HAN University of Applied Sciences

Meet HAN University of

Applied Sciences
in the netherlands

HAN
Please note that every effort has been made to ensure that the
information in this brochure is correct and up to date. However,
errors may have inadvertently been made and changes may have
occurred after publication. Therefore, all information is
subject to change or deletion. Please send us your comments or
order extra copies at: internationaloffice.nijmegen@han.nl

International Office Campus Nijmegen

Postal address Campus address
P.O. Box 6960 Kapittelweg 33, Nijmegen
NL 6503 GL Nijmegen E Internationaloffice.nijmegen@han.nl
The Netherlands T +31 24 353 04 03
F +31 24 353 04 04
W www.han.nl/english

International Office Campus Arnhem

Postal address Campus address
P.O. Box 2217 Ruitenberglaan 26, Arnhem
NL 6802 CE Arnhem E Internationaloffice.arnhem@han.nl
The Netherlands T +31 26 365 81 33
F +31 26 384 93 90
W www.han.nl/english

HAN www.han.nl/english
 5 7
9 11
Welcome to HAN University of Applied Sciences 4
Meet HAN University of Applied Sciences 6
The Dutch educational system 7
What makes HAN University of Applied Sciences special? 9
Global scope 10
Theewaterskloof Rural Community Development Project 11
Business makes the world go round... 12
Technology is the driving force of change... 15
Communication and Information Technology shape the future... 16
Modern society cares for healthy citizens... 19
The welfare state has its roots in individual and social well-being... 20
Education brings people together, all over the world... 23
Tomorrow’s Education Today 25
Students’ voices... 26
Overview of HAN University of Applied Sciences 30

3
 Ron Bormans

Welcome to HAN University

of Applied Sciences
Ron Bormans, Chairman of the Executive Board

Over the years we have welcomed many international students from around the world to the HAN.
Within our current community of 27,000 students, more than 2,000 international students are
enrolled in our Bachelors and Masters Programmes.

We strive to ensure that you enjoy your time studying with us sampling our culture, and making the most of opportunities to
and that your studies provide you with the skills and know- visit and explore the country.
ledge you need to take the next step in your career. We also
hope that you will learn from the experience of living in the On behalf of all our staff and students, I am proud to welcome
Netherlands, meeting Dutch and international students, you to our learning community!

HAN www.han.nl/english
5
w

Meet HAN University

of Applied Sciences
A short introduction...

The HAN is situated in the eastern part of the Netherlands, near the German border. Visitors to this
part of the country will be charmed by the typically Dutch landscape with its wide rivers, bridges, dikes,
polders and backdrop of woody hills and small towns. Two of these towns, the twin cities of Arnhem
and Nijmegen (only 15 kms apart), accommodate HAN University of Applied Sciences, one of the fas-
test growing universities of applied sciences in the country. These two modern city campuses facilitate
the exchange of knowledge between more than 27,000 students and 2,700 staff members.

The HAN provides comprehensive professional education in
the following domains: Education, Social Studies, Commerce,
Communication, Business Administration, Law, Economics,
Engineering, Built Environment, Applied Sciences, IT and
Communication, Health, Nursing, and Sports and Exercise.
Within these domains students can select from more than
sixty Bachelors Programmes and twenty Masters Programmes.
In 2007, the HAN established the HAN Masters Programmes
and Research to administer it’s Masters Programmes and
related research programmes. Professors work closely with
lecturers and students in research groups and play an im-
portant role in designing and delivering the school’s Masters
Programmes. They are also highly involved in the research
conducted within the programmes. All Masters Programmes
offered through the HAN Masters Programmes are accredited
by NVAO, the Dutch accreditation council. The HAN acts as a
‘gateway to knowledge’ through which many students, regional
companies, expertise centres, public authorities and other
institutions have already passed.

HAN www.han.nl/english
The Dutch
educational system
More about our academic programmes…

Dutch higher education distinguishes between two types of universities: research universities and
universities of applied sciences. The HAN is a university of applied sciences, which means it trains
students for specific professions and has a strong emphasis on practical experience. Dutch higher
education has a good reputation and students who obtain a degree from a university of applied sci-
ences are well qualified to work within their discipline. Like many other universities, the HAN main-
tains close ties with the professional field and its graduates are very successful in the labour market.

In 1999 European Education Ministers introduced the Bologna
Treaty to lay the groundwork for greater compatibility of higher
education programmes across different countries.
As a result, a standard Bachelors-Masters system has been
introduced throughout Europe. At the HAN, a Bachelors Pro-
gramme can be completed after four years of full-time study
and the majority of Masters Programmes can be completed
following an additional year. Bachelors Programmes are made
up of a major and a minor. Within their major, students deve-
lop the professional knowledge and skills that will be necessary
for their career. A large part of each programme is dedicated
to analysing and solving problems in groups, and each pro-
gramme includes a work placement project of at least half a
year. The minor is a one-semester focus enabling students to
deepen or broaden their knowledge in a particular area.

7
HAN www.han.nl/english
What makes HAN University
of Applied Sciences special?
There’s more than one answer to that question…
The HAN delivers modern, up-to-date education.
Society is becoming more individualistic than ever before and
the economy more global. The HAN’s academic programmes
are attuned to these developments and students are given the
responsibility to determine which knowledge and skills they
want to master. Students are offered increasingly flexible ‘study
routes’ that provide them with the freedom to design different
parts of their programme. Because each ‘route’ is focused
on the development of professional competences, students
can select which areas they want to emphasise. Although the
HAN is a large institution, teaching is done in small groups.
Personal contact between students and teachers, as well as
among students, encourages individual development and a
professional attitude.
The HAN ranks high among Dutch
universities of applied sciences.
The Dutch accreditation council, NVAO, monitors the quality
of higher education in the Netherlands. In recent years, review
committees have ranked a number of the HAN’s programmes
among the top ten in Dutch universities. These include the
HAN’s Primary Teacher Education programmes and
Bachelors Programmes in the areas of Management, Economics
and Law, Electronic Systems Engineering and Speech Therapy.
The HAN develops and applies new
knowledge and technology.
Delivering modern education and being involved in cutting-
edge research are important to the HAN. As a result, a number
of new programmes and research projects have been intro-
duced in recent years. One of the latest projects, for example,
is ‘Sports and Exercise’, which was launched in 2005. In this
project, the HAN is working together with the Dutch Olympic
Committee to establish an Olympic Training Centre. The centre
is used for conducting research and developing new academic
and training facilities in order to help top athletes improve
their chances of performing well at the next Olympic Games.
The HAN offers modern facilities at its
Arnhem and Nijmegen campuses.
The HAN’s students have access to classrooms equipped with
the most modern facilities. At most locations a wireless net-
work is available and well-equipped ‘skills labs’ help students
develop their expertise. The modern libraries offer multimedia
centres that make information easily accessible. The HAN also
focuses on its students’ physical well-being. The experts at
Seneca, the HAN’s special centre for sports and health, give
students and staff advice on food, physical fitness and rehabili-
tation.
9
Global scope
Holland may be small in size, its economy and culture definitely are not!!

Students interested in being part of the global economy can benefit from spending time abroad, either
studying or working in a foreign company. The Netherlands offers ample opportunities for students
seeking valuable educational experiences. The country has a modern economy with a highly developed
services sector. Internationally, the Dutch are leaders in water management and the eastern part of the
country, where HAN University of Applied Sciences is situated, attracts many multinational companies
due to its prime location between the major port of Rotterdam and the German industrial area.

The Netherlands is also successful in the areas of arts and
sciences. In the past, Rembrandt and Van Gogh made Dutch
painting famous. Today, Rem Koolhaas is known throughout
the world for his architectural designs. Among our Nobel
Prize winners are the well-known brothers, Jan and Nicolaas
Tinbergen, who have contributed significantly in the areas of
economics and biology.
A large number of the HAN’s international students are admit-
ted as part of exchange agreements. The HAN has agreements
with approximately 250 partner universities in more than 50
countries and is an active participant in EU programmes like
Erasmus and Tempus. The HAN is involved in a range of
international activities that are co-ordinated by the Interna-
tional Offices in Arnhem and Nijmegen. These activities vary,
and include staff and student exchanges, developing joint
degrees with partner universities, and supporting communities
in Africa and Eastern Europe. The International Office staff is
equipped to help all the HAN’s international guests in any way
necessary, from paperwork to personal matters. Students can
contact the International Office for their learning agreements
and for any special wishes regarding their stay at the HAN. A
growing number of Bachelors Programmes and modules are
now conducted in English and German, as well as some Mas-
ters Programmes. You can read more about these program-
mes on the following pages. The HAN has also implemented
the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). One academic
year is equivalent to 60 ECTS (30 per semester).

HAN www.han.nl/english
 An International Project

Theewaterskloof
Rural Communtiy Development Project

In 2003 the Theewaterskloof Municipality in South Africa invited HAN University of Applied Scien-
ces, in partnership with the University of the Western Cape, to support them with the implementa-
tion of their Community Development Plan. In 2007 Cape Peninsula University of Technology and
the Elgin Learning Foundation also joined the project. The mission of the Theewaterskloof project
is to make a significant contribution to the sustainable social and economical development of the
municipality and to aid in the eradication of poverty in the villages of Theewaterskloof. Through
service-learning, students and staff of the partnership work to develop capacity, empower the com-
munities to become self-reliant and transition ownership of projects to the communities and local
stakeholders. The focus of all the project’s activities is on achieving and ensuring sustainability after
the project is completed. Annually, approximately 200 students, 80 of which are from HAN Uni-
versity of Applied Sciences, are active on no less than 30 projects in the areas of health and life skills
promotion, education, income generation and infrastructural improvement. Their contributions
help to alleviate poverty in the poor communities and, as one of the town managers said,
“Your students make the difference”.

In 2009 the TWK Project was awarded the second place prize in the MacJannet Foundation Com-
petition for Global Citizenship and Social Responsibility.

11
Business makes
the world go round…
HAN University of Applied Sciences supports international business.
With sixteen million inhabitants, the Netherlands is a densely populated country. Although it is a small country (you can cross
it in only a few hours), it plays an important role in global trade, commerce and specialised technology. Major multinational
companies are based here, such as AKZO Nobel, Shell and Philips. Many foreign companies choose to operate from Dutch terri-
tory because of the political and economic stability. The HAN is a part of this long tradition of global business and prepares its
students for an international career in the areas of International Business and Communication, Business and Law, and Finance
and Management. After graduation, students will have acquired the necessary business and managerial skills to operate on a
European level. The HAN’s academic programmes also stress the importance of understanding other cultures and languages,
and provide students with the opportunity to develop comprehensive, practical business and managerial skills.

The HAN offers a number of Dutch-language Bachelors and
Masters Programmes in the areas of Commerce, Communi-
cation, Business Administration, Law and Economics. Several
programmes are also conducted in English, including five
Bachelors Programmes, one associate degree and two Masters
Programmes. Students also have the option of completing a
double degree programme, which can deliver significant bene-
fit in an international career. Students who are admitted to the
double degree programme spend an extra semester at one of
the HAN’s partner universities in the United Kingdom, France,
Finland, Germany, Russia or Spain. The HAN is involved in
a wide range of business- and managerial-related research
and development projects and has appointed several profes-
sors in the field of management and business in recent years.
The research programme ‘International trade for small and
medium-sized businesses’, for example, works with busines-
ses to provide expertise in the practical aspects of conducting
business on an international scale. Being part of the EU means
competing with other EU companies and small and medium-
sized businesses can benefit from new technology and practi-
cal knowledge related to international trade and production to
help them compete. The government does not offer help, for
example, drawing up a contract with a Polish agent or selecting
a distributor in Spain, so the HAN works to deliver this type of
support to the business community.

HAN www.han.nl/english
Academic programmes
bachelors programmes minors
Accountancy International Business and International Business and
International Finance and Control (English) Management Studies (English) Management Studies (English)
Business Economics Law International Law (English)
Commerce Logistics and Economics
Communication Business Logistics and Management (English) intensive courses
Communication Studies (English) Personnel Policy and Human Resources Business Logistics
Facility Management Small Business and Retail Management Management (18 - 24 months) (English)
Financial Services Management English Intensive Course (English)
Fiscal Economics masters programmes
Food and Business Master of International Business (English) summer course
Human Resource and Controlling (through Nijenrode Business Doing Business in Europe (English)
Quality Management (also in English) University)
International Business and Languages

13
Academic programmes
bachelors programmes minors
Architecture and Construction Engineering Industrial Design Engineering Industrial Commerce (English)
Automotive Engineering (English, September 2010) Industrial Engineering and Management Science Intelligent Vehicles (English)
Automotive Engineering Mechanical Engineering World Class Manufacturing (English)
Bio-informatics
Biology and Medical Laboratory Research (also in masters programmes
English: Life Sciences) Automotive Engineering (English, through Prague
Chemistry Technical University)
Civil Engineering Control Systems Engineering (English)
Computer Engineering Molecular Life sciences (English)
Electrical Engineering Telecommunication Management (English)
Embedded Systems Engineering

HAN www.han.nl/english
Technology is the driving
force of change…
Technology students at HAN University of Applied Sciences contribute to progress.

The Dutch are known for their civil engineering expertise. People come from all over the world to see the ‘Delta Works’ in the south
west of the country, which was built to prevent the sea from engulfing the islands as it did during a major storm in 1953. Many inter-
national students choose to study technology at the HAN in one of three areas: Engineering, Built Environment and Applied Sciences.
These domains offer Bachelors and Masters Programmes and are well-regarded centres of training and research in the Netherlands.
The HAN’s Bachelors Programme in Automotive Engineering is one of the few academic programmes offered in this field within
Europe. Graduates of this programme typically go on to contribute to international developments in commercial or private vehicles.

A significant part of each programme is dedicated to enabling
students to gain practical experience. Future managers in the
technical sector, for example, are challenged to set up their
own Student Company in order to develop a new product, con-
duct market research, and produce and sell their product(s).
Students in the top-ranking Applied Sciences domain,
including Chemistry, Biochemistry and Medical Laboratory
Technology students, spend more than 60% of their time in
laboratories. The Engineering, Built Environment and Applied
Sciences domains all offer a range of Bachelors and Masters
Programmes, several of which are offered in English. The ‘Life
Sciences’ Bachelors Programme focuses on every aspect of
‘life’. Students explore a range of topics, including the proces-
ses at work within the body, disease diagnostics, genetic in-
formation and the practice of improving agricultural products.
Some of the four English-language Masters Programmes were
developed in collaboration with partner universities, enabling
graduate students to pursue further education at home or
abroad. Innovative technology plays an important
role at the HAN. How can technology contribute, for example,
to social welfare? Construction Engineering undergraduates
interested in health technology had the opportunity to
participate in the HAN’s ‘Embedded Systems’ research pro-
gramme and develop alternative housing for a group of elderly
Dutch pensioners who had retired to Spain. Students surveyed
the group’s wishes and requirements, and developed concepts
that would enable the senior citizens to live on their own with
the help of in-house technology, or ‘domotica’.

15
Communication and Information
Technology shapes the future…
HAN University of Applied Sciences delivers real ICT professionals.

As in any modern economy, IT and communication are major factors in Dutch business life. The HAN offers a wide
range of academic programmes designed to prepare students for a career in IT or communication. Students can develop their
skills in a number of areas related to new media, including the internet and multimedia design. Beginning in their second year,
students are given the freedom to shape their own programme based on the semesters and minor they choose. This enables
them to focus more on technology or communication or to divide their time equally between the two areas. Students are
required to complete two work placement projects in order to gain hands-on experience in their future field of work. The HAN
offers a wide range of academic modules, including software development, information system design, real-time systems design
(such as robots), development of automated production processes and IT applications in business processes. Students who
choose to focus on communication systems can specialise in either digital communication or multimedia design. Both of these
areas emphasise user-friendly and interactive system development.

The HAN provides IT and communication students with
sophisticated computer labs and works in close cooperation
with industry players and other institutions, at both a Dutch
and European level. An example of an international project that
was initiated and organised by the HAN together with Radboud
University in Nijmegen and Moscow State University, is a pro-
ject in which students developed a multimedia CD that clearly
explains complex topics such as nanotechnology to students
in secondary and higher education. This project was extremely
successful and a great example of how productive and satisfy-
ing international cooperation can be. The HAN offers several
Bachelors Programmes, one Masters Programme and two
minors within the IT and Communication domain. The Mas-
ters Programme and the two minors are taught in English and
are designed for graduates from different disciplines, including
engineering, education, business administration, economics
and healthcare. The ‘Advanced Programming’ minor is only
open to students with a thorough knowledge of programming
and sound analytical skills. On of the HAN’s core areas of IT
expertise is in the designing and managing of large database
systems. During the past ten years, HAN students and lectu-
rers have developed key toolsets, in cooperation with a industry
players, to manage large databases and data warehouses. The
‘Data Architecture’ research programme has continued to build
on this area of expertise and transform it into international
Masters Programmes.

HAN www.han.nl/english
Academic programmes
bachelors programmes masters programmes minors
Communication & Multimedia Design Information Systems Development (English) Advanced Programming (English)
Communication Systems Behind the Screens (English)
Informatics
Managerial Informatics
Technical Informatics

17
 Academic programmes
bachelors programmes
Dental Hygiene Sports, Health and Management Physician Assistant
Grade-1 qualification for teaching physical Sports and Exercise Master of Management and Innovation
education in secondary schools
Grade-2 qualification for teaching health care and masters programmes minors
social welfare in secondary schools Master of Supervision Professional Development in
Healthcare Management Master of Neurorehabilitation International Perspective
Nursing Advanced Nursing Practice Sport Tourism
Nutrition and Dietetics Managing Human Resources
Occupational Therapy Master of Business Administration in care and
Physiotherapy social service
Speech and Language Therapy (also in German) Master of Molecular Life Sciences

HAN www.han.nl/english
Modern society cares
for healthy citizens…
HAN University of Applied Sciences makes sure health care students gain
rigorous practical experience.
The Dutch welfare state has a highly developed system of health care. The HAN offers many Bachelors and Masters Program-
mes within the Health, Nursing, and Sports and Exercise Studies domains. The HAN stresses competence-based education and
flexible ‘study routes’. Students can take different routes to a degree depending on their previous studies or work experience. A
student’s individual responsibility is emphasised through the use of study contracts and portfolios, and assessments are used to
track progress. The HAN cooperates closely with the Radboud University Hospital in Nijmegen.

The HAN’s new campus in Nijmegen is well-equipped with a

variety of modern facilities and its buildings offer skills labora-
tories that are essential to all health and nursing professions
Students can refine their skills using models, practicing on one
other and working with simulated patients before they are con-
fronted with real-life situations. Physiotherapy and Sports and
Exercise Studies students can take advantage of the facilities at
the HAN’s special sports and health centre, Seneca. Research
programmes within the Health, Nursing, and Sports and Exer-
cise Studies domains focus on recent developments within
the Dutch welfare state, including, for example, ‘Health care
management’. In recent years the Dutch government’s role in
health care has been decreasing, enabling health insurance
companies and other agencies to take over this responsibility.
Health care management is becoming increasingly important
and the HAN helps students explore and analyse the key
factors and characteristics involved.

19
The welfare state has its roots in
individual and social well-being…
HAN University of Applied Sciences Social Studies students focus on individual clients.

Like many Europeans, the Dutch live in an individualised society with access to a wide range of social services. The HAN offers
five full-time Bachelors Programmes within this domain. Students focus on how to improve individual and social welfare, and
develop the skills and knowledge necessary to help people deal with their social or emotional problems. Students profit from
a long tradition of the integration of creative arts into social professions. They are trained to apply dance, drama, music, arts,
audio-visual expressions, games and sports in their professional relationships with clients. A theatre and dedicated instruction
rooms for dance, music and other specialisations are available at the new Nijmegen campus.

The HAN’s Social Studies students are given the opportunity to of creative elements such as music, dance, drama, visual arts,
work alongside their study in order to enhance their overall audiovisual education, and games and sports. A part-time
academic experience with real-life situations. In order to facili- Social-Educational Care programme and Cultural Social Work
tate this, the majority of Bachelors Programmes are also offered programme are both conducted entirely in German. Research
on a part-time basis. ‘Flexible study routes’ provide further within the Social Studies domain seeks to improve the skills of
opportunity to explore individual preferences and focus areas. therapists and social cultural workers. In one research projects,
Study contracts, portfolios and assessments help students stay for example, social cultural workers explore how playing among
on schedule. The HAN offers several international courses on young people contributes to the development of social skills and
Social Studies that are taught in English. One programme how this knowledge can be transferred to other professionals.
focuses on learning new skills and behaviour through the use

HAN www.han.nl/english
Academic programmes
bachelors programmes masters programmes minors
Arts Therapy Master of Pedagogics (Education and Adventure Education
Cultural Social Work (also taught in German) Child Studies) International Sustainable Development
Social Educational Care (also taught in German) Master of Social Work Cooperation
Educational Studies Creativity and Art at work
Social Work and Social Services
Applied Psychology

21
Academic programmes
bachelors programmes masters programmes minors
Teacher Education for Primary School Education Teacher Education for Grade I Qualification Tomorrow’s Education Today (English)
Teacher Education for Grade II Qualification in in Upper Secondary School in:
Lower Secondary School in: Mathematics, Dutch, English, Economics
Dutch, French, German, English Learning and Innovation
Geography, History, Economics, Business
Economics, Mathematics, Biology, Physics,
Chemistry
Training and Human Development

HAN www.han.nl/english
Education brings people
together, all over the world…
Education graduates from HAN University of Appied Sciences have a strong
international focus.
Freedom of Education is guaranteed by the Dutch constitution. All international Education students have access to a rich learning
environment, regardless of whether the school they select is Catholic, Protestant or Islamic, or based on a pedagogic principles such
as Montessori, Petersen, Dalton or Waldorf.

The HAN offers a number of highly-rated Bachelors Program-
mes in its Primary and Secondary Teacher Education program-
me. External review boards voted the HAN’s Primary Teacher
Education programme the best in the country and recent natio-
nal student surveys ranked the Secondary Teacher Education
programme among the best in terms of quality of education,
organisation and facilities. The HAN provides Primary and
Secondary Teacher Education programmes that cater to the
needs of students and offer maximum flexibility and choice.
Students develop their professional competences in small
tutorial groups and much of the curriculum is based around
close partnerships with schools. Practical student placements
are planned throughout the entire year round, meaning gradu-
ates are highly-qualified and well-positioned to quickly find
teaching positions. The HAN offers a new and rapidly growing
degree programme in ‘Training and Human Development’,
which prepares graduates to work within organisations as trai-
ners and consultants specialised in professional development,
human resource development, lifelong learning, e-learning and
education management. The Education Bachelors Program-
mes have a strong international orientation and many students
spend a term abroad to either study or teach. Short study
trips to other countries and modules about international and
cross-cultural issues help students develop an international
perspective. Staff members are encouraged to lecture abroad
and many visiting lecturers are welcomed to teach program-
mes at the HAN each year. To facilitate this, the HAN is active
in many international networks and maintains relationships
with more than 100 partner institutions.

23
Each year a large number of international students participate
in the “Tomorrow’s Education Today” minor focused on
innovative educational practices in schools. Other students
do individual research or carry out their teaching practice at an
international or English-medium school. The HAN offers an
English-language Masters Programme in collaboration with
Sheffield Hallam University to train students to become
specialists in e-learning and multimedia strategies. The HAN
encourages its lecturers and students to develop innovative
educational practices. Specially funded research groups at the
HAN www.han.nl/english
HAN are active in a number of key innovation areas, ran-
ging from the effective use of IT in schools to the pedagogic
quality of the teacher and innovation of learning processes in
organisations. Educational philosophy is developing towards
competence-based learning and key research themes therefore
include the development of competences in both educational
and work settings. Because the HAN recognises the value its
partnerships deliver to students, emphasis is placed on colla-
borating with schools and other organisations during research.
 An International
course

Tomorrow’s Education Today

During this one-semester programme, future teachers from all over the world focus on an in-
ternational and innovative educational culture. They encounter and discuss new international
academic trends, while challenging existing approaches and teaching strategies. Every year lec-
turers from partner institutions are invited to join this international course. The basic principle
of the programme is to create an environment where as many international students from as
many different countries as possible come together. Within this ‘international learning com-
munity’ students are confronted with and reflect on each other’s educational ideas and ideals.
A number of Dutch students may also participate. The programme consists of programme
work, school practice, study visits and individual optional work. Throughout the whole term,
students will spend two days a week at a primary school or lower secondary school. The pro-
gramme also includes a 4-day cultural ‘Tour to the West’ (Rotterdam, The Hague, Delft).

25
Students’ voices…
Holland is nice but the weather is too wet

Most non-European students at HAN

University of Applied Sciences, whether they
come from Iran, Indonesia or China, see eye-
to-eye on one topic: the unpredictable weather.
You never know when to expect sun or when
to take your umbrella with you. Despite this,
students agree that spending time in the
Netherlands is fun and full of new experiences.
Why do international students decide to study
at the HAN and how do they like it? What do
they think of their fellow students? Are their
lives and studies very different from what they
experienced at home?

HAN www.han.nl/english
name Alsya Jubilly Affrandi
age 20 years
from Indonesia
programme at home High School, Natural Sciences
programme at Bachelor of Life Sciences Technical Internet Management
han university
of applied sciences
‘Why did I choose to study Life Sciences at the HAN? Well,
I wanted to study abroad and get a good education. I like the
field of Life Sciences a lot and the HAN has a modern
laboratory with all sorts of equipment. The subjects taught are
extremely interesting. Recently, for example, in my ‘Bio-ethics’
class we discussed whether it is ethical to sell HIV medicine
at a high price. We looked at this issue from different angles.
Producing these medicines has taken a lot of time, energy and
money, so perhaps it is fair to ask a high price. But what about
the poor people who can’t afford these expensive medicines and
who die because of HIV infections? In our class there are Dutch
and other international students. We are really quite close to one
another. I feel good about that and it is also helpful for our Dutch students express themselves directly, so you always get
studies. The Dutch are friendly and helpful and they usually
speak very good English. The public services here are also excel-
lent and I like the number of Asian shops around. I can buy and
eat the food I’m used to at home! But sometimes things are a
bit overdone and there is too much paperwork required to actu-
ally get anything accomplished. Student life around here is also
not very exciting - in my country student organisations are much
more active and creative. room has everything I need. Life here in the Netherlands is very
In the Netherlands I have to be more independent, live more
simply and work harder to achieve my goals. And that’s a good
thing.’
name Elinie Chen
age 21 years
from China
programme at home University Education in
programme at Bachelor of Nursing
han university
of applied sciences
‘I decided to study nursing in the Netherlands because I wanted
to do something completely different. I used to
spend a lot of time working behind a computer but I decided
that it wasn’t for me. I like working with people and wanted to
live abroad for a while. Since I started, I also discovered that I
really like taking care of patients. The HAN’s approach to teach-
ing is different from what I’m used to in Shanghai. In Nijmegen
I study within a project group. We work together to reach our
goals and everybody does what’s necessary to complete our
assignments on time. We discuss the results and make sure we
present something good to the teacher. I like this way of
studying very much - there’s a lot of open communication.
clear answers. The language is the most difficult part of my
studies. All the teaching is in Dutch, so I had to learn the
language in six months! Sometimes, when things get difficult
I can’t always find the right words. That makes me sad, but
people are usually friendly and help me to say it correctly in
Dutch. I rent a room from a nice Dutch family in Nijmegen.
I’ve lived there for over a year. The rent is not too high and my
different from what I’m used to in Shanghai. The pace of life is
much slower. For instance, you have to make an appointment
for everything! And there’s much less choice of food over here.
But that’s what culture differences are all about - experiencing
another way of life.
27
 w
name Pasha Javadi Khomami
age 24 years
from Iran
programme at home Medical laboratory science
programme at Bachelor of Life Sciences
han university
of applied sciences
‘I always planned to continue my studies abroad, not only for
academic reasons, but also because I wanted to experience life
in another culture. I first tried to get a visa for the USA, but it
took too long and I didn’t get it in time. I saw an advertisement
for studying in the Netherlands, made a phone call, and found
out that Life Sciences was taught in English at the HAN
and that I could still apply. people from everywhere, every day. That’s exciting and interest-
At first I missed my family and friends terribly and I didn’t have
much of a social life over here. But people are friendly and
helpful, so in time I got used to being less socially active. Our
class was also the first time that this programme was taught
in English, so there were some organisational problems in
the beginning. But that’s quite normal and it all passed. I like
studying at the HAN very much. In my country, studying is
teacher-centric. He tells you what to study for exams. But over
here it is much more student-centric. You often have to decide
for yourself what is important and it is up to you to get the right
information. That makes you feel independent and free. you will be in classes with up to a thousand students or more
I like the friendly environment at the HAN, especially in a small
building like the Life Sciences building. The laboratory equip-
ment is also very good. Our study group, for instance, did some
gene mapping on a plant called Arabidopsis Thaliana, a very
common weed. The HAN has all the equipment to isolate DNA
and to do different kinds of research.
HAN www.han.nl/english
name Alexandra Kroesen
age 22 years
from Germany
programme at home doing her complete studies in
the Netherlands
programme at International Business and
han university Management Studies
of applied sciences (IBMS)
‘‘A cousin of mine told me about Dutch academic programmes,
so I requested more information and that is how I came to study
IBMS in Arnhem. I wanted something taught in English with an
international orientation at a school that was close enough to
home so I could still see my family and friends.
And you know what? The HAN really is international! I deal with
ing, but can sometimes be difficult. Each semester you have to
do a project. That means working with students from very differ-
ent cultures. For me it is obvious that I should ask for help if I
need it or give my opinion directly. But students from China, for
instance, find that very rude and would never do so. It takes time
to really understand each other but eventually we always do. One
thing I like best about my fellow students is that they are really
open-minded and tolerant.
Dutch higher education is smaller-scale and much more personal
than I’m used to in Germany. If you study business in Germany
and there is very little personal contact with teachers. But not
at the HAN. Right now we are doing a project called Market
Research with eight students from five different countries. It is
for a real company and we have to find out whether it is worth
their effort to expand their business into South America. Next
week we’ll present our results.
I like studying in the Netherlands and have found that there’s not
much difference between living in Holland or Germany. There’s
just one thing I don’t understand: How can you Dutch people eat
that junk food called “frikandel”? It really tastes horrible!’
Students’ voices…
name Stacey Mercer
age 21 years
from United States
programme at home English, Psychology
programme at International Course for Teacher
han university Education Students
of applied sciences

‘Because I pay for school myself, cost was a major concern

when making my decision to study abroad. I found that
programmes in Nijmegen were not that expensive and I had
heard many positive things about it from fellow students. I
chose the Netherlands because I wanted to visit this small
country with such a big reputation for being liberal and tolerant.
Also, I knew travelling to bordering countries would be easy.
I really enjoy being a Teacher’s Assistant. Although I am not
looking for a career in Education, this experience has opened my
eyes to the rewards and possibilities involved in teaching. The
workload here in the Netherlands is also much more reasonable
and feasible. I’m able to focus more on my assignments and
really commit myself to each course.
The people I’ve met here are really amazing. Because I’m the
only student from my home university, I’ve been forced to get to
know strangers. I really prefer it this way, as now I have all inter-
national friends. They all seem to have two things in common:
sincerity and spontaneity. This also applies to my Dutch friends,
but I’d say they’re the most reliable… they are always right on
time!
Being here, I’ve had to get used to a much slower pace of life.
When I first arrived I was anxious and wanting everything to be
precisely organised, with all my questions answered. That wasn’t
entirely the case, but as a result, I’ve found that in general,
I’m not as stressed as I normally am at home; I’m much more
relaxed. I’m learning so much about the world, cultures, and
myself. This has given me more confidence and independence.
Living here in Nijmegen, without a doubt, has been a breath of
fresh air on so many levels!’

29
 Overview of HAN University of Applied Sciences

the HAN offers under­graduate

and graduate degree
programmes and associate de-
grees in a wide range of domains

HAN univer sity o f app lie d sciences

Faculty of Health Faculty of Faculty of Faculty of Information and Management

and Social Studies Education Economics and Engineering communication Services
Management Academy

Institutes: Institutes: Institutes: Institutes: Institutes: Departments:

• Allied Health Studies • Primary Teacher • International Business • Engineering • Academy of • Facilities
• Sports and Exercise Education and Communication • Built Environment Communication • Finances
• Social Studies • Secondary Teacher • Business and Law • Applied Sciences and Information • Information and
• Nursing Education • Finance and • Automotive Technology Communcation
Management Engineering • Marketing
Communication
and PR
• Human Resources
• Academic Affairs
and Educational
Development
• Student Services

han Masters programmes and research

Professorships and Research Centres

Masters Programmes

HAN www.han.nl/english
31
 International Office Campus Nijmegen

photography alain baars, and others | text ypie veenstra (Bureau Heijendaal) | print Efficiënt Nijmegen
Postal address

realisation HAN Marketing, Communication and Public Affairs | design ter Haar Romeny & Ketel |
P.O. Box 6960
NL 6503 GL Nijmegen
The Netherlands

Campus address
Kapittelweg 33, Nijmegen
E Internationaloffice.nijmegen@han.nl
T +31 24 353 04 03
F +31 24 353 04 04
W www.han.nl/english

International Office Campus Arnhem

Postal address
P.O. Box 2217
NL 6802 CE Arnhem
The Netherlands

Campus address
Ruitenberglaan 26, Arnhem
E Internationaloffice.arnhem@han.nl
T +31 26 365 81 33
F +31 26 384 93 90
W www.han.nl/english

HAN