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Arrival and Introduction - Fall 2016
As Semester in Amsterdam students you will enjoy a private arrival and introduction program which is offered in combination with
the general introduction program organized by the International Office for all international students, including exchange and
full-degree students. If you are an IES student our arrival program is also offered in combination with the IES introduction program,
which is not reflected in the schedule below.
Please refer to the color-coded key on page 2 to know which activities apply to you. More information about the schedule and
signing up for these activities (some of which are mandatory) will be sent soon.
Please also note that there are two official arrival dates:
1. Friday, August 19; 9.00-17.00
- Required arrival date for all non-IES students. This applies to all individual enrollments, EDU students, Wellesley
College students, and University of Denver students.
2. Monday, August 22; 9.00-17.00
- Arrival date for all IES students.
These are the days on which you will have guaranteed access to your housing. We will contact you in the coming weeks for your
flight details. Tinker Taxi is our contracted partner for your free airport pick-up and drop-off. We can accommodate arrivals strictly
until 17.00. If you arrive after this time on Friday, August 19 then you will need to find temporary housing for the weekend and
check in on Monday, August 22. If you arrive after 17.00 on Monday, August 22 then you will need to handle your transportation and
check-in on your own by navigating from Schiphol Airport to your designated housing campus.
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Key:
Only applies to non-IES students
Mandatory for all students
Only applies to IES students
Semester in Amsterdam sponsored activity: all students invited
International Office sponsored activity: all students invited (more information to follow)
Friday, August 19
Time Activity
9.00 - 17.00 Arrival and airport pickup (non-IES students)
Provided you give us your arrival details, a Tinker Taxi representative will bring you from Schiphol Airport to your designated housing
Our staff will be there to greet you and help you get settled
9.00 - 17.00 Room check in at DUWO office at Uilenstede campus or lobby of Hotel Jansen (non-IES students) Students will receive their keys upon arrival and be
reminded to handle any outstanding requests, such as signing the online contract or uploading documents Students will also register with the municipality at this time Our staff will bring you to your room and help transport your
luggage
Students who qualify for a loan bike will also receive their bike when they check in to housing: - This includes all students staying at Hotel Jansen - This also includes students staying at Uilenstede
who were one of the first confirmed enrolled students - You will be informed prior to you arrival via email if you
qualify for a loan bike 15.30 – 17.00 Neighborhood tours
Meet at 15.30 in DUWO housing office at Uilenstede campus if staying at Uilenstede Meet in Hotel Jansen lobby at 15.30 if staying at Hotel Jansen
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Saturday, August 20
Time Activity
15.30 – 18.00 Meet and Greet Picnic
Depart as a group from VU Main Building at 15.30
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Sunday, August 21
Time Activity
N/A Free Day
No scheduled activities. This is your chance to explore and get settled
Monday, August 22
Time Activity
9.00 - 17.00 Arrival and airport pickup (IES students)
Provided you give us your arrival details, a Tinker Taxi representative will bring you from Schiphol Airport to the Uilenstede campus
Our staff will be there to greet you and help you get settled
9.00 - 17.00 Room check in at DUWO office at Uilenstede campus or lobby of Hotel Jansen (non-IES students) Students will receive their keys upon arrival and be
reminded to handle any outstanding requests, such as signing the online contract or uploading documents Students will also register with the municipality at this time Our staff will bring you to your room and help transport your
luggage
Students who qualify for a loan bike will also receive their bike when they check in to housing: - This includes all students staying at Hotel Jansen - This also includes students staying at Uilenstede
who were one of the first confirmed enrolled students - You will be informed prior to you arrival via email if you
qualify for a loan bike 9.30 – 12.00 Group Shopping Trip
Depart as a group from VU Main Building at 9.30
Opportunity to purchase room furnishings and other necessities at the Gelderlandplein shopping center
13.30 – 16.30 Tour Heineken Brewery
Depart as a group from VU Main Building at 13.30
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Tuesday, August 23
Time Activity
9.00 - 11.30 Arrange all practical matters (non-IES students) at the VU
Open a bank account, join the International Students Organization (ESN), arrange insurance (if needed) One-on-one appointment with Semester in Amsterdam staff to review courses and answer questions 13.00 - 15.30 Arrange all practical matters (IES students) at the VU
Open a bank account, join the International Students Organization (ESN), arrange insurance (if needed) One-on-one appointment with Semester in Amsterdam staff to review courses and answer questions 15.30 – 17.00 Official Semester in Amsterdam Welcome
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Wednesday, August 24
Time Activity
9.30 - 11.00 Word of Welcome
Official welcome for all international students Featuring Director of the International Office, President of VU Amsterdam, and President of the International Student Organization (ESN)
11.30 - 16.00 Information Market on the Campus Square
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Thursday, August 25
Time Activity
10.00 - 14.00 How to Make it at the VU
Introduction to the Dutch education style with tips for succeeding in classes, approaching professors, and making international friends
Featuring a Dutch crash-course 14.00 - 18.00 City Day
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Friday, August 26
Time Activity
10.00 - 17.00 Uilenstede Festival
Sport competitions, workshops at Griffoen cultural center, and alternative program for non-sporters
Saturday, August 26 – Sunday, August 27
Time Activity
ESN Weekend
ESN-sponsored weekend
Students should join ESN on Tuesday, August 23rd
in order to be eligible to join
Monday, August 29
Time Activity
10.00 – 17.00 Minicolleges, trainings, and workshops
Faculty meetings, VuNet trainings, Dutch language courses, etc.
Tuesday, August 30
Time Activity
9.00 – 17.00 Day trip to Efteling Theme Park
Tickets cost €25 which includes entrance and transportation to The Netherlands’ largest theme park
Students pay €25 on arrival in Amsterdam
Private bus transportation provided by Semester in Amsterdam Meet at the VU Main Building at 8.45
Depart Efteling at 16.00
17.00 Campus Party
Food, music, and activities
