Holland: IT migrant scheme more popular

The number of people coming to the Netherlands under a special scheme for high-skilled IT workers more than doubled to 3,592 last year, says immigration minister Nebahat Albayrak. The figure for the first four months of 2007 is 1,582 - almost as high as the whole of 2005 when the government introduced the special kennismigrant regulations. //DutchNews.nl

Tilburg University: European leader in Business & Law

Tilburg University is Specialised in Social Sciences and Humanities, Tilburg University enjoys the reputation as Europe’s best in Business, Economics and Law. It provides high quality education and research in a compact campus with excellent facilities. Tilburg University, founded in 1927, is a fully accredited government financed university with about 12,000 students. It’s mission is to inspire and challenge students, faculty, staff and alumni by providing high quality, innovative and internationally oriented education and research. The university has six faculties: • Economics and Business Administration • Law • Social and Behavioural Sciences • Humanities • Catholic Theology • TiasNimbas Business School In addition to these faculties, it has a number of well-established research institutes and graduate schools. Tilburg University hosts more than 750 international students from more than 60 countries. With a network of more than 100 partner universities around the world, it sends more than 350 students abroad every year. Tilburg University campus provides an inspiring environment for all students and staff, with an extensive technological infrastructure. Students have free access to the Internet, available at any of the 750 student workstations, Internet cafes, wireless areas on campus, and an e -learning centre. The state-of-the-art library, considered one of the best in Europe, is equipped with everything modern automation can provide, and it can accommodate 1,000 students. The City of Tilburg offers students a rich cultural life with plenty of entertainment and leisure activities. Centrally situated between Amsterdam and Brussels, London and Berlin, it is a gateway to the rest of Europe. //Tilburg University

Tilburg University - Ranking

Faculty of Economics and Business Administration • # 1 in Europe in Economics research by the European Economic Association in 2002 and 2003 • # 3 in Europe in Business Research according to a ranking of the School of Management of the University of Texas, Dallas in 2005 • # 1 in the Netherlands in Economics in Elsevier’s Higher Education Review 2004 • AACSB International accreditation for business programmes since 2002 Faculty of Law • # 1 in Europe according to the Social Science Research Network • # 1 in the Netherlands in Dutch law in Elsevier’s Higher Education Review 2003 and 2004 • # 1 in the Netherlands in Tax Law in Elsevier’s Higher Education Review 2003 • # 1 in the Netherlands in Public Administration in Elsevier’s Higher Education Review 2004 • # 2 in the Netherlands in Tax Law in the Higher Education Guide 2003-2004 • # 2 in the Netherlands in Law in the Higher Education Guide 2003-2004 Faculty of Humanities • # 1 in the Netherlands in Communication and Information Studies in the Higher Education Guide 2005-2006 • # 1 in the Netherlands in General Cultural Studies in the Higher Education Guide 2005-2006 Faculty of Social Sciences • # 3 in the Netherlands in Psychology in the Higher Education Guide 2002-2003 • # 3 in the Netherlands in Sociology in Elsevier’s Higher Education Review 2003 TiasNimbas Business School • # 1 worldwide with the most international Executive MBA in the Financial Times 2005 • # 11 in the world in executive MBA programmes in the Financial Times 2005 • AMBA accreditation for MBA programmes since 2005 • Economist (EIU) October 2005 – Nimbas no. 57 in world, no. 1 in the Netherlands//Tilburg University

Dutch more positive about Germans

AMSTERDAM – The Dutch have started to view Germans in a more positive light, a survey of 500 Dutch has shown. The main question was how the Dutch see the Germans in 2007 and whether they are welcome at the commemoration ceremonies for the fallen of World War II. 32 percent of respondents said they had begun to have a more positive view of Germany over the past ten years. Germany was given a mark of 6.8 out of 10. Those surveyed said that Germans are above all friendly and proud hard workers. In general the Dutch largely think they possess the same character traits as the Germans. More than half (53 percent) think that Germany and the Netherlands should work together more closely within the EU. Only one in ten disagreed. The younger generations tend to be more hesitant about a closer bond. 73 percent of the Dutch said Germans were welcome at the commemorations today. 70 percent of those said that former German soldiers should also be allowed. Older respondents tended to be less enthusiastic about welcoming Germans to the commemoration ceremonies.//Expatica News + ANP 2007

Holland: Milder winters are here to stay

AMSTERDAM – Mild winters will be the norm in future, says the national meteorological institute KNMI. This past winter was the mildest on record. New climate prediction models show that climate change resulting from greenhouse gases will be most noticeable in subtropical areas, just south of the Mediterranean Sea for instance, and in the melting ice around the North Pole. Western Europe will also get markedly warmer. Winters will be characterised by stronger west winds, as was the case this past winter. "We may still have a cold winter from time to time. The results of global warming in the Netherlands will not surpass the effects of natural climate fluctuations until 2020," the KNMI said. The new calculations give a more accurate prediction of the changes in extremes. "Heat waves and heavy precipitation will be more common. Extreme cold will be less common." But it is still not clear whether heavy storms will become more violent, the KNMI said.//Expatica News + ANP 2007

Facts & Figures about Tilburg University

• 12,000 students • 750 international students from 65 countries • 1,700 staff • 170 full professors • 1,500 Master's degrees per year • 60 PhD degrees per year • 2,000 academic publications per year Denise Mendizabal, 21 years, Bolivia, 3rd year BSc international business "I feel that International Business offers me a great opportunity to get a job with good prospects in the field of business and economics and therefore to obtain a good career. In Tilburg, this programme is very complete, which gives me a good knowledge base in order for me to obtain a Master's degree." Prof Dr Pierre Larouche, programme coordinator International and European Business Law "This Master's programme plays to the strengths of our Faculty. My colleagues and I give out our best to students. For me, it is both a delight and a challenge to teach. Working with a group of students from various backgrounds is a very enjoyable experience. In European Competition Law, I ask my students to leave behind the classical approach to the topic and to focus on specific problem areas using both law and economics. I draw directly from my current research and from the newest cases to bring the course as close as possible to real life." Urszula Jaremba, student of International and European Public Law "The major factors that drew me to this programme were the excellent teaching standard, the quality and professionalism of the well-known professors, and the broad choice of various, up-to-date, and rewarding courses in different legal fields. Every student is provided with the opportunity to create his/her own programme. The staff's support and dedication is exceptional and the students are trained to think analytically and read critically."//Tilburg University

Holland:"Money for schoolbooks is insufficient"

AMSTERDAM – The cabinet is not setting enough money aside for the free school books it has promised. A small majority of schools says the funds allotted are insufficient, Trouw reports. Many independent secondary schools and large school systems say that the EUR 308 per student is not enough to cover the costs of books. They fear that the quality of education they offer will be compromised. 9 percent of schools on the other hand say that books have cost them less than EUR 308 per student and that they will have money left over. School books are to be provided free of cost to students starting in 2008 at the earliest.//Expatica News 2007

How the Dutch are seen abroad

Last week I attended a debate at De Balie in Amsterdam which looked at the general image of the Netherlands abroad, and how the image is created. Although it wasn't a total eye-opener, the discussion at least confirmed suspicions that the Dutch are currently seen as a society seeking a solution rather than having the answers. Ten years ago Holland was viewed as a liberal leader in ethical questions, a society in which social experimentation was possible. Isabel Ferrer of El Pais remembered that the majority of stories she covered around this time were human interest, sport and business. Now she is dealing with issues of the Fortuyn legacy. The Spanish have been "flabbergasted" by turns in events such as the murder of film director Theo van Gogh and the expulsion of outspoken anti-Islamist Hirsi Ali, she said. An article published by IHT at the time sums it up neatly: Hirsi Ali "has been a lightning rod in a country that is moving to the right as it struggles with how to deal with immigrants, most of them Muslim. After two high-profile assassinations, people are deeply divided over whether to be cautious or blunt toward Muslims who settle in the Netherlands but do not adapt to the country's social mores". Gerald de Hemptinne of AFP said the French were amazed at how the Netherlands had treated Hirsi Ali. In effect they threw their own icon out of the country, he said. His impression is that the Netherlands is in a recovery period following the last few years of set-backs and the image of the Netherlands abroad will continue to be negative until the nation finds a clear direction. Muslim integration, citizenship laws, compulsory tests and the controversial views of right-wing politician Geert Wilders may be the stories the foreign media have been latching onto recently, but Charles van Renesse of Amsterdam Partners said the picture wasn't all black. "The image of Amsterdam is stronger than the rest of the Netherlands," he said, describing what he sees as a shift from sex, drugs and rock and roll to the image of a creative business city. Hans Peter van der Woude, head Communications Division Ministry of Foreign Affairs also mentioned a poll where the questions "Do you feel the Netherlands is more tolerant now than two years ago?" was put to nationals in China, Germany, the UK and France. In all four countries the majority replied 'yes', he said. Van der Woude admitted that explaining events such as the Hirsi Ali affair to people abroad had been a difficult process for the Foreign Ministry. They'd plumped for damage control and decided to send out a message out through Dutch Ambasadors to highlight the fact that Ali had decided to leave the Netherlands before the naturalisation issue arose. But the news had already broken. Which brought up the closing point made by Annette Birschel, chair of the Foreign Press Association - that the foreign press would prefer to get more information from the outset. The government and key organisations really need take a more pro-active approach with the foreign media, considering that important news will travel out anyhow, she said.//Natasha Gunn Expatica

The programme Study Abroad at CHN

The Programme Study abroad students can choose from unique minors in the fields of Hospitality, Tourism and International and Retail Business. Each minor is awarded 15 credits. Our Study Abroad Programmes, for both International students and students from EU member countries, commence twice a year, in the autumn (fall) and spring semesters. Each semester is divided into two periods. Students can select two minors per semester. You can come for one or two semesters. Autumn semester Period 1 – Cruise Management – European Retailing: Key Success Factors – Humanitarian Hospitality Management 1 – Professional Conference & Events Management 1 – SIFE 1 (students in free enterprise) – Media & Entertainment: a brand new start Period 2 – European Retailing: the Retail Arena – Humanitarian Hospitality Management 2 – SIFE 2 (students in free enterprise) – Hospitality Care Spring semester Period 3 – Cruise Management – Heritage Tourism – Entrepreneurship: International Market Orientation – Humanitarian Hospitality Management 1 – Professional Conference & Events Management 1 – SIFE 1 (students in free enterprise) – Real Estate Management (30 credits) Period 4 – Adventure Tourism – Hospitality Care – Entrepreneurship: Setting up a company abroad – Humanitiarian Hospitality Management 2 – SIFE 2 (students in free enterprise) – Real Estate Management 2 – Music Management Minors in South Africa and Thailand Besides the main campus of the CHN in the Netherlands, the CHN also has campuses abroad in Thailand, South Africa, Qatar and China. Students who enroll at the CHN campus Leeuwarden for the full year, can choose a country specific minor in South Africa or Thailand for their second semester. Campus South Africa – Wildlife & Lodge Management – Entrepreneurship Campus Thailand – Spa & Health Management Please refer to www.chn.nl for detailed descriptions. Study Start Week There is an introduction before formal teaching begins, which includes reception, registration and orientation. Students are fully integrated into the academic and social life of the CHN. The University has a club for social activities (Hestia) and offers a wide range of sports and recreational facilities. Tuition fee and costs per semester Tuition fee 2,500 euro Accommodation 2,000 euro Health insurance 250 euro Residence Permit 430 euro Personal expenses 2, 000 euro Application deadlines September intake: 31 May February intake: 31 October Minimum academic requirements – 2 years education at Bachelor level – 2.75 cumulative GPA – 6.0 IELTS or 550 TOEFL Please refer to www.chn.nl for more details. Application procedures For more information and the application form please refer to our website www.chn.nl or contact us at io@chn.nl Academic calendar 2007/2008 Semester 1: September–January Semester 2: February–July Meet our students Do you want to know what current students think of CHN? Read all about the experiences of students coming from all over of the world on our website www.chn.nl 7 reasons why you should study abroad at CHN University Netherlands: > Meet students from over 60 different nationalities > International Curriculum, Study Environment and Student Services > Affordable Off-Campus Housing > Modern practice Facilities with 4-star Hotel, 3 Restaurants and Convention Facilities > Problem Based Learning Education system > Study counseling and personal coaching during entire study programme > Social and cultural student club//CHN University Netherlands

Ridiculously liberal Holland

Dutch liberal attitudes are currently getting caned by The Sun. The British tabloid newspaper is up in arms about the fact that an escaped prisoner from an English jail cannot be extradited from Holland because the Dutch don’t consider escaping a crime. They believe clambering over prison walls is just normal human instinct. To anybody with an ounce of common sense the Dutch standpoint seems ridiculous. According to The Sun the escaped Dutchman was twice the drink-driving limit when he caused a fatal crash. Whatever his basic instincts, he committed a crime and should serve out his sentence and this should be extended because he escaped. Holland is doing itself no good by pussy-footing around with such ethical abstractions. And there are many other examples. Until recently companies could deduct bribes from their corporate tax because this was technically a business cost if it was to secure a contract! But this liberal lunacy is only one side of the Dutch character. Holland also has a fanatical fascination with rules and permits. The country is one of the most regulated, permit-driven countries in Europe. A businessman who recently opened a theme park had to obtain over a hundred permits to do so, at a cost of over 2m euro. Somewhere there is even an official list of names you can give your children. It would make a great deal of sense to be less understanding of criminals and more sympathetic to entrepreneurs - the honest ones that is. //DutchNews.nl

CHN: Study Abroad

“The Netherlands has many more opportunities other than the learning experience, The Netherlands teaches you to be independent, while still helping you socialize in a new and complete different society.” Myron Lampe – Aruba What is study abroad? The CHN study abroad programme allows students and graduates from universities around the world to study unique subjects and gain credits at the CHN University Netherlands for either one semester or a full academic year. The CHN – Your home away from home The Netherlands is an open, tolerant and multicultural society, with a population able to communicate in at least 2 foreign languages. The CHN is one of the most international universities in the Netherlands and home to over 7000 students coming from over 60 different countries. The CHN is internationally recognized for being a leader in the field of International Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism, Service and Retail Business. For who is study abroad? The study abroad programme is designed for second, third or fourth year students currently enrolled at universities as well as graduates of diploma and Bachelor courses. The study abroad programme enables students to combine a period of residence abroad with an educational programme for which you will gain academic credits towards your degree in your country of origin. Upon completion you will be provided with an official transcript of your records and a CHN Study Abroad certificate. Why study abroad? For all students the study abroad experience is a perfect way to immerse and integrate in a new culture and at the same time get introduced to the well renowned Dutch education system. You will be able to take classes alongside students from all over the world and at the same time gain first hand experience in the famous Dutch problem based learning educational system. Students can choose from distinctive minors like Adventure Tourism, Cruise Management and Real Estate Management or learn the secrets of European Retailing. Support The CHN does its utmost to provide students with all the support needed. Our international office offers many services ranging from assistance during the application procedure, arrange accommodation, information about Holland and the CHN and all other organisational matters. Our purpose is to make you feel at home. Housing The CHN provides fully furnished accommodation for international students. All rooms have internet access. //CHN University Netherlands

Amsterdam ranks 13 for overall quality of living

AMSTERDAM - Western European and North American cities were amongst the highest scoring cities for health and sanitation, according to the 2007 Worldwide Quality of Living Survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting. The top 5 scoring cities for health and sanitation were predominantly North American, with Calgary coming in at number one. Helsinki was the only European city to make the top five coming in at 3rd. However, almost half of the top 30 scoring cities surveyed are in Western Europe. European capitals Amsterdam (21st), Berlin (45th), Brussels (36th), Madrid (56th) and Paris (60th), lagged behind Scandinavian cities. "The availability of public and private hospital care, together with modern medical infrastructure, means healthcare standards in Europe are generally very high,” said Slagin Parakatil, senior researcher at Mercer. The scores are based on availability and quality of hospital and medical supplies; levels of air pollution and infectious disease; efficiency of waste removal and sewage systems. Water potability and the presence of harmful animals and insects are also taken into account. "Companies managing a global workforce must take into account a range of factors when structuring remuneration packages for their expatriate employees," said Yvonne Sonsino, principal at Mercer. "Organisations can struggle to find suitably qualified local staff when operating overseas and so rely on benchmark data to ensure the rewards they offer encourage employees with transferable skills to accept international assignments." Zurich ranks as the world’s top city, with a rating of 108.1, in Mercer’s overall ranking for quality of living. Coming in second was Geneva, closely followed by Vancouver and Vienna in equal third. European and Australian cities continue to dominate the highest rankings for overall quality of living. Auckland and Düsseldorf share fifth place, followed by Frankfurt and Munich in seventh and eighth place. Bern and Sydney came in at equal ninth. Amsterdam, Brussels and Berlin also made it into the top 20 with ranks of 13, 14 and 16 respectively. Paris came in at 33 and Madrid at 42. Prague received the highest rank for Eastern Europe, coming in at 75. Russian cities have also performed poorly with Moscow, St Petersburg, Novosobirsk and Kazan taking positions 201, 184, 182 and 174 respectively. The analysis is based on an evaluation of 39 quality of living criteria for each city including political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health, education, transport and other public services. Full city rankings for overall quality of living worldwide (2007) 1 Zurich,Switzerland 2 Geneva, Switzerland 3 Vancouver, Canada 3 Vienna, Austria 5 Auckland, New Zealand 5 Dusseldorf, Germany (Amsterdam ranked 13, Brussels 14, Berlin 16, Paris 33, Barcelona 41, Madrid 42.)//Expatica 2007

'Public transport card should be free'

The chip card which will replace ordinary tickets on all forms of public transport from 2008 should be free and there should also be a disposable version for tourists and occasional users, passenger groups said on Tuesday. Dutch Rail (NS) wants to charge 7.50 euro for the cards saying this will stimulate passengers to look after them. Disposable cards are not part of the concept, NS told the Volkskrant.//DutchNews.nl

Holland: Minister aims for bar smoking ban in a year

New Dutch health minister Ab Klink told NOS TV last night that he wants to introduce a ban on smoking in bars, cafés and restaurants within a year. The new government's coalition accord says a ban should be introduced before 2011. His predecessor Hans Hoogervorst had struck a deal with the catering sector to reduce smoke nuisance by 2009. An evaluation of that deal is due to be published in the spring.//DutchNews.nl