Onceyou’vefinishedtheseexamsyouwillgettoenjoyyour Summer holidays.

2 Public holidays •1January:NewYear’sDay•1May:LabourDay•21July:NationalHoliday•15August:AssumptionDay•1November:AllSaint’sDay•11November:ArmisticeDay•25December:Christmas

Changeable days include Easter Monday, Ascension and Whit Monday.

During public holidays shops are usually closed.

1 Academic year and public holidaysThroughout an academic year at one of the Thomas More campuses you will get to enjoy quite a few days off. Thereare42holiday-days tobeprecise (excludingweekends). A full academic year counts 26 weeksof actual classes. Week 1 starts, just like in most countries, mid-September and the academic year ends inJune,afterthefinalexams.

Your first week off won’t be long after classes havestartedinSeptember.AttheendofOctober/beginningof November there is the so called ‘Herfstvakantie’(Autumn break).

At the end of December, you will get 2 weeks off tocelebrate Christmas and New Year. It is important you know, though, that as soon as the Christmas holidays are over,examswilltakeplace.This iswhyyoushouldusethosetwoweekstopreparetheexamsandstudyallthematerial you have handled since the beginning of the school year.

Toknowtheexactdateofyourexamsyouhavetocheckyourexamschedulewhichwillbegiventoyouinthefirstweek of December.

Afteryourexams,inFebruary,youwillbegivenanotherfull week off to recover from all that hard work andstudying.

In April you will get 2 weeks off for the Paasvakantie(Easter Holidays).

Just like the Christmas Holidays and the Autumn break these dates change every year.At the end of May, your 2nd semester will come to an end and the study leave will start. This is another week thatyougettopreparefortheexamsthattakeplaceinJune. June is your last month at Thomas More.

Studying as an exchange student

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It isuptotheparticipating institutiontosubdividethecredits for the different courses. Credits are awardedonly when the course has been completed and all requiredexaminationshavebeensuccessfullytaken.

Moreinformationcanbefoundinthecourseguide.Formoreinfovisit:http://www.thomasmore.be/welcome

ECTS LEARNING AGREEMENT The ECTS Learning Agreement is a form which is to be used when you choose among the different coursesfromthehostinstitution.Thecourseshavetobeagreedby you, the ECTS coordinator at your home university, andthecoordinatorfromThomasMoreMechelen.Afteryouhavefinishedyourstudyabroadperiod,theagreedcourses should be fully recognized by your university. MoreinformationabouttheECTSsystemcanbefoundathttp://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/socrates/ects/index_en.html.

5 BASIC LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

The instruction language of all bachelor degreeprogrammes is Dutch. Sufficient knowledge of theDutch language is an admission requirement for all our bachelor degree programmes.

For exchange students following the internationalprogramme, a good knowledge of English is required.Theinternationalprogrammeisofferedinthefirstandsecond semester.

Going abroad on an exchange programme requires alotofpreparationandadministration.Youhavetothinkabout all the documents to regulate your credits, butalso insurance, taking money along, passport and visa requirements must be considered.

4 ECTS

WHAT IS ECTS?The recognition of studies and diplomas is aprerequisiteforthecreationofanopenEuropeanareaofeducationandtrainingwherestudentsandteacherscan move without obstacles. ECTS, the European Credit Transfer System, was developed by the Commission of the European Community in order to provide common procedures to guarantee academic recognition ofstudiesabroad. It provides a way of measuring and comparing learning achievements, and transferring them from oneinstitutiontoanother.

The ECTS system is based on the principles of mutual trust and confidence between the participatinginstitutionsofhighereducation.The fewrulesof theECTS system, concerning Information on CoursesAvailable, Agreement between the home and host institutions, and theUseofCreditPoints (to indicatethe student’s workload) are set out to reinforce this mutual trust and confidence. Each ECTS departmentwilldescribethecoursesitoffersnotonlyintermsofcontentbutalsoindicatingcreditsforeachcourse.

THE ECTS CREDITSECTS credits are a value (between 1 and 60) allocated to course units to describe the student workload required to complete them. They reflect the quantity ofworkeach course requires in relation to the total quantityof work required to complete a full year of academic studyatthehostinstitution.

ECTScreditsexpressarelativeratherthananabsolutemeasure of student workload. In ECTS, 60 credits represent the workload of an academic year of study. Normally, 30 credits represent a semester and 20 credits a term.

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1 ASKING FOR HELP AND DIRECTIONS

I’m lostCan I help you? Can you help me? Whereisthe(bathroom/pharmacy)?Go straight!Thenturnleft/right!I’m looking for John. .One moment please! Hold on please! (phone) How much is this? Excuseme...!(toaskforsomething)Excuseme!(topassby)Come with me!

2 HOW TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF

Doyouspeak(English/Dutch)?Justalittle.What’s your name? My name is ... Mr.../Mrs.…/Miss…Nice to meet you! You’re very kind! Where are you from? I’mfrom(theU.S/Belgium)I’m (American) Where do you live? Ilivein(theU.S/Belgium)Do you like it here? Belgium is a wonderful country What do you do for a living? Iworkasa(translator/businessman)I like Dutch I’ve been learning Dutch for 1 month Oh! That’s good! How old are you?

Words and phrases in Dutch

Ik ben verloren.Kan ik je helpen?Kan je mij helpen?Waaris(hettoilet/deapotheker)?Ga rechtdoor! Dandraainaarlinks/rechts!Ik ben op zoek naar JohnEenmomentjealsjeblieft.Blijf aan de lijn.Hoeveel kost dit?Excuseermij...!Excuseermij!Kom met mij mee!

SpreekjijEngels/Nederlands?Een beetje.Wat is je naam?Mijn naam is ...Mijnheer/mevrouw/juffrouwBlij je te ontmoetenJe bent zeer vriendelijkVanwaar ben je?IkbenvandeUSA/BelgiëIk ben een AmerikaanWaar woon je?IkwoonindeUSA/BelgiëVind je het plezant hier ?Belgiëiseenzeermooiland.Wat doe je als beroep?Ikwerkalseenvertaler/zakenman.Ik vind Nederlands leuk.Ik leer Nederlands nu al een maandOh! Dat is goed!Hoe oud ben je?

4 SOLVING A MISUNDERSTANDING

I’m sorry! (if you don’t hear something) Sorry (for a mistake) No problem! Can you say it again? Can you speak slowly? Write it down please! I don’t understand! I don’t know! I have no idea. What’s that called in Dutch? Whatdoes“…”meaninEnglish?Howdoyousay“please”inDutch?What is this?My Dutch is bad. IneedtopracticemyDutchDon’t worry!

3 WISH SOMEONE SOMETHING

Good luck!Happy birthday! Happy new year! Merry Christmas! Congratulations!Enjoy! (for meals...)I’d like to visit Belgium one dayBless you (when sneezing) Good night and sweet dreams!

I’m (twenty, thirty...) years old. I have to go. I will be right back!

Sorry, ik versta u niet.SorryGeen probleemKan je het herhalen?Kan je ietsje trager spreken?Schrijfhetneer,alsjeblieftIk versta het nietIk weet het nietIk heb geen ideeHoe heet dit in het Nederlands?Hoe heet dit woord in het Engels?Hoezegje“please”inhetNederlands?Wat is dit?Mijn Nederlands is niet zo goed.Ik moet Nederlands oefenenGeen paniek!

Succes!Gelukkige verjaardagGelukkig NieuwjaarZalig KerstmisProficiat!Eet smakelijk!IkzoueensgraagBelgiëbezoeken.Gezondheid!Goeie nacht en droom zacht

Ikbentwintig,dertigjaar.Ik moet gaan.Ik ben straks terug.

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5 EXPRESSIONS AND WORDS

Good/Bad/So-So.Big/SmallToday/NowTomorrow/YesterdayYes/NoHere you go! (when giving something) Do you like it? I really like it! I’mhungry/thirsty.Inthemorning/evening.AtNight.This/that.Here/thereMe/you.Him/her.Really! Look! Hurry up! What? Where? Whattimeisit?It’s10o’clock.07:30pm.Give me this! I love you! I feel sick. I need a doctor. One, Two, Three Four,Five,SixSeven, Eight, Nine, Ten

Goed/slecht/zoenzoGroot/kleinVandaag/nuMorgen/gisterenJa/neeAlsjeblieftVind je het leuk?Ik vind het tof.Ikhebhonger/dorst‘sochtends/’savonds/‘snachtsDit/dat.Hier/daarIk/jou.Hij/zijEcht waar!Kijk!Haast je!Wat? Waar?Hoe laat is het?Hetistienuur.7:30pmGeef me dit!Ik hou van je !Ik voel me ziek!Ik heb een dokter nodig.Een, twee, drieVier, vijf, zesZeven,acht,negen,tien

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SPORTSStudent services organizes several sport events during the year. For the campuses of Geel, Lier, Vorselaar, Turnhout, Mechelen and De Nayer you can buy a SportsCard for15euroandworkout indifferent localsport centers.

SOCIAL SERVICE The social service counsels and informs students about scholarships, social welfare etc. Students may also consult the social service in case of personal, social or practicalproblems.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY Student Services helps to find assisted livingaccommodation and gives guidance and advice infinancial support and educational matters as well aspsychosocial support.

MOBILITY Student services raises awareness about environmental transportthroughactivitiessuchascar-poolingandbike-happenings. You can also rent a bike through student servicesforanaffordableprice!

CATERINGEachlocationofourcampuseshastheirownrestaurantand offers healthy and sustainable food for reducedstudent prices.

3 Buddy programmeAn important aspect of your exchange is thecommunicationwithstudentsofThomasMore.Forthis,student services will organize a buddy system. Through this buddy system we try to link incoming students with students of Thomas More.

1 International office The international office provides services to allinternational exchange students at Thomas more. Itcooperatestogetherwiththeinternationalcoordinatorsof the study programs. It’s believing that each exchange student who comesto Thomas More for a semester or a full year, makes a valuablecontributiontoouruniversityandourstudentcommunity.

The aim of the international office is to provide theinformation,helpandsupportthatwillmakeyourvisitintoarewardinginternationalexperience.

2 Student services (former STIP)Every student at Thomas More has the right to access the student service which is funded and regulated by the Flemish government. Feel free to contact student servicesviae-mailorstopbyoneoftheofficeswhicharebasedineverycampus.Studentservicesoffersservicesinthefollowingcategories:

CULTUREThe aim of student services is to enthuse students for culture. Student service will provide discounts to differentculturalactivitiesandprovides(financial)helpforstudentswhowanttoorganiseaculturalactivityforother students.

ACCOMMODATIONStudent services will try to help you find suitableaccommodation. You can select a roombasedon rentprice,surfaceoftheroomorlocationinapricesrangein between 180 to 400€/month. Should you haveany dispute with the landlord they can also provide assistanceandmediation.

Facilities

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Several students offered to support the exchangestudents during their stay. They can give you many useful informationonallsortsofacademic,andnon-academicmatters,studentlifeanddailylifeinBelgium.Are you up for this ? Please let us know so that we can link you to a student. He or she will contact you and willsupportyouasmuchaspossibleduringthosefirstdifficultweeksandtherestofyourstay.

4 Network facilitiesThomas More is using a Digital Student Platform(blackboard) called Toledo. Toledo is the officialpublicationchannelonwhich youhaveaccess to youruniversitycourses.AlsotheinternationalOfficeandthestudent services will post messages for you on Toledo. Theuseof Toledowill be explained to youduring theintroductionweekataninformationsession.

You will get your own e-mail address from Thomas More. With this e-mail address you will be able to communicate with other students and personnel of the school without using your private e-mail address.

5 Student unionAstudentunionisanorganizationoperatedbystudentsandpresentinmanyuniversitycollegesanduniversities.In Flanders, student unions play a unique role in student life. A student union in Flanders is led by a praesidium. The head of the praesidium and the union is the praeses.During the school year they organize a great number ofactivities.ThesecanbeTDs(=thédansant,aparty),

sportsactivities,acantus,etc.A cantus is an activity that mainly involves singingtraditionalsongsanddrinkingbeer.Eachstudenthasabook,acodex,whichcontainstheclubanthemsofmoststudentorganizationsandhundredsofsongsinvariouslanguages. They usually have easy and familiar melodies. There is a lot more to discover and the best way to do this is to join a student union!

6 Student card As an incoming international student, you will beregisteredatthestudentadministration.A digital picture will be taken from you in order to issue yourThomasMorestudentcard/badge.

It is important that you carry this student card with you atalltimes.Itgivesyouaccesstoallcampusbuildings,classrooms, the central library and with this badge you can buy lunch in the university cafeteria at the lowest price and make copies and prints.

We hope you have an amazing and educational stay!

Questions? You can send an e-mail to:stuvo.geel@thomasmore.bestuvo.turnhout@thomasmore.bestuvo.vorselaar@thomasmore.be

stuvo.lier@thomasmore.bestuvo.mechelen@thomasmore.bestuvo.denayer@thomasmore.bestuvo.antwerpen@thomasmore.be

Don’t forget to join us on facebook!www.facebook.be/stipkempen (Geel, Turnhout, Lier & Vorselaar)www.facebook.be/stipantwerpenwww.facebook.be/stipmechelen (Mechelen & sint-Katelijne-Waver)