Dutch to bring in single-tier boards

The justice ministry has drawn up draft legislation which would give Dutch companies the option of using a single-tier board system, in line with common practice in the UK and US. At the moment Dutch firms have a two-tier system – a management board led by the director and a supervisory board to appoint management board members and control its actions. Justice minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin hopes giving the green light to single-tier boards will make Dutch firms more attractive internationally. Currently only companies created from mergers with foreign firms have a single board, such as Reed Elsevier, Shell, Unilever and Fortis. KPN has also considered a single board set up Interested parties have until May 31 to comment on the plans. In addition, Hirsch Ballin is considering introducing changes to the legal status of top managers which would cut their pay-outs when sacked, the Financieele Dagblad reported on Tuesday. At the moment CEOs are not only in charge of a company, but also employed by it, meaning they can claim compensation twice over if they lose their jobs.//DutchNews.nl

The Netherlands offers most English programmes

Programmes taught in English in non-English-speaking European countries are on the rise. The Netherlands are the uncontested leader in this form of education, followed by Finland. These are some of the key findings of a new study by the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA). The ACA, a Brussels-based higher education think tank, has just published a study on English-taught programmes in European higher education. The study is based on surveys of all recognized higher education institutions (about 2,200) in 27 European countries in which English is not the domestic language The book follows onto an earlier series of surveys which ACA undertook five years ago. The number of English-taught programmes has roughly tripled in the last five years – to about 2,400 all over Europe. But in most countries, English-medium higher education is still a fairly marginal phenomenon. This is not so in the Netherlands, in Finland and in other Nordic countries, which are the European leaders in this form of tuition. In southern Europe, English-taught programmes are very rare. Most of the offer – almost 80 percent – is concentrated in Master programmes at the postgraduate level. The leading subject areas are engineering studies, closely followed by business and management. 70 percent of programmes charge tuition fees, with Danish institutions being most expensive at about 11,000 Euro per year. 65 percent of all students enrolled are foreigners in the country of study, mostly from European and Asian source countries. Compared to five years ago, the international marketing of English-taught programmes has improved markedly. Language problems of professors and students play a relatively minor role now.//Nuffic

Stenden (CHN) university: BA Small Business & Retail Management - Short Track

Ready for International Retailing?

Internationalisation and globalisation are major influences in the world of today and tomorrow. Modern, large companies are often part of multinational chains or have many international contacts. Smaller, independent companies operate in international markets.

Trading between nations is as old as the history of the human race. Now, in the twenty-first century, retailing is one of the foremost global industries providing new opportunities for global understanding and co-operation. The world's largest employer is a retailing organisation!

There is a great need world-wide for inspiring managers and entrepeneurs with an international focus, a good command of languages spoken internationally and commercial insights as well as insight into different cultures.

Do you want to become part of this rapidly developing and therefore challenging international industry? Your first step could be the Retail Business School short track programme: a two year programme leading to a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Overview of the programme

The diversity of ideas, knowledge and experience offered by students from varied cultural backgrounds enriches our international programme. The programme also forms part of the four-year fulltime course for our domestic students. The language of instruction is English.

In each academic year, 60 credits (ECTS) are awarded. Each point represents 28 hours of studying. For each ten-week module the student passes 15 credits are awarded. Also credits are awarded for other educational activities. This makes a total of 60 credits for each academic year (see the overview of the programme ). The short track programme consists of

• 3 semesters thematic theory modules in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
• graduation semester of practical training in a company or in an entrepreneurship or research project and a graduation assignment (dissertation)

A short track student enters the RBS programme with accreditation of 120 EC for relevant prior learning and work experience. This accreditation is given by the examination committee of the RBS. The total number of credits required for a bachelor degree is 240. In individual cases further accreditation is given for extensive, relevant work experience and an individual study route is determined. Each module has it's own assessment. This usually consists of various assignments, a written test and an assessment of active participation. An assignment can involve a presentation about a specific subject, carrying out a research project and/or compiling a report about the central case in the module. During the final year of study students can follow a number of graduation routes. The study programme depends on the individual student's choice, and also on the availability of modules, exchange programme places, projects and internships. It is important that you discuss your study and career ambitions with your study coach in order to determine the most effective study route. Internships and graduation projects are awarded or approved by the fourth year graduation semester co-ordinator; students are expected to take an active role in this process.//Stenden (CHN) university

Stenden (CHN) university: Master in International Service Management

The MA in International Service Management is not limited to one specific area, but prepares for the broad field of services. It is designed to provide you with the necessary academic, professional and personal competencies for managing service organisations. You develop an analytical and critical attitude towards service management concepts. You develop sound research and project management skills. After successfully writing and defending a dissertation, you are awarded the Master of Arts in International Service Management degree. Characteristics

• Research projects constitute the heart of the programme.
• The programme is based on constructivist learning principles and focuses on the acquisition and application of knowledge in the context of service management practices.
• The competencies obtained from the MA in International Service Management will allow you to introduce innovative service provision and contribute to the continuing success of service organisations.
• The programme is taught in groups of between 12 and 25 participants from a variety of countries to enhance exchange of experiences between different cultures.

Objectives The programme is intended to provide advanced knowledge in service studies, an in-depth perspective on service management theories, and insight into the implications for management practices. Through supervised research, you are brought to the forefront of academic knowledge in the broad field of service management. You are encouraged to perform in-depth studies about issues of personal interest, relevant to your academic and professional development. The main objective of the MA in International Service Management is that the graduates are capable of serving as internal or external consultants, conducting research, and offering advice related to the policies of service companies. Other objectives are:

• Acquisition of in-depth knowledge in a specific area of service management.
• Acquisition of service management research skills.
• Development of professional, academic, and personal competencies.

A successfully written and well-defended dissertation leads to the title of a Master of Arts in International Service Management. //Stenden (CHN) university

HAN university: Master of Telecommunication Management

There is an increasing demand for telecommunication engineers who combine a Master´s level of theoretical and operational understanding with the flexibility to adapt to new developments. This study programme at university level was designed to fulfil the need of Bachelor level graduates to get a deeper insight in breadth and in depth in setting up a telecommunication network. Latest technologies and computer techniques in its total environment with the emphasis on project management, including human resource management, marketing and financial management. The university uses sophisticated simulation programmes and modern equipped laboratories. Scheme structure and study load The programme is scheduled in a full-time and part time study. The full-time study runs in the normal route during 12 months or efficiently during 9 months. All teaching is done in English and the courses are evaluated by exams, reports and/or presentations. Admission conditions The programme is admissible for Bachelor level graduates in Electronical, Electro technical and Electro mechanical Engineering or any closely related study. In order to be admitted students must have obtained a Bachelor degree at an above average level: in principle a GPA ³ 2.8 is asked for. Apart from that, students must have a sufficient command of the English language (TOEFL score 550 or more / IELTS 6.0 or more). For the full-time schedule students are expected to have at least two years of working experience in a relevant telecommunication environment. Part-time students should work in a relevant environment. Registration Applicants for the scheme are requested to fill out the special Registration Form Master in Telecommunication and Management. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available places, the order of receipt of the registration forms will determine the admission. Students must be aware that investigation in their background is possible due to the non-proliferation agreement, of which the Netherlands is a participant.//HAN university

University Twente: why don't Dutch women get depressed?

In the Vrijhof Amphitheater at the UT, Ellen de Bruin, psychologist and journalist for the science section of the NRC Handelsblad, amused her audience with her portrayal of the modern-day, Dutch biking goddess, who handles life's small obstacles with her efficient practicality through rain, hail and wind. On its first reprint, de Bruin's book, `Dutch Women Don't Get Depressed,' is the Dutch retort to the worldwide bestseller, `Why Don't French Women Get Fat,' and the Asian equivalent, `Japanese Women Don't Get Old or Fat.' In a search for an answer to her title, de Bruin conducted interviews with psychologist, historians, world travelers and experts. Her final conclusion was that Dutch women, though not completely immune to depression, are happier then most women in the world. In a study to discover levels of happiness, conducted by professor Rutt Veenhoven from the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, Dutch women ranked number 15 on a world chart, scoring a 7.4, a result that placed the Dutch higher then most countries. Based on her research, she discovered certain characteristics of Dutch women as being: bossy with their husbands, great cyclist, lousy at hospitality, sometimes naïve, and possessing natural beauty. One example, says de Bruin, `If you come around a Dutch family at dinner time, you get sent away. They say, we're going to eat in 5 minutes and it's not an invitation. It's go away, come back later.' `This is because Dutch women are very assertive and very self confident and they can say anything they like,' says de Bruin. The Netherlands remains an open society, a land where marijuana is legally sold, euthanasia is permitted, and one of the few countries in the world to legalize and tax prostitution. `Equality is really a determinate for happiness,' says de Bruin. She believes in the freedom of personal choices, `In the Netherlands, we are free to choose our own life. We are free to choose our religion, our own sexual orientation, and who we marry' and she concludes, `All these freedoms make us happy.'//UT Nieuws

Dutch survey results: Just graduated "starters" switch jobs fast

Most Dutch university and higher professional education graduates do not stay long with their first employer. No less than 90% of starters in the Netherlands quit within two years. It takes three quarters of starters in Holland only two months to find a job. This is the outcome of research conducted among 800 Dutch university and higher professional education graduates by recruitment agency Ad Rem Young. "We often notice that graduates from Dutch universities hardly explore the job market. Businesses already approach these young professionals, as it were, while they are still taking lecturers. Soon afterwards they realise they are not at all satisfied with their new employers", according to director Ramses Serno of Ad Rem. The main reasons starters switch jobs in Holland so fast is that they do not provide enough career possibilities or are too limited. According to the research results, starters would like to spend a day on the work floor before starting a job. This is something Serno recommends as well. "Look around in a company first, exploring is part of the game. How you feel about a workplace is often more important than what an employer has to offer you." In 2002, 40% of the fresh Dutch graduates had a job within two months in the Netherlands. This is now 57%. According to Serno, this is because the job market in Holland is very dynamic: "At the moment, there are many more possibilities for graduates than there were a couple of years ago." [PA/transl.YV]//Univers of Tilburg University

Holland: Women prefer talking to friends than partner

Some 55% of Dutch women would rather talk to their girlfriends than their partner and one in three spends more time chatting to her than to the man she is in a relation with, according to a survey in the latest issue of women’s magazine Flair. Almost all (80%) said they would rather shop with a friend than partner and 61% have the same preference when it comes to going out. Loyalty is the most important characteristic when it comes to friendship say 75% of women.//© DutchNews.nl

Working in Stenden University (story#12)

I am working now! And you know who I am and where I work? I am a tutor in my own school – Stenden University! Would you like to know how it happened to me? Then listen to my story. I am a student in Master program in Leisure and Tourism Studies in Stenden University. From the beginning of my studying I was looking for a job. First of all, I applied for a job in all the employment agencies located in Leeuwarden. But as an international student I am allowed to work only for 10 hours per week during the year or 3 months of 40 hours per week in summer. The employer also needs to apply for my working permit and the process of application and waiting for an answer can take up to a couple of months. So these conditions didn’t satisfy employers and they didn’t want to spend time on applying and waiting for my working permit. But I didn’t loose the hope and was searching for my luck at school. I was asking the teachers, office managers and everybody whom I knew for an opportunity to work for school. And after a couple worthless months I was offered a job! And not just assisting the teachers with their research or organizing office work but to be a tutor! A tutor is the guide for bachelor students during the PBL sessions. PBL, or problem based learning, is such kind of a class that is held by students. The students read the text, analyze it, define the problem and set up learning goals to solve the problem. The tutor is guiding them during the lesson, correcting the mistakes and answering students’ questions. The tutor’s responsibilities also include assignment consultation and assignment grading. So, it is very interesting and responsible job! And I really enjoy it!//Stenden (CHN) University

Museum Corpus - The attraction of the human body

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix opened the museum CORPUS on March 14th 2008. This unique museum, built in the Netherlands is one in the world. Here you can take a spectacular excursion around the human body. CORPUS is a 'journey through the human body' during which the visitor can see, feel and hear how the human body works and what roles healthy food, healthy life and plenty of exercise plays. CORPUS offers a variety of information and provides education and entertainment with this journey as well as a vast number of permanent and variable exhibitions. CORPUS has been realised in a 35-meter high transparent building with the contours of the human body projecting from it. The eye-catching building is situated along the A44 highway between Amsterdam and The Hague. Questions as 'Why do I have to sleep?', 'what happens when I sneeze', 'how does my hair grow' are answered in CORPUS by means of tangible, visible and audible conceptions during the 'journey through the human body'. CORPUS uses the latest technology in the field of imagery, sound and 3D effects to present and explain all aspects of the medical aspects of the human body. CORPUS 'journey through the human body':

• The attraction of the human body (about 55 minutes)
• 8 languages audio tour
• Medical information center (about 1 hour)
• Entrance EUR 16,50
• Group discounts

Corpus. Museum of Human Body from Holland

Tilburg University received money to attract students in North Brabant

Tilburg University has several ideas for how to spend the € 100,000 it will receive from the province of North Brabant to attract new students. Besides giving support to the Brabant universities, the province is working on its own scholarship for talented students, including students from abroad. As part of its 'Brabant as knowledge region' policy, the province of North Brabant is going to support the universities in Eindhoven and Tilburg in attracting new students. "As a result of a flourishing economy, we need highly qualified personnel. The universities are wrestling with dropping market shares, and have asked for help. By supporting them financially, the province gives a signal to employers that we aim to educate talented students. At the same time it fits our policy to make the student cities of Tilburg and Eindhoven more attractive", explains Annemarie Moons (Social Democrats PvdA), member of the Provincial Executive in charge of Economics and sustainability, and former chairperson of the university council in Eindhoven. The universities are free to spend the money as they wish, as long as they make clear that the province contributed it. Tilburg University will use the €100,000 for an additional campaign to attract students, focusing on the information days at the end of March. "Posters in bus shelters, radio commercials; with this money we can do things we normally could not have done", says Jolanda van den Broek, head of Public and External Affairs. If it is up to Moons, the financial support is only a first step. "We are working on scholarships for talented students from the Netherlands and abroad, which we aim to link to internships, for instance, making the relation with the companies directly visible." [RA/transl.YV]//Univers of Tilburg University

European subsidies for TU/e research

The TU/e will receive at least one grant in the first round of the “Starting Grant Competition” of the European Research Council (ERC). Luc Brunsveld, who will be appointed professor at the Faculty of Biomedical Technology in July, is to receive 1.25 million Euros. Frank Geels of Technology Management is high on the list of reserves. He has a good chance of receiving a 900,000 Euro grant. Brunsveld will start his professorship in July as professor of Chemical Biology. The planned group of six scientists supporting the chair will now have quite a boost. With the starting grant, Brunsveld will be able to appoint another four PhD students or post-docs. Brunsveld, who attained his doctor’s degree at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at the TU/e, will be focussing on the interactions between proteins. These proteins play an important role in illnesses and their prevention. In the direct allocation of grants, Geels was passed over. However, the ERC is striving to get additional funds for another hundred applications. Geels is so high up on the list of reserves that he may well receive a grant of over 900,000 Euros. As a result, he will be able to finance his own appointment for five years as well as that of two PhD students. Geels will be using the grant to investigate how sustainable innovations can gain a foothold in non-sustainable conservative sectors, such as transport, energy and agriculture. The ERC subsidizes research proposals of individual scientists; these starting grants are meant for excellent scientists who attained their doctor’s degrees two to nine years ago and who can use support to start up new lines of research. There was considerable competition in the first round: only 200 proposals will receive grants out of the 9,000 that were submitted. Another 230 are now on a reserve list. According to the Dutch Ministry of Education, Dutch scientists have done extremely well this first round. With nine per cent of the total number of proposals to receive grants, the Netherlands is in fourth position in Europe.//Technical University Eindhoven

Nyenrode MBA Climbs in Financial Times Ranking

Dutch Nyenrode Business Universiteit's International MBA Program has climbed to 82nd place in the annual Financial Times ranking of the 100 best MBA programs in the world. In the European ranking, Nyenrode holds the 24th place. The criteria on which the Financial Times bases its assessment include the course structure, internationalization, the diversity of the faculty and the students, educational material, aims and results achieved, and the assessments of alumni. The Kellogg School of Management, Nyenrode's partner institute in Chicago, is in the top-25 of this FT ranking. The FT Global MBA Rankings are published annually and are among the most important indicators for students and educators regarding the career and future prospects that are offered by educational institutes. In May last year, it was announced that Nyenrode's open programs and customized programs for managers and entrepreneurs are also included in the newspaper's executive education rankings. The Nyenrode Business Universiteit was founded by the private sector and is one of the oldest and most prestigious business schools and business universities in Europe. Nyenrode prepares people with talent and ambition for leading positions in an international environment. In addition, it attaches great value to social awareness and sustainable entrepreneurship. This Dutch Business university offers Master's degree courses in business administration and Bachelor's, Master's and Post-Master's degree courses in accountancy and controlling. At the heart of Nyenrode's educational philosophy is the combination of knowledge dissemination, practical experience and development of social skills. This leading business university from Holland (together with the private sector) sees this combination as crucial to success in management positions. Nyenrode offers standard and bespoke executive programs and permanent education for the small and medium-size business sector and stock market quoted Dutch and international businesses. The Nyenrode Research Group coordinates the university's scientific research and keeps a close eye on the applicability of this research. Every study year Nyenrode Business School provides increased financial support to smart, driven, and committed students of all nationalities through the scholarship opportunities.//Nyenrode Business University from Holland

Tilburg University: more applications from international students

The number of applications received from international students in Tilburg University is climbing. The new strategy for recruiting international students seems to be paying off. New brochures, new banners, an improved website, scholarships, and all kinds of promotional gizmos flaunting the Tilburg University logo are only some examples of the improved recruiting strategy. Internationalisation is a hot topic at Tilburg University. Originally, the people and offices responsible for Tilburg's internationalisation policy were spread out over various faculties and departments within the university. The International Office was officially opened in September 2006, with the aim of centralising this process. The International Marketing Officer's main task is to recruit foreign degree-seeking students. Apart from high international rankings, name recognition is pivotal in attracting foreign students. This is why Tilburg University works very hard to make a name for itself, and the International office contributes to that. "We aim to stay in touch with partner universities and other business partners. It often happens that partner universities point out Tilburg University to their students because they know us and they recognise that we have high-quality education." Thomas Knight from the United States (Master's in Economics) agrees with that. "I first heard about Tilburg from my advisor, who knew because another student had been there two years ago." One way of putting Tilburg University on the international map is by being present at information fairs all over the world. Of course, the best spokespeople of all are the students who have experienced Tilburg first-hand. Students participating in the recently established Sounding Board often join the International Office employees when they attend fairs in the students' native countries. The fliers passed out at these fairs have been translated into the language of the country. At the Faculty of Economics, for example, the number of applications has gone up from 450 in 2006 to around 650 in 2007. Almost 300 international students came to study at Tilburg University in 2007, while the year before only 175 students chose for Tilburg. [Linda Mous]/Univers Tilburg University

Loan tuition fees EU citizens

Students from the EU, EEA or coming from Switzerland, can apply for a loan or a contribution towards the payment of their tuition fees or course fees. There are two possible situations: 1.Does the student want to study in the Netherlands and did they not receive a contribution for the tuition fees for studies in the Netherlands in the academic year 2006-2007? In that case the student fall under a new regulation. From academic year 2007-2008 the student can apply for ‘loan tuition fees’ to pay his/her tuition fees. This loan has to be paid back after graduation. 2.Did the student receive a contribution from the IBG in the 2006-2007 academic year to pay the tuition fees for a course in higher education? In that case you can simply submit another application for the contribution of tuition fees for the 2007-2008 academic year. If you comply with all the conditions, the student does not have to repay this contribution. //www.ib-groep.nl

Leiden University:site in many languages

Leiden university website is specially made for the family and friends of our prospective students who would like to learn more about Leiden in their own language. The languages listed here reflect the languages of most of Leiden's students. Leiden University may soon be in a vicinity near you at an education fair. See our agenda and come to meet us in your countryLeiden was once a home to Einstein and many other famous researchers.

Exams in Stenden University (story #11)

The second module is over. Uffff…. Hopefully passed. But I am still waiting for the results. In Stenden University everything is done very attentively and carefully and thus it requires a lot of time. From the exam day to the day you receive your results it can take up to 4 weeks. Long time, huh? Exams at Stenden University But now let’s talk about the exams in details. The exams take place during the study period. It can be in the middle of the module or during the last week. You don’t have the week or so for preparation. You can have the day full of lessons just before the exam day and the day with seminars and lectures for which you need to prepare really hard right afterwards. It is a great challenge I would say. Though it seems so tough from the beginning in reality it is not. In my Master program we don’t have the oral exams. Furthermore, all the exams I have will fall into 2 main categories. Among them are the tests with essay type questions and short answer test. For exam you have about 2,5-3 hours for essay type questions and only 45 minutes for short answer test. I am studying in Master program in Stenden University and we don’t have multiple choice and true/false question tests as there are in bachelor program. It can be explained quite easy. Masters need to think but not just to choose the answer. Every answer you give should be explained. You can support the ideas of the key scientists or you can offer your own insights. If you can explain your point of view and justify it using clear examples from practice then your answer will be considered as correct. It would be right even if it contradicts with scientific ideas and approaches. But before developing your own ideas and thoughts and re-inventing the wheel you should be familiar with what already exists in the academic world. Assignments Stenden University Besides exams in Stenden University Master students also have the assignments. Sometimes writing and preparation of an assignment is much more difficult and time consuming than reading and studying for the exam. Assignments can be of three different types. Specifically they are essay writing, report writing and presentation. They can be both individual and group. It can happen so that for one module (such as Quality of Leisure and Tourism I had in December) you have to write 2 different assignments (individual and group), prepare presentation with a group and pass an exam with essay type questions. One thing is good about an essay type questions test is that you have the choice between questions to answer! So, are you still thinking about studying here? Good luck then with your exams and assignments!// Stenden (CHN) University

Tilburg University: Students offer help with thesis

At most American universities, an academic writing centre is a basic facility. Since last week, Tilburg University from Holland also has its own Scriptorium. Not only Dutch students, but also international students can knock on the Scriptorium door. Do you have writer's block, or chaos in your head, or do you just need someone to talk to about your ideas? Specially trained students at the Scriptorium can help you with academic writing assignments. In addition, the Scriptorium offers assistance in looking for the right sources and citing them correctly. These services are free for all Tilburg University students. You can make an appointment via the website, and if desired you can already e-mail parts of your thesis or paper. In this way, the tutor can prepare himself. After this, you will -on average- get three individual meetings of 45 minutes each. During these meetings, the tutors help you develop your writing skills. They are not responsible for the content of your thesis. Thirty students have already made an appointment with a tutor. Four of them are international students. [Univers/LM]

3 TUs launch new science education and communication Master

The three Dutch universities of technology – Delft, Eindhoven and Twente – are to start up a new, unique Master's degree for teachers in upper secondary education and specialists in science communication for mathematics, physics, chemistry and IT in September. The two-year degree course in Science Education and Communication will replace the existing separate teacher training courses of the three universities of technology. The new course aims to increase the number of engineers teaching in the higher years of pre-university education and the number of trained specialists in science communication. These aims are important in order to interest more people in (degree courses and a career in) technology. The new course can start in September thanks to its recent endorsement by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. The three universities of technology hope that the new course will attract large numbers of students. Special course exemptions apply to teachers in lower secondary education and to those with bachelor's degrees from higher professional education colleges (HBO) thanks to active cooperation with the colleges. The courses will be offered in Delft University, Eindhoven and University of Twente. Much of the course is the same at each of the three universities, but there are also important differences in emphasis. The option to specialise in science communication is only offered in Delft and Twente. Students at one university may follow specific parts or specialist options at the other technical universities. This increases the options open to students considerably. The Master's degree in Science Education and Communication is the fifth to be offered jointly by the three universities of technology. The other master’s degree courses are Embedded Systems, Sustainable Energy Technology, Construction Management & Engineering and Systems & Control. The joint organisation of Master's degrees in major, innovative fields is one of the initiatives of the 3TU. Federation, the partnership set up by the three universities of technology last year. Under its auspices, five Centres of Excellence are currently being created: research centres with which the three universities of technology aim to consolidate their positions in the international world of science and to give a major boost to the Dutch knowledge-based economy. The three universities of technology also increasingly work together in other fields. More information can be found on www.3tu.nl. This is a joint press release of TU Delft, TU Eindhoven and the University of Twente.

Delft University: bought two islands in Second life

The virtual portal Second Life is becoming more serious. Until recently, virtual worlds were associated with entertainment, but now the emphasis is shifting more and more towards serious uses. This is why Dr. Igor Mayer from the Faculty of Technique, Policy and Management thought it high time the Delft University made an appearance in this virtual world. Dr Mayer is a research worker and also one of the leaders of the project on Second Life which, according to him, “is a wonderful arena for promoting designs and inventions that originate in Delft. You may soon be able to travel around the campus in the submarine Wasub, or go kite-flying with one of Professor Ockels’ energy-generating kites." Technical University Delft from Holland recently bought two islands in the internet - based virtual world - Second Life. On both of the islands, activities will be developed which correspond with the mission, vision, activities and goals of TU Delft. The islands will function as a showcase for education and research at the university. TU Delft’s mission TU Delft is contributing significantly to providing responsible solutions for urgent issues in society, at both national and international levels. It can do this because of its unique technological infrastructure, broadly-based knowledge, worldwide reputation and the success of its graduates. TU Delft’s vision TU Delft would like to carry out its mission by developing new scientific insights that help to break new ground and to result in important technological breakthroughs: knowledge as a product. The focus is on enabling multidisciplinary research and design at an international level, from the perspective of sustainability. TU Delft’s faculties and uniquely large-scale technical research facilities are fundamental to achieving this. TU Delft disseminates knowledge by producing highly-qualified graduates and by stimulating the application of knowledge-based systems: knowledge is power. The University’s courses have an international appeal. This vision involves attracting and deploying talent of as many sorts as possible. Education and research are closely related and are of equal standing: both are important for maintaining the value of knowledge. TU Delft in Second Life The campus of TU Delft in Second Life contributes to the display of products and designs that provide a responsible solution to urgent social issues. These products (which can also be products in development – prototypes) often emerge when multidisciplinary education and research at TU Delft are combined. Including these products in Second Life allows the applications to be demonstrated in society and in real life. Furthermore, they offer visitors to the TU Delft Second Life islands the opportunity of taking part by, for example, taking a ride in a Superbus or experiencing the energy effect created when you make the wind blow harder. The TU Delft islands will not be used for spreading information about courses or for giving lectures. We have noticed that the Second Life community is looking for interaction, new applications and eye-catching projects. Island 1: The floating city The floating city is the place where it is possible to work together on the development of new and sustainable solutions to problems in society. The rooms in this city are furnished as working spaces or places to meet up. At the moment we are thinking about the following uses for these areas:

• Presentation of partial solutions
• Creation of a space where students and scientific personnel can work together on finding solutions.
• Testing of product mock-ups for feasibility and practical use.
• Use of the design phase of a product to gain insight into possible problems with the product.
• Sharing and discussing research results
• Carrying out experiments involving new interactive communication techniques

One of the pavilions in the Floating City is to be equipped as a theatre where visitors can watch short or longer films made by TU Delft. Island 2: A showcase of TU Delft highlights Over the years, TU Delft has made a very significant contribution to solving problems affecting society and it shall continue to do so. This means the University has a great deal to show to the public and that is why the second island is intended to function as a showcase for the many highlights that have been developed at TU Delft – both in research programmes and by students. Of course, the Floating City itself is also a good showcase, but other examples are:

• The ecorunner
• The Nuna 4
• Windmills and associated research
• Solar panels and associated research
• Formula Zero
• WASUB submarine
• Examples of sustainable building
• Energy-generating kites
• DELcraFTworks
• ‘Zonneboot’ solar-powered boat
• DelFly
• Furniture made using memory materials
• The walking robot Denise
• A snail robot to investigate the intestines
• Water purification using ‘lumps’
• Energy generated from cereals, sugarcane and sugar beet

TU Delft in Second life

HAN University: Business Management and Logistics

The Business Logistics and Management study programme (BLM) trains students to become specialists in the field of distribution and logistics. BLM graduates can spot and identify problems in the production and distribution of goods and services and can find satisfactory solutions on the basis of an analysis of alternatives. Business Logistics Management graduates are specialists in many fields, for example, purchasing, production, marketing, automation and cost control. Our study programme pays ample attention to these subjects. In addition, our programme concentrates on internationalisation. Once you have successfully completed the Business Logistics and Management programme you will obtain a bachelor’s degree. You are the specialist who knows everything about distribution and logistics. Business Logistics and Management graduates are generally found in middle management functions, with the prospect of promotion to strategic positions. Their activities mainly target small business, department stores, trade and industry and logistic services, but also non-profit organizations like hospitals, where the flow of goods is an essential part of the primary process. Examples of Business Logistics and Management functions are:

• Logistics manager
• Head of physical distribution
• Logistics analyst
• Distribution manager
• Purchaser and production planner

HAN University. Bachelor in Business Logistics & Management

Stenden (CHN) University: Master in International Service Management

Besides the part-time Master programme in International Leisure and Tourism Studies, Stenden (CHN) University also offers a part-time Master in International Service Management. This programme will start in September 2008. It is intended to provide students with advanced knowledge in service studies, an in-depth perspective on service management theories, and insight into the implications for management practices. Through supervised research, they become aquainted with academic knowledge in the broad field of service management. They are encouraged to perform in-depth studies about issues of personal interest, relevant to their academic and professional development. The main objective of the (part-time) Master in International Service Management is that the graduates are capable of serving as internal or external consultants, conducting research, and offering advice related to the policies of service companies. //Stenden (CHN) University. Part-time Master programmes

Eurogates builts bridges between Holland & Russian-speaking East -Europe

Nowdays most of the European education providers keep looking for effective communication tools which transmit relevant educational information to potential students. Operating on the Russian-speaking market since 2004, Eurogates.nl provides a tailor-made promotion service to Dutch universities assisting them in achieving this goal to attract the best candidates who would like to study in Holland. Building the communication bridges in education between Holland and East Europe Eurogates.nl delivers: FIRST SOURCE INFORMATION: Operating from Holland and working in partnership with the leading Dutch educational institutions we provide information and administrative support to Russian - speaking people who would like to study in Holland. NON - STOP PROMOTION: Using wide range of marketing tools, we promote Dutch universities, business schools and language institutes among the Russian-speaking audience all over the world. Its final aim is not only to help Dutch educational institution in accessing of talented potential students, but also to find reliable partners-recruitment bureaus working on educational market in Russian-speaking countries.

Dutch parliament back state pension gap plan

A majority of MPs supports a Christian Democrat proposal to allow people who have not been able to build up full state pension (AOW) rights, a one-off chance to do so. The move largely affects immigrants who have not consistently lived in the Netherlands from the ages of 15 to 65. Every missing year leads to a 2% cut in the state pension. The number of people affected is around 425,000 says the Volkskrant. Junior social affairs minister Ahmed Aboutaleb told MPs on Thursday afternoon that he is sympathetic to the gesture but warned that it would be difficult to implement.//DutchNews

Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences

In January 2008 the Minister for Education Ronald Plasterk announced that his ministry and associated executive agencies will use the name 'Universities of Applied Sciences' (UAS) to refer in English to institutions offering profession-oriented study programmes. In recent years, the universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands have grown from teaching institutions to broad-based knowledge institutions. In their dealings with overseas contacts, many of them have already been expressing this fact in the English name they use. The result was that a whole variety of names was in concurrent use. This in turn led to puzzlement from students, teachers, officials and policymakers, especially those at overseas institutions. This is not good for the image that Dutch higher education wishes to portray in the rest of the world. The new name – University of Applied Sciences – is in keeping with current international convention. The term also makes it clear that the universities of applied sciences are broad-based and conduct both teaching and research with a focus on practical application. Clarity in the naming of the universities of applied sciences increases the transparency of Dutch higher education in the overseas marketplace and recognized the unique character of universities of applied sciences within the Dutch system. It is also useful within the bachelor-master structure to distinguish between pure academic and profession-oriented learning. The universities focusing on pure academic learning and research will continue to be known as Research Universities in English. The name University of Applied Sciences will be used by all multidisciplinary institutions offering profession-oriented learning. Institutions that concentrate entirely or largely on the arts, teacher training, agriculture or hospitality may adopt a name other than ‘university of applied sciences’. A consultation period will be used to decide on the English names that these institutions will use. A final decision is expected in summer 2008.// Source Nuffic.nl

Dutch employees relax 33 minutes a day

The average worker relaxes for 33 minutes a day, excluding the lunch break, but would like to have more ‘down’ time, according to a survey commissioned by jobs site Monsterboard.nl. Men say they would like to relax for 51 minutes of the working day, while women say they would be happy with 38 minutes. Chatting with colleagues is the most popular way to relax, according to the poll carried out by TNS Nipo. And 14% said they found the toilet a good place to relax.//© DutchNews.nl

Holland:Rules for foreign graduate job seekers relaxed

They will, however, have to pay their own way while in the Netherlands (either from their own funds or paid employment) and they may not claim any state benefits. The minimum starting salary that foreign graduates need to earn to qualify as highly skilled migrants has been reduced from €34,130 to €25,000 p.a. This new threshold is more in tune with what new graduates can expect to earn in their first job. The Cabinet approved the changes in May following recommendations made by the Social-Economic Council (SER) on labour migration and recommendations made by the Advisory Committee on Immigration Affairs (ACVZ) on student migration. The changes were signed into law by the Minister for Social Affairs & Employment, Mr Piet Hein Donner, and the Minister for Health, Welfare & Sport, Mr Ab Klink. It is hoped that the new regime will make it more attractive for talented international students to stay in the Netherlands after graduation, and this is part of the broader objective of further raising the quality of our knowledge economy.//Source: Ministry of Social Affairs & Employment/Nuffic.

TU Delft PhD student develops smart traffic lights

Many common irritations experienced at traffic lights are easy to remove. This is demonstrated by ir. Ronald van Katwijk with the aid of a computer model, which enables smart traffic lights to communicate with each other and regulate traffic. Van Katwijk will receive his PhD on this subject from TU The Dutch traffic system does not always function perfectly. PhD candidate Ronald van Katwijk demonstrates that there is room for improvement. He has developed a computer model which enables traffic lights to communicate with each other extensively. Together, the traffic lights determine how vehicles can best be led through an area. Van Katwijk: “My traffic lights look beyond the obvious. They take each other into account.” This can translate into an average of 15% less time spent in getting from A to B, according to Van Katwijk. In the current system, traffic lights turn red if they observe a gap after a line of vehicles has passed the junction. The information is received from sensors in the road surface. Another traffic light can subsequently turn green. The sequence in which this occurs is predetermined. There are also maximum time spans for the lights being green, depending on the average amount of traffic. “But if more vehicles suddenly appear, for example due to a diversion, then traffic can become jammed because the amount of time the lights are green is no longer optimum for the situation.”//TU Delft

Amsterdam University College will open its doors soon

The Executive Boards of the VU University Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam have agreed to jointly establish the Amsterdam University College (AUC), which will offer a top quality (Honours) liberal arts and sciences Bachelor programme, taught in English. AUC will offer its students a liberal arts and sciences education for the 21st century: a broad interdisciplinary approach, creating new pathways across the traditional dividing lines between liberal arts and sciences and the professional fields, and also offering opportunities for students to focus on science and science-related majors in a liberal education context. The objective is that AUC graduates will qualify for entrance into graduate programmes at top universities around the world. AUC will focus in particular on connecting diversity with excellence in an international and intercultural context, and make full use of its location in the multicultural city of Amsterdam. AUC students will be ambitious, motivated and internationally oriented, and will be recruited from both within the Netherlands and abroad.//Nuffic

Hogeschool of Amsterdam (HvA) : International MBA Programmes

The Hogeschool van Amsterdam offers in English Bachelor programmes in the field of Business, Education, Fashion and Health, Exchange programmes and two Master programmes. The part time and fulltime International MBA Programmes are aimed at (young) professionals who are willing and eager to invest in their human capital, an investment that they will carry with them through their professional career, and not only to their next job. The students and faculty are coming from around the globe. Many of our full-time students are from developing countries and emerging, transition economies, while many of the part-time students are coming from multi-national companies, Dutch and foreign, located in Amsterdam like Nike, Heineken, ING Bank, KPMG to name a few. HES MBA Programmes maintains close contact with a number of internationally based companies to ensure that the course content and result of the programme meet the needs of international business. A number of senior managers of these companies have committed themselves to advise and provide feedback on the quality of the programme on a regular basis.

University of Twente: Deadlines for scholarships and grants approaching

The University of Twente (UT) offers research and degree programmes in technology, and in the social and behavioural sciences. In keeping with its enterprising spirit, the University is committed to making an economic and social contribution to the region of the Netherlands where it is based. The UT collaborates with TU Delft and TU/e Eindhoven under the umbrella of the 3TU.Federation, and is also a partner in the European Network of Innovative Universities (ECIU).