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- Hanze University of Applied Sciences
Hanze University of Applied Sciences
| Area: | Global Exchange |
| Location: | Groningen |
| Country: | Netherlands |
| Term: | Fall, Academic Year |
| Website: | Hanze University Exchange Program |
*THIS EXCHANGE IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR SPRING 2024. Students wishing to study abroad in the Netherlands are advised to meet with an education abroad advisor to explore other options. *
The USC exchange program at Hanze is designed to provide students with first-hand knowledge of Dutch life and culture. Situated in the northern part of the country, Groningen (pop. 180,000) is approximately a 2 ½ hour train ride from Amsterdam. As the economic and cultural capital of the region, the city enjoys a bustling reputation while retaining a safe community character. Full of restaurants, pubs, art galleries, theatres, museums and bookshops, Groningen is suited to its youthful population and its inner-city markets and wide variety of shops attract a great number of regional and German visitors every day.
Students will attend the Minerva Art Academy through Hanze University of Applied Sciences. The Minerva Art Academy enjoys an international reputation as a leading Fine Arts & Design institution but also offers various opportunities for extracurricular activities where students can meet and socialize with like-minded people. The academic program is very rigorous, designed for students who enjoy a challenging and independent academic environment that requires significant self-motivation.
Cost: USC resident tuition rates + in-country costs
Requirements: 3.0 GPA, undergraduate standing, portfolio submission
Students can expect to pay €500-900 per month for housing and meals. Extra expenses include travel, phone, supplies, etc. Students will also need to show evidence of €800/month for their time at Hanze. Participants on this program will pay in-state tuition and fees to USC.
Students attending the Minerva Art Academy on exchange may choose from a variety of elective courses in the arts. All courses that are open to exchange students are taught in English. Students attend classes with Dutch and international students.
Students typically earn 15 credit hours per semester. Students will be eligible to take courses in the Fine Arts Programme or the Design Programme. A full list of courses will be sent to participants prior to the start of the semester. Please note that courses at Minerva are typically more self-taught and self-driven than those in the U.S.
To see courses USC students have taken at this university, please reference the Registrar's Course Equivalency Table.
This program does not offer organized excursions. Students do have the opportunity for individual travel. ESN-Hanze (Erasmus Student Network) organizes social and cultural activities for international students.
Per university policy, all USC students will be charged for emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance of for their time abroad. Students will be enrolled in this insurance by the education abroad office prior to their departure. Contact the Education Abroad Office for more details. Additionally, exchange students at Hanze will have to purchase national medical insurance upon arrival.
Students will have to secure their own accommodation in town. Assistance is provided through the Hanze University Housing Office. The Housing Office offers resources to find furnished rooms in International Student Houses and independent housing. Housing costs vary based on what type of accommodation is chosen.
The academic calendar is similar to that of USC, but the last month or so of each term is reserved for exam re-takes. Students studying for the full Academic Year will arrive in late August and return in early July. Design students will only be able to study during the fall semester or academic year.
Students will attend an orientation session prior to the start of classes at Minerva. They will learn important information about the campus and local area at this orientation.
Exchange students who are US citizens do not need a visa to enter the country. All students who stay longer than 90 days need to apply for a residence permit. A residence permit is a document that states your identity, your nationality, and your right to reside in the Netherlands. Minerva Art Academy will help you apply for this permit, which costs approximately €600.