2009-2010

Practical Information Package for incoming students

International ofce

howest.be

Index 1. Welcome to Howest 2. Belgium, Flanders and the 2 Howest towns BELGIUM Belgium, a small but complex country! Belgiums trumps Chauvinism is not a part of Belgian nature Typical characteristics FLANDERS Flanders, in the heart of Europe Flanders beautiful art cities Flanders: hospitable, trendy and full of quality BRUGGE AND KORTRIJK, THE 2 HOWEST TOWNS Brugge Kortrijk 3. Howest Intro Howest departments and course offer More classes available through AUGent-mobility Intensive language courses Howest applied research 4. Academic calendar 5. How to reach the Howest campuses? Howest Brugge-Campus Rijselstraat 5 Howest Brugge-Campus Sint-Jorisstraat 71 Howest Kortrijk-Campus R. De Rudderlaan 6 Howest Kortrijk-Campus Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5 6. Transport in Belgium and the 2 Howest towns Transport in Belgium Transport in Kortrijk Transport in Brugge 7. Erasmus and exchange students: application and registration procedure 8. Accommodation Brugge Kortrijk 3 4

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9. Insurance School insurance: Physical injuries and third party liability Regularly enrolled students Exchange students Third party liability Medical insurance Travel insurance Health Care and Social Work students 10. Costs of living 11. Meals 12. Student grants Student grants of the Flemish Community Student grant of your own government The European Union Other SOVOWES 13. Student facilities 14. SOVOWES Student Facilities 15. Study counselling 16. Medical facilities 17. Facilities for students with a functional impairment 18. Banking in Belgium for foreign students 19. Sports accommodation Brugge Kortrijk 20. Student life 21. Howest emergency number

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21 21 22

24 25 26 27 27 28 29

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1. Welcome to Howest Dear exchange student We wish to extend you a warm welcome to Belgium, Flanders and Howest, de Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen (University College West Flanders). The International Office staff as well as all international coordinators within the study departments will do their utmost in order to create the optimal conditions for you to spend a successful and pleasant study period at our University College. We are confident you will experience Howest as an exciting, challenging study environment, the right place to further develop your competencies and extend your knowledge. We sincerely hope you will quickly mingle with other Erasmus and of course local students, and urge you to explore the vibrant student life in the Howest town where you stay, to join the Howest student club of your department, to test the Flemish hospitality, and to discover the Flemish cultural and historic heritage. Do not hesitate to contact us in case we can do anything to make your Howest stay meet your expectations. We are looking forward to welcoming you at Howest.

Isabelle Pertry International Mobility Officer Howest International Office Marksesteenweg 58, B-8500 Kortrijk T + 32 (0)56 24 12 90 F + 32 (0)56 24 12 92 Mob + (0)486 95 10 97 international.office@Howest.be

2. Belgium, Flanders and the 2 Howest towns BELGIUM Belgium, a small but complex country! Belgium is a small (30, 528 sq. km), densely populated (10 million inhabitants; 339 inhabitants/sq. km), but very varied country. It is divided into three (language) communities. The Flemish Community, where Dutch is the official language, has 6 million inhabitants. 4 million people speak French in the French Community. The German-speaking Community with its 70,000 inhabitants is located in the southeast of Belgium. Both Dutch and French have been granted an official status in Brussels. Situated in the heart of Europe, Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, but also of the European Union. From a geographical point of view, Belgium has three regions, Flanders (in the north), Wallonia (in the south) and Brussels. Clearly, Belgium has a unique and complex institutional and political structure. This unique complexity can also be found in the Belgian landscapes. Polder and costal areas, open fields, hills and mountainous forests in the Ardennes suit the taste of every nature lover. Belgiums trumps Belgians have earned a worldwide gastronomic reputation. Our country is a real culinary paradise for gourmets. Chips with mayonnaise, chocolate, Belgian endive, beer, waffles, ginthe list with delicacies is endless! Belgium can pride itself on a rich, colourful history and a lively culture. It is often identified with surrealism. After all, who doesnt know Magrittes famous painting Ceci nest pas une pipe? Numerous other contemporary and historic masterpieces can be found in one of our many art cities. Through the centuries, several foreign powers have ruled our territory, until Belgium became an independent constitutional monarchy in 1830. Belgium was one of the first countries to join the industrial Foto revolution. Nowadays, the economy is largely based on the HOWEST services sector (more than 70% of the employment rate) and is characterised by its openness. For example, the export of goods and services amounted to 76.5 % of the GDP in 1999, whereas the import totalled to almost 73 %. (For comparison: the European average is 32.2 % for export and 31% for import.)

Chauvinism is not a part of Belgiums nature Foreign students will often be corroborated by Belgians, if they express their amazement at the country and its institutions, habits and political life. The Belgians themselves are often the most ardent critics in conversations about Belgium. Nevertheless, our country holds some excellent trump cards. The standard of living ranks among the best in the world, and every citizen has access to our high-quality and almost free education system. Many countries envy us for our social security system that finances up-to-date medical care. Furthermore, Belgium is known for its high productivity and high average income per employee. Our moderate maritime climate, however, may give cause for some grumbling every now and then: it guarantees mild temperatures, but it sometimes rains more than we care to count. Typical characteristics At first sight, Belgians may seem rather introverted and reserved. Once you get to know them, however, this impression will fade sooner than you think. Guests are given a warm welcome with abundant quantities of delicious food and drink. The average Belgian also feels at ease when he can enjoy a gastronomic meal with his friends or family. Family ties and friendship bonds play an important role in the life of Belgians. In this respect, foreign students are often surprised to notice that their autochthonous fellow studentsleave their digs at the weekend and go home to visit their family members and friends. Friendship bonds last very long in Belgium. A Belgian friend is a friend for life. More information: http://www.belgium.be FLANDERS Flanders, in the heart of Europe Flanders is the northern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium that borders on the North Sea. It represents 60% of the Belgian population, and has its own parliament and regional government with ample powers, including education. Flanders consists of 5 provinces: Flemish Brabant, Antwerp, Limburg, East Flanders and West Flanders. The strategic location and the extensive transport possibilities have contributed to Flanders strong position as a logistic centre and ideal gateway to the European market with its 500 million consumers. Increasingly more companies are establishing their European headquarters or distribution centres in Flanders, where they can engage highly qualified, multilingual and productive workers.
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"Toerisme Vlaanderen, D.de Kievith".

Flanders beautiful art cities Already in the Middle Ages, Flanders was at the crossroads of the most important European trade routes. Flemish merchants swarmed to all corners of the world, whereas foreign merchants and artists boosted trade and cultural life in cities as Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges.

Flanders: hospitable, trendy and full of quality Flanders is a flourishing region with a very dazzling and contemporary culture. An international travel magazine recently even acclaimed the city of Antwerp one of the ten trendiest places in the world. Because its doors are always open for the world, Flanders is often in the international spotlights. Every year, highly qualified professionals and top researchers complete their studies at one of the higher education institutes. Thanks to these graduates, Flanders holds a firm top position in fields as biotechnology, pharmacy, multimedia, information technology and microelectronics. (Interesting websites: http://www.vlaanderen.be, http://www.visitflanders.be)

BRUGGE AND KORTRIJK, THE 2 HOWEST TOWNS Brugge and Kortrijk, the two towns with Howest campuses, are all situated in West Flanders (www.west-vlaanderen.be). Brugge Brugge, known in English and French as Bruges, is the chief town of West Flanders (ca 150,000 inhabitants). It is also known as the Venice of the North, thanks to the numerous canals that criss-cross the historic centre.

Brugge Toerisme

The impressive art-historical and cultural Patrick value of the town centre convinced Monney UNESCO in 2000 to include it in its prestigious World Heritage List. Brugge was the most important North European trade centre in the Middle Ages. Apart from tourists, Brugge also attracts many students nowadays. The annual Student Welcome Party in October, as well as the free SOVOWES culture cheques (see student facilities Howest) are only a few examples of the many initiatives for students to get a taste of the local cultural agenda! On top of the student discounts, those cheques give you an additional reduction for performances, concerts and shows in the Cinema Lumiere, Cultuurcentrum, Cactus Muziekcentrum, Het Net, De Werf, Concertgebouw, and In&Uit. More information can be found on www.brugge.be Kortrijk Kortrijk, known in French as Courtrai, is a very dynamic town with almost 80,000 inhabitants, attracting shoppers from the wide surrounding areas to its cosy centre. Kortrijk has tourist trumps galore: the belfry, the Broel towers, the town hall, but above all the many references to the famous Battle of the Spurs that was fought there in 1302. Kortrijk is the pounding heart of the flourishing region of Southwest Flanders, pampering the students of the 4 colleges of higher education with free public transport, free night buses, and a free Student Welcome Concert in October. Dont forget to use the free SOVOWES culture cheques (see student facilities Howest) to explore and enjoy the cultural activities in Kortrijk! On top of the student discounts, those cheques give you an additional reduction for performances, concerts and shows in Limelight, Theater Antigone, De Kreun, Dans in Kortrijk, and De Kortrijkse Schouwburg. More information: www.kortrijk.be, www.kortrijkstudentenstad.be

3. Howest Howest consists of three departments spread over four campuses in Brugge and Kortrijk.

Howest counts more than 4,500 full-time students pursuing 22 Bachelors and 7 Masters covering a wide range of disciplines. Howest is also actively conducting applied research for the industry: several research groups run R&D projects with industrial companies, at the national and European level. Students will find an open, vibrant, cosmopolitan and friendly environment here offering a wealth of educational opportunities, with emphasis on high quality and practice-oriented courses. All Bachelor and Master courses are conducted in Dutch, but Howest plans to start up Bachelor of Digital Arts and Entertainment in English, and also offers four international semesters in English: ESPIEW (30 ECTS-fall semester-Brugge), Digital Business Management (30 ECTS-fall semester-Brugge), Tourism Management (30 ECTS-fall semester-Kortrijk) and Multimedia Communication (42 ECTS-spring semester-Kortrijk). Detailed information about these programmes can be found in the English section of
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www.howest.be. Moreover, some courses including much laboratory or project based work can host non-Dutch speaking exchange students on a tailor made basis. Howest departments and course offer Howest - Department Professional Bachelors Brugge
The green marked courses are organised at Campus Rijselstraat 5 The blue marked courses are organised at Campus Sint-Jorisstraat 71

BA of Applied Computer Sciences BA of Applied Architecture (unique in Flanders) BA of Biomedical Laboratory Technology BA of Business Management Option Accountancy and Tax law Option Finance and Insurance Option Logistics Management Option Marketing Option Entertainment Marketing (unique in Flanders) BA of Network Economy (unique in Flanders) BA of Office Management Option Management Assistant Option Medical Management Assistant BA of Nursing Option Hospital Nursing Option Social Nursing Option Psychiatric Nursing BA of Teacher Training education: Nursery education BA of Teacher Training education: Primary education BA of Teacher Training education: Secondary education Option Adventure Coach (unique in Flanders) Option Health and Fitness Coach (unique in Flanders) BA of Applied Psychology BA of Social Work International semesters in English BA level courses: Digital Business Management Entrepreneurial Spirit Improving European Welfare (ESPIEW) Howest - Department Professional Bachelors Kortrijk

The yellow marked courses are organised at Campus Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5 The red marked courses are organised at Campus R. de Rudderlaan 6

BA of Multimedia & Communication Technology (MCT) Option nMCT (new Media and Communication Technology) Option Industrial Product Design (unique in Flanders) Option Digital arts and entertainment (unique in Flanders) Option Divine: digital design and media (unique in Flanders) Research groups: Multimedia and Communication Technology research group
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BA of Communication Management Option Commercial Communication (Sales or Advertising) Option Public Relations and Information (PR-Events or PR-Spokesperson) BA of Journalism BA of Occupational Therapy Option Wellnesscoaching (unique in Flanders) BA of Office Management Option Management Assistant Option Medical Management Assistant Option Business Translator / Interpreter BA of Social Work Option Social work Option Social counceling Option Socio-cultural work BA of Tourism and Leisure Management BA of Social Work International semesters in English BA level courses: Multimedia Communication and Tourism Management Howest - Department Academic Bachelors and Masters Kortrijk BA and MA of Biochemistry BA and MA of Chemistry BA and MA of Electronics, ICT + MA of Multimedia BA and MA of Electromechanics BA and MA of Electrotechnology BA and MA of Automation BA and MA of Environmental Sciences (unique in Flanders) BA and MA of Industrial Design (unique in Flanders) Research groups: Biochemistry, chemistry and environmental sciences research group Electro mechanics research group Industrial design research group Electronics research group More classes available through AUGent-mobility! As an international student staying at our institution, you wish to make the most of your studies abroad. Howest is one of the 4 partners of Ghent University Association (AUG), which consists of Ghent University, University College Ghent, University College Arteveldehogeschool and Howest - University College West Flanders. Ghent University association offers the possibility to take up classes in each of its institutions, free of charge. Three conditions must be fulfilled: - the course(s) may not appear on any programme of your AUGent-institution. In case of doubt, the educational commission will decide - the course(s) must be part of the integral curriculum you take and will be accepted as official. Any extra-curricular courses are not taken into account and must be taken up with a credit contract.
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the agreement of both AUGent-institutions is required. Without agreement of all parties, the contract is ineligible.

Interested? Please have a look at www.augent.be or contact international.office@howest.be for more details. Intensive language courses Dutch is the main language of instruction. Howest is therefore offering incoming foreign students a 3-week introduction course in September and February, recognised as an Erasmus EILC. It consists of an intensive Dutch course and an introduced to the social, economic and cultural aspects of Belgium. The programme is mixed with informal moments such as visits to major Belgian cities. (http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/llp/erasmus/eilc/index_en.html) Besides this intensive language course, there are several opportunities to follow Dutch language courses. In order to take a Dutch language course as a preparation, students who are accepted by a Flemish University College, may be granted a Temporary Residence Permit of maximum one year before the start of their programme. All courses of this kind organised by the various institutions are taken into account for such a stay. During your study period at Howest, you can also attend evening lessons in order to further improve your Dutch language skills. The four international semesters in English also include a 'survival' course in Dutch.

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Howest applied research The research groups, mainly within Howest-Department Academic Bachelors and Masters (Kortrijk), focus on the industry and conduct R&D projects with both large enterprises and SMEs at the European, national and Flemish level. The commitment to joining education with the creation of knowledge provides a fertile setting for research that has spawned a host of innovation breakthroughs in applications. All R&D projects emerge from corporate innovation objectives. The approach differs depending on the focus of the project: the R&D is either for the benefit of one company or a group of companies. Howest-Department Academic Bachelors and Masters (Kortrijk) is not only collaborating in research with Belgian universities but also with several universities and R&D institutes outside Belgium. It participates in European research programmes and has created an academic research network with partners worldwide. Howest-Department Academic Bachelors and Masters (Kortrijk) supports product innovation requested by companies, with the possibility of an integrated approach: SME-Innovation studies SME-Innovation projects Industrial basic research Prototype development TETRA (Technology Transfer) projects Strategic Research Projects Flemish innovation co-operation projects PhD-research Federal research programmes European Research Area, including Interreg projects, Framework Program projects, The R&D activities create a leverage towards innovation in the industry: since1997, Howest-Department Academic Bachelors and Masters (Kortrijk) has raised more than 32m of innovation grants for corporate research.

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4. Academic calendar 2009 - 2010 Number

WEEK

ACTIVITIES academic year 2009- 2010 Start International Semesters: Tourism Management (Kortrijk/Bruges) ESPIEW(Bruges) & Digital Business Management (Bruges)!!! Start 1st semester / Academic activities/permanent evaluation 22/9 = Official Opening Ceremony of the academic year !! 01/09/2009 = Start International Semesters: Tourism Management (Kortrijk/Bruges) - ESPIEW(Bruges) & Digital Business Management (Bruges) Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation AUTUMN HOLIDAY (for engineering students/masters: academic activities/(permanent) evaluation) Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation 11/11:public holiday - armistice Academic activities /permanent evaluation Academic activities/(permanent) evaluation Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation WINTER HOLIDAYS WINTER HOLIDAYS Catch up week/study / 1st exam period /academic activities /(permanent) evaluation 1st exam period 1st exam period 1st exam period / (final delib.)/ feedback INTERSEMESTRAL HOLIDAY Start 2nd semester / Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation / feedback !! 08/02/02010=Start International Semester Multimedia Communication (Kortrijk) Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation / feedback Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation EASTER HOLIDAYS / work placement EASTER HOLIDAYS / work placement Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation

01/09/2009

21/9 - 25/9

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32
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28/9 - 2/10 5/10 - 9/10 12/10 - 16/10 19/10 - 23/10 26/10 - 30/10 2/11 - 6/11 9/11 - 13/11 16/11 - 20/11 23/11 - 27/11 30/11 - 4/12 7/12 - 11/12 14/12 - 18/12 21/12 - 25/12 28/12 - 1/1 4/1 - 8/1 11/1 - 15/1 18/1 - 22/1 25/1 - 29/1 1/2 - 5/2 8/2 - 12/2 15/2 - 19/2 22/2 - 26/2 1/3 - 5/5 8/3 - 12/3 15/3 - 19/3 22/3 - 26/3 29/3 - 2/4 5/4 - 9/4 12/4 - 16/4 19/4 - 23/4 26/4 - 30/4

5/04: Easter Monday 1/05: 1st May Holiday

33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53

3/5 - 7/5 10/5 - 14/5 17/5 - 21/5 24/5 - 28/5 31/5- 4/6 7/6 - 11/6 14/6 - 18/6 21/6 - 25/6 28/6 - 2/7 5/7 - 9/7 12/7 - 16/7 19/7 - 23/7 26/7 - 30/7 2/8 - 6/8 9/8 - 13/8 16/8 - 20/8 23/8 - 27/8 30/8 - 3/9 6/9 - 10/9 13/9 - 17/9 20/9 - 24/9

Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation 13/05: Ascension Day Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation / catch up for engineering students /masters Catch up / study and exams for engineering students /masters 24/05:Whit Monday 2nd exam period / work placement 2nd exam period 2nd exam period 2nd exam period / deliberation, proclamation feedback Deliberation / proclamation and feedback SUMMER HOLIDAYS for students SUMMER HOLIDAYS for students SUMMER HOLIDAYS for students SUMMER HOLIDAYS for students SUMMER HOLIDAYS for students SUMMER HOLIDAYS for students 3rd Exam period 3rd Exam period 3rd Exam period 3rd Exam period/ deliberation, proclamation and feedback Deliberation, proclamation and feedback Introduction / welcome activities/entry tests/ late summer period

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5. How to reach the Howest campuses? Howest Brugge Campus Rijselstraat 5 The campus is at 5 minutes walk from the railway station of Brugge. Take the exit that leads to the back of the railway station of Brugge(Sint-Michiels). The Rijselstraat is now right in front of you. The campus can be found 200 metres further at the left side. Also check the street plan per campus on www.howest.be.

Howest Brugge - Campus Sint-Jorisstraat 71 Take the number 3 or number 13 bus in front of the railway station. Alight from the bus at the bus stop Normaalschool, right next to the entrance of the campus. Also check the street plan per campus on www.howest.be. Howest Kortrijk Campus R. de Rudderlaan 6 The campus is at 20 minutes walk from the railway station of Kortrijk. You can also take the bus at the railway station (numbers 1, 91, 92 or 93). Alight from the bus at the bus stop VTI. The campus is on the other side of the street. Also check the street plan per campus on www.howest.be.

Howest Kortrijk - Campus Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5 The campus is at circa 15 minutes walk from the railway station of Kortrijk. You can also take the bus at the railway station (number 80 or 81). Alight from the bus at the bus stop Markesteenweg. Walk back a little and take the Graaf Karel de Goedelaan. Also check the street plan per campus on www.howest.be.

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6. Transport in Belgium and the 2 Howest towns Transport in Belgium Belgium is equipped with an extensive road and railway network. Public transport is organised very well. People under 26 can take the train with a cheap Go Pass (50 for 10 single 2nd class trips between two Belgian stations of your choice). As from 1/02/2008 this price will go up slightly. More information can be found on http://www.b-rail.be/nat/E/ Public bus transport is organised by De Lijn. Bus tickets can be bought on the bus, but they are cheaper in outlets (shops of De Lijn, supermarkets, newspaper stores, etc.) More information can be found on www.delijn.be (only in Dutch) or in the shops of De Lijn, which are mostly situated near the railway stations. Transport in Kortrijk The most efficient way to go around in Kortrijk is by bike. The nonprofit organisation Mobiel rents bikes to Howest students for only 5 per month. More information: www.mobiel.be. vzw Mobiel Min. P. Tacklaan 57 - 8500 Kortrijk tel 056/24.99.10 - fax 056/24.99.19 - info@mobiel.be Furthermore, all Howest students are entitled to free bus transport of De Lijn in the whole of Kortrijk. Ask for the special pass at the administrative department. Transport in Brugge The best way to explore Brugge is by bike. Motorised vehicles are kept out of the historic centre as much as possible. SOVOWES Student Facilities in Brugge rents bikes to Howest students for 5 per month, 12 for 3 months, 40 for 10 months and 48 for 12 months. You have to pay a guarantee of 40, which only will be used to do the repairs of the bike. Contact SOVOWES for more information about bike renting for students (tel. 050-34 97 83 or sovowes@Howest.be). More information about public bus transport in Brugge can be found on www.delijn.be or in the Lijn store near the railway station.

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7. Erasmus and exchange students: application and registration procedure after you have been selected by your home school for a study period at Howest, you have to send the Howest Application Form to the Howest International Office. If you wish to attend international semester courses in English, you also have to send the necessary documents confirming that you meet the linguistic and educational requirements Howest will inform you about the approval of your application and refer you to the departmental internationalisation coordinator for your course programme together with the departmental internationalisation coordinator, you arrange the practical aspects of your stay. In consultation with the coordinator and your own school, you draw up and sign an Erasmus Learning Agreement dont forget to accomplish the necessary formalities before you leave! Make sure that you are properly (medically) insured; ask your home school for an official document stating that you are insured against physical injuries and covered by a third party liability insurance during school activities. A model form of this document is available on demand at the Howest International Office go to the internationalisation coordinator of your Howest department on the agreed day and time. The coordinator will help you with your accommodation questions and your registration at the student secretarial office formalities to be accomplished: o student card application (dont forget a passport photo!) o filling in of the Emergency document o handing in of the statement that you are insured by your home school o (in case this document hadnt been sent yet) o preparation of your registration at the local register office o purchase of course material and practical arrangements within the first 8 days of your stay you have to present yourself at the City register office, if you are staying longer than three months in Belgium. Formalities to be accomplished: your identity card/passport your address during your study period at Howest 3 to 4 passport photos, depending on the town you will be staying in for non-EU citizens: D studies visa. 3 to 7, depending on the town you will be staying in After you have been registered, the policeman on the beat will come around to check whether you really live at the given address. The town services will invite you then for a second visit. After completing all these formalities you will receive your residence permit. Students who needed a Visa to enter Belgium, are usually not allowed to enter Belgium a second time without having received their residence permit first! For more information you can contact the Howest International Office. Dont forget to deregister at the same register office about one week before you leave!
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8. Accommodation Some Howest campuses have their own student hostels (also known as peda) All rooms are . furnished and equipped with basic cooking facilities. Residents share the dining room, library, bar, recreation rooms and sports facilities. These rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who want to rent a room on the private market can always take a look at www.kotwest.be. All rooms mentioned on this website get a quality inspection of our social services. The website is only available in Dutch for the moment, but Howest International Office will gladly help you in your search for an appropriate room. The rent of student rooms can differ widely, depending on the comfort. The average rent of a decent student room fluctuates between 200 and 280 per month. Brugge: Students can rent a room in peda De Zwaan (The Swan), right by the school. The rent comes to 250 per month, including energy and water consumption, bed clothes, and an internet connection. Kortrijk: In Kortrijk, Howest doesnt have student hostels. Nevertheless, International Office will gladly assist you in your search for a room by consulting www.kotwest.be or via their contacts with private student room owners.

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9. Insurance School insurance: physical injuries and third party liability Regularly enrolled students Foreign students that enrol at Howest are insured against physical injuries and third party liability during educational activities, field trips and work placements for the duration of one academic year. More details can be found in the education and examination regulations (see diary, article II.8). Exchange students Erasmus exchange students are not insured by the Howest school insurance, since they are officially enrolled at their home college, and therefore are covered by the insurance of this school. Before you leave, make sure that you are officially registered at your home college, and that you are covered against physical injuries and third party liability during educational activities and work placements. If this is not the case, then you MUST inform Howest of this before your arrival. If you are insured (standard situation), then Howest must have an official certificate of this, and not later than the day of your arrival. Third party liability Make sure that your personal third party insurance covers the damage suffered abroad. You might need this coverage in case something happens outside the scope of educational activities and work placements. Medical insurance Irrespective of your nationality, everybody living in Belgium must have a health insurance, since medical costs (especially hospitalisations) can be very high. Before you leave, make sure that you are sufficiently insured. Dont forget to have an European Health Insurance card. This blue card guarantees that all medical costs, including certain costs for medication, are covered by your health insurance. It is important to know that all medical authorities need a copy of this card before they can draw up an invoice. Hospitals will settle financial matters directly with your insurance office, whereas ready money is needed to pay a doctors visit. Go to a Belgian mutual benefit society with your doctors certificate and blue card to get a refund afterwards.

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Non-EEA (European Economic Area) students that dont obtain a European health insurance card from their home country, are absolutely obliged to take out an insurance. This is possible by concluding a (temporary) private health insurance in your home country. The insurance package must include hospitalisation, dental care and repatriation. Non-EEA students can also register at a Belgian mutual benefit society, though. Travel insurance We strongly advise all foreign students to conclude a personal travel insurance covering repatriation in case of a serious accident or sickness. Please check whether your travel insurance also covers longer stays abroad. It is possible that this is already included in your health insurance. Health Care and Social Work students Health Care students at Howest must contact the internationalisation coordinator about vaccines and other specific requirements beforehand. Students following nursing or occupational therapy classes, as well as social work students with a specific work placement, need a certificate proving vaccinations against: Rubella (only necessary for girls) Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Diphtheria tetanus a certificate proving that you have got a tuberculin injection OR that your lungs have been X-rayed within the past 12 months. Dont forget your hospital uniform!!!

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10. Costs of living Hereunder you find a few prices of some current food products to give you an idea of the costs of living in Belgium: small loaf of bread (400 g): 1,30 big loaf of bread (800 g): 2,00 1 litre of milk: 0,75 1,5 l of Coca Cola: 1,48 1 kg of potatoes: 1,40 1 kg of oranges: 2,50 ham / kg: 15 cheese / kg: 7,50 1 pint (in a pub): 1,60 1 coke (in a pub): 1,50

You can keep a lid on these costs by shopping in cheap supermarkets and visiting studentfriendly places. Moreover, students enjoy reductions on many sports events, culture and leisure activities, and in some shops. Accommodation and transport prices can be found in the respective sections.

11. Meals Each Howest campus has a restaurant, a cafeteria or a bar where you can buy a hot midday meal, snacks, soup, bread rolls and drinks at very democratic prices. Of course, each campus has all necessary facilities to eat your own packed lunch. The cafeteria is the place to be for meeting other students and participating in social campus life. Here are some prices to give you an idea: fresh soup costs 0,70, a hot plat du jour can be bought at 3,70, and warm snacks cost 1,75 to 2,50.

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12. Student grants Most foreign students apply for a student grant. The following outline gives general information about organizations awarding scholarships. Student grants of the Flemish Community Certain categories of students staying in Belgium can be entitled to a student grant of the Flemish Community, provided that they fulfil the pedagogic en financial conditions as stipulated in the legislation: children of citizens of a member state of the European Union who are working in Belgium or who have worked here and who are under art.12 of the E.E.C. Regulation 1612/68 of the Council of 15 October 1968 regarding the free movement of workers within the European Union students with a foreign nationality having a permanent residence permit refugees and their children, whose request for asylum has been declared admissible

More information: Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap Administratie Algemene Onderwijsdiensten Afdeling Studietoelagen http://www.ond.vlaanderen.be/studietoelagen/ Hendrik Consciencegebouw Koning Albert II-laan 15 Student grant of your own government Student grants are also awarded by the student's own government. The appropriate authorities in the student's country should be contacted by the student himself. The European Union The European Union grants scholarships to students from EU member states (and certain non-member states) who wish to undertake a study period within a university of another member state (or in some countries outside the European Union). Student mobility grants are not full grants, but are intended to cover the mobility costs of studying abroad (travel expenses, language preparation costs, etc.). Erasmus seeks to improve the European dimension of higher education in the EU as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey.

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ERASMUS student grants may only be awarded to students who: have full academic recognition testified by an appropriate formal certificate from their home university or college for the studies they have undertaken in another member state, and this in line with the study contract are exempt from the payment of enrolment fees in the host university or college continue to receive during their stay abroad any grants or loans awarded by their government or national authority spend at least a three months' term and at most a year in another member state and are not in their first year of higher studies. Students wishing to benefit from an Erasmus grant must apply to their home university or college. More information: http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/socrates/erasmus/erasmus_en.html Other: A survey of student grants and other financial assistance can be found in the publications of UNESCO: "Study abroad - Etudes l'tranger - Estudios en el extranjero". SOVOWES: support (Student Counselling Service for Howest, de Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen) Certain categories of foreign students enrolling for a regular study at Howest can apply for (non-) reclaimable financial aid on the basis of an individual file. This application has to be made at the SOVOWES student facilities service. Regularly enrolled foreign students (not for Erasmus students) can also submit a request for renting a laptop via SOVOWES. Assignment of the laptops is done on the basis of a social file, and under the conditions stipulated by SOVOWES.

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13. Student facilities All Howest campuses: dispose of a modern, dynamic and up-to-date library, or rather multimedia information centre. Apart from specialised books and press, you will find PCs, printers, scanners, software, places for individual study or teamwork. All Howest students have access to multiple electronic databases, which lead you in some clicks to thousands of newspapers, magazines, specialist journals and scientific publications. http://bib.howest.be/ dispose of wireless internet connection have their own network administrator, which will arrange a mail account and internet access for all students use the electronic Howest learning platform Dokeos dispose of a course service, for the distribution of the print course materials put copy machines and different kinds of dispensing machines at the students disposal

All operational information about these facilities will be given to you at the moment of registration or at the welcome event in the Howest department where you will study.

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14. SOVOWES Student Facilities Our Student Counselling Service (SOVOWES) is responsible for many Howest student facilities. This service is referred to several times in this guide. Howest students can appeal to SOVOWES for help and guidance with: student grants laptop rental, after approval of a social file

accommodation: SOVOWES helps you with accommodation, housing tips and model contracts. They also help you in work and deed, if problems should arise with the owner of your digs. self care: SOVOWES offers psychosocial counselling, renders assistance to disabled students, and organises sensitising campaigns. student jobs: SOVOWES informs students about the financial and fiscal aspects of student jobs, and provides them with useful links and model contracts. organisation of sports events and cultural activities.

SOVOWES is the moving force behind student-friendly initiatives such as www.mobiel.be (renting out of bicycles to students for practically nothing), free bus transport in Kortrijk, and student events and benefits in the two Howest towns. SOVOWES is also the place to be for students with questions about student participation and advisory associations for students. The SOVOWES staff members are always at your service. Call or mail them for an appointment, or visit them during their office hours. More information can be found on www.sovowes.be, or just ask one of the Howest employees.

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15. Student counselling For students who need study counselling, Howest offers support through: international coordinator The international coordinator of the department or the study area where you study is your first contact person when you have problems or when you simply need someone to talk to. He or she welcomes you upon your arrival at the university college, and often has been your mail correspondent for quite some time. He or she is your closest coach during your studies here at Howest. tutorship For each Howest student, a tutor is assigned. Here conversations are placed in the foreground: how is your integration in Flanders, in Howest, in your group; you do not feel comfortable, you are looking for faith person monitoring Each lecturer is monitor for his or her study area. Each lecturer can provide you with additional explanation on the study material, the assignments, ombudsservice Guarantees your rights as a student with regards to exams, exemptionsand acts as a mediator in conflicts. There is an ombudsperson for each study field in Howest. Please inform in your department who it is for your course, and contact him/her when you feel it is necessary. SOVOWES student facilities Organises student facilities such as housing, student job service, laptop rental, sponsorship of student events, psychosocial counselling, trainings on personality and relationships You can find more information on the functioning of SOVOWES in the item SOVOWES student facilities. student administration Helps you through your administration: enrolment or registration procedure, sickness notes, certificates study service You can get help on methods for studying and good study planning, exam tips, dealing with fear of failure, concentration difficulties

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16. Medical facilities All Howest campuses have fully-equipped first aid rooms. A permanent staff member in each campus vouches for first aid administration. Howest doesnt have its own medical service, though. When you have medical problems, it is common practice in Belgium to consult a general practitioner first. Most general practitioners give consultations in the morning and early evening. Sometimes only consultation by appointment is possible. In urgent and serious medical cases, dial the emergency number 112, or immediately go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. Read the section on insurance for more information about the financial matters of medical assistance. Chemists shops have the same opening hours as other retail shops on weekdays. In larger towns, most of them are also open on Saturday mornings. More details about the chemist on night duty can be found on the facade of most chemists shops (open 24 h/24).

17. Facilities for students with a functional impairment Within the scope of the diversity policy it pursues, Howest is receptive to students with a functional impairment and gives them all the help they need during their studies. After all possible obstacles for each individual student have been listed, Howest examines how it can solve these difficulties. This is done by our student counselling service SOVOWES in consultation with the non-profit organisation Begeleiding Studenten met een Handicap (Guidance of Students with a Handicap). All Howest campuses are accessible for wheelchair users. Howest will also provide intense guidance for these students during the search for appropriate lodging.

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18. Banking in Belgium for foreign students When you want to open, as a foreign student, a free bank account in Belgium, you need to fulfil the following conditions: Account for young persons (+18y) (account free of charge) Conditions: - to be of age and younger than 25 years (minimum 17 years and 10 months and maximum 24 years and 9 months) - being competent - not married - have a domicile address in a EU member country other than Belgium or a candidate country for EU membership (in the country where the identity card was issued) Documents needed: - foreign identity card/passport AND - certificate of domicile (if not mentioned on the identity card or passport) - holding a valid Application Form of a Belgian University or University College AND - holding a valid, complete rental agreement of a student residence in Belgium, signed by all parties The account cannot be opened if the student: - is minor or incompetent - does not hold a foreign identity card/passport - has no foreign domicile address If other conditions are not fulfilled (eg. older than 25 years, married, no Application Form or rental agreement of a student residence in Belgium), only a regular bank account can be opened (with costs).

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19. Sports accommodation Brugge Brugge has 15 outdoor sports centres. The following are within easy reach: - sports centre Olympiapark (Kon. Leopold III-laan 50, 8200 Brugge - 13 football pitches, 1 roller-skating rink) - sports centre Koude Keuken (Zandstraat 284, 8200 Brugge - 1 football pitch, 1 grassplot, 1 fit-o-meter track (in the woods), 3 tennis courts, 10 boule courts, 1 basketball court) - sports centre Male (Brieversweg, 8310 Brugge - 2 football pitches) - athletes can practise on the athletics track of the sports centre Julien Saelens. You can also join a lot of other indoor (fitness training, tennis, badminton,) and outdoor sports (basketball,football,). Address: Speelpleinlaan 1, 8310 Brugge Assebroek. http://www.bloso.be/public/centra/brugge.asp Brugge also has three swimming pools: - municipal swimming pool Jan Guilini (Keizer Karelstraat 41, 8000 Brugge) - provincial swimming pool Olympiabad (Doornstraat 110, 8200 St-Andries) - interurban swimming pool Interbad (Veltemweg 83, 8310 Brugge) More info and opening hours can be found on http://www.brugge.be/internet/nl/cultuur_sport_jeugd/Sport/Infrastructuur/ Zwembaden/index.htm An overview of the many Brugge-based sports clubs can be found on http://www.brugge.be/internet/nl/cultuur_sport_jeugd/Sport/Verenigingen/Sportclubs.h tm This website also mentions the numerous sports events organized by the municipal sports department. Tip: The Roller Parade in spring is a must for all skaters, skeelers and longboarders! Kortrijk Kortrijk has several public sports centres and swimming pools: - sports centre Mimosa - sports campus De Lange Munte (with an outdoor athletics track) - sports centre Wembley (with an outdoor athletics track) - sports centre Olympiadeplein (with an outdoor athletics track)

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Each campus has a swimming pool in its immediate vicinity: - swimming pool Mimosa is located near the R. de Rudderlaan 6 (Mimosalaan) - swimming pool Magdalena is right next to the Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5 - outdoor swimming pool Abdijkaai, with a large sunbathing area (open from 1/5 until 31/8) More information and opening hours can be found on http://www.kortrijk.be/sport (Municipal Sports Department / Bad Godesberglaan 22, 8500 Kortrijk, tel 056-27 88 00 / sportdienst@kortrijk.be) This website also provides information on - the activities and classes organized by the non-profit organisation Sportplus - private sports centres, including the Blueberry-Hill climbing centre (close to R. de Rudderlaan 6) and several fitness and dance centres - sports clubs in Kortrijk. Skate fanactics can try out their new tricks and stunts in the skatebowl, which is one of the largest in the Benelux (Skatebowl Albertpark, 8500 Kortrijk). The recreation park De Warande (Heirweg 132, 8501 Kortrijk) also has a huge spine ramp. Before you are allowed to use the public skate parks in Kortrijk, you first have to sign the skate code of order. By doing so, you agree with the user conditions. You are also jointly responsible for the safety and maintenance of the skate parks. You can Lieve De Becker find the user code of order and sign it on the website www.kortrijk.be/vrije-tijd/jeugd/ruimte

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20. Student life Each Howest campus has its own prominent student club. Their contact addresses can be found hereunder. Student-like and cultural activities or sports events: you name it, they organize it. Besides giving student reductions for numerous cultural events, SOVOWES (see student facilities Howest www.sovowes.be) also plays an active role in various kinds of activities for students. SOVOWES has a voice in the initiatives taken by the 2 Howest towns, such as the organisation of the Student Welcome Concerts. Kortrijk has even developed a special website for their students: www.kortrijkstudentenstad.be Student clubs Erasmus Student Network Ghent: http://www.esn.org/esn_international/section_info.php?ID=BE-GENT-ESN esn.gent@gmail.com ESN Ghent is the closest local division of the European Erasmus Student Network. They organize several activities during the academic year (city-trips, sports, movies, parties,). Since Ghent is close to the 2 Howest towns, you can join those and meet other Erasmus and Flemish students. Student Clubs at Campus Rijselstraat 5 (Brugge): Brihos www.brihos.be Survival organizes sports activities and a party. Bacchus-Zandstuyvers http://club.studiant.be/bacchus-zandstuyvers

Student Clubs at Campus Sint-Jorisstraat 71 (Brugge): Dominicus www.studentenclubdominicus.be info@studentenclubdominicus.be

Campus Sint-Jorisstraat organizes a football tournament in second semester.

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Student Club at Campus R. de Rudderlaan 6 (Kortrijk): Aida www.club-aida.be Aida@Howest.be

Student Clubs at Campus Graaf Karel de Goeddelaan 5 (Kortrijk) : Centaura Moeder EM www.centaura.be http://www.Howest.be/Default.aspx?target=pih&lan=nl&item=362

www.daleonardo.be clubleonardo@gmail.com This student club especially addresses incoming Erasmus students. So if you study at the departments located in Kortrijk, contact them! Leonardo

Howest student radio Coolcast

21. Howest emergency number In case there is an emergency situation during your stay at Howest, you can call the Howest emergency number + 32 486 95 10 97. This number is not meant for situations which require immediate medical assistance. In that case you should call 100.

ENJOY YOUR STUDY AT HOWEST!!!!

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