The University College formula: studying in English in the Netherlands

By: Sofia Lotto Persio 04-04-2012 3:20 PM
Categories: Education news,

In the past 10 years, the Netherlands has seen a steep increase in the creation of University Colleges where to study Liberal Arts and Sciences.
The concept of Liberal Arts and Sciences is an old one, dating back to the fifth Century. Back then, there were considered to be seven subjects: grammar, rhetoric, logic, music, arithmetic, astronomy, and geometry. Nowadays, bachelor courses of Liberal Arts and Sciences cover a wider area of subjects than the original seven, including law, economics, foreign languages, biology, history, and others, usually divided in the traditional tracks od Humanities, Social Sciences and Sciences.

One of the characteristics of the bachelor study is to be able to focus on one discipline in itself and in its interdisciplinary aspects: students choose a major, but they usually have to take a certain “core” course, electives and a minor to complement and broaden their preparation.
In the Netherlands, there are about seven different cities hosting University Colleges that offer the Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Amsterdam, Maastricht, Middleburg (affiliated to University of Utrecht), The Hague (affiliated to University of Leiden), Tilburg, and Utrecht. Each of these programmes has a particular theme, topic, or focus that makes studying Liberal Arts and Sciences here a different experience than anywhere else.

What they all have in common is that the programme is taught completely in English, it lasts three years and the maximum number of students per class is usually around 20, to make sure that each student has space to participate in the class and that the professors know their students. Apart from Maastricht and Tilburg, the other University Colleges require their students to live on campus for at least two years, to create a feeling of community and facilitate working together. International students particularly benefit from the accommodation system, because they do not have to look for a place themselves!

Studying in an international environment is, in fact, another characteristic of University Colleges, which attract both staff and students from all over the world. Most professors teaching here have an international background, and the students population is made up mostly either of Dutch nationals who have lived abroad, or internationally minded Dutch residents, or, of course, international students. With tuition fees rising in the UK, University Colleges are particularly seeking to attract those students who would otherwise consider studying in their country.

What makes the Bachelor in Liberal Arts and Sciences stand out from other Bachelors is that students do not simply learn traditional notions of a certain discipline, but they also learn competencies that they will apply in any job in their future career. University College students develop good skills in communication and presentation, research, working in groups, critical thinking and working under pressure. These qualities make them ready for entering the present-day flexible and demanding job market. At least, I truly hope so, being a University College student myself!

Would you like to know more? Interact with the author by commenting on this article!

React

CAPTCHA ImageReload captchaPlay captcha

For an expat moving to the Netherlands, getting the right direction is very important. It's important that one knows which steps and direction to take. Linda is an exceptionally talent counselor, her advice has helped me land a job within a week of coming to the Netherlands. I am grateful for her mentoring and look forward to a great working relationship in the future.

Dr. Hrishiraj S | Clinical Research & Affairs Manager

Together Abroad provided expert advice on personal branding including developing a top-notch, market-aware CV, highly tailored job applications, and approach strategies with potential employers in the Netherlands. Furthermore, I found them be highly knowledgeable in key related fields such as recruitment strategy, immigration law, contracts, labor agreements, and (un)employment benefits. I would recommend Together Abroad to anyone who needs professional help with transitioning to a new career.

A. Aboufirass | Structural Engeer

Linda is a big mind. She thinks about things that the rest normally overlook. The insight she has about the dutch job market can only be achieved through years of experience and persistence.

Her business savvy is complemented by her mastery of understanding the client's needs and requirements. For my career I could say, she was the “Mary Poppins”, who guided me through thick and thin and helped me to land a career in the Netherlands

S. Bhattacharjee | FP&A Manager

If you are going to enlist the services of a "Career Coach" look no further. The only person you want in your corner is Linda van Orsouw. As an expat, you absolutely want to work with a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional who knows their way around the Dutch career/employment/job market. Linda assisted me in writing and positioning my CV, helped me organize and prioritize my list of opportunities, coached me through mock interviews and was there when I got offered a senior position only 2 months later. When asked I will only refer to Linda and "Togetherabroad".

Mr. C. Joubert
Lead Workplace Strategy Consultant 

 

New item