Nijmegen, the Netherlands

Nijmegen (pronounced nigh-megan) is the oldest city in the Netherlands. In 2005, the city celebrated its 2000th anniversary. Nijmegen is situated close to the German border, on the banks of the river Waal, a branch of the Rhine. It is also near Eindhoven, Dusseldorf and 70 miles (1.5 hours by train) away from Amsterdam. The ‘Valkhof’ is the highest point in the city. Formerly a castle erected by Charlemagne, it overlooks the river. The typically Dutch polder landscape and rolling hills provide a beautiful panorama.

Until a century ago, Nijmegen was a fortified town, its surroundings being the scene of fierce battles. However, in 1879 the old city walls were torn down, as they posed an increasing handicap to the city’s prosperity. A period of spectacular growth ensued, and within several decades a railway bridge across the Waal was constructed, and gas, electricity and water mains were installed in the city.

Nijmegen is generally speaking the warmest area of the Netherlands, especially during summer However, much like Kansas, the lack of north-south oriented mountain ranges in Europe make this area prone to sudden shifts in weather, giving the region a semi-continental climate.

Radboud University Nijmegen

The Radboud University Nijmegen (RU) is the only full-scale university in the eastern and southern parts of the Netherlands. It was established in 1923 and used to be called (Catholic) University of Nijmegen or KU until 2004, when it took its current name. Today it is one of the Netherlands’ leading academic communities. It enrolls more than 17,000 students. The international dimension of education and research plays an essential part at the university; students are encouraged to spend part of their studies or their practical training period abroad. University facilities include museums, laboratories, various institutes, the university hospital, and computer and sports centers.

Academic Program

The Radboud University Nijmegen offers a large number of courses in English for international students. The number of courses increases every year.

Course offerings include: American studies, Art History, Communication Studies, Cultural Anthropology, Economics, Environmental Policy Sciences, Environmental Science, History, Human Geography, Literature, Linguistics, Mediterranean Studies, Middle East Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Sociology, Women’s Studies, and Theology.

Link to more information about courses at RU with lists of courses taught in English, visit:
www.ru.nl/students/exchange_student/programmes/ects_courses/

In addition to regular courses, exchange students go through a 2-week orientation program upon arrival as part of the exchange. The orientation is provided by the International Office and the International Student Network Nijmegen (ISN) For more detailed information, please visit:  www.isn-nijmegen.nl. This orientation period is very important to newly arriving students. It is a great way to meet other students, get to know your way around the campus and city, enroll for courses and for the very popular sports classes, etc. The Dutch students of ISN will help students with practical matters such as buying a 2nd-hand bike, opening a bank account, finding the best places to go out and finding the cheapest shops.

Accommodations

The International Office will help to arrange your accommodation; a fur­nished room with shared kitchen, toilet and shower facilities will rent for approximately up to € 400 per month. Most rooms are located within a few kilometers from the university, and can easily be reached by bus or bicycle.

For more detailed information on housing, visit:
www.ru.nl/students/exchange_student/housing/#Otherexchangestudent

Dates

Academic Year: mid-August to late June
Spring Semester: late-January to late June

Eligibility

Open to KU students with Junior standing by the beginning of the program who have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. There is no language requirement.

Cost

Academic Year 2009-2010

Spring Semester: Approximately $5,270

Academic Year: Approximately $10,130

The program fee includes tuition, fees, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services, and KU and onsite orientation.

Estimated additional costs:Housing and meals (approx. 500€ a month), airfare, personal expenses, books, ground transportation, passport and Dutch residence permit fees.

Financial Aid

KU students who qualify for financial aid in the form of Stafford and/or other loans, Pell or SEOG Grants, and scholarships may apply the aid to the cost of a Study Abroad Program.

Limited supplemental scholarships are available to KU undergraduates. Applications are available at the Office of Study Abroad. You can also download the scholarship application. The scholarship application deadline is March 1 for Fall and October 1 for Spring.

Application Procedures

Deadline for Fall/Academic Year: March 1
Deadline for Spring: October 1

Early application is strongly encouraged.

Applications are available in the KU Office of Study Abroad. You can also download* the application.

*Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to download an application. If your computer does not have Acrobat Reader you can download it for FREE.

Note

All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons.

Useful Websites

Radboud University Nijmegen
RU Information for Exchange students
Nijmegen Tourist Information