First Class at Erasmus University Rotterdam

International Bachelor
Economics & Business Economics
Academic Year 2007 - 2008
Erasmus School of Economics, the Netherlands
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION BY THE CHAIRMAN
2 ERASMUS UNIVERSITY ROTTERDAM
3 ERASMUS SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS
4 INTERNATIONAL BACHELOR ECONOMICS & BUSINESS ECONOMICS
8 CURRICULUM
11 STUDY ABROAD
12 GRADUATE STUDIES
13 CAREER PROSPECTS
14 ADMISSION AND APPLICATION
19 PRACTICAL INFORMATION
21 THE NETHERLANDS AND ROTTERDAM
22 STUDENT LIFE IN ROTTERDAM
25 MEET US
26 USEFUL ADDRESSES AND WEBSITES
28 STAFF
INTRODUCTION BY THE CHAIRMAN
Dear prospective student,
A warm welcome to all of you interested in the International
Bachelor Economics & Business Economics (IBEB) programme
at Erasmus University Rotterdam. The new IBEB programme is
an initiative of Erasmus School of Economics, the largest and
oldest school of economics in the Netherlands. The IBEB
programme started in September 2005 with the third year of
the Bachelor’s programme. In September 2006 the program-
me started in full from the first Bachelor’s year onwards.
We offer you an opportunity and the challenge to study
economics and business economics, and gain a better
understanding of human society together with people from
all parts of the world, with differing experiences, views and
beliefs. We encourage you to question existing ideas and seek
novel solutions to problems, old and new. We aim for the
highest standards of independent judgement and seek to
make our work practical and relevant to the real world.

Erasmus School of Economics offers a unique opportunity to Students choosing the IBEB programme will participate in an
study economics and business at an institution with a active and varied curriculum, which emphasises the need for
worldwide academic reputation. Meanwhile you can enjoy self-study and intellectual skills. If you enjoy being challenged
the cultural, social and recreational facilities of Rotterdam, – intellectually, socially and personally – it is wise to consider
a vibrant city with one of the largest ports in the world. Erasmus School of Economics, where you will be most
welcome, for your undergraduate degree programme.
The school’s location has been fundamental to its identity ever
since Rotterdam bankers and business executives founded it Professor Ivo Arnold
in 1913. If you decide to be an undergraduate at our school, Chairman of the IBEB programme
you will not only be choosing a course of study but also a place
to live and work for three years. Our university looks out over
the Rotterdam skyline with its multinational headquarters,
modern architecture, bustling harbour activities, internatio-
nal connections, culture, entertainment, and historic quarters.
It is a stimulating and cosmopolitan place, providing a direct
view of economics and business activities in the ‘real world’.

The qualities of the school are derived from the variety and
quality of its staff and students and from the active debate on
current social, economic and political concerns with the
‘outside’ world (firms, government agencies, and international
institutions). Each year, prominent speakers from all over the
world (politicians, business leaders, and academics) visit the
school to do research, participate in teaching and give public
lectures.


 ERASMUS UNIVERSITY ROTTERDAM
Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) was founded in 1913
by leading business executives and bankers. Worldwide, the
university has a strong reputation. It combines high academic
achievements with an empirical focus and an applied business
and policy orientation. Besides the economics of European and
world markets, business administration, finance & banking,
econometrics, transport and logistics, we also analyse health
care, environment, philosophy, law and legislation, history,
arts and culture.
Erasmus University Rotterdam is a modern institution and an
important educational centre near one of the world’s largest
ports. International and Dutch students who wish to streng-
then their degrees and increase their positions in labour
markets will find the key disciplines at Erasmus University
Rotterdam very appealing. At present, Erasmus University
Rotterdam numbers some 24,500 students in seven faculties
and schools. Some 2,500 of these students are international
and their number is growing each academic year.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Erasmus University Rotterdam has a worldwide academic
reputation. It hosts internationally renowned institutes, such
as Erasmus School of Economics, Erasmus MC – University
Medical Centre, with its academic prestige for research, and
RSM Erasmus University, which ranks among the top five
schools in Europe. This reputation also holds for Economics &
Business, as Erasmus School of Economics is ranked fifth by
the German magazine Wirtschaftswoche and fourth by Times
Higher Education Supplement November 2005 in the field of
Social Sciences.
prospectivestudents.eur.nl

CAMPUS
During the past 25 years, many new buildings have been
erected on the main site of Erasmus University Rotterdam:
the Woudestein campus. The rapid increase in the number of
students during the 1980’s prompted expansion and renovation
of existing buildings. Nowadays, more intensive forms of
education, modern techniques of knowledge transfer and the
latest computer facilities for students induce constant change
of our facilities.
The Woudestein campus is located in the Kralingen district,
near the Van Brienenoord Bridge in the east of Rotterdam,
housing:
• Erasmus School of Economics
• Erasmus School of Law
• Faculty of History and Arts
• Faculty of Philosophy
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• Institute of Health Policy and Management
• RSM Erasmus University.
The auditorium, the various departments of the University
Office, the University Library, catering facilities, the sports
complex and the Erasmus Expo & Congress Centre are all
located on the Woudestein campus.
Erasmus University Rotterdam’s second campus is the Hoboken
campus which is located close to the city centre of Rotterdam,
next to the museum quarter and the park with the Euromast.
The Erasmus MC – University Medical Centre Rotterdam is
housed in the white, 110-metre-tall, most visible building of
the Hoboken campus.
Desiderius Erasmus (1469-1536)
Erasmus University Rotterdam was named after the
famous humanist and philosopher, Desiderius Erasmus,
who significantly influenced the intellectual and
cultural climate of the Renaissance. Born in Rotterdam,
he was a European ahead of his time.

ERASMUS SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS
In 1973, Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) has merged with
the faculty of Medicine and formed Erasmus University
Rotterdam. The School offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD
programmes in four different subjects. These subjects are
Econometrics & Management Science, Economics & Business,
Economics & Informatics and Fiscal Economics.
The point of departure for education at Erasmus School of
Economics is the conviction that students should first have a
solid theoretical background before specialising in a particular
area. This viewpoint is fundamental to our curriculum
structure. When commencing their studies, students choose
degrees in one of the above-mentioned subjects. Each of
these four subjects has a programme of study consisting of
a three-year Bachelor of Science and a one-year Master of
Science. During the third year, students are given the
opportunity to focus on specific topics.
As a school, we are keenly aware of the importance of an
internationally oriented vision. Both Erasmus School of
Economics and Erasmus University Rotterdam diligently work
to encourage international co-operation by initiating
international research projects, by sending students and
researchers abroad and by providing appropriate facilities
for our international guests. Along with a growing number
of MSc programmes taught in English, Erasmus School of
Economics now also offers an International Bachelor in
Economics & Business Economics in English.
Due to its historical development in the heart of mainport
Rotterdam the schools’ links with the business community have
been and are still very strong. Students of Erasmus School of
Economics have little difficulty finding companies and
institutions prepared to provide them with internships for
the practical aspects of their studies. Most will easily find
jobs after completing their studies. Furthermore, people
involved from business life and administration often give
guest lectures.
Jan Tinbergen (1903-1994)
Professor Tinbergen was the first to receive the Nobel
Prize in economics in 1969. He was one of the founding
fathers of econometrics and the first to construct
complete macro-economic models. Although the first
model he developed for the Netherlands was rather
simple, it was already usable as a base for economic
policy. Working for the League of Nations, he soon
produced more extensive models for the United States
and the United Kingdom. As the first director of the
Centraal Planbureau (a think tank on economic problems
for the Dutch government) he became one of the
architects of Dutch post-war economic policy, his second
major field. Leaving the bureau in 1955, he dedicated
his energies entirely to the economic problems of less
developed countries, passionately advising their
governments.
His numerous writings owe their widespread appeal to
their immediate relevance to practical problems and
their clear presentation. He continued to work and
publish until his death. When he died, at the age of 91,
he was a revered and widely honoured scholar and
public figure. His memory lives on in the Tinbergen
Institute, the graduate school and research institute of
Erasmus School of Economics (a joint venture with the
Universiteit van Amsterdam and the Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam).

 INTERNATIONAL BACHELOR ECONOMICS & BUSINESS ECONOMICS
Only by being open to new influences from outside the
country’s borders, the Netherlands has been able to develop
and maintain a highly stable and open economy. Within this
world, the International Bachelor Economics & Business
Economics programme offers internationally-orientated
students a unique opportunity to look further, by gathering
knowledge by looking beyond the borders of one country. In
other words, the IBEB programme offers an academically strong,
international foundation in economics and business economics.
KEY FEATURES
IBEB has many specific features, including the international
dimension with attention to skills that are useful following
your university education, intensive supervision, personal
support and encouragement to take an active part in Erasmus
School of Economics, student life.
Some key features of the programme are:
• International staff and cosmopolitan atmosphere
• Integrated in the heart of Rotterdam Mainport
Partners of the IBEB programme
The IBEB programme is an initiative of Erasmus School of
Economics. The programme is developed in cooperation
with, and involves active participation of, representatives
from the partners. They form a strong mix to give to the
programme extra quality and all of them have, just like
the programme, a strong international focus.
• Beijing University
• Berlage Institute, International institute for
architecture and urban planning
• China-Holland Education & Research Centre (CHERC)
• Corvinus University of Budapest
• Dutch Ministry of Finance
• Dutch Central Bank
• Euro-Asia Management Studies Association
• E-business Research Network (EBRN)
• EIM Business and Policy Research
• EURAC – Postgraduate institute for auditors and
executive studies

• Full range of modern teaching methods
• Virtual classroom courses
• Focus on international understanding
• Balanced programme with a wide range of specialisations
• Training of valuable analytical and practical skills
• Active student life
• International exchange programmes.
International staff and cosmopolitan atmosphere
A cosmopolitan atmosphere prevails in the classroom since
our students are recruited from all over the world and our
teaching faculty has broad international experience and
background.
The IBEB programme stresses the value of international
exposure through:
• The international partners of the programme
• The International Lecture Weeks in the first two years of the
programme
• Special guests and international lecturers.
• Heineken Holding NV
• Hitotsubashi University, Japan
• Hofstra University Summer Programme, New York
• Management of the European Metropolitan Region (MEMR)
• Middle East Technical University, Turkey
• NIBC
• Royal Philips Electronics
• Rotterdam City Development Corporation
• Royal Dutch Shell plc
• Sanyo research into Best Practice Human Resource
Management in Multinational Corporations (with
Cornell, Cambridge and INSEAD)
• Shanghai University of Finance & Economics
• St. Kliment Ohridski University Sofia
• Tinbergen Institute
• Unilever NV
• Warsaw Graduate School of Business Economics
• The World Bank
• Participation in international ICT distant learning projects
• Participation in an exchange programme with one of the
school’s many partners (91 partners in 2006)

International Lecture Weeks

One of the key features of the IBEB programme is its
international dimension and the active involvement of
students from IBEB and partner institutions in this
endeavour during the international lectures. In the 5th
block of the first year and the 1st block of the second
year, the two International Lecture Weeks take place.
During the International Lecture Weeks an actual topic
is analysed and turned inside out with help of top
academic staff, (foreign) guest lecturers, like managers
of multinational firms and leaders of international
organisations. They confront you with actual problems
and present you with theoretical and practical solutions
as seen from an international perspective making use of
theoretical insights and analytical tools. After the
introduction, students work together in small groups
on similar case studies. Their solutions will be presented,
defended and discussed at the end of the course.

Integrated in the heart of Rotterdam Mainport

Being one of the world’s largest commercial harbours and a
centre of commerce and trade, Rotterdam affords unlimited
economic, business, travel and entertainment potential. The
city is also aptly called the ‘Gateway to Europe’ because of its
favourable location, good infrastructure and well-developed
transport network, which provides access to the rest of Europe
by road, rail, air, and sea. A truly international city, Rotterdam
is the economic heart of the Netherlands. It accommodates
many major corporations and hosts the headquarters of
several multinational enterprises.

Full range of modern teaching methods

The IBEB programme uses a full range of modern teaching
methods: lectures, workshops, tutorials, case studies,
discussions, teamwork, projects, and international communi-
cation. Students use information and communication
technology (ICT) actively and passively throughout the
programme, offering a variety of media and learning methods,
such as presentations, data processing, statistical tools,


 Special guests and international lecturers
The IBEB programme and Erasmus School of Economics, in
cooperation with its study associations, Economic Faculty
association Rotterdam, regularly invite special visitors and
prominent guests to participate in the School’s activities.
Some examples:
• Jan Peter Balkenende, Prime Minister of the Netherlands
• Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission
• Prof. M. Datta, Arizona State University, USA
• M. Gorbachev, former President of the USSR & Nobel
Laureate
• Prof. Sir Clive W.J. Granger, Nobel Price winner in Economics
2003
• Prof. K. Farmer, University of Graz, Austria
• Mr. J.G. de Hoop Scheffer, Secretary-General of NATO
simulations, multimedia cases and economics and business
games. Students also have access to various national and
international information services.
Focus on international understanding
At IBEB we believe that learning is more than studying alone.
That is why we offer the socially interested students the
possibilities to engage in projects to improve the quality of
society and to increase international understanding. Working
together in international teams with the local community
leads to personal awareness and at the same time you
function as an incentive for those with less opportunities.
While you participate in Project International Understanding
(PIU) you also acquire project management and entrepreneu-
rial skills. Examples of projects within PIU could be ‘Weekend
School’, projects on sustainability or intercultural trainings.

• F.W. de Klerk LLB, former president of South-Africa & Nobel
Laureate
• Dr R. Lubbers, former High Commissioner for Refugees
UNHCR, former Dutch Prime Minister and EUR Alumni
• Prof. D.R. Nelson, Tulane University, USA and University of
Nottingham, UK
• Benjamin Netanyahu, former Prime Minister Israel
• Dr S. Panitchpakdi, former Director-General of the World
Trade Organization and EUR Alumni
• S. Peres, former Vice Prime Minister Israel & Nobel Laureate
• Prof. K. Reffett, Arizona State University, USA
• G. Schröder, former German Chancellor
• J.D. Timmer, former CEO Philips
• Jean Claude Trichet, President of the European Central
Bank
• Z. Zushou, former Chinese Ambassador in the Netherlands
Virtual classroom courses
The IBEB programme participates in several ICT distant
learning projects of Erasmus School of Economics. In these
projects students from Erasmus University Rotterdam
communicate, discuss, learn and cooperate through a special
digital learning environment and the Internet with fellow
students in similar courses in other countries, such as Australia,
Ghana, the United States of America and Poland.
Balanced programme with a wide range of specialisations
The IBEB programme offers a complete and balanced
overview of all major aspects of economics and business
economics in an international environment. In addition, we
provide the necessary academic and business skills needed as
a pre-requisite for embarking on a successful career upon
graduation. Your balanced training in economics and business
economics, in conjunction with your acquired skills during
the IBEB programme, will provide you with a wide range of
career opportunities and numerous possibilities for graduate
studies. See ‘Graduate Studies’ and ‘Career Prospects’ for more
information.

Training of valuable analytical and practical skills
A wide range of analytical and practical skills is required for
a successful academic or business career after graduation.
Many of these, such as mathematical, statistical, econometric
or financial information systems skills, are taught and trained
in the international & support courses and applied in the
economics and business courses of the IBEB programme.
Others, notably the whole range of vital communication skills,
are taught and trained throughout the programme. The IBEB
programme fosters open dialogue among nationalities.
Learning these communication skills will increase your
economic and business intellect and give you a competitive
advantage for the rest of your studies and on the job market.
Active student life
Student life in Rotterdam – socially and professionally – is
active and varied, giving you an opportunity to gain relevant
professional experience. The Economic Faculty association
Rotterdam (EFR), the study association of Erasmus School of
Economics, has a reputation for successfully organising
international conferences, the Business Week and a range of
international lectures. Further, the IBEB programme has its
own study association, run by your fellow IBEB students.
The study association will organise activities that are socially,
professionally or culturally relevant to the IBEB programme.
International exchange programmes
As an important international component, we encourage our
students to participate in an exchange programme with one of
the partners of Erasmus School of Economics in the third year
of the IBEB programme. To facilitate exchange programmes
with other universities, we discuss with individual students
the courses they can take and try to agree with the partner
universities as much as possible on interchangeable courses to
make sure students can continue their studies without delay.
See ‘Study Abroad’ for more information.
prospectivestudents.eur.nl
“The whole process of studying abroad is a challenge
for me. It started when I had to choose which
university is the best and could suit me most. I finally
decided to continue my education at Erasmus University
Rotterdam because it offers high quality and it is well-
known over the world. I feel lucky and happy being
one of the IBEB students. There are a lot of reasons for
this. During the programme I met international
students from all over the world, I worked together
with them in groups, learned how to solve the cases or
problems that were given by the teachers and how to
cope with these exercises. All of this improved my
analytical and practical skills in facing all different
types of people and problems, particularly in how to
communicate in the international business and
economic area. What I like most of the programme is
that you not only learn theories but you can actually
put these into practice, which makes you ready to face
the real business and economic world. The acquired
skills increased my confidence and will be helpful
when I start working. I believe that after graduation,
especially with my major in International Economics
and Business Studies, I will be good prepared and on
my way towards a bright future.”
Rebecca Grace Abraham,
Student from Indonesia

 CURRICULUM
The International Bachelor Economics & Business Economics Bachelor’s year 1*)
programme is a three-year programme that aims to provide Block Course ECTS credits Type
students with a solid background in economics and educates - Skills & Guidance - -
them to become truly internationally minded with solid abilities 1 Micro Economics 8 Eco
to analyse and solve problems. The programme includes the Mathematics for Economics 1 4 I&S
core courses of microeconomics, macroeconomics, international 2 Introduction to Accounting 8 Bus
economics, accounting, marketing, organisation and finance. Financial Information Systems 4 I&S
By means of international lectures, high-profile guest speakers 3 Macro Economics 8 Eco
will present actual and interesting economic problems. Mathematics for Economics 2 4 I&S
4 Marketing 8 Bus
The first two years of the IBEB programme contain a fixed Business Statistics 4 I&S
programme, which you will follow with all your classmates. 5 Organisation & Motivation 8 Bus
In the third Bachelor’s year, you can devote much time to free Economics
choice and personal interest. In addition, you will start working International Lecture Week 1 4 I&S
on your specialisation.
*) Bachelor’s year 1 will be offered for the first time in the academic year 2006-2007

The programme is offered entirely in English. During the

Bachelor’s year 2*)
programme, your reading, speaking, writing, and presentation
Block Course ECTS credits Type
skills will develop further. The programme culminates with
1 Markets & Firms 8 Eco
the conferral of an international Bachelor of Science degree
International Lecture Week 2 4 I&S
(BSc) in Economics & Business. With this degree you can either
2 Finance 8 Bus
start a career or do a subsequent Master’s.
Business Statistics 4 I&S
3 International Economics 8 Eco
The academic year starts in the beginning of September and is
History of Economic Thought 4 I&S
divided into five blocks of eight weeks each. The study load of
4 Accounting 8 Bus
the IBEB programme is specified in credits. An academic year
Financial and Logistic 4 I&S
consists of 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits. Information Systems
One credit is the equivalent of 28 hours of study and includes 5 Quantitative Methods & 8 I&S
lectures, reading, preparation for tests, exams and the writing Techniques and International
of papers. Research Project
Philosophy of Economics 4 I&S

FIRST AND SECOND YEARS

*) Bachelor’s year 2 will be offered for the first time in the academic year 2007-2008
Your study starts with the Powerweek, three days of intro-
duction in which you will get an introduction to economics
sciences and get to know Erasmus University Rotterdam,
Erasmus School of Economics and your fellow students.

In the first two years, one third of the study load is devoted
to economics courses (Eco), one third to business courses
(Bus) and one third to international & support courses (I&S).
The following tables provide a schematic overview of the
courses that will be offered in the first and second Bachelor’s
years.


Skills & Guidance
During your first year you participate in the course Skills &
Guidance. This course aims to guide students during the first
part of their studies and provides support with respect to
acquiring analytical and practical skills and the Binding Study
Advice. You are guided by a tutor, an older student, who
provides you with practical information and useful study
advice. During skills sessions you are trained by professionals
in acquiring and improving your study skills, presentation
skills, writing skills, debating skills and IT skills.

Binding study advice

To ensure that you get off to a good start with your course
of study and that things go well, Erasmus University
Rotterdam has introduced a Binding study advice (Bsa).
The Bsa is meant for all Bachelor’s degree courses.
The system enables students who are not likely to
succeed to be identified in time so that they might be
encouraged to work harder. The Bsa entails that in the
first year you need to obtain a minimum of 40 of the
total 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits.
Moreover in two years you will be required to have
completed all the first year subjects.
To students who do not meet these conditions a Binding
study advice will be given to stop the course of study. Of
course personal circumstances will be taken into
account, such as long illness, special family circumstances
or a handicap, provided that you contact the student
advisors in time. In this case the rules will be applied
with discretion. As a first year Bachelor student you will
be given guidance in your initial year through interviews
with tutors and student advisors. Besides, you can check
your progress with your course of study online. More
information can be found at prospectivestudents.eur.nl


 THIRD YEAR The following majors will be offered for the 2007-2008
During the third year you have various options. First you will academic year:
choose a specialisation; next to this you can do an internship • Accounting and Finance
or study at a university abroad for several months. You could • Economics and ICT
also decide to add another dimension to your study by taking • Economics of Markets, Organisations and Policy
several optional subjects from other disciplines. • Entrepreneurship
• Financial Accounting
Major • Financial Economics
In the third year you will have an opportunity to focus • Health Economics
on specific topics in either economics or business by • International Economics and Business Studies
choosing a major. This is a coherent package of subjects • Management Accounting
that will help you prepare, for example, for the direction • Marketing
you want to take in the Master’s stage. • Urban, Port & Transport Economics

During this year you will attend intensive lectures and small-
scale tutorials. Moreover, a central feature of this year will be English courses
a major seminar, a form of problem-driven teaching. Working The IBEB programme is completely taught in English. To
in groups of 20-25 students, you will acquire in-depth provide students with the right English speaking,
knowledge in a specific field and apply it to actual situations, writing and grammar skills, several courses, especially
for example, in the form of business assignments. In addition, designed for the IBEB programme, are offered.
you must also take the Capita Selecta IBEB subject, specifically The course is taught during the first part of the year.
designed for the international IBEB audience, in which theory This course focuses on the basics of English, combined
meets practice. International themes form the subject’s core, with a strong link with economic issues. Students learn
which are dealt with from various economic perspectives. for example how to describe graphs, how to analyse
The Bachelor’s degree will culminate in a thesis. The table data and how to use business English.
below provides a schematic overview of the courses that will As part of the course Skills & Guidance, first year students
be offered in the third year. learn the basics of academic writing in English in the
course Academic Writing I. In this course, the emphasis
is put on structuring a good essay, the use of references
Bachelor’s year 3*)
and the use of normative or descriptive language. With
Course ECTS credits
the help of writing exercises and assignments in core
Major Course 1 5 and support courses, students are further trained in
Major Course 2 5 developing their writing skills.
Major Seminar 10 Additionally, in the third year of the IBEB programme,
Capita Selecta IBEB Part 1 5 the course Academic Writing II is offered. This course
Capita Selecta IBEB Part 2 5 provides a more advanced training on academic writing,
Bachelor Thesis 10 with the aim of rehearsing and preparing for writing
Electives 20 the Bachelor thesis. During the course students start up
their Bachelor thesis and get feedback on the parts
*) Bachelor’s year 3 was offered for the first time in the academic year 2005 - 2006
written so far.

prospectivestudents.eur.nl

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STUDY ABROAD
If you wish to study abroad for a period of time, you can do
so. In the third Bachelor’s year you will have an opportunity
to take part in the programme at a foreign university. In the
future there will also be opportunities to conclude the
Bachelor’s stage with a dual degree diploma: one from
Erasmus School of Economics and one from a foreign partner
university.
Before departing, you will have to agree on the ‘foreign’
subjects that you want to follow. This facilitates their smooth
inclusion into your study programme upon return and may
lead you to avoid any study delays. The cost of studying
abroad does not have to be high, since there are countless
subsidies available.
In recent years, students of Erasmus School of Economics have
studied in different countries such as the United Kingdom,
Norway, Sweden, Italy, Spain, France, Hong Kong, South
Africa, the United States of America, Canada and Australia.
“Born in Armenia and having lived both there as well as
in Ethiopia, we moved to the Netherlands when I was
six. When I graduated from secondary school, the
obvious choice for a university was Erasmus University
Rotterdam. It has an outstanding reputation and
manages to live up to it. Many famous economists and
politicians have graduated from Erasmus University
Rotterdam. As the world’s most famous port and a
multicultural and business-like city, Rotterdam offers
an excellent setting for studying international business
and economics.
The advantage of being raised bilingually and my
interest in economics led me to choose Economics &
Business. Having compared different international
programmes all over the world, it was the only one
that met my standards. The wide range of classes
offered, the international environment and opportu-
nity to study abroad made my decision so much easier.
In my third year, I went on an exchange programme to
Bocconi, Milan. That was the best decision of my life.
Besides the classes and theory, I learnt so much more...
The people you meet and the memories you gain are
of indescribable value.
Although it is hard to live in a country where you know
no one and where you do not speak the language,
I learned that people are always kind and offer a hand.
I would advise everyone to study abroad and take part
in the IBEB programme. To finish in economic terms:
the return is much higher than the cost!”
Nanè Djerrahian,
Student
11

GRADUATE STUDIES
Some of the students who want to continue their academic
studies first decide to gather work experience for a certain
amount of time before returning to the university. For those
students who either immediately or eventually continue their
academic studies after completion of the IBEB programme,
Erasmus University Rotterdam offers different opportunities.
MSc ERASMUS SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS
The most suitable master’s programme is one of the Master of
Science programmes in Economics and Business offered by
Erasmus School of Economics. The list below indicates which
MSc in Economics & Business are being offered in 2006 - 2007.
• Accounting & Finance
• Accounting, Auditing & Control
• Economics of Markets, Organisations and Policy
• Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Organisation Economics
• Financial Economics
• International Economics and Business Studies
• Marketing
• Urban, Port & Transport Economics.
Erasmus School of Economics also offers in cooperation with
the Institute of Health Policy and Management an MSc in
Health Economics.
For more information about the master programmes of ESE:
www.ese.eur.nl
RESEARCH MASTERS
It is possible to take a research Master’s at Erasmus School of
Economics. Both the Tinbergen Institute (TI) and the Erasmus
Research Institute of Management (ERIM) offer a two-year
Research Master’s programme. Primarily these studies are
meant to prepare you for an appointment as a PhD student
with the aim of obtaining a doctor’s degree.
12
“Being a member of the IBEB programme meant a lot
to me. I am very glad I have participated in this
programme. The programme has a strong international
atmosphere. Classmates from different countries
share their own opinion on a given topic during the
classes but also at social activities.
As a student from China, I have learned much about
how study and life goes in the Netherlands, and
gradually adapted to it. The most challenging part for
me was the seminars, since I had no experience with
this teaching method before. The seminar is an
intensive and small-scale tutorial where groups of 25
students sit in a circle where discussion, term papers
and presentations are the main tasks. Beside that you
have to be very active and positive. From looking for
team members to allocating personal tasks, being silent
doesn’t work at all! Thanks to the IBEB programme,
especially the Capita Selecta course, which taught me
to communicate and express myself, I feel free and
sure. I found what I have learned from the IBEB
programme was very useful when I took some seminars
later on. It established a steady academic and business
foundation for my study afterward. Now I got rid of
a great mass of shyness and passiveness, which
usually exists among Asian students. Because of this
improvement, the team work and its quality with
other students went very well. ”
Yueli (Romi) Wang,
Student from China
CAREER PROSPECTS
Erasmus School of Economics attracts the best students from Although this entails a multiplicity of positions and sectors,
all over the world, from all social, educational and ethnical our economists can be found specifically in the following
backgrounds. Our students go on to all sorts of careers. sectors:
• banking
Our graduate economists find employment quickly. Annual • accountancy, administrative offices, tax advisors
surveys among recent graduate economists from different • consultantcy
universities show that more than 90 percent of Rotterdam • general public administration
economists find jobs within three months after graduation. • economic research / consultancy firms
Of the remaining 10 percent many consciously opt for • trade (particularly wholesale companies) and multinationals
continuation of studies or go abroad for a period of time. • entrepreneurship.
The basis for future work lies in the choice of subjects chosen.
However, no matter what you choose, Rotterdam economists
are broadly employable. Not only do they work in specific
economic jobs, they also find work in more general positions
at academic levels. Several examples of positions include
stock-exchange analysts, entrepreneurs, financial advisors,
marketing managers, tax inspectors, sales managers, policy
staff, personnel managers, lecturers, academics, politicians,
management consultants or scientific journalists.

13
 ADMISSION AND APPLICATION
In this part of the brochure you find the admission requirements
for the Bachelor’s programme. Furthermore you will find
detailed and structured information on each step that you
need to take to successfully enrol in the IBEB programme for
the academic year 2007 - 2008.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
In the Netherlands, a vwo diploma (pre-university education)
qualifies you for university entrance. Secondary education
diplomas from foreign countries are not always of the same
standard as the Dutch vwo diploma, a European Baccalaureate
or an International Baccalaureate Diploma. All non-Dutch
diplomas, including a European Baccalaureate and an
International Baccalaureate diploma, need to be reviewed by
the Admissions Office of the Erasmus University Rotterdam.
In some cases, there are additional requirements for entry to
the IBEB programme. On the basis of your application, the
Admissions Office can inform you whether you are qualified
for the programme or whether you first need to take supple­
mentary entrance tests such as English and Mathematics.
The table below gives an overview of the required entry
standard. In addition, you may have to demon­strate sufficient
knowledge of English and Mathematics. You are eligible for
admission to the IBEB programme if you hold one of the
following diplomas and, if applicable, have met the additional
requirements.

Admission requirements

COUNTRY/ DIPLOMA ENTRY STANDARD REQUIRED ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS *)

The Netherlands
International Schools
West European countries
except Great Britain
Great Britain, Anglophone
countries in Africa
Central and East European countries
Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, USA,
Indonesia, Francophone countries in
Africa, South Africa, Latin America
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
Dutch vwo diploma with the profiles:
• Economics & Society
• Nature & Science
• Nature & Health
Dutch vwo diploma with the profile: Sufficiency in:
• Culture & Society Mathematics A1,2 or B1
A Bachelor’s or Master’s diploma from a Dutch
university in a subject other than Economics and/or
Business
A certificate from a completed Bachelor 1 from a Sufficiency in:
Dutch university Mathematics A1,2 or B1
A diploma from a completed and recognised Dutch
hbo (4 year) in a subject other than Economics and/or
Business
A propedeuse (the first year) diploma from a Sufficiency in:
recognised Dutch hbo programme Mathematics A1,2 or B1
European Baccalaureate (E.B.) At least 3 hours mathematics per week
International Baccalaureate (I.B.) diploma At least math methods
National school-leaving certificate Sufficiency in - English
- Mathematics
A minimum of three GCE A-levels plus three GCSE Sufficiency in - English
O-levels in six different subjects relevant to the - Mathematics
degree courses
Secondary school (advice one year of college/ Sufficiency in - English
university) - Mathematics
High school (advice two year of college/university) Sufficiency in - English
- Mathematics
Bachelor’s degree in relevant subjects Sufficiency in - English
- Mathematics

*) See for an explanation on sufficiency in English and Mathematics page 15

14
Sufficiency in English
Sufficiency in English is compulsory before a request for Summer Mathematics Course
admission can be made. The results from either a TOEFL test Students living in the Netherlands can take a summer
or from an IELTS test must be submitted. For the IBEB Mathematics course via the James Boswell Institute for
programme, the required minimum score for the paper based supplementary education and international programmes.
TOEFL test is 550, for the computerised based 213 or for the Upon completion of this course, with passing marks on
internet based 80. The required minimum for the IELTS test is 6.0. the related examination, the results will be recognised
by Erasmus School of Economics. For additional
For Chinese nationals, the IELTS test is obligatory. A sufficient information, www.jbi.uu.nl
result (score 6.0) for this test is obligatory if you wish to obtain
the ‘NESO certificate’. You will need this certificate in the Mathematics Test for Economists
accelerated visa procedure. The TOEFL test will not be accepted Prospective students with deficiencies in Mathematics
by NESO. For more information, see www.neso-beijing.com can take a Mathematics deficiency test in the Netherlands
at Erasmus University Rotterdam or at a selected test
You are exempted from an English test if centre in their country of residence. See the timeline for
1. English is your mother tongue and you have obtained your test dates and the deadline of registration.
diploma in one of the following countries: Australia, The university does not offer any preparatory courses
Canada (with the exception of Quebec), Ireland, New for this test. The subject matter of the test encompasses
Zealand, United Kingdom or the United States of America. math material as required for the ‘International
2. English was your first language during your secondary Baccalaureate Mathematics, subsidiary level’, plus the
education for at least 2½ years in one of the above optional subject, ‘Further Calculus’.
mentioned countries. For the math entrance test, you should ensure timely
registration. Therefore it is important that you apply on
Sufficiency in Mathematics time for the IBEB programme. Upon reviewing your
If you have to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of documents you will be informed about taking any test.
Mathematics, you can take a maths entrance exam, which is The Education Service Centre can be contacted for
offered twice a year in May and July at Erasmus University additional information. Note that you can only enrol in
Rotterdam. In some cases, you can take the maths entrance the Bachelor’s programme after having eliminated any
exam at a selected test centre in your country of residence. deficiencies in Mathematics.
You will receive instructions following your application. The
table below gives the timeline for test dates and registration.
APPLICATION
Country of Visa Test date Deadline Location If you meet or will soon meet the admission requirements and
residence required registration
you have decided to study International Bachelor Economics &
The No 21 May 20 April Erasmus
Business Economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam, you
Netherlands 2007, 30 2007 29 University
July 2007 June 2007 Rotterdam must take the following step:
Outside the No December November Country of
Netherlands February January residence Dutch diploma holders
April March
Apply no later than 1 July 2007. If you do not meet all the
May April
June May requirements before the deadline, but you are making exams

Outside the Yes December November Country of before the beginning of the academic year you must state this
Netherlands February January residence in your motivation letter.
April March
May April

15
 Step 1 Apply with the IB-Groep - Groningen
The IB-Groep is the central Dutch institution in charge of all
higher education applications at Dutch institutions. If you
hold a Dutch diploma and you want to apply for the IBEB
programme at the IB-Groep you must apply for (code 50950)
at Erasmus University Rotterdam (code 21PE). The application
form is available on their website: www.ib-groep.nl

Step 2 Send your motivation letter and Student Assessment

Form
Applicants must write a letter of motivation (see page 24) and
fill out the Student Assessment Form. Both your motivation
letter and Student Assessment Form will be used in the
application process for the IBEB programme. The Student
Assessment Form can be requested by e-mail at ibeb@few.eur.nl

You must send your motivation letter and Student

Assessment Form to the following address:
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Education Service Centre ESE
IBEB programme
PO Box 1738, room H06-02
3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Upon acceptation into the IBEB programme, the IBEB office

will send you an acceptance letter. The IBEB acceptance letter
is important, as you will need this document to register at
Erasmus University Rotterdam (see step 3). You can expect a
reply about the admission decision into the IBEB programme
by e-mail within 3 weeks after receipt of your documents.
If you still have to make any exams before the academic year
starts, you will receive a acceptance letter instead of the
above mentioned acceptance letter. As soon as you fulfil all
the requirements an acceptance letter will be send to you.

Step 3 Register at Erasmus University Rotterdam

As a result of step 1, end of June you will receive the
Registration Form from Erasmus University Rotterdam with
your student ID number and instructions for payment of the
tuition fee. In order to complete registration this form needs
to be returned together with your acceptance letter.

16
Note that you must be accepted into the IBEB programme
and that you need to meet the entry standard and have no
deficiencies before you can register. Do not forget to submit
a certified copy of your diploma(s) when sending in the
registration form.
If you do not enclose the IBEB acceptance letter you will be
registered for the Economie & Bedrijfseconomie programme,
which is taught in Dutch!
Non-Dutch diploma holders
Apply no later than 15 May 2007 for non-EU/EEA nationalities
and 1 July 2007 for EU/EEA nationalities. If you do not meet
all the requirements before the deadline, but you are making
exams before the beginning of the academic year you must
state this in your motivation letter.
Step 1 Apply with the Admissions Office
An application form for the Bachelor’s programme will be sent
to you after you have informed the Admissions Office about
your TOEFL/IELTS score. This form (Request for Admission
Form) will be sent to you only after you have met the English
requirements. In some cases, you may be exempted from
this test (see ‘Sufficiency in English’ on page 15). You can
inform the Admissions Office by sending an email to
admissions.office@oos.eur.nl and state your TOEFL/ IELTS score
or the reason why you think to be exempted from these tests.
The Admission (handling) fee statement (plus personal
application number)
Depending on your diploma, you may be required to pay an
admission handling fee of €100. This must be done together
with your application. This fee is non-refundable. Exempted
from payment of the admission handling fee are students
with diplomas from the EU and from: Albania, Armenia,
Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria,
Canada, Croatia, Dutch Antilles, Georgia, Iceland, Israel,
Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Moldavia, Norway,
Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia-Montenegro, Switzerland,
Surinam, Turkey, Ukraine, Vatican and United States of America.
Step 2 Send your motivation letter and Student Assessment
Form
Applicants must write a letter of motivation (see page 24) and
fill out the Student Assessment Form. This form is send to you
by the Admissions Office together with the documents
mentioned in step 1. Both your motivation letter and Student
Assessment Form will be used in the application process for
the IBEB programme.
You should send your motivation letter and the Student
Assessment Form together with the Request for
Admission Form and, if applicable, the Admission
handling fee statement all in one package to the
Admissions Office.
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Admissions Office
PO Box 1738, Room AT-07
3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands
The following documents are necessary and should be sent
preferably as one package:
• Request for Admission Form
• Copy of your passport
• If applicable, a certified copy of your TOEFL or IELTS scores
• Certified copy of your secondary education diploma,
including list of marks. If not yet available, enclose a
statement from your school listing the subjects to be taken
in your final exams
• If applicable, a certified copy of your university degree,
including a list of marks
• Student Assessment Form for applying
• Motivation letter for applying
• Any other certificates from courses relevant to your
application
• If applicable, Admission (handling) fee statement.
Within ten days after receiving your documents, the Admissions
Office will send you a confirmation letter and, if applicable
instructions about Mathematics. Upon acceptation into the
IBEB programme, the IBEB office will send you an acceptance
letter. This letter is important, as you will need this document
to register at Erasmus University Rotterdam (see step 4). You
can expect a reply about the admission decision into the IBEB
17
 Schedule for application process
Nationality
Dutch nationality
EU/EEA nationality
Non-EU/EEA nationality
Dutch diploma
Apply with the IB-Groep. Send documents to
IBEB Office no later than 1 July 2007
Apply with the IB-Groep. Send documents to
IBEB Office no later than 1 July 2007
Apply with the IB-Groep. Send documents to
IBEB Office no later than 1 July 2007
Non-Dutch diploma
Apply with the Admissions Office and IB-Groep
no later than 1 July 2007
Apply with Admissions Office no later than
1 July 2007
Apply with Admissions Office no lather than
15 May 2007

programme by e-mail within 3 weeks after the Admissions LETTER OF MOTIVATION

Office have confirmed your acceptation. If you still have to
make any exams before the academic year starts, you will
receive a conditional acceptance letter instead of the above
mentioned acceptance letter. As soon as you fulfil all the
requirements an acceptance letter will be send to you.
Step 3 Apply with the IB-Groep (Groningen), if applicable
The IB-Groep is the central Dutch institution in charge of all
higher education applications at Dutch institutions. If you
hold a non-Dutch diploma and you have a foreign nationality
the Admissions Office will handle your application with the
IB-Groep.
If you hold a non-Dutch diploma and you have a Dutch
nationality and you want to apply for the IBEB programme at
the IB-Groep you must apply for Economie & Bedrijfseconomie
(code 50950) at Erasmus University Rotterdam (code 21PE). The
application form is available on their website: www.ib-groep.nl
Step 4 Register at Erasmus University Rotterdam
As a result of step 3, end of June you will receive the
Registration Form from Erasmus University Rotterdam with
your student ID number and instructions for payment of the
tuition fee. In order to complete registration this form needs
to be returned together with your acceptance letter. Note
that you must been accepted into the IBEB programme and
that you need to meet all the requirements and have no
deficiencies before you can register!
The personal motivation letter should cover four areas:
• What international background do you have regarding
nationality, place of birth or residence, previous education
and international experience?
• Why do you want to enrol in the International Bachelor
Economics & Business Economics programme?
• Why did you choose Erasmus University Rotterdam?
• What are your career aspirations?
The personal motivation letter should not be confused with a
recom­mendation letter.
The motivation letter must be written in English and should
be between 500-1000 words. Do not forget to state your
name, date of birth, full address, e-mail address and phone
number in the letter.
The deadline for application for the International Bachelor
Economics & Business Economics programme is 15 May 2007,
for non-EU/EEA nationalities and 1 July 2007 for EU/EEA
nationalities.
SELECTION
Admission to the International Bachelor Economics & Business
Economic programme is restricted to those who submit a
motivation letter and a Student Assessment Form.

If you do not enclose the IBEB acceptance letter you will be

registered for the Economie & Bedrijfseconomie programme,
which is taught in Dutch!

18
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
FEES AND FINANCE
Tuition fees & costs of living
The tuition fee for the IBEB programme is approximately € 1,550
a year for those students who are nationals of one of the
countries belonging to the European Union (EU) or European
Economic Area (EEA) and who, at the start of the academic
year, are under the age of 30. For non-EU/EEA students, the
tuition fee for the IBEB programme is € 5,538.
Apart from the tuition fee, you will need a minimum annual
budget to cover your living expenses: If you have an EU/EEA
nationality, you must be able to support yourself, which
requires a minimum of about € 9,000 per year (e.g. 750 per
month). If you have a non-EU/EEA nationality, you must in
addition be able to cover the higher tuition fee.
For general information about studying and living in the
Netherlands, visit the website of the Netherlands Organisation
for International Cooperation in Higher Education, the
NUFFIC: www.nuffic.nl
Tuition fees are subject to change. Please visit our website
www.few.eur.nl/ibeb or contact the IBEB programme for
up-to-date information.
GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Government grant for Dutch students
Dutch students are eligible for a basic government grant,
which for higher education translates as:
• An allowance per month. The basic grant is approximately
€ 90 each month for students living with their parents and
€ 250 for students living on their own,
• A student travel card,
• An interest-bearing loan, or
• A supplementary grant (your eligibility to receive this
supplement depends on the income of your parents).
Government grant for EU/EEA students
If you are a national of one of the countries of the European
Union, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you
are entitled to a reimbursement of the tuition fees of
approximately 900 euro for the academic year 2006 - 2007.
For more information about grants, please contact IB-Groep,
Phone +31 50 599 77 55, e-mail vragen@ib-groep.nl or visit
their website www.ib-groep.nl
Scholarships
The Dutch Ministry of Education offers scholarships to nationals
from a wide range of countries under the terms of various
cultural agreements and other cooperative agreements.
Requirements for participation, deadlines of application and
further information can be obtained at Nuffic: www.nuffic.nl
For the IBEB programme we are constantly working on
potential scholarships, depending on the country of residence
and several other factors.
Further, you can contact your home institution, local government
or international organisations, such as the UN or World Bank.
For more information visit our website at www.few.eur.nl/ibeb
or www.prospectivestudents.eur.nl
VISA / AUTHORISATION OF TEMPORARY STAY (MVV)
Students who will stay for a period longer than three months
are required to obtain an Authorisation of Temporary Stay
(in Dutch: Machtiging Voorlopig Verblijf or MVV). Such a visa
is required by all nationals except if you are a national of one
of the countries of the European Union, Australia, Canada,
Iceland, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland
(including Liechtenstein) or the United States of America. In this
case you do not need a visa or MVV to enter the Netherlands.
You must, however, apply for a Residence Permit after your
arrival. For more information, (see Residence Permit on page 20).
If you are not a national of one of the above-mentioned
countries, you will need an MVV to enter the Netherlands.
The MVV costs € 250. After you have been selected and
admitted to the IBEB programme, we will start the accelerated
visa procedure for you. The accelerated procedure will take
approximately four to six weeks.
Note that, for Chinese nationals, this procedure can only
be started when you have the ‘NESO certificate’. You can
only obtain this certificate if you have met the minimum
requirements of the IELTS test (see page 15).
19
 RESIDENCE PERMIT (VTV)
Staying in the Netherlands for more than three months means
that you must also apply for a temporary Residence Permit (in
Dutch: Vergunning tot Verblijf or VTV). Not all nationals are
required to apply for a VTV. Students from the EU, Iceland and
Norway are exempted. Students from Australia, Canada, Japan,
Monaco, New Zealand, Switzerland including Liechtenstein and
the United States of America must apply as soon as possible for
a VTV. The VTV costs for students without an MVV are € 433.
If you come from a country that requires an MVV before
coming to the Netherlands (see the information on page 19),
a VTV will only be issued with an MVV. The VTV costs € 188 for
students with an MVV.
You must apply for a VTV at the Erasmus Student Service
Centre (main Lecture Hall, room CB-07). After arrival in the
Netherlands contact the Service Centre as soon as possible.
Visa and residence permit procedures and fees are subject to
change. For up to date information please visit the IBEB
website.
WORK
EU students are allowed to work in the Netherlands parallel
to their studies. For those students of you needing a residence
permit, the permit is granted subject to a restriction, which
reads: “... for studying at ....” This means that such a permit
does not allow a non-EU student to stay in the Netherlands
for reasons other than studying. However, you are permitted
to work 10 hours a week or full time in July and August during
the summer holidays.
HOUSING
Many students choose accommodation in Rotterdam, as
opposed to living at home and commuting to the university.
Often they choose to live with other students in a flat or house
for financial reasons, convenience, and companionship.
Compared to other Dutch cities, it is not difficult to find
accommodation in Rotterdam. The IBEB staff at Erasmus
University Rotterdam makes every effort to help its students
coming from abroad.
20
The Housing Desk of the Admission, Registration & Housing
(ARH) department provides accommodation for international
students, staff and guests of EUR. Please note that
accommodation will only be arranged for a period of
(up to) one year. For more information and application:
www.housing.eur.nl
Students living in the Netherlands can also register with
Stadswonen, the student-housing specialist in Rotterdam.
We advise you to register as soon as you are considering
attending Erasmus University Rotterdam. Registering does not
mean that you are obliged to take a room when it becomes
available. Stadswonen is not your only option for accommo-
dation. You may contact independent estate agents in order
to find a flat. These estate agents are referred to as makelaars
in Dutch. You may also make use of the Internet when searching
for a flat. Many estate agents list available housing options on
the Internet.
Stadswonen Phone: +31 10 800 72 00
E-mail: info@stadswonen.nl
Internet: www.stadswonen.nl
HEALTH CARE AND MEDICAL INSURANCE
Medical and dental care can be expensive in the Netherlands.
In order to obtain your residence permit, you need to have
adequate health insurance. Most national health insurance
packages within the European Union are valid in the
Netherlands. Nevertheless, it is important to ask your health
insurance company for a statement, confirming that your
medical expenses in the Netherlands will be covered while
you are studying in the Netherlands. Depending on your
situation (study period and working beside your study) you
have to take the basic health care insurance in the Netherlands.
More information can be found on www.healthcare.eur.nl
THE NETHERLANDS AND ROTTERDAM
The Netherlands today is one of the world’s most prosperous
countries. A highly developed system of social welfare ensures
that everyone in the Netherlands has an opportunity to share
in this prosperity.
The Netherlands is also one of the most densely populated
countries in the world. Some 16 million people live in an area
of approximately 37,000 km2. Sixty percent of the population
lives in the western part of the country, which is called Holland.
This name is often used to refer to the Netherlands as a whole.
“The Netherlands” literally means ‘the Low Countries’. It refers
to the fact that about half of the country lies below the level of
the sea. It would be under water if it were not for the system
of dikes and dams that prevent the land from being flooded.
DUTCH SOCIETY
The people in the Netherlands form a colourful society, full
of cultural and ethnic variety. Many religious beliefs are
represented. Whatever your beliefs, you will find a group that
shares them.
In the larger cities, it is especially evident that the Netherlands
is a colourful country. Immigrants have come from various parts
of the world and all of these groups live together in reasonable
harmony. The Dutch pride themselves on being tolerant. Their
attitude is that people have a right to live in any way they
wish, as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others.
LANGUAGE
Dutch is spoken everywhere in the country. In addition,
Friesian is spoken in Friesland, one of the Northern provinces.
The Netherlands is internationally orientated. Many Dutch
people speak at least two foreign languages and nearly
everyone understands and speaks English.
POLITICS
The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy. The government,
consisting of the Prime Minister and several other ministers, is
appointed by parliament. The Netherlands has a system of
proportional representation similar to most continental West
European countries. This guarantees some representation
even to the small minority parties. No single party ever
enjoys an overall majority, so the government is always based
on coalition.
CITY OF ROTTERDAM
As one of the world’s largest commercial ports and a centre
of commerce and services, Rotterdam affords unlimited
opportunities and possibilities. The city is aptly called the
‘Gateway to Europe’ because of its favourable location, good
infrastructure and well developed transport network that
gives access to the rest of Europe by road, rail, air and sea.
Rotterdam is an international city, with numerous major
corporations as well as the trade centres of many different
countries. Over one million people live in the region, almost
590,000 of them within the city boundaries.
Rotterdam is also an innovative centre for modern architecture,
art and major sporting events. The skyline along the riverside
is spectacular and still developing. New housing developments,
offices and shopping centres – some of them highly futuristic
– have been designed by leading architects.
In addition to its architectural charm, Rotterdam offers a wide
variety of cultural activities. Besides such facilities as theatres
and cinemas, the city stages well-known festivals, including
the International Film Festival, the World Harbour Days, the
North Sea Jazz Festival and the Summer Carnival.
Each year, the city hosts several major sports events, such as
the Rotterdam Marathon and the World Tennis Tournament.
Transport to and from Rotterdam is very well organised. In
less than an hour by car or train, you can be in other major
Dutch cities such as Amsterdam or The Hague. A little longer,
and you can reach Brussels, London, Paris or Berlin. You can fly
from Rotterdam Airport to major cities in Europe and, from
Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, to any place in the world.
21
 STUDENT LIFE IN ROTTERDAM
Student life in Rotterdam is varied and exciting. Although you
will spend most of your time studying, you might want to
take an active part in many social, professional, and civic
organisations. Students of all nations consider the Netherlands
a great place to study. You may participate in a broad range
of student associations, which will offer you plenty of
opportunities to gain relevant professional experience.
Our student associations are successfully involved in a wide
range of activities.

STUDY AND STUDENT ASSOCIATIONS

In Rotterdam you can join different students associations. In
general you have study associations and student associations.
Study associations are associations related to the different
study programmes. The IBEB programme has its own study
association which is part of the Economic Faculty association
Rotterdam (EFR). The IBEB study association, run by your
fellow IBEB students, organises activities that are socially,
professionally or culturally relevant to the IBEB programme.
Next to this, the IBEB study association will organise an
introduction weekend for all IBEB students. If you would
like to help to organise these activities and develop your
organisational skills you are more than welcome. The IBEB
study association is for IBEB students run by IBEB students!

Students associations have nothing to do with individual

study programmes and have a more social character. So if you
want to meet students from other study programmes you can
join these associations. During the introduction week of
Erasmus University Rotterdam you can get to know these
associations.

INTRODUCTION ACTIVITIES
Eurekaweek
Before you start your academic studies, Erasmus University
Rotterdam organises an introduction week. This week is
called the Eurekaweek and is particulary meant for Freshmen
of Erasmus University Rotterdam. The Eurekaweek is in the
third week of August. During four days you get to know
fellow students, the university, the IBEB programme, the city
and students associations. At the end of the week you are
familiar with your surrounding and are ready to start with
your academic study.

22

IBEB Powerweek
During the first week of the academic year, the IBEB introduc-
tion days will take place. The introduction programme is
called the Powerweek. During these days you will get to know
your classmates, the university and Rotterdam. The programme
will take up to three days and entail lectures, case work, tours,
social and cultural activities and a lot of fun! The Powerweek
is a compulsory part of the programme.
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Rotterdam has many cultural events and entertainment
opportunities throughout the year. Two concert halls (de
Doelen and Ahoy) and a large stadium (de Kuip) host many
international musical acts. Rotterdam also organises festivals,
such as the International Film Festival, the Dunya Festival,
Poetry International, the Summer Carnival, and the Fast
Forward Dance Parade. More than ten cinemas offer a broad
selection of films to choose from, while there are over twenty
theatres offering musicals, comedies, dramatic plays, and
dance recitals. Rotterdam, the city on the river Maas, also
offers world-famous art museums, such as ‘Museum Boijmans
Van Beuningen’ and ‘de Kunsthal’. Other popular museums
are the Dutch Photo Institute, the Dutch Architecture Institute
and the Museum of Natural History. If you enjoy outdoor
activities, you can go biking, jogging or roller-skating in the
‘Kralingse Bos’ (a park and lake in Kralingen), indoor skiing
and skating in the Bergse Bos in the winter, or take a trip to
the beach at Hoek van Holland. Moreover, the university
offers low-priced, on-campus sports facilities for students.
SOCIALISING IN THE CITY
A tour of the most popular student spots usually begins at
the old harbour, where various cafes and restaurants are
located. The world-famous cube houses are adjacent to the
old harbour. The ‘Oostzeedijk’ is a popular spot for students,
near the students’ associations. Students enjoy the cafes on
the ‘Nieuwe Binnenweg’ and ‘Kop van Zuid’ just across the
Erasmus Bridge. There, you can sit outside and enjoy the view
of this famous bridge, while sipping a cappuccino. Many
students enjoy dancing in the numerous discos or night cafes
that Rotterdam has to offer, especially on Thursdays, students’
favourite night on the town.
“This is the first time I have been in Europe and I choose
the best place to stay: the Netherlands. Among the
courses I took, the Entrepreneurship seminar at
Erasmus School of Economics interested me the most.
In class, guest speakers were invited to share their real
life experiences and gave us practical advice. It absolutely
demonstrated how we could apply what we learnt.
Thanks to the Housing Desk of the Admission,
Registration & Housing department, I got an opportunity
to live in a block of flats with Dutch students. As a
result, I was able to taste Dutch food, learn the Dutch
language and culture directly. You will always find
someone who speaks English very well, no matter
where you are in the Netherlands. That’s why I feel
Dutch people are nice and helpful. During my stay, my
English improved tremendously.
Situated in the Netherlands, it is convenient to travel
across Britain or Eastern Europe. I have been to the
United Kingdom, Greece, the Czech Republic, Hungary
and some countries nearby.“
Ka Kit Trevor Ma,
Exchange Student from Hong Kong
SHOPPING
Rotterdam offers the latest and the best in music, fashion,
books and dining, whatever your taste or budget.
The ‘Lijnbaan’ and the ‘Koopgoot’ (both popular shopping
streets) contain a varied collection of shops, from famous
designers to small local shops. Antique shops, boutiques and
art galleries are found primarily in the art district in the
‘Oude en Nieuwe Binnenweg’, ‘Van Oldenbarneveltstraat’
and ‘Westersingel’. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the city
centre offers a large market on the ‘Binnenrotteplein’, filled
with every kind of vendor you can imagine. During summer
months, the city hosts an antique, curiosity and book market
on ‘Schiedamsedijk’.
23
24
MEET US
OPEN DAYS
Each fall and spring Erasmus University Rotterdam hosts an
open day for students. Students can tour the Erasmus campus
and information is provided about specific study programmes
and the university in general. For more information, please
contact: Erasmus University Rotterdam Study Information
Centre, phone: +31 10 408 11 37 or email: sic@oos.eur.nl
Virtual Inhouse Day
On 15 November 2006 and 12 April 2007 the IBEB office will
arrange a Virtual Inhouse Days for foreign and Dutch
students. This event will take place online @ www.ibeb.nl
During the Virtual Inhouse Day potential students get the
possibility to ask questions about the programme, meet the
staff and look around the campus of Erasmus University
Rotterdam. Further direct chat will be available to pose your
questions to the IBEB staff members.
EDUCATION FAIRS ABROAD
The International Bachelor Economics & Business Economics
programme regularly visits other countries to participate in
international education fairs and schools/universities visits.
A representative from the IBEB programme may be in
your area during the coming year. Visit our website
www.few.eur.nl/ibeb for more information about our visits
abroad.
dean or find out on the prospective students’ site or
www.scholieren.eur.nl where and how you can take part in
these meetings.
If you are interested in a specific study programme, then you
can spend a day or part of a day at the university by going to
lectures and see what it is like to be a student. In Dutch this is
called a meeloopdag. Or if you are in one of the last two years
at school, you can spend one or two days actually gaining
intensive and active experience of studying in the form of a
detailed programme of cases and assignments. This is called
proefstuderen. For a complete overview of activities visit the
above mentioned websites.
VISITING ADDRESS IBEB PROGRAMME
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Woudestein campus
Burgemeester Oudlaan 50
Education Service Centre Erasmus School of Economics
IBEB programme
H-building, 6th floor, room 2
3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Phone: + 31 10 408 13 80.

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS SITES

On the prospective students’ site,
www.prospectivestudents.eur.nl, you can find all the
information you need about bachelor’s programmes,
download or send off for brochures, enrol for info events,
ask questions or find out more about studying and living in
Rotterdam. Dutch students can also visit the scholieren-site,
www.scholieren.eur.nl, for above mentioned information.

ERASMUS AMBASSADORS
In October Erasmus University Rotterdam will be present at
the Studiebeurs Utrecht (education fair), where our Erasmus
Ambassadors will be providing information about all the
bachelor programmes. In February you will find Erasmus
University Rotterdam at the Interscholaire fair in Rotterdam.
Of course Erasmus Ambassadors often attend information
fairs in secondary schools throughout the country. Ask your

25
 USEFUL ADDRESSES AND WEBSITES
EDUCATION SERVICE CENTre ESE
The Education Service Center (ESC) is the central contact point
within Erasmus School of Economics (ESE), where prospective,
accepted and current students and other interested persons
can get answers to questions in the field of education.
The IBEB Office and Student Advisors can be contacted trough
the Education Service Centre.

Student advisors
For information about different possibilities at Erasmus
School of Economics, rules and regulation and switching
from study programme you can contact the student advisors,
drs. O. Bollen and Mrs. drs. R. Eversen.

IBEB Office
For specific questions about your application, math test, visa,
housing and the curriculum of the IBEB programme.

VISITING ADDRESS
Woudestein campus
Burgemeester Oudlaan 50
H-building, floor 6, room 2
3062 PA Rotterdam
The Netherlands

Phone: +31 10 408 13 80

Fax: +31 10 408 91 76
E-mail: ibeb@few.eur.nl
Internet: www.few.eur.nl/ibeb

POSTAL ADDRESS
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Education Service Centre ESE
IBEB programme
PO Box 1738, room H06-02
3000 DR Rotterdam
The Netherlands

26
STUDY INFORMATION CENTRE EUR SPORTS BUILDING EUR
PO Box 1738, room A2-05 Campus Woudestein
3000 DR Rotterdam Phone +31 10 408 18 75
The Netherlands Internet: www.eur.nl/sport
Phone +31 10 408 11 37
E-mail: sic@eur.nl USEFUL WEBSITES
For information about education fairs, be-a-student for a The IBEB programme www.few.eur.nl/ibeb
day (meeloopdagen), and other general questions about Erasmus University Rotterdam www.prospectivestudents.eur.nl
information meetings in the Netherlands. Also you can and www.scholieren.eur.nl
request the IBEB brochure. Studying in the Netherlands www.nuffic.nl or www.studyin.nl
Rotterdam city www.vvv.rotterdam.nl/uk
ADMISSIONS OFFICE EUR www.webguiderotterdam.com
PO Box 1738, room AT-07 Municipality of Rotterdam www.rotterdam.nl
3000 DR Rotterdam Rotterdam Experience www.rotterdamexperience.nl
The Netherlands Rotterdam Port www.portofrotterdam.com
Phone: + 31 10 408 1786 (M-F 13:30 - 16:00) The Netherlands www.holland.com
E-mail: admissions.office@oos.eur.nl
Internet: www.bacheloradmission.eur.nl

IB-GROEP (GRONINGEN)
PO Box 30157
9700 LJ Groningen
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 50 599 77 55
Internet: www.ib-groep.nl

STADSWONEN (HOUSING)
Phone: +31 10 800 72 00
E-mail: mail@stadswonen.nl
Internet: www.stadswonen.nl
Open: M-F 10:00 - 18:00 o’clock

prospectivestudents.eur.nl

27
 Ivo Arnold Koen Berden Shadyra Francisca Maarten Hekking Martijn Ooms Karina Raaijmakers

STAFF
EXECUTIVE STAFF BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD
Professor Ivo J.M. Arnold Emile Bakker
Chairman NIB Capital

Koen G. Berden MSc Rein Breeman

Executive Director Director Vecom

Shadyra A.J. Francisca MSc Fokko van Duijne

Public Relations Former CEO Hoogovens (Corus) & Crown Member SER

Maarten P.A. Hekking BBA René Hooft Graafland

International Relations CFO Heineken N.V.

Martijn J. Ooms BSc Frans van Houten

Admission & Application CEO Philips Semiconductors N.V.

Karina Raaijmakers BSc Hans Janssen

Programme Manager Finance Director
Unilever Nederland B.V.
Iwona E. Tekielak BSc
Public Relations Roland Kupers
Vice-president Shell Global LNG
Jozefien H. Verloop BEc
Public Relations Willemien van Senden-Caderius van Veen
Advisor International Accounts LogicaCMG
Former Business Development Manager European Financial
Academic Advisory Board Service Centre Unilever
Prof. dr. C. van Marrewijk
Chairman Economics

Dr. Sc. Ind. A.H. van der Boom

Business Economics

Prof. dr. A.P.M. Wagelmans

Econometrics

28
Iwona Tekielak Jozefien Verloop

© 2006.08.9000Z IBEB and EUR reserve the right to make changes affecting policies, fees, curricula, or any other matter announced in this publication without further notice.

Erasmus University Rotterdam

PO Box 1738
3000 DR Rotterdam
The Netherlands

Erasmus University Rotterdam has two locations:

All Bachelor Programmes (except for Medicine)
Campus Woudestein
Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA Rotterdam

Medicine
Faculty building Erasmus MC
Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE Rotterdam

Internet
www.prospectivestudents.eur.nl
prospectivestudents.eur.nl

OUR BACHELOR PROGRAMMES IN DUTCH

• Business Administration Berlin
London
• Criminology
Rotterdam
• Cultural Studies
• Dutch Law Paris
• Mr.-drs. Programme for Economics and Dutch Law
• Econometrics & Management Science
• Economics & Business (also in English)
• Economics & Informatics
• Fiscal Economics
• Fiscal Law
• Health Sciences
• History (of Society)
• Medicine (no bachelor-master structure)
• Philosophy
• Psychology
• Public Administration More information:
• Sociology Erasmus University Rotterdam
Study Information Centre
OUR BACHELOR PROGRAMMES IN ENGLISH PO Box 1738
• International Bachelor Economics & Business Economics 3000 DR Rotterdam
• International Business Administration E-mail: sic@eur.nl