Netherlands education news from Eurogates

HAN University / Preparatory English Intensive Course (EIC)

20 September 2009 at 00:00

The English Intensive Course (EIC) is designed for foreign students interested in following an English-language Bachelors programme at the HAN University of Applied Sciences / Arnhem Business School. This course will help you significantly improve your English while familiarising you with the Dutch education system and culture.

Why follow the English Intensive Course?

Many foreign students are interested in studying in the Netherlands. Despite starting out with motivation and determination, not all students are able to complete their studies and obtain diplomas. Sometimes language skills are the problem, even where English is the working language in the classroom.

The new English Intensive Course (New EIC) at HAN University of Applied Sciences has been redesigned for foreign students who would like to study in the Netherlands. The course will help students to improve their English considerably (the working language in class) and it will make them familiar with Dutch culture and our study culture.

Another plus is that students will be prepared for their foundation year by training their study and interpersonal skills.

Attending the English Intensive Course (EIC) before beginning a study at the Arnhem Business School will greatly increase your chances of successfully completing your study in the Netherlands.

Students will find their way around at school and their new surroundings during the course. Moreover, once in their foundation year, they will have adjusted to a way of studying that is required in the international foundation year. New EIC will also make it easier to get in touch with Dutch fellow students.

Lectures also cover Dutch culture and study skills. Classes are generally finished around 2.15 pm each day, leaving you sufficient time for studying. At the end of each lecture period (6 or 7 weeks of classes) students will be given exams developed by HAN University of Applied Sciences to evaluate whether they meet required skills levels.

Starting dates

The EIC begins each semester, starting in both September and February. Within 2 weeks of the start date you are still able to follow the course. A programme introduction will be held on the Thursday or Friday before the start date. The next EIC begins 31 August 2009.

There are two New EIC programmes:

New EIC^{6 months}: entry requirement is an IELTS score of at least 5.5 on all parts of the test. At the end of the course (after 6 months), students pass if they have reached a level comparable to C1 of the European Framework( IELTS 6 or higher).
New EIC^{1 year}: entry requirement is an IELTS score of at least 5.0 on all parts of the test. At the end of the course (after 12 months), students pass if they have reached a level comparable to C1 of the European Framework IELTS 6 or higher.

As New EIC is an intensive course, students must be prepared to work hard and attend a substantial number of classes. After each lecture period (6 or 7 weeks of classes) students will take exams developed by HAN University which match the level required of the students at that time.