Erasmus - A Passion For Antwerp

A Passion for Antwerp
HIGHER EDUCATION IN ANTWERP
Universiteit Antwerpen
The Antwerp University Association provides an intellectual home for more than 28,000 students.
Hogere Zeevaartschool
Hogeschool Antwerpen
Karel de Grote-Hogeschool
Plantijnhogeschool
1 | EUROPE, BELGIUM, FLANDERS, ANTWERP
Destination Europe 5
Belgium, two cultures and three languages 5
Flanders and the province of Antwerp 5
The city of Antwerp 7
2 | STUDYING AT THE Antwerp University Association

The structure of higher education in Flanders … 11
... and the Bologna process 11
More about three essential factors 11
Education at the Antwerp University Association 14
About the University of Antwerp 14
About the University colleges in Antwerp 14
Curricula available at the Antwerp University Association 17
Admission of exchange students 21
Language requirements 21
3 | TRANSPORT & TRAVEL

GETTING TO ANTWERP 25
By air 25
By train 25
By bus 25
By car 26
GETTING AROUND IN ANTWERP 26
By bike (or motorbike) 26
By public transport 26
By car 28
GETTING OUT OF ANTWERP
Travelling in Belgium 29
Travelling outside Belgium 30
4 | ARRIVAL & ACCOMMODATION

BEFORE LEAVING FOR BELGIUM
Registration at the home institution 33
Visa requirements and other formalities before leaving for Belgium 33
ARRIVAL IN ANTWERP
Your first night - an interesting tip 35
Addresses of the Antwerp University Association 35
Registration at the host institution 39
Registration in the host town 39
Registration with the Embassy or Consulate 41
LIVING IN ANTWERP
Financial matters 41
Arranging your financial affairs 41
Bank holidays 42
Working 43
Cost of living 43
2
Settling in
Youth hostels 45
Housing 46
The rental agreement 47
Place description 48
Safety and comfort 48
Services 50
Student cards and student clubs/associations 51
Student cards 51
Student clubs/associations 52
5 | CULTURE & LEISURE

General information for visitors 55
Cultural life in Antwerp 55
Radio and television 57
Life stances & Active Pluralism 58
Sports and recreation 59
Wining and dining 59
6 | HEALTH & INSURANCE

Accidents & third party liability 61
Fire insurance 61
Medical care 61
Refunding of medical costs 61
Emergency numbers 62
Pharmacies 62
General practitioners 62
Dentists 63
General hospitals 63
7 | KEEPING IN TOUCH
Using the phone 65
Telephone booths 65
Mobile phones 66
8 | CONTACTS
Important telephone numbers 69
Institutions’ services 70
International offices 70
Language centres 71
Tourist information 72
9 | GLOSSARY
10 | INDEX
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1 | Europe, Belgium, Flanders, Antwerp
Destination Europe
The European Union (EU) is the result of a process of co-operation and integration which
began in 1951. Today, more than 50 years later, the EU has 25 members. The main objec-
tives of the EU are to introduce the concept of European citizenship, which carries with it a
number of civil and political rights for European citizens and to develop an atmosphere of
freedom, security and justice. The EU also encourages the development of the international
market and the freedom of movement of people.
In 1999, 29 countries in Europe signed the Bologna Declaration. One of the primary pur-
poses of this declaration is to encourage and facilitate mobility between higher education
systems and institutions in Europe.
Belgium, two cultures and three languages

Belgium consists of 2 main parts: the northern part Flanders (Vlaanderen) and the southern
part Wallonia. Although Belgium is a small country, 3 languages are spoken here. There is
no such language as ‘Belgian’. The Flemish people in the north of Belgium speak Dutch,
while the Walloons in the south speak French. In the eastern part of the country there is
a small German-speaking population. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is officially bilingual
(Dutch and French). It should be pointed out that the inhabitants of the Netherlands also
speak Dutch. Surrounded by three numerically stronger languages, i.e. French, German and
English, 21 million people who live in the Netherlands and Flanders share a common lan-
guage - Dutch - which is the sixth most important language in the European Union.
Since 1989 several constitutional reforms have turned Belgium into a federal state con-
sisting of 3 Communities (Dutch-speaking, French-speaking and German-speaking) and 3
regions (Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels). Whereas the Communities are responsible for
person-related matters like culture and education, the regions take care of territory-related
matters such as social and economic affairs. Despite the fact that the regions are continu-
ally gaining power, Belgium is still one country. The reigning monarch, Albert II, is the sixth
king of Belgium since the declaration of independence from the Netherlands in 1830.
The central location of Belgium within the European Union and its economic importance
have contributed to its international significance. Brussels hosts both the European
Commission and the Council of Ministers.
Flanders and the province of Antwerp

In the north of Belgium, Flanders is set in a flat landscape. The historical name, the ‘Low
Countries’ reflects the geography of the area occupied by Flanders and the Netherlands.
The proximity of Flanders to the North Sea means that it has a temperate climate with mild
winters and cool summers.
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EUROPE, BELGIUM, FLANDERS, ANTWERP
The province of Antwerp is one of 5 Flemish provinces. It is situated between Limburg in

the east, West- and East-Flanders to the west, and Flemish-Brabant to the south. With a
population of more than 1.6 million, the province covers roughly 16% of the entire popula-
tion of Belgium. From a cultural point of view, the province of Antwerp is the most impor-
tant Flemish region. Its many churches, museums, theatres etc. are only a few aspects of
the cultural wealth of the province. Antwerp is an area of major economic importance. As
the home of more than 86,000 companies, the province has the highest concentration of
industrial enterprises in Belgium.
The partner institutions of the Antwerp University Association (university and university
colleges - AUHA) can be found all over the province, with the city of Antwerp as the main
centre. The campuses of Lier, Mechelen or Turnhout are to be found in more rural sur-
roundings.
The city of Antwerp

Antwerp, a city with about half a million inhabitants, is of major importance to economic and
cultural life in Flanders. The river Scheldt has played a fundamental role in the development
of the city. The harbour of Antwerp is one of the largest in the world, and gives the city its
international dimension.
For the year 2004 UNESCO has granted the city the title of “World Book Capital” on the
basis of the unusually rich literary environment that it offers. The City of Antwerp has devel-
oped an international programme -ABC2004- with the support of the Flemish Community
and the Province of Antwerp. The City of Antwerp is using all its literary advantages and
pursuing a coordinated and continuous policy, which aims to generate an even bigger
impact for Antwerp as a book capital. The city currently has an official municipal poet
(Bart Moeyaert) and an apartment for a Writer in Residence. ABC2004 wants to promote
Antwerp internationally as a historic, contemporary and future book capital - a city that
loves words.
The settlement of Antwerp goes back to Roman times. The river Scheldt has always played
an important role in defence and trade. The fourteenth century was a period of economic
growth and population increase, which resulted in major building activities. Our Lady’s
Cathedral, the Elisabeth Hospital and the St Jacob’s, St Paul’s and Carolus Borromeus
churches were all built at that time. During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries the city
expanded considerably. Antwerp became one of the cities of the Hanseatic League and
an important financial centre. The Hessenhuis, the Vleeshuis and the city hall are examples
of mercantile buildings from that period. From a cultural point of view, Antwerp was one of
the most important cities of the age. The art of printing, for example, flourished in Antwerp
under the influence of Christoffel Plantin. There was a crisis, however, at the end of the
sixteenth century. As a result of the religious wars of the time, the Low Countries were
separated in 1585 into an independent north, and a southern part under Spanish rule. This
led to the decline of Antwerp’s position as a major harbour and centre of trade. Almost half
the population of Antwerp - among them many artists, scientists and talented craftsmen -
emigrated to the north as a result of the partition. Although the closing of the river Scheldt
led to a period of economic recession in the south, the first half of the seventeenth century
was a time of cultural importance when many of the important figures that are associated
with the city, such as Rubens and Van Dyck, were alive.
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In the nineteenth century Antwerp recovered economically and demographically. Ever since,
there has been a continued effort to make the old city an attractive and pleasant place in
which to live.
Industrial activity in Antwerp is export-based and capital intensive. Every year more than
100 million tonnes of goods pass through the port, a process which employs about 75,000
people. The success of these activities is partly due to the favourable natural surround-
ings, but also to acquired advantages such as high productivity, and a favourable economic
climate. One-fifth of Belgium’s Gross National Product is generated in Antwerp.
The petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries, and a major car assembly plant also
contribute significantly to the economic importance of Antwerp. The city is famous for its
diamonds. The Antwerp diamond trade is by far the largest in the world in terms of volume.
The diamond district is located around the central station.
Thanks to the effort of numerous young designers, Antwerp, like London and Paris, is now
a major centre in the fashion world. The fashion district just off the Meir shopping street is
certainly worth visiting.
Apart from its cathedral, Rubens, its diamonds and its fashion business, Antwerp can also
be proud of its zoo, which has an international reputation.
Further information and pictures can be found by visiting the following sites:
> www.visitantwerp.be
> www.aviewoncities.com/antwerp.htm
> www.trabel.com/antwerp.htm
> www.use-it.be/antwerpen/eng/
More detailed information about cultural life in Antwerp can be found in part 5 ‘Culture
& Leisure’.
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2 | Studying at the
Antwerp University Association (AUHA)
The structure of higher education in Flanders …

Higher education in Flanders is organised at universities and at university colleges (‘hogesc-
holen’). Whereas most training programmes at the university colleges prepare students for
a specific profession, such as nursing and translation work, university curricula are typically
more academic and generic.
All students who have obtained a certificate of secondary education or an equivalent for-
eign diploma, are admitted to tertiary education. However, some courses are subject to an
entrance exam, e.g., medicine and dentistry at the university, and courses that focus on art
at the university colleges.
… and the Bologna process

In 1999, 29 European Ministries of Education, including Flanders’, signed the Bologna
Declaration. They agreed to reform their systems of higher education by 2010 at the latest.
The essence of the declaration is the creation of a European area of higher education as
a way to stimulate mobility, employability and Europe’s overall development. In the short-
term, the Declaration poses many challenges: Internationalisation, improving transparency,
rationalizing course supply, improving the quality assurance system and promoting life long
learning. These are, and will remain, important issues on the higher education policy agenda
in Europe.
After signing the Bologna Declaration, the Flemish Minister of Education started a process
to reform the Flemish system of higher education. The reforms have meant that there is
greater focus on objectives and outcomes, and task-based and problem-solving education
has become more central. A student receives a degree after having collected the required
number of credits for the subjects that make up the qualification.
The implementation of the Bologna Declaration in Flanders revolves around three essential
factors:
- re-organisation of the curriculum into the ‘Bachelor - Master’ structure
- establishment of a common system of accreditation between the different European
educational systems.
- foundation of ‘associations’ between universities and university colleges.
More about these three essential factors:
• Bachelor – Master in Flanders

Flanders has introduced the new system by decree in 2004-2005. The use of the ECTS
credit system (60 credits per academic year) is also compulsory. Each subject represents a
minimum of 3 credits. One credit represents 25 to 30 hours of a student’s workload.
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STUDYING AT THE Antwerp University Association
After successfully completing 180 ECTS-credits (a study period of at least three years)
students obtain a bachelor’s degree. There is a difference between a profession-oriented
bachelor’s degree and an academic bachelor’s degree. Professional bachelor’s degrees pre-
pare students for specific professions. Courses are therefore practice-oriented and include
periods of work placement. These degrees are only awarded by the university colleges.
Academic bachelor’s degrees prepare students for advanced studies at master’s level.
These degrees are awarded by universities and university colleges within the framework of
an university ‘association’ (see below).
Master’s programmes are characterised by the integration of education and research and
a master’s dissertation. They cover at least 60 ECTS credits (one year of study), although
some programmes last longer depending on the field of study. Master’s programmes are
organised at universities and university colleges, always in the framework of an university
‘association’. Academic bachelor’s degrees give direct access to master’s programmes.
Professional bachelor’s degrees give access to some master’s programmes after a ‘bridg-
ing’ course.
This new system has been introduced gradually. The first bachelor’s programmes started in
the academic year 2004-2005 and the first master’s programmes will be introduced in the
academic year 2007-2008. In the meantime, students who have enrolled in the previous
system (i.e. started their first year before the academic year 2004-2005), remain unaf-
fected by the new system.
• Accreditation
The main goal of the Bologna Declaration is to create a system of higher education with
comparable, compatible and readable degrees across the European continent. The accredi-
tation will enable comparisons of quality to be made for different degree programmes
across borders. Its aim is to guarantee a certain level of quality in higher education across
the European Union.
Flanders has developed considerable experience in this, as both universities and university
colleges have been subject to external inspections for quite a number of years already.
Moreover Flanders and the Netherlands have created a joint accreditation agency (NVAO:
Netherlands-Flanders Accreditation Organisation).
• The Antwerp University Association

The process of harmonising European higher education, as initiated by the Bologna
Declaration, has led to broader co-operation between the university and the university col-
leges.
The University of Antwerp, Hogeschool Antwerpen, Plantijnhogeschool, Karel de Grote-

Hogeschool and the Antwerp Maritime Academy: five institutions for higher education in
Antwerp are cooperating under the name ‘Antwerp University Association’.
The Association consists of academic and vocational institutions, both private and public,
which work together on a basis of trust and mutual respect. It is actively involved in the
debate on intercultural issues and diversity in society and within member institutions. In total
the Antwerp University Association has approximately 30.000 students.
Fifteen workgroups (ICT, communication, finance, internationalisation, etc.) formed by mem-
bers of the partner institutions, make up the Association.
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The institutions of the Antwerp University Association have the resources and the experi-
ence which make them attractive international partners. They have countless bilateral
agreements for international co-operation concluded with partner institutions all over the
world. They are active in a wide variety of exchange programmes. Every year they also
receive a large number of international students, researchers and visiting professors. The
Association covers the full spectrum of high quality education and research.
Antwerp University Association - AUHA

Lange Nieuwstraat 55, B-2000 Antwerpen
T +32 3 212 16 75
F +32 3 212 16 81
E info@auha.be
www.associatie-antwerpen.be or www.auha.be
Direct access
(or via a preparatory programme)
Access via a bridging programme PHD Degree

More info: www.highereducation.be
Minimum 60 ECTS
Advanced
Master’s Programme
Minimum 60 ECTS
Master’s Degree
Advanced Bachelor’s
Programme
Minimum 180 ECTS credits
Professional Academic
Bachelor’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree
Offered at Universities & at

University Colleges
Offered at University Colleges in the framework of an association Offered at Universities
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Education at the Antwerp University Association

For bachelor’s programmes in Flanders, the language of instruction is Dutch. For some dis-
ciplines there are also some courses offered in English. A considerable number of master’s
programmes are offered in English and a few in other languages.
For further information, please contact the individual higher education institutions.
The academic year at the University of Antwerp starts at the end of September, while the
university colleges start mid-September. The year is divided into two semesters, except for
some specific programmes where a trimester system exists. Trimesters/semesters are nor-
mally followed by a revision and examination period as well as by a short holiday. Summer
recess starts at the end of June or the beginning of July. Resits take place at the end of
August and in September.
Each institution is spread over several campuses. Information on the location of your study
programme is available at your host institution. You can find the name of your international
officer under part 4 and under part 8.
About the University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp (UA) is a merge of 3 university institutions, formerly known
as: Universitair Centrum Antwerpen (RUCA, now: Campus Middelheim/Groenenborger),
Universitaire Faculteiten Sint-Ignatius Antwerpen (UFSIA, now: City Campus), and
Universitaire Instelling Antwerpen (UIA, now: Campus Drie Eiken).
The City Campus is situated in the historic city centre while the other three campuses are
situated in the green surroundings to the south of the city.
The University of Antwerp is the third largest university in Flanders, with a student population
of almost 10,000. It offers education in the arts, political and social sciences, law, applied
economic sciences, commercial engineering, natural and medical sciences, pharmaceutical,
biomedical and veterinary sciences, instructional and educational sciences. Furthermore, a
university hospital is linked to the university.
The University of Antwerp is an entrepreneurial university. It focuses largely on scientific
research, and as such competes for grants in an international context.
In 1995, the University of Antwerp was the first to start intensive collaboration with the
university colleges of the province even before it became part of the educational system
in Flanders.
The University of Antwerp was awarded the ECTS quality label in 2004.
About the University Colleges of Antwerp (Hogescholen)

The university colleges, with their different campuses, have a long tradition of their own.
They are situated at different locations in the city centre and its surroundings. They are also
active partners in various European exchange programmes. The international structure is
fully integrated within the university colleges at both departmental and central level.
• The Antwerp Maritime Academy is the only institution in Belgium that provides maritime
training at an academic level, and has a total of almost 500 students in both the ‘Deck’
and ‘Engine’ departments. The premises are situated between the city and the port of
Antwerp.
• The Hogeschool Antwerpen was founded in 1995, following the merger of 17 institu-
tions. The different departments are located in Antwerp, Lier, Mechelen, and Turnhout.
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Besides professional Bachelor programmes in business administration, teaching, social

work, health care, industrial science and technology, it provides academic Bachelor
programmes in architecture, physiotherapy, industrial science and technology, industrial
design, translation and interpreting, and in the arts, including visual arts, dance, drama and
music. Together all these departments attract over 7,200 students.
• The Karel de Grote-Hogeschool was founded in 1995, following the merger of 13
Catholic university collegesin Antwerp with approximately 7,300 students. Altogether
the Karel de Grote-Hogeschool offers about 70 courses and has 6 departments: arts,
commercial sciences and business administration, industrial sciences and technology,
teacher education, applied social studies and health care. This institution also offers
postgraduate courses and specialised training programmes for commercial and non-
profit making organisations.
• The Plantijnhogeschool was founded in 1995, after several institutes merged together
and covers almost 3,200 students. The Plantijnhogeschool consists of four campuses
and offers courses in the following subjects: communication management, business
management, socio-educational care work, industrial sciences and technology, health
care and teacher training, and electro mechanics.
The Institute of Tropical Medicine (Prins Leopold Instituut voor Tropische Geneeskunde) is
not a partner within the Association, but the excellent relationship with this institution makes
it possible to take common decisions. For more information please contact the Antwerp
University Association.
D courses are organized in Dutch

D(E) courses are organized in Dutch only some specific subdegrees (not mentioned in thes overview)
have courses in English
D/E courses are organized both in Dutch and in English
D/FR courses are organized both in Dutch and in French
** at least one language chosen from the Romance Languages (French, Spanish, Italian) or the Germanic
Languages (Dutch, English, German)
*** co-operation between University of Antwerp, Karel de Grote-Hogeschool and Hogeschool Antwerpen
**** interuniversity programme
All courses available for the academic year 2006-2007

For up-to-date information, consult http://www.highereducation.be
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Antwerp Maritime Academy Hogere Zeevaartschool
Hogeschool Antwerpen Hogeschool Antwerpen
University of Antwerp
Plantijnhogeschool
Plantijnhogeschool UA:
HA:
KdG:
Karel de Grote Hogeschool
Academic Bachelor
Professional Bachelor
Bachelor and Master
AcBa
PrBa
BaMa
Plantijn: Plantijn Hogeschool Bachelor and Master BaMa
AMA: Antwerp Maritime Academy Advanced Master AdMa
UA AMA HA KdG PL
Degree Language Code
n n PrBa Applied Computer Science D
n BaMa Applied Economic Sciences: Business Administration D
n BaMa Applied Economic Siences: Economic Policy D/E
n BaMa Applied Engineering: Biochemistry D
n n BaMa Applied Engineering: Chemistry D
n BaMa Applied Engineering: Construction D
n n BaMa Applied Engineering: Electromechanics D
n n BaMa Applied Engineering: Electronics-ICT D
n AcBa Applied Linguistics D
n BaMa Architecture D
n n BaMa Art & Design D
n PrBa Audiovisual Technology: Photography D
n PrBa Automotive Technology D
n BaMa Biochemistry and Biotechnology D
n AcBa Bio-Engineering Science D
n BaMa Biology D
n n PrBa Bio-Medical Laboratory Technology D
n BaMa Biomedical Science D
n BaMa Business Engineering D
n BaMa Business Engineering in Management Information Systems D
n n n PrBa Business Management D(E)
n n PrBa Chemistry D
n BaMa Chemistry D
n PrBa Communication Management D(E)
n AcBa Communication Studies D
n Ma Communication Studies D
n Ma Political Communication D
n Ma Conservation of Monuments and Sites D
n BaMa Conservation Studies D
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UA AMA HA KdG PL
n Ma Culture Management D/E

n PrBa Dance D
n BaMa Drama D
n Ma Ecological and Marine Management E
n n PrBa Electromechanics D
n PrBa Electronics-ICT D
n PrBa Graphical and Digital Media D
n BaMa History D
n PrBa Hotel Management D
n Ma Information and Library Sciences D
n BaMa Information Science D
n Ma Instructional and Educational Sciences D
n BaMa Interior Architecture D
n Ma Interpreting D
n PrBa Journalism D
n BaMa Law D
n AcBa Linguistics and Literature ** D
n Ma Linguistics D
n Ma Linguistics and Literature ** D
n Ma Literature of the Modernity D
n Ma Multilingual Professional Communication D
n Ma Theater Studies D
n Ma Management and Communication D/E
n PrBa Marine Engineering D/FR
n BaMa Mathematics D
n BaMa Medicine D
n n PrBa Midwifery D
n Ma Molecular Biology E
n PrBa Multimedia and Communication Technology D
n BaMa Music D
n BaMa Nautical Sciences D/FR
n n PrBa Nursery Education D
n n PrBa Nursing D
n n n Ma Nursing and Obstetrics/Midwifery *** D
n PrBa Nutrition and Dietetics D
n PrBa Occupational Therapy D
n n n PrBa Office Management D
n AcBa Pharmaceutical sciences D
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UA AMA HA KdG PL
n Ma Drug Development D
n Ma Pharmaceutical care D
n BaMa Philosophy D
n BaMa Physics D
n BaMa Physiotherapy D
n AcBa Political Sciences D
n Ma Political Communication D
n Ma International Politics D
n n PrBa Primary Education D
n BaMa Product Development D
n PrBa Real Estate D
n n n PrBa Secondary Education D
n BaMa Social and Economic Sciences D
n n n PrBa Social Work D
n n n Ma Social Work and Welfare Studies *** D
n n PrBa Socio-Educational Care Work D
n BaMa Sociology D
n Ma Translation D
n Ma Urban Design and Spatial Planning D
n AcBa Veterinary science D
n Ma Women’s Studies D
n AdMa Advanced Management Studies D
n AdMa Advanced Studies in Computer Sciences D
n AdMa Advanced Studies in Linguistics **** E
n AdMa American Studies **** E
n AdMa Applied Econometrics **** E
n AdMa Archival Science: Cultural Heritage Management and Records Management D
n AdMa Biomedical Imaging D
n AdMa Business Administration D
n AdMa Business Administration (Executive MBA) E
n AdMa Business Law D
n AdMa Computer Auditing D/E
n AdMa Development Evaluation and Management E
n AdMa Disabled Person’s Care D
n AdMa E-business D/E
n AdMa Economics of International Trade and European Integration **** E
n AdMa Educational Management D
n AdMa Environmental Science D

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UA AMA HA KdG PL
n AdMa Executive MBA Moscow (part-time) D

n AdMa Family Medicine**** D
n AdMa Finance E
n AdMa Global Management E
n AdMa Globalisation and Economic Development E
n AdMa Governance and Development E
n AdMa Health Data Management**** D
n AdMa Hospital Hygiene and Infection D
n AdMa Hospital Pharmacy**** D
n AdMa Human Resource Management D
n AdMa Human Resource Studies D
n AdMa Industrial Pharmacy**** D
n AdMa Insurance medicine and medico-legal expertise**** D
n AdMa International Relations and Diplomacy D
n AdMa Laboratory Medicine D
n AdMa Literary Studies**** D
n AdMa Management D/E
n AdMa Management and Development D
n AdMa Management Studies D
n AdMa Maritime and Transport Law D
n AdMa Maritime Sciences D
n AdMa Maritime Sciences **** D
n AdMa Nanophysics E
n AdMa Occupational Medicine**** D
n AdMa Personal Financial Planning D/E
n AdMa Public Administration D
n AdMa Public Management D
n AdMa Real Estate Management D/E
n AdMa Tax Law D
n AdMa Theatre Studies**** D
n AdMa Transport and Maritime Economics E
n AdMa Transport and Maritime Management E
n AdMa Youth Health Care**** D

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Admission of exchange students

Exchange students who wish to attend a particular course or programme, carry out a
project, or write a thesis (dissertation, paper), have to be accepted by the guest institution
and the department/faculty concerned. First, it is necessary to contact the international co-
ordinator at the host institution (for addresses, see part 4 and part 8).
Terms of admission for exchange students in the framework of European exchange pro-
grammes or bilateral agreements.
Students who are coming to Antwerp in the framework of a European or bilateral exchange
agreement do not have to pay a tuition fee at the host institution. They will have to meet
the following requirements:
• Approval of the home institution.
It is essential that the home university institution fully accredits the study programme in
Antwerp;
• Acceptance by the host institution
For more information about the course programme (subjects, projects, thesis work, and time-
tables) and admittance procedures students should contact the international co-ordinator at
the appropriate department/faculty. (S)he will advise students on their study programme and
will ensure that reports and grades for their work are sent to the home institution;
• Provide evidence of exchange student status.
Terms of admission for other international students

Students who make their own arrangements and are not coming in the framework of a
European or bilateral exchange agreement, have to pay the full tuition fee. They should
contact the international co-ordinator at the host institution well in advance. (S)he will tell
the students whom to contact for further information on the course programme (courses,
projects, thesis work, and time-tables) and admission procedure.
Language requirements
The Dutch language
Dutch is one of the less widely spoken and taught languages of the EU: 21 million people
speak Dutch (15 million in the Netherlands and 6 million in Flanders).
The language of instruction in Flanders is Dutch. The institutions of the Antwerp University
Association’s only offer a limited (but growing) number of courses in English. The Antwerp
Maritime Academy is the only institution with full courses in both Dutch and French.
The ability to master the language of instruction is crucial to international students. Students
wishing to register as full-time degree students (i.e. not as exchange students) with one of
the institutions of the Antwerp University Association may first have to fulfill some language
requirements in accordance with the Flemish law. Some of the Association’s institutions
may require students to submit proof of sufficient knowledge of Dutch before admission
is allowed.
Language courses
The institutions of the Antwerp University Association organize Dutch language courses
which are specifically tailored to the needs of participants. Courses ‘Dutch as a foreign
language’ are organized at the beginning of each semester and during the academic year.
Students practice basic skills like reading, speaking, listening and writing. Grammar and
vocabulary are introduced in a communicative way. Courses are available at different levels.
The level is tailored to suit international students.
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• Erasmus Intensive Language Courses (EILC)

The EILC is an initiative of the European Commission and gives Erasmus students the
opportunity to study the Dutch language before starting their exchange period. An EILC
is offered in September and in January - a must for students who will be attending
classes in Dutch. The language course provides not only a linguistic and cultural prepara-
tion; it is also an excellent opportunity to socialise with other international students and
to make new friends in a new environment.
Erasmus students who wish to sign up for this course can apply for an EILC-grant, which
allows them to participate for free. The winners of an EILC-scholarship receive a sup-
plementary Erasmus grant from their National Agency or home institution for the duration
of the course. Applications should be submitted to the student’s home institution, which
is responsible for forwarding the applications to the course organizers.
> http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/programmes/socrates/erasmus/eilc/index_en.html
• Karel de Grote-Hogeschool
This institution offers an intensive EILC in Dutch for two weeks (5 hours a day) in
September and in January. After an intensive lasting two weeks, the Dutch course
becomes an integrated part of the study programme consisting of two hours per week
(altogether 62 contact hours). The primary aim of these Dutch classes is to introduce
the basic skills of the language. The course offers an introduction to Dutch grammar
and pronunciation with practice in comprehension and use of Dutch in daily life, in order
to stimulate the integration of students in their new surroundings. Students are encour-
aged to use Dutch as often as possible when they come into daily contact with Flemish
people so that they can apply their knowledge of the language in everyday situations. A
system of continuous assessment is used. Throughout the course several short tests are
organized, both oral and written, to check students’ progress. These courses are free of
charge.
> http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/programmes/socrates/erasmus/eilc/index_en.html
• Hogeschool Antwerpen
An introductory Dutch course (level one, 60 hours, daytime course) will be organized
before the start of the academic year (beginning of September). This course is free of
charge for exchange students.
> www.ha.be (choose English - Dutch Language Course)
• University of Antwerp
The university’s language centre LINGUAPOLIS, Institute for Language and
Communication, organises various intensive language courses at the beginning of each
semester and during the academic year. A Dutch EILC is offered in September and in
January for Erasmus students. This course focuses on communicative skills (listening,
comprehension and speaking) and gives an introduction to Flemish society and culture.
Moreover intensive and less intensive daytime and evening courses are also offered at 4
different levels consisting of either 30h, 45h, 60h or 90h. The EILC-courses are free of
charge for students who have been granted an EILC-scholarship. For non-EILC-courses,
a small fee has to be paid.
> www.linguapolis.eu
22
Other languages
There are plenty of opportunities in Antwerp to acquire or improve foreign language skills.
Each semester, language courses at different levels are organised at the Linguapolis,
Campus Drie Eiken in 19 languages: Arabic, Chinese, Danish, English, Finnish, French,
German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Rumanian,
Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish.
> www.linguapolis.eu .
Distance learning
LINC (an Interactive Approach to Language and Culture) consists of a serie of language
learning materials on CD-ROM. There are CD-ROMs for 18 languages, including Dutch. For
every language there are 3 levels. Each CD-ROM contains ten video recordings, together
with transcripts and explanations of relevant social and cultural issues. In addition, various
exercises are available on reading, writing, listening, pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar
complete with feedback and pedagogical help screens.
For more information: > www.linguapolis.eu
23
24
3 | Transport and Travel
GETTING TO ANTWERP
By air
The international airport of Brussels (Zaventem) is the most frequently used gateway to
Antwerp. It is located at about 45 kilometers from the centre of Antwerp. There are flights
from all major European cities as well as from the most important overseas metropolis.
Various airlines fly into Brussels airport. From the airport you can travel to Antwerp by tak-
ing the SN Brussels Airport Express bus or train. The bus runs every hour and reaches the
centre of Antwerp (De Keyserlei - Century Center) in approximately 40 minutes. It runs
from 07.00 until 23.00 (Brussels airport to Antwerp) and from 05.30 until 22.00 (Antwerp
to Brussels airport). A single ticket costs €8 (info: T +32 (0)5 233 40 00). The train to
Antwerp takes approximately one hour (you have to change at “Brussel Noord” station) and
costs € 6 for a single ticket.
> www.brusselsairport.be/bus
If you fly with Ryanair, you will arrive at the airport of Brussels South, near Charleroi. You can
then buy a ‘bulk’ ticket for €10 at the Ryanair desk at Charleroi airport. This is a one-way
ticket that enables you to go by public bus (line A) to any train station in Belgium. It takes
approximately 1h and 30 minutes to reach Antwerp Central Station from Charleroi.
> www.charleroi-airport.com
By train
Antwerp is easy to reach by train. International railway lines link Brussels and Antwerp to
several other major European cities. The European high-speed train project includes the
Thalys, the Eurostar and the Eurotunnel. There are direct rail links with different cities in
France, the Netherlands and Germany. Antwerp can be reached from the UK by Eurostar
via Brussels, or by taking the ferry-rail link via Ostend (Ramsgate/Ostend) or Zeebrugge
(Hull/Zeebrugge). Antwerp has two main stations: Central Station and Berchem station.
> www.b-rail.be: information about the Belgian rail-network: train connections (travelling in
Belgium and Europe), timetables and prices.
By bus
If you are looking for a cheap way to come to Antwerp you could travel with ‘Eurolines’. The
Eurolines bus goes to the centre of the city (Van Stralenstraat 8, 2060 Antwerpen). Within
the province and the city of Antwerp transport is organised by the public transport company
“De Lijn”. Buses leave to all parts of the city from Antwerp Central Station. From the bus
station “Rooseveltplaats”, which is close to the Central Station, there are direct bus links to
various other towns and cities.
> www.eurolines.com: detailed information on destinations, timetables and prices
> www.delijn.be: information about trams and buses
25
TRANSPORT & TRAVEL
By car
All destinations are within easy reach by car. Antwerp itself lies at the crossroads of the
E17, E19, E34, and E313 motorways.
GETTING AROUND IN ANTWERP
By bike (or motorbike)

Cycling and walking are amongst the most popular ways of getting to classes. Anyone may
ride a bicycle in Belgium; there is no minimum age, and no license or insurance are required.
To avoid bicycle theft, be sure to lock your bike at all times. Bicycle storage is often available
in railway stations and schools, either free of charge or for a small fee.
Renting a bike
Students of the Antwerp University Association can rent a bike for cheap at the “Fietshaven”
(“bike harbour”): € 20 for 3 months, € 30 for 6 months and € 50 for 10 months.
> www.fietshaven.be
By public transport
Trains
Belgium has the most dense rail network in the world. Trains run at regular intervals
between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.; later in the evenings only a selection of trains runs until about
11 p.m. Trains run less frequently during the weekends. There are first and second class
compartments, and a standard return (round-trip) fare is double the price of a single (one-
way) fare. Smoking is not allowed. Keep in mind that a ticket is valid for one day only.
Telephone numbers of some information desks (in 4 languages):

Antwerp Central Station: +32 3 204 20 40
Berchem Station: +32 2 528 28 28
Useful Internet sites:

> www.b-rail.be: train connections, timetables and prices (in Dutch, French, English, and
German)
> www.buzzy.be: the site of “De Lijn” for their youth magazine (also available on every bus
and tram)
Trams and buses

Antwerp has a dense public transportation network. Buses and trams are available to take
you to many different parts of the city. With the tickets mentioned below you can travel
throughout the whole district of Antwerp. This means that you can travel in the city of
Antwerp and its surrounding suburbs (Berchem, Berendrecht, Borgerhout, Deurne, Ekeren,
Hoboken, Lillo, Merksem, Wilrijk and Zandvliet).
For more detailed information go to the “De Lijn” shop in the city centre (Rooseveltplaats T
+32 3 232 75 23). The following rates apply when you take a tram or bus:
• A single ticket within the city: €1,5. You can purchase this from the tram or bus driver.
But if you buy this single ticket in presale at “De Lijn” shops or several bookstores it will
cost you € 1,2. It allows you to use public transportation (buses and trams) for one hour.
However, it can be less expensive to buy one of the following tickets.
26
TRANSPORT & TRAVEL
If you have to travel several times a week, it is cheaper to buy a “Lijnkaart” for 10 rides,
for which you pay € 8 (i.e. € 0,8 per journey).
• A Tov ticket will cost you €1.50. This can be bought from the bus or tram driver. With this
type of ticket you take the tram or bus on the first leg of your journey and then return by
taxi, in which case you will get a rebate of € 2 per person on the taxi fare.
• A monthly pass costs € 20.30 for those under 25 years of age, or € 25.50 for those
between 25 and 64. This can be bought from one of the “De Lijn” shops. It is only worth
buying a monthly pass when you use public transportation on a regular and frequent
basis.
Whenever you travel by tram or bus you have to validate your ticket by inserting it into
the yellow device that can be found on buses and trams. Once you have done this, your
ticket will be valid for sixty minutes. Press one of the blue buttons to ring the bell when
you are about to reach your destination - otherwise the driver might pass your stop.
During the weekend, night buses are provided. A ticket costs € 2 and can be bought on the
bus. A timetable for these night buses is available in any “De Lijn” shop.
As prices are subject to change please telephone +32 3 218 14 06 or consult www.delijn.
be.
27
TRANSPORT & TRAVEL
Taxis
In general, taxis are quite expensive and hence not very student-friendly. You always have
to pay a standard rate (even before you start driving) which is € 2.75 between 6 a.m. and
22 p.m. and € 4.75 between 22 p.m. and 6 a.m. On top of this you have to pay a specific
amount (€1.40) for each kilometer travelled. On occasion there are promotional offers that
make travelling by taxi more affordable.
You can find taxis at various fixed locations around Antwerp, such as the Central Station,
Rooseveltplaats, Groenplaats, etc. It is also possible to call a taxi or hail one on the street
by raising your hand.
Here are some telephone numbers of taxi companies in Antwerp:
AAT (Algemene Antwerpse Taxicentrale): 03 216 16 16
ANTWERP TAX: 03 238 38 38
By car
In Belgium, traffic moves on the right-hand side of the road. Unless otherwise indicated,
the speed limit is 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on other roads and 50 km/h in built-
up areas. Around schools and in some residential areas, there is a speed limit of 30 km/h.
Drinking and driving is a serious offence in Belgium. If you are breathalysed and found posi-
tive (i.e. if your blood contains more than 0.5‰ of alcohol, a limit you can reach by drinking
2 glasses of beer or small glasses of wine), harsh penalties will be imposed. In Belgium,
there is a well-known campaign to prevent drinking and driving. This is the so-called “BOB
campaign”, which suggests that when a group of people go out for the evening they should
always appoint one person for the night (called BOB) who stays sober so that he or she
can drive everyone home safely.
In order to drive a car in Belgium you must have a Belgian driving licence or a licence
recognized by Belgian law. The minimum age to drive a car is 18, and for renting a car it is
21. Insurance, including unlimited third party liability, is obligatory, and the ‘green insurance
card’ which is issued upon payment of the insurance fee should always be kept in the car.
The registration form (‘pink card’) should also be kept in the car at all times. Finally, the car
has to have a valid licence plate.
Buying a new car in Belgium is expensive. Alternatives include buying a used car, or using
a rental car. When buying always remember that the purchase price of a car does not cover
the total expense involved.
It is also worth bearing in mind that finding parking space in Antwerp can be difficult and
expensive. For this reason, we do not advise students to bring their own car.
28
TRANSPORT & TRAVEL
GETTING OUT OF ANTWERP
Travelling in Belgium
Transport
While staying in Antwerp it is worthwhile taking some time off to visit some of the other
parts of Belgium. The city of Antwerp is a good point of departure. From here, nearly all
major tourist destinations can be reached by train. There are direct connections to Leuven
(40 minutes), Brussels (40 minutes), Ghent (50 minutes), Bruges (1h and 20 minutes),
Ostend (1h 35 minutes) and Namur (2h 10 minutes). Luxemburg (3h 45 minutes) and
Dinant (2h 10 minutes) can also be easily reached. In addition to the rail network, buses and
trams are available to take you to towns and the farthest corners of the countryside. The
coastal tram links the seaside resorts and stops in the centre of every seaside town.
You can also take your bike to tour around. You are allowed to take your bike on the train
for a small fee. Useful information (guides, maps, etc.) about cycling tours can be obtained
from the “Grote Routepaden” in Antwerp (Flanders Youth Hostel Federation T +32 3 232
72 18), Toerisme Vlaanderen (T +32 2 504 03 90) or in provincial or local tourist offices
(For addresses; see Part 8 ‘Contacts’ (p. 71)). Maps can be found at http://users.pandora.
be/fietsroutes/Routes.html.
Useful websites with a lot of tourist information and links:
> www.toerismevlaanderen.be
> www.belgique-tourisme.net
Travel guides
Different kinds of travel guide are available to fulfill every need. The more adventurous will
appreciate the following: Rough Guide, Lonely Planet, and Le Guide du Routard. If you are
looking for more in-depth information try the Insight Guides. A wide selection of travel guides
can also be found at the public library, or are available to buy at the Standaard Boekhandel
Antwerpen Reisgids (Meirbrug 2, 2000 Antwerpen), Fnac bookshop (Groenplaats) in the
city centre of Antwerp.
Tourist offices
The best way to become well-informed about different travel opportunities is to drop in at
the provincial or local tourist information centers. Nearly every small town has a tourist infor-
mation centre where you can get information about transport, accommodation and places of
interest. You are most likely to find them at the “Grote Markt” in the city centre.
Accommodation
There are many different types of accommodation to choose from when travelling in Belgium:
• Hotels: the website “Toerisme Vlaanderen” is a database of hotels where you can choose
your ideal type of accommodation, or alternatively have a look at www.hotels-belgium.
com.
• Bed and breakfast or “gastenkamers”: check at the tourist information centre.
• Youth hostels: there are 22 youth hostels in Flanders. The “Vlaamse Jeugdherbergcen-
trale” (Van Stralenstraat 40, 2060 Antwerp, T +32 3 232 72 18) will give you an overview
of what is available. You can also find a list on their website: www.vjh.be. A list of youth
hostels in the French-speaking part of the country can be found at www.laj.be - or alter-
natively call the main office for more information (T +32 2 219 56 76).
• Campsites: a useful website can be found at www.kompascamping.be
29
TRANSPORT & TRAVEL
Travelling outside Belgium

Travel agencies
Some travel agencies offer special student prices and specialise in organising trips and
holidays for students:
• Usit connections, Melkmarkt 23, 2000 Antwerp, 03 225 31 61, www.connections.be
• Joker Toerisme, Blauwtorenplein 10, 2000 Antwerp, 03 231 72 68, www.joker.be
• Airstop, St. Jacobsmarkt 84, 2000 Antwerp, 070 23 31 88, www.airstop.be
If you would like to visit some of Belgium’s neighbouring countries check the Eurolines
buses website (www.eurolines.be), or www.b-rail.be for details of travelling around Europe
by train. Amsterdam, Paris or London are all worth a visit. There is a direct rail link between
Antwerp and Amsterdam (2h 10 minutes). Paris can be easily reached by taking the train
called the Thalys - 1h30 minutes via Brussels. (Thalys tickets are cheaper if you book them
well in advance.) And London is only a three hour journey away by train (the Eurostar).
30
TRANSPORT & TRAVEL
31
32
4 | Arrival & Accommodation
BEFORE LEAVING FOR BELGIUM
Going abroad for a longer period is always the start of an adventure. This is why it is impor-
tant that you do not set out unprepared. Additional information can be downloaded from
www.studenttravelinformation.be
Registration at the home institution

During the summer months the International Relations Office will send information pack-
ages to all announced exchange students in order to prepare them for their stay in Antwerp.
You are requested to complete and return the registration and/or accommodation form,
which you received from the host institution.
Please apply through your home institution well in advance before leaving if you would like
to take a Dutch language course. Information about language courses is given in part 2
‘Studying at the Antwerp University Association’.
Make sure that you have been given the status of exchange student by your home university
before leaving, and bring all necessary documents with you to Antwerp.
Visa requirements, formalities before leaving Belgium

Nationals of the European Economic Area countries1 or from Monaco or Switzerland may
stay in Belgium on the strength of a national passport or identity card. All other nationalities
should apply for a student visa with the Belgian embassy or consulate of their current place
of residence before leaving for Belgium, if they want to stay in Belgium for longer than 3
months. When visiting the Embassy or Consulate you will need the following documents:
- Valid passport (with at least one year’s validity remaining)
- Permission to enrol at the higher education institution
- Proof of solvency
- Certificate of good conduct
- Medical certificate
- Declaration signed by yourself, certifying that you will leave Flanders (Belgium) upon
the completion of your studies
- Recent passport pictures, signed on the back
- Financial support declaration
More information on the application procedure can be found at:
http://www.diplobel.fgov.be/en/addresses/abroad/default.asp Addresses of the nearest
Belgian embassy or consulate in your home country can be found at:
http://www.diplobel.fgov.be/en/addresses/abroad/default.asp
The Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Rue des Petits Carmes 15, B-1000 Brussels, T
+32 (0)2 501 81 11, www.diplomatie.be, info@diplobel.org
1 EEA: EU + Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein
33
ARRIVAL & ACCOMMODATION
34
For some countries, approval by the Belgian authorities can take up to 3 months and
even longer. It is therefor necessary that you start the visa application procedure well in
advance! Students are urged not to come on a tourist visa, unless they wish to return
after 3 months.
All students who will be staying in Antwerp for longer than 3 months must register with the
town administration office/the Department of Foreigners (through the International Office!)
within 8 working days of arrival. More information can be found under the section entitled
‘Registration in the host town’.
ARRIVAL IN ANTWERP
Your first night - an interesting tip

If your host institution recommends that you arrive in advance or during the summer months
to find a room of your own choice, you can spend the first few nights in a youth hostel. You
will get a discount for this first night. Meanwhile, contact your student “buddy”, “godmother”
or “godfather”, or the housing service of your guest institution to start all arrangements for
finding suitable accommodation. For more details about youth hostels please refer to the
section entitled ‘Settling in Antwerp’. Some institutions arrange accommodation for you
before arrival; in that case you will receive information from the housing service well in
advance.
Addresses of the Antwerp University Association (University–University colleges)
UNIVERSITY OF ANTWERP
The University of Antwerp is spread over 4 campuses:
the City Campus, Campus Middelheim, Campus Groenenborger and Campus Drie Eiken.
The City Campus is situated in the old historic city centre while the other three campuses
are situated in the leafy suburbs to the south of the city.
The International Relations Office is situated at Campus Groenenborger
Name Patricia De Clopper (Institutional Socrates Co-ordinator)

Nele Voorspoels (incoming exchange students)
Jill Aerts (outgoing exchange students)
Martine Depauw (work permits, visa, mobility of teaching staff)
Mailing address International Relations Office
Universiteit Antwerpen – Campus Groenenborger
Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerpen
Office U237 (building U, 2nd floor)
Phone +32 3 265 35 43 (Patricia De Clopper)
+ 32 3 265 35 61 (Nele Voorspoels)
+ 32 3 265 35 59 (Jill Aerts)
+ 32 3 265 35 60 (Martine Depauw)
General fax number + 32 3 265 36 22
General email international@ua.ac.be
Website www.ua.ac.be/international
35
City Campus
Main building: Prinsstraat 13, B-2000 Antwerp
T +32 3 220 41 11
How to get to the City Campus

By train The Central Station is within walking distance (15 minutes)
By tram From the Central Station: line 12 (stop at Rooseveltplaats)
(to nearest stop) From the Central Station to Kipdorp, Lange Nieuwstraat: line 10
From the Central Station or Berchem Station: line 11
From Berchem Station to Meirbrug: line 8
From Groenplaats to Minderbroedersrui: line 4
By metro From the Central Station to Opera, Meir or Groenplaats: line 2, 3,
15
By bus From Wilrijk to Groenplaats: line 22, 25, 26
(to nearest stop) From Wilrijk to the Central Station: line17, 21, 27, 32
From Berchem Station to Rijnkaai: line 9
Regional connections: Rooseveltplaats
By coach from airport De Keyserlei – Century Centre (close to the Central Station)
Campus Middelheim
Main buildings: Middelheimlaan 1 (building A), B-2020 Antwerp
T +32 3 265 30 51
How to get to Campus Middelheim

By train From Berchem Station: bus 21, 32, 501, 502
From Central Station: bus 27, 21, 32, 501, 502
By tram From the Central Station and Groenplaats: line 15
(direction Mortsel – stop “Koninklijkelaan”)
By bus From Berchem Station: bus 21, 32, 501, 502
From Groenplaats: line 25, 26
stop “BIST” - connection with bus 21, 27, 33, 501, 502
From the Central Station: line 21, 27, 32, 501, 502
By coach from airport Stop Central Station - connection with bus: 21, 27, 32, 501, 502
Campus Groenenborger
Main building: Groenenborgerlaan (building T), B-2020 Antwerp
T +32 3 265 32 11
How to get to Campus Groenenborger

By train From Berchem Station: bus 21, 501, 502
From Central Station: bus 27, 21, 501, 502
By tram From Central Station and Groenplaats: line 15
(direction Mortsel – stop “Koninklijkelaan” - connection with
bus 21, 27, 501, 502)
By bus From Berchem Station: bus 21, 501, 502
From Groenplaats: line 25, 26
(stop “BIST” - connection with bus 21, 27, 33, 501, 502)
From Central Station: line 21, 27, 501, 502
By coach from airport Stop Central Station - connection with bus: 21, 27, 501, 502
36
Campus Drie Eiken

Main building: Universiteitsplein 1 (building G), B-2610 Wilrijk
T +32 3 820 20 81/82
How to get to Campus Drie Eiken

By train From Central Station (Pelikaanstraat): bus 17
From Berchem Station: bus 21
By bus From Berchem Station: line 21 (to the south side of the campus), 25, 26
From Groenplaats: line 22, 25, 26
From Central Station: line 17
By coach from airport Stop “Crown Plaza Hotel” or “De Keyserlei – Century Centre”
– connection with bus: 17 (direction Wilrijk)
UNIVERSITY COLLEGES
Antwerp Maritime Academy

Noordkasteel – Oost 6, B-2030 Antwerp
T +32 3 205 64 30
International Relations Office

Name Sophie Deltour and Steve Heymans
Noordkasteel – Oost 6, B-2030 Antwerp
Phone + 32 3 205 64 35/74
Fax number + 32 3 205 64 72
Email sophie.deltour@hzs.be / steve.heymans@hzs.be
Website www.hzs.be
How to get to the Antwerp Maritime Academy

The Antwerp Maritime Academy can be found between the river Scheldt and the harbour,
at the beginning of the Scheldelaan. By bus From Rooseveltplaats: line 35 and 37. You can
also take a bus that stops at the corner “Rijnkaai/Londenstraat” which leaves you with a
walk of about 1500m to the institution.
Keizerstraat 15, B-2000 Antwerp
T +32 3 213 93 00

Name Frank Rylant
Keizerstraat 15, B-2000 Antwerp
Phone + 32 3 213 93 26
Fax number + 32 3 213 93 41
Email f.rylant@ha.be
Website www.ha.be
37
How to get to the Hogeschool Antwerpen?

The Hogeschool Antwerpen is situated within walking distance of the Central Station. From
here take the De Keyserlei, and - after crossing the central boulevard - continue along the
Meir towards the city centre. Then take the fifth street on the right (Lange Klarenstraat)
and continue straight on. After crossing the Lange Nieuwstraat and the Sint Jacobsmarkt
turn left into the Keizerstraat, where you will find - at number 15 - the central administration
office of the Hogeschool Antwerpen.
Van Schoonbekestraat 143, B-2018 Antwerp
T +32 3 213 26 26

Name Helene Vanbrabant
Van Schoonbekestraat 143, B-2018 Antwerp
Phone + 32 3 241 03 00
Fax number + 32 3 241 16 86
Email helene.vanbrabant@kdg.be
Website www.kdg.be
The central International Relations Office makes practical arrangements with each indi-
vidual student before his/her arrival. Within 8 working days of arrival, each incoming student
has to register at the central International Relations Office (Van Schoonbekestraat 143,
2018 Antwerp).
How to get to the Karel de Grote-Hogeschool?

By train From the Central Station or from Berchem Station;
several connections by bus and metro
By busFrom Central Station or from Berchem Station: 27 (direction Wilrijk)
By metro From the Central Station: line 2 (direction Hoboken),
line 15 (direction Mortsel)
Plantijnhogeschool
Meistraat 5, B-2000 Antwerp
T +32 3 221 07 00

Name Marleen Matyn
Plantijnhogeschool
Meistraat 5, B-2000 Antwerpen
Phone + 32 3 221 07 09
Fax number + 32 3 221 07 01
Email marleen.matyn@plantijn.be
Website www.plantijn.be
Based on the arrival information we receive, you will be welcomed by a “student buddy” who
will assist you with all practical arrangements.
38
How to get to the Plantijnhogeschool?
By train: From the Central Station or from Berchem Station;
several connections by metro, tram or bus
By bus From Berchem Station: line 9 (stop “Komedieplaats”)
By metro From the Central Station: line 2, 3, 15 (stop “Meir”)
By tram From the Central Station to Rooseveltplaats: line 12
From Berchem Station: line 8
From Berchem: line 7 (stop “Oudaan”)
Registration at the host institution

Please contact the international co-ordinator of the host institution well in advance to learn
about the registration formalities and to receive the necessary forms. It is recommended
that students inform the host institution of their expected date of arrival in advance. A stu-
dent card and a registration certificate will be given to you upon arrival.
The first person on campus that you will probably meet upon your arrival in Antwerp will
either be the international officer (or your “student buddy” or “godmother”/”godfather”) or
the housing co-ordinator.
Upon arrival you are expected to have carried out all necessary registration formalities
concerning your studies and your arrival. Please contact the international office if you have
any problems. For questions about your study programme you can ask the international
academic co-ordinator of the department in question.
An orientation session will be held for all exchange students at the start of each semester
(term).
Registration in the host town

All students who will be staying in Antwerp for longer than 3 months must register with
the town administration office, Department of Foreigners (“Dienst Bevolking/Afdeling
Vreemdelingen”) in the town or area where they are living within 8 working days after arrival.
The International relations office organizes a “registration session” for students living in
Antwerpen-Wilrijk (post code 2610) or in the city centre (post code 2000) at the beginning
of each semester.
Please also check p. 33 for visa requirements and formalities before leaving Belgium.
During the registration session students have to submit the following documents:
• 2 copies of the ID card or national passport (incl. visa + entrance stamp + place and date
of issue + date of expiry)
• 1 original + 1 copy of the certificate of registration delivered by the host institution
• 1 copy of the rental agreement
• 5 passport pictures sized 3,5 x 4,5 cm – white background – no photocopies!
(for non-EU citizen: 4 passport pictures)
The IRO will pass on your registration file to the appropriate administrative department and
will contact you when your residence permit card is available.
39
40
Addresses Town Administration, Department of Foreigners

Antwerp Centre (2000) Lange Gasthuiststraat 21 T +32 3 201 34 11
district.antwerpen@stad.antwerpen.be
Antwerp-Berchem (2600) Grotesteenweg 150 T +32 3 286 40 20
district.berchem@stad.antwerpen.be
Antwerp-Berendrecht (2040) Antwerpsebaan 140 T +32 3 568 38 10
krien.mohr@cs.antwerpen.be
Antwerp-Borgerhout (2140) Moorkensplein 1 T +32 3 270 17 11
district.borgerhout@ stad.antwerpen.be
Antwerp-Deurne (2100) Maurice Dequeerckeplein 1 T +32 3 360 45 11
district.deurne@stad.antwerpen.be
Antwerp-Ekeren (2180) Veltwijcklaan 27 T +32 3 543 29 30
district.ekeren@stad.antwerpen.be
Antwerpen-Hoboken (2660) Marneflaan 3 T +32 3 820 30 30
district.hoboken@stad.antwerpen.be
Antwerpen-Merksem (2170) Burgemeester Jozef Nolfplein 1 T +32 3 641 72 11
district.merksem@stad.antwerpen.be
Antwerpen-Wilrijk (2610) Bist 1 T +32 3 820 53 11
district.wilrijk@stad.antwerpen.be
Antwerp-Zandvliet-Lillo (2040) Antwerpsebaan 140 T +32 3 568 38 10
krien.mohr@cs.antwerpen.be
These offices are open to the public from Monday to Friday from 9.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m.
From September until June these offices are also open on Thursday from 5.00 p.m. until 7.00
p.m. (but then they are extremely busy).
Edegem (2650) Kontichstraat 19 T +32 3 289 26 50
gemeentebestuur@edegem.be
Open from Monday to Friday from 9.00 p.m. until 12.p.m., and also on Wednesdays from
2.00 p.m. until 4.00 p.m., and Tuesdays from 5.00 p.m. until 7.30 p.m.
Registration with the Embassy or Consulate

Registration with the embassy or consulate in Belgium/Antwerp is optional, but it may be
useful in order to keep more fully informed.
The Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Rue des Petits Carmes 15, B-1000 Brussels,
T +32 2 501 81 11, www.diplomatie.be, info@diplobel.org
LIVING IN ANTWERP
Financial matters
Arranging your financial affairs

Money and banks
Currency: the euro (€)
Anyone under the age of 25 can open and close a bank account free of charge. It is pos-
sible to open an account as of the age of 12.
At the same time it is advisable to apply for a bank card which gives you access to the cash
machines / ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines). Most bank cards also have a PROTON chip
41
that allows you to use the card as an ‘electronic purse’, which means that you can load a
certain amount of ‘cash’ onto your bank card at cash machines. The device that allows to
pay by proton can be found in many shops at the checkout.
Phone banking services mean that bank cards also enable you to pay for transactions by
phone. Conditions and services may differ from bank to bank.
For further details, such as information about the location of local branches, contact the
customer service help line of the bank concerned, or consult their website:
Fortis Bank
This bank offers the ‘Move@Fortis Account’ for foreign students.
Free of charge. They only ask a fee when using your card outside Belgium.
Meir 48, B-2000 Antwerpen
T 03 204 62 11 / F 03 204 68 80
general T 0800 16 789
www.fortisbank.com
info@fortisbank.com
Dexia Bank
Nationalestraat 124b, B-2000 Antwerpen
T 03 238 75 50 / F 03 248 65 49
www.dexia.be
www.axionweb.be
info@dexia.be
KBC
Schoenmarkt 20, B-2000 Antwerpen
T 03 206 83 27 / F 03 206 83 11
www.kbc.be
studentenkantoor.antwerpen@kbc.be
antwerpen.rubbens@kbc.be
‘Bank’ holidays
Banks, public offices and shops are closed on the following days:
November 1st All Saints Day Allerheiligen
November 2nd All Soul’s Day (public offices only) Allerzielen
November 11th Armistice Day Wapenstilstand
December 25th Christmas Day Kerstmis
December 26th Boxing Day Tweede Kerstdag
January 1st New Year’s Day Nieuwjaar
Easter Sunday Paaszondag
Easter Monday Paasmaandag
May 1st Labour Day Feest van de Arbeid
40 days after Easter Ascension Day Onze Heer Hemelvaart
50 days after Easter Whit Sunday Pinksteren
Whit Monday Pinkstermaandag
July 11th Flemish Community Day Vlaamse Feestdag
(public offices only)
July 21st National Day Nationale Feestdag
August 15th Assumption Day Onze Lieve Vrouw Hemelvaart
42
Working
All institutions of the Antwerp University Association have their own ‘job service’ (employ-
ment service), where you can get information about student jobs. Moreover, they developed
a job database (www.studentjobweb.be), in order to help students find a suitable student
job. Jobweb also provides you with more information on regulations, … In order to access
the web page, you need to obtain a password from the social service of your host institu-
tion.
Most jobs require a sound knowledge of Dutch. However a special section mentions jobs
not requiring knowledge of the Dutch language. Ask for more information at the social
service of your host institution, mentioning that you are an exchange student. Conditions
may vary. For students from outside the EU and the new member states it might be more
difficult to get a job since they need a work permit card.
The law specifies minimum wage rates for working students, which vary according to age:
19-year-olds: € 6,47 per hour
Overtime is not always paid extra. Employers often compensate overtime with hours or days
off. In case you have more questions, dial +32 3 213 78 10 and you will receive a free
brochure (in Dutch or French).
A few tips:
• Several temp agencies allow you to register as a job-seeking student.
• You can also present yourself as a job-seeker at a number of places, such as clothing
stores, department stores, restaurants, …
Cost of living
General costs
Living in Antwerp will cost you around € 550 per month. This covers the following and is
an approximation: Rent € 230
Meals € 190
Transport/Leisure € 113
E
Course materials € 25
Detailed costs
The following list will give you an idea of other costs
Small load of bread € 1.09
Bar of chocolate € ±0.60
Coffee (250g) € 2.30
1 kg sugar € 1.12
1 kg rice € 0.62 to € 3.49
1 litre milk € 0.80
1 kg potatoes € 0.60
1 kg apples € 1.60
3 kg oranges € 2.00
1 kg bananas € 2.44
Small chicken € 4.28
Breakfast cereals € 1.59 to € 5.24
Jam € 1.70
Portion of fries € 1.50
43
Sandwich € 2.50
A glass of coca cola in a café € 1.50
A glass of beer in a café € 1.50
A cup of coffee/tea in a café € 1.50
Toilet paper (4 rolls) € 1.20
Shower gel € 2.00
Tooth paste € 1.80
Washing powder € 3.50
Telephone card € 10.00 (or more)
Newspaper € 0.90
Writing pad € 1.26
Roll of film € 3.50
Cigarettes (20) € 3.85
These are average prices of brand name products, but the supermarket chains (Carrefour,
GB, Delhaize, Colruyt, Aldi and Lydl) have their own-brand goods which cost less, particu-
larly with regard to basic food such as bread, milk, water, rice, etc. The cheapest supermar-
kets are Aldi, Lydl and Colruyt. However, at Aldi or Lydl you will not find any official bags
for your rubbish (garbage). More information about getting rid of household waste (rubbish/
garbage) is given in the section entitled ‘public utilities’. Dairy products, especially cheese,
can be bought cheaply at local markets (in Antwerp on Saturday and Sunday, in Wilrijk on
Tuesday). The same goes for fruit and vegetables. Belgians are smart shoppers, so look for
the stalls with the longest queues!
Small grocery stores are more expensive. They are usually open between 9.00 a.m. and
6.00 p.m., sometimes even later, and are closed on Sundays (although there are excep-
tions). Look for “wekelijkse rustdag” or closing day. It is best to check opening hours as
these may vary from town to town.
You can find night shops all over town. These are rather expensive.
Second-hand goods (furniture, clothes,…) can be bought at special markets or in special
shops.
Note: “reclame”, “aanbieding”, “voordeel” indicate bargain. Whilst “opruiming”, “solden”,
“uitverkoop” indicate sales (in January and July).
Market days
Apart from a weekly market day in almost every town and metropolitan area, where fresh
vegetables, meat and fish can be bought at reasonable prices, there are other more spe-
cialised markets which are certainly worth a visit, including antique markets, flower markets,
vegetable markets, meat markets, animal markets, and art markets. The Vogelmarkt in
Antwerp is well worth visiting. It is held on Saturdays (when exotic food is on sale) and
Sundays. The famous Vrijdagmarkt takes place on Fridays, when you will find the square
full of old furniture, knick-knacks, and sometimes some excellent bargains. The local tourist
information offices will be glad to give you further information.
44
Settling in Antwerp
Youth hostels
Some students prefer to arrive in advance or during the summer months to find a room of
their own choice. In such cases accommodation for the first few days can be found in a
student hostel (you will get a discount for the first night).
In the meantime you should contact your “student buddy”, “godmother” or “godfather”, or the
international co-ordinator to start the accommodation-seeking process.
Youth hostels are also an option when friends visit and need somewhere to stay for a short
while at little cost. If you are a youth hostel association member you can rent a room with
breakfast at cheap rates. Membership costs € 9 for those under 26 years of age, and €
15 for those who are older.
Youth hostels in Antwerp:
A. ANTWERP CENTRE (historical city centre)
“Boomerang Youth Hostel”

Lange Leemstraat 95-97, B-2000 Antwerpen
T +32 3 238 47 82
“Scoutel”
Stoomstraat 3-7, B-2018 Antwerpen
T +32 3 226 46 06
F +32 3 232 63 92
e-mail: scoutel@vvksm.be
www.vvksm.be/uk/centres/scoutel.asp
Near the Central Station.
“New International Youth Hotel”

Provinciestraat 256, B-2018 Antwerpen
T +32 3 230 05 22
F +32 3 281 09 33
e-mail: niyh@telenet.be
www.youthhotel.be
“Sleep Inn”
Bolivarplaats 1, B-2000 Antwerpen
T +32 3 237 37 48
e-mail: dema.cools@skynet.be
B. ANTWERP SOUTH
(near Campus Middelheim, Campus Groenenborger & Campus Drie Eiken)
“Op Sinjoorke”
Eric Sasselaan 2, B-2020 Antwerpen
T +32 3 238 02 73
F +32 3 248 19 32
e-mail: antwerpen@vjh.be
45
www.vjh.be/N/JHB/antwerpen.htm
Can be reached by taking tram 2 and buses 25 or 27.
“Theologisch & Pastoraal Centrum”

Groenenborgerlaan 149, B-2020 Antwerp
T +32 3 287 35 61
e-mail: onthaal.tpc@tiscali.be
www.bezinningshuizen.be/html/TPC.html
Housing
There are several areas in Antwerp where students live. The price of a room, flat or studio
varies according to the neighbourhood and the type of accommodation (studios and flats
are more expensive). Some institutions have their own halls of residence. Rooms on cam-
pus are generally cheaper than private student rooms. The city of Antwerp has no shortage
in suitable student accommodation. Host institutions help students find rooms, provided
that they apply well in advance, especially with regard to short stays. The international co-
ordinator of the host institution will be able to inform you on the necessary formalities. If you
want to look for accommodation yourself, you should search for orange “te huur” (for rent)
signs in house windows, or signs saying “studentenkamers” (student rooms). Telephone
numbers of landlords are also available.
All institutions located within the city of Antwerp have developed a database of accredited
student accommodation, called KOTWEB, that offers a wide selection of available rooms,
studios and apartments. Kotweb also provides you with useful information on rental agree-
ments, tenants’ rights and obligations, garbage selection, fire insurance,… You can consult
the database at: www.studentkotweb.be . If you want a list of what is available you have to
ask for a login and password with the International Relations Office or the housing service
of your host institution. More information can also be obtained from the social services at
your host institution: www.sovoha.be, www.kdg.be, sovo@plantijn.be.
The average price for a basic room in the city centre is € 250.
46
The rental agreement

Host institutions have standardised agreement forms for student accommodation. If these
agreements are used, fire insurance is covered by the institution. In order to qualify, one
copy of the agreement has to be deposited with the international co-ordinator or with the
housing service. Usually the rental agreement stipulates that you need to take out fire insur-
ance, but even without such stipulations you need to get insurance, which costs about € 25
to € 37. You can see an insurance agency (for phone numbers, check the Yellow Pages
www.yellowpages.be) or draw up an agreement with your landlord. If the KOTWEB rental
agreement is used, the University of Antwerp is the only institution that offers free fire
insurance, on certain conditions. More information can be obtained from: kotweb@ua.ac.be.
The other institutions do not cover fire insurance! For more information see part 6 ‘Health
& Insurance’.
You can get a copy of a model agreement at your host institution or download one in several
languages from www.studentkotweb.be.
The rental agreement will specify several things: the amount of the security deposit, the
duration, rent, notice period(s), obligations, rights and prohibitions (e.g. pets), etc.
Student rooms are always rented by the month. Rent should be paid on the first day of the
month. A security deposit of 1 month (sometimes 2 or even 3 months maximum) is to be
paid to the landlord before or upon arrival. Make sure the landlord gives you a receipt!
The landlord can request you to open a joint bank account for the depos, which will be
returned to you upon departure if no damage has been ascertained to the room or its
furniture.
If you are having trouble recovering the deposit, you should write a registered letter to the
landlord. In the event that he or she still does not return your money after a second letter,
you can see a magistrate (justice of the peace). But first try to find assistance and advice
at the international office or housing office of your host institution.
A contract is binding, so once it has been signed there is no backing out of it - so make
sure to pay attention to the details of the agreement, keep well-informed, and be sure of
your choice. Read the agreement carefully! For advice, you can turn to the social services
office of your host institution. Getting out of a rental agreement is not easy, so think twice
and do not agree to rent accommodation you are not completely happy with. Any termina-
tion of a tenancy should always be done in writing and you should always bear in mind the
specified notice period.
If you are the only person who signs the contract, you are also the only one responsible
for fulfilling it. Your co-occupiers cannot rely on the contract to reside in the house but
neither can they be compelled to pay rent. When you sign the contract as a group, then all
co-signers have the same rental rights and obligations. The owner can ask each tenant to
respect the rental agreement. When a co-tenant wants to give notice, written authorisation
from the landlord is required and the name of the leaving tenant has to be deleted from the
contract, otherwise he or she continues to be responsible for the rent.
When you agree to a contract for a specific duration, then that time period is binding, which
means that, in principle, the contract cannot be broken before the end of the rental period.
This usually requires that the terms of giving notice are also kept. Again, make sure that
you read the contract carefully! In turn, your landlord has to respect the rules of tenancy and
provide a compensation as well as a notice period in case he or she wishes to terminate
the rental agreement.
47
If something is broken or does not function in your accommodation, the landlord is obliged
to carry out repairs (at his/her expense) to electrical, heating and plumbing systems. It is
the tenant’s responsibility has to inform the landlord of any defects.
Place description
A ‘place description’ is a detailed, written description of the state of the room. It should be
drawn up before you move into the room and needs to be signed by both parties. At the
end of the rental period, it will be compared to the actual condition of the room. The law
does not oblige you to draw up one of these descriptions, but it can protect you against
improper claims afterwards. If you draw up a place description the landlord cannot make
you pay for damage that was already there. Make sure that everything is filled in accurately.
You have to mention even the smallest damage because failing to write everything down
can later be pinned on you!
Safety and comfort

Housing facilities
Your room or apartment should be in a good condition. A number of legal regulations have
to be followed. Dangerous electrical fittings, unsafe water or heating devices, vermin, unsafe
stairs, etc. are not allowed.
Make sure the heating system is safe. Ensure that there is a good air supply. Do not plug all
the cracks and slits. Find out if there is an air grate (i.e. vent) in the door of the bathroom,
kitchen or bedroom. Five-litre water heaters are not suitable for showers; they can only be
used for a washbasin (i.e. sink) or in kitchens. Also make sure that the heater for the shower
is connected to a vent, something which is officially required.
If you have any trouble with any of these matters, please contact the housing service at your
host institution or contact JAC (Youth Advice Centre) or the Tenant’s Union.
JAC (Youth Advice Centre) gives free information, advice and assistance to people under
25. You can turn to them with all sorts of questions. More info: www.jac.be
Tenants’ union: an organisation that defends the interests of tenants. You can get help and
specialised advice on all kinds of tenants’ issues. Membership costs € 11,15.
Address: Tenants’ Union/Huurdersbond Antwerpen V.Z.W.
Langstraat 102
B-2140 Antwerpen-Borgerhout
www.huurdersbond.be
T 03 272 27 42 (9:00 - 12:00)
e-mail: antwerpen.huurdersbond@antwerpen.be
It is always a good idea to make a checklist before you start looking for accommodation.
What should be on the list? First of all you should look for a room that suits your needs:
furnished or unfurnished, large or small, in a quiet or a lively neighbourhood? How many
people live in the building? Are they all students? Another, equally important point is, of
course, your budget: does the room fit your budget? Are there supplementary costs? What
is the cost of water, gas and electricity?
Also pay attention to the following:
• Heating: Does it actually work? Does it use gas (watch out for safety) or electricity
(expensive!). Does the accommodation have central heating?
• Plumbing: Is there hot water? If you have to share a bathroom with others, will there be
48
enough water for everyone? How is the plumbing maintained? Is there sufficient ventila-
tion?
• Electrical fittings: Are they safe? Are there plenty of sockets? Which and how many
devices can you use? For example, can you use both a personal computer and an audio
system?
• Do doors and windows close properly? If you have a heater that uses gas, is the air supply
(i.e. ventilation) in the room sufficient?
• Are there damp spots on the walls? Are there curtains or do you have to bring your own?
Are cooking utensils provided?
• Another useful tip: When you want to decorate your room (“kot”), you could visit
“Kringloop”, a recycling centre, or the Vrijdagmarkt (see p. 46). There you can buy a vari-
ety of items like furniture, extra pots and pans, kitchen utensils, etc. for very little money.
Smaller household items can also be bought cheaply in small retail shops (such as Krak
or Wibra).
• What about rubbish (i.e. garbage)? Do you have to leave GFT bags (bags with vegetable,
fruit and garden waste) in your room (which is obviously not ideal) or is there a storage
area for garbage? Is there a place to put your bicycle? Is there a telephone?
When inquiring about rental costs do not forget to ask whether water, gas, and electricity
are included. Do you have to pay a fixed amount or is it calculated according to meter read-
ings? Very often a landlord will ask for an advance of approximately € 50.
At the end of the rental period this sum is compared with the real costs by reading the
meters and then you either get a refund or may be required to pay extra. In some cases
extra charges will be included for maintenance. This charge, written down in the rental
agreement, is fixed. It cannot be changed during the rental period.
The electric current is 220 volts (50 volts (50 cycles AC)). Tap water is safe for use as
drinking water (sometimes included in the rent). There are a number of launderettes and
dry-cleaning places. You can also have your laundry done for you, but this may turn out to
be quite expensive, especially for dry-cleaning.
Public utilities
Rubbish/garbage is collected once or twice a week, which should be put on the pavement
outside your place of accommodation in special plastic bags (for sale in supermarkets and
general stores), but not prior to 8.00 p.m. the evening before it is due to be collected.
You need special green bags for vegetable, fruit and garden waste (GFT Groenten/Fruit/
Tuinafval). A 50 litre green bag costs € 0.42. A 15 litre bag costs € 0.21.
Other waste material, such as cans and plastic bottles, goes into special blue bags which
cost € 0.25 each (60 litres). Paper should be put in a box or bound together. Collection
days vary according to the neighbourhood.
Non-refundable glass bottles and jars (no deposit: “geen statiegeld”) can be disposed of in
green/white containers (i.e. bottle banks) on street corners and squares.
Other waste material, such as chemicals, paint, and medicine should be kept separately and
disposed of at the local rubbish dump.
The way you have to sort your waste can vary in the different communities. It is best to
check because fines can be high!
49
Services
Student restaurants
Students are welcome to use the student restaurants or cafeterias; these offer a choice
of cold lunches for around € 2.50, and hot meals, usually between € 2.65 and € 4.00,
snacks and sandwiches around € 1.65. There are reductions for students of the University
of Antwerp in all the student restaurants on the different university campuses.
Libraries
Institutional libraries: the University and “Hogescholen” have their own library. An interlibrary
loan system exists between most libraries. In most institutional libraries you can use e-mail
and surf the Internet for free (sometimes, a small fee is charged). Please check the institu-
tion’s library guidelines. The students of the University of Antwerp have access to and can
borrow books for free from all the libraries on the different university campuses.
Public libraries: all towns have public libraries. You can find their addresses in the Yellow
Pages (www.yellowpages.be) under “openbare bibliotheken” or “gemeente”. A small annual
membership fee is required. A good selection of books in foreign languages is available.
Between the public libraries there is an interlibrary loan system.
In most public libraries you can also use e-mail and the Internet for a small fee.
In each town the main library runs a record and CD-ROM collection as well. These can be
rented for a small fee.
In the main library in Antwerp (De Coninckplein, 2060 Antwerpen, T 03 260 38 00) and
in some smaller branches (at Deurne and Ekeren) there is a cyber café as well, where you
can surf the Internet for a limited period, free of charge.
ICT facilities
All institutions provide free use of PCs for word processing, Internet use and access to
CD-ROMs for the students of that institution. The students of the University of Antwerp
have access to all ICT facilities on the different UA campuses.
Some campuses offer exchange students a free e-mail account during their stay. Messages
and important information about activities, jobs, information, visits, etc. from the International
Relations Offices and from ESN, the European Student Network, are sent by means of the
exchange students’ mailing list. Students who would like to send a message to all exchange
students can use this mailing list as well by sending their message to the International
Relations Office.
Furthermore, there are lots of cyber cafés where you can surf the Internet for about € 5 per
hour. You can find their addresses via www.goldenpages.be.
The city of Antwerp also offers free computer Internet lessons. The course centre even has
a free cyber café.
Contact: www.digipolis.be
Generaal Armstrongweg 1
2020 Antwerpen
T 03 241 99 41
50
Student Cards and Student Associations
Student cards
A student cards and a registration certificate will be delivered to you by the host institution
after arrival.
There are several more commercial student cards that can help you save money, e.g. the
CJP card (Cultural Youth Pass) and the ISIC (International Student Identity Card). The ISIC
gives you discounts on lodging, travelling, museum tickets, cultural events and entertain-
ment. This card is valid in more than 90 countries. It is the only internationally recognised
student ID card that proves you are a student. This card is also officially supported by
UNESCO to improve relations between students. Their help line is a telephone number that
you can always call in an emergency.
The extensive list of places that provide discounts for ISIC-card holders can be found at the
following web address: www.connections.be/voordeelkaarten/isic/index_nl.htm.
To obtain an ISIC-card in Belgium, you have to go to the Connections travel agency. There
is one condition: you have to be a full-time student.
A schematic overview:
CJP International Student Card International Student Identity Card
Price € 10 postage included €9
Conditions • younger than 26 years old • between 12 and 31 years old
• full-time student • full-time student
Extra advantages • CJP gift cheques • help line emergency number
• CJP magazine (6x year) • several discounts
Validity (duration) 1 year 1 year
Application address and telephone
CJP Connections
c/o Kaaitheater Melkmarkt 23
Sainctelettesquare 19 2000 Antwerpen
1000 Brussel T 03 225 31 61
T 02 203 02 00
cjp@cjp.be ats@connections.be
Website www.cjp.be www.istc.org
www.connections.be/voordeelkaarten/isic/index€nl.htm
51
Student clubs/associations
In every institution and/or faculty, student associations organise cultural, sporting, political,
and other typical student activities.
ESN, the Erasmus Student Network, is also active in the province. ESN is the official
European organisation that tries to give structure to all local initiatives around the European
Exchange Programme called Erasmus. ESN tries to get you settled, helping you out with
whatever practical problems you may encounter. In addition, they give you information about
Flemish student life and its traditions. This is done through various kinds of activities: cul-
tural excursions, sporting activities, counselling sessions, and information meetings. Their
main goal is to get students involved as much as possible with the great mixture of cultures,
traditions and experiences that Erasmus stands for. Most institutions have their own ESN
representative.
Website: www.esnantwerp.be.
Information about your ESN representative can be obtained from your host institution.
Participating in one or more ESN activities is the ideal way to get to feel more at home in
Antwerp. Do not hesitate to contact them at: www.esnantwerp.be.
Please contact the international co-ordinator of the host institution for further details.
Antwerp has a very broad system of student associations. Nearly every faculty has at least
one association, most of the time even one for each subject/discipline. The associations
organize several activities throughout the year. This goes from a “cantus” (singing songs
and drinking beer) to a party or even a grand ball and cultural excursions. Students are not
obliged to join a students’ association, but it is an easy and pleasant way to get to know lots
of new people and to speed up your integration process. The leadership (the “praesidium”)
or the members can also give you some information on student life in Antwerp and about
different courses. Membership is quite cheap (approximately € 5) and offers several advan-
tages when taking part in an association’s activities (usually an entrance fee discount of €1
or € 2). Towards the end of the academic year – around the time of the Easter holidays
- new “praesidiums” are chosen. This means a lot of free gifts on offer to students, such as
a free breakfast, free drinks and/or food.
Overview of student clubs/associations
Acura (culture)
Aesculapia (medicine)
Biomedica (biomedical sciences)
Campinaria (for students staying in student halls of residence)
Demetris (applied biological sciences)
Diefka (veterinary science)
EKA (European issues)
ESN (European Student Network)
Fabiant (biology)
KDA (chemistry)
Klio (history)
Mistral (literature and linguistics: French, Italian and Spanish)
NSK (applied economic sciences – commercial engineering)
Prisma (incoming srudents at City Campus)
PSW (political and social sciences)
PTP (residence Ten Prinsenhove; for students staying in the student’s hall of the stads-campus
52
Skald (literature and linguistics: Dutch, English and German)

Sofia (law)
Sportraad UA (sport)
TTT (philosophy, history and classics)
UFKA (pharmaceutical sciences)
Wikings (applied economic sciences - commercial engineering)
WINAK (mathematics, computer sciences, physics)
Brabo (industrial sciences and technology)
Eligia (commercial sciences and business management)
Expeditia (dispatching and secretarial studies)
Groep E (industrial engineering)
Magistra (teacher education)
Socio (social work)
Transfusia (health care)

De Stuivers (health care)
Kinesia (physiotherapy)
Translatio (translation and interpreting)
Vulcanis (industrial engineering)
Plantijnhogeschool
Dionysos (hotel management)
Media (communication management)
Nucleo (chemistry, laboratory and food technology)
Technica (electro-mechanics)

Argonaut
For more information about student associations, check www.studiant.be or the websites of
the individual student associations.
53
54
5 | Culture & Leisure
General information for visitors

The Flemish are fond of the good things in life. They like an “easy” atmosphere – as shown
by the abundance of pubs (“cafés”)!
One can also satisfy one’s appetite for culture in Antwerp. Theatre, opera, and film tailored
to all types of audience are available. The city also offers a wealth of exhibitions and other
cultural events. A list of museums in the province of Antwerp can be found in tourist infor-
mation brochures, the telephone directory, and on the city’s official website.
> www.visitantwerp.be
As far as sport is concerned, football, cycling, and tennis are particularly popular. There are
plenty of opportunities for sports lovers to practice and keep up with their favourite sports.
The following paragraphs contain a general overview of things to know and places to visit
in Antwerp.
Cultural life in Antwerp

Antwerp is very proud of its rich historical heritage. In the 17th century many famous paint-
ers, sculptors, instrument builders and printers were born and lived in Antwerp. Rubens,
Jordaens, Van Dyck, Jan Breugel and Erasmus II Quellinus are a few of the most famous
painters of this time who worked in Antwerp.
The many museums and churches in the city all contain splendid art treasures. There is
the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in the south district next to a large range of municipal and
provincial museums: from the ethnological, through to photography and contemporary art.
The Middelheim open air park of sculpture, with its biannual contemporary sculpture exhibi-
tion, is well-renowned. Walking through the city, one will discover many art galleries. The
different architectural styles of houses and churches offer an interesting overview of the
long history of the city.
Entrance to municipal museums is free to students who live in the city upon submission of
a valid student card. All municipal museums and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts are free
on the last Wednesday of each month for all visitors. All museums, both municipal and pro-
vincial, are generally open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are closed every Monday. For more
specific information visit:
http://www.visitantwerp.be/musea_uk.html or http://museum.antwerpen.be
A trip to one of the animal parks of Antwerp is a good day out. The Antwerp zoo is one or
the oldest and most famous zoos in the world. This park, next to the Central Station, delights
visitors with a wide variety of animals in a beautiful scenery. Plankendael in Mechelen is
a large park which is lovely to walk through. Plankendael and the Zoo both co-operate in
the European Endangered Species Programme.
55
CULTURE & LEISURE
Aquatopia, near to the Central Station is a brand new futuristic complex with 35 aquariums
featuring a fascinating collection of exotic fish and animals in their natural biotope.
Antwerp is a centre for film, theatre and concert life. Large theatres and opera houses
include the Flemish Opera, the international Art Centre “deSingel”, the Queen Elisabeth
Auditorium, the City Theatre and the Bourla Playhouse. Current and past genres can all be
seen and heard in a large number of theatres, concert halls and cinemas.
The famous Flemish Opera housed in the recently renovated historical building has its own
orchestra and choir and an annual repertoire. “deSingel” is a cultural centre which has an
international programme of contemporary art, performing dance, theatre, music and archi-
tectural exhibitions. In addition, various smaller but equally interesting theatre houses and
companies can be found all over the city.
Programmes can be consulted and tickets can be bought online.

The Flemish Opera www.devlaamseopera.be / www.operaexplorer.be
deSingel www.desingel.be
Zuiderpershuis www.zuiderpershuis.be
Arenbergschouwburg www.arenbergschouwburg.be
Royal Flemish Philarmonic www.defilharmonie.be
Koninklijk Ballet van Vlaanderen www.koninklijkballetvanvlaanderen.be
De Monty www.monty.be
Petrol www.5voor12.be/petrol
De Roma www.deroma.be
Special prices for students are available. At the Flemish Opera tickets still available 15
minutes prior to the performance, are sold at the special rate of € 12.50 for opera perform-
ances an € 7.50 for operas in concert version and concerts.
Students can use culture checks. At the social services of the university colleges and
the university students can buy a booklet containing 10 checks for 10 different cultural
institutes in Antwerp. The effictive price of ten tickets would be up to 67 euro. Students only
pay 15 euro for one booklet, social services pays the rest. Books are offered for sale from
the end of September and checks are valuable until September the year after. Students
can buy one booklet in an academic year. Participating institutes are: Arenbergschouwbrug,
Cartoons, deSingel, Flemish Opera and many others. Each booklet also provides a free
membership for the city library of Antwerp. All information can be found at the social
services department of the university colleges and the university.
Cinema
Antwerp has a number of cinemas. UGC and Metropolis show the latest blockbuster films.
Other cinemas, such as Cartoons and the Film Museum, show classic and alternative films,
from early silent movies to the most recent releases, using the best available film. The pro-
gramme can be found online.
UGC > www.ugc.be/NL/reservation/ChoixResa.jgi?REGION=2
Metropolis > www.kinepolis.be/index.cfm?PageID=326&cid=METRO
Cartoons > www.cartoons-cinema.be
Film Museum > www.muhka.be click on film
In summer, carillon (bells) concerts are held every Monday evening at the Cathedral of
Our Lady and attract a large crowd: people come together on the squares surrounding the
cathedral to have a drink and enjoy the music.
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CULTURE & LEISURE
Plenty of outdoor activities are organised, such as the world music ‘sfinks festival’ (www.
sfinks.be) at the end of july and laundry day in september (www.laundryday.be).
In July and August groups from all over the world bring their performances (theatre,
circus, dance, attractions) to the city in the framework of “de zomer van Antwerpen” (www.
zva.be).
All through the year, lots of cultural events are organised, a programme can be found in
newspapers and in free brochures such as ‘Zone03’ and ‘Week Up’ (als available online:
www.weekup.be).
Tickets for concerts, festivals, shows can also be bought on ticket sites such as www.
tickets.com, www.sherpa.be, www.teleticketservice.com or at the reception desk of Fnac
shops.
Information about museum cards, bike rental and guided city tours can all be obtained from
the Tourist Information Office.
Radio and television

Flanders has a public broadcasting corporation, the VRT (Flemish Radio and Television),
as well as several commercial stations such as VTM (Flemish Television Company), VT4
(Flemish Television 4), KANAAL 2 (Channel 2), JIM, TMF and many others. Programmes
can be found in the newspaper and weekly TV guides. There are also a number of local
radio and television channels. Many foreign broadcasters are also available on cable televi-
sion.
Films and international programmes on Flemish television are shown in their original ver-
sion with subtitles in Dutch (with the exception of natural history programmes, which are
often dubbed).
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CULTURE & LEISURE
Life stances & Active pluralism

Being a multicultural city, Antwerp is a home to a range of different religions and beliefs.
The Antwerp University Association adheres to active pluralism. This focuses on the
knowledge and experience of different values and persuasions and wishes to intensify the
discerning dialogue between members in a respectful atmosphere.
The Pieter Gillis centre, housed at the city campus of the university (Hof van Liere,
Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerpen) aimes to offer a forum on communication and philosophi-
cal issues and to stimulate philosophical reflection within the activities of the university and
the university colleges of the association.
The Belgian constitution recognizes and finances certain religions and life stances, based
on their general social, human and moral significance in Belgian society. The authorities
have deliberately chosen to maintain an array of values in order to create a liveable society.
At this moment there are six recognised life stances in Belgium: Catholicism, Protestantism,
Anglicanism, Judaism, Islam and Orthodox. The non-confessional organizations heve been
constitutionally recognized since 1993 on equal footing with the recognized religions.
Contact details:
Roman Catholic service
Pastorale dienst, Prinsstraat 32, 2000 Antwerpen, T 03 220 46 17
www.ua.ac.be/pastoraledienst
Contact person: Johan Vanhoutte: johan.vanhoutte@ua.ac.be
Protestant service
Lange Winkelstraat 5, 2000 Antwerpen, T 03 231 02 56
Contact person: Egbert Rooze
Jewish service
Bouwmeesterstraat 7, 2000 Antwerpen, T 02 512 21 90 or 03 232 01 87
Islamic service
Wipstraat 16, 2018 Antwerpen, T 03 232 47 49
Orthodox service
Ter Rivierenlaan 153, 2100 Antwerpen, T 03 325 98 63
Contact: Angelos Kamalidis
58
CULTURE & LEISURE
Anglican service
Gretrystraat 39, 2018 Antwerpen, T 03 440 25 81
Contact person: Ann Turner
Non-confessional organisations
Venusstraat 35, lokaal 1.3A, 2000 Antwerpen, T 03 220 45 24
www.ua.ac.be/moreelconsulent
Contact person: Jurgen Slembrouck jurgen.slembrouck@ua.ac.be
Sports and recreation

There are different parks in and around the city where you can walk and enjoy the scenery.
On the left bank of the river Scheldt you can find St Anneke beach – the place to go sun-
bathing. Nearly every district has its own sports centre. There are quite a lot of municipal
swimming pools, which are open to the public. Some institutions also have their own sports
centre, tennis courts and student sports clubs. Information can be obtained from the local
co-ordinator.
Wining and dining

Flemish drinking habits
Flanders has plenty of tradition and history when it comes to beer. Typical beers from the
province of Antwerp are De Koninck, Trappist Westmalle, Gouden Carolus and Duvel. Soft
drinks, warm drinks and wine are, of course, also available in pubs and restaurants. In addi-
tion there is a large choice of restaurants that offer something for all tastes and budgets.
Flemish eating habits

In Flanders, people usually have three meals a day: breakfast consisting of bread (or nowa-
days often breakfast cereal), a sandwich at lunchtimes, and a hot meal for dinner, which is
served around 6 p.m..
Typical Flemish dishes are steak and chips, mussels, and various stews (rabbit cooked in
Trappist beer, or Gentse Waterzooi, a kind of chicken stew). French fries are still a popular
snack, and afternoon coffee may come with pancakes or waffles. Over the last few decades,
food tastes have become increasingly international.
Eating out in Antwerp

As a metropolis, the city of Antwerp has a large number and a great variety of restaurants.
The menu ranges from traditional Flemish cuisine to French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese,
Asian, South American and vegetarian.
There are restaurants and pubs in every price range, and some cater specifically for stu-
dents at lunchtime. Some pubs offer a limited menu as well. It is possible to have hot and
cold meals all day. Lunch prices in cheaper restaurants vary between € 8 and € 10 for a
main course, and between € 10 and € 15 for a three-course meal (drinks not included).
Lunchtime snacks (usually cold) are also available for those who wish to spend less, as well
as student restaurants and cafeterias: these offer snacks and sandwiches and a choice of
hot and cold two-course lunches at prices between € 2.65 and € 5.
Information on other restaurants can be obtained at the local tourist information office.
Student associations usually have a leaflet with information about student restaurants as
well.
For additional information about cultural matters through student associations refer to part
4 ‘Arrival & Accommodation’, ‘Student Cards & Student Associations’.
59
60
6 | Health and Insurance
Accidents & third party liability

In most cases student registration at the host institution will include accident and third
party liability insurance during educational and recreational activities in all buildings of the
institution. Some institutions also insure transfers to and from the institute and excursions
approved by the institution. Please inquire with the international co-ordinator if this is the
case at your host institution, since this does not apply to all institutions.
Fire insurance
Fire insurance is covered by the host institution, if institution’s standardised accommodation
contract is used. In this case, a copy of the duly signed contract has to be submitted to the
housing service.
In case of fire damage there can be an exemption of around €125, which the student will
not be reimbursed for.
Medical care
As medical treatment can be extremely expensive it is essential that foreign students have
health insurance. They should inquire before leaving home whether their home insurance
covers all medical costs for the entire period of stay in Belgium.
Insurance is valid for Belgium

Nationals of the EEA or from Switzerland are insured during their stay in Belgium through
the medical insurance company in their home country. They should bring along a European
Health Insurance Card or a provisional replacement certificate, which can be obtained from
the home insurance company. The European Health Insurance Card (replaces the forms
E128 or E111) facilitates access to health care during their study stay abroad. No sup-
plementary fee is to be paid. It guarantees immediate reimbursement of medical bills and
allows to obtain a reduction at the pharmacy.
Insurance is not valid for Belgium

Students who have no valid health insurance coverage for Belgium can take out health
insurance with a local health insurance federation in Antwerp. Another option is to arrange
insurance through a private agency, either in your home country or upon arrival in Belgium.
Some insurers provide broader, complementary insurance for hospital or other medical
expenses, repatriation, unexpected illness or accidents which occur while you are abroad.
Through the university, a very extensive insurance is offered with the Student Insurance
Program (SIP) at the price of € 1,28 a day. More information can be found at:
www.studenttravelinformation.be/sip.asp.
Refunding of medical costs

If you go to a doctor or receive other medical treatment during your period of study in
61
HEALTH & INSURANCE
Antwerp, you will have to pay any costs up front. You will receive a medical receipt or proof
of payment, which you can take to a local health insurance federation (“ziekenfonds” or
“mutualiteit”) for refunds or submit to your health insurance provider very soon after you
return home. More information on health insurance within Europe can be found at:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/healthcard/index_en.htm.
Emergency numbers (Noodnummers)

For medical emergencies and fire services dial 100. For urgent police matters dial 101.
The European emergency number, 112 can be reached from any phone (fix or mobile,
even without a SIM card). If you are feeling down or depressed and want to talk about your
problems, anonymously help is available 24h a day at phonenumber 106.
Pharmacies (apotheek)
In Belgium medication and certain health products are only for sale in pharmacies, whereas
they are sometimes sold in drugstores abroad. A list of all pharmacies can be found
in a separate selection of the Golden Pages (www.goldenpages.be) under the section
‘Pharmacists’. Pharmacies are usually closed on Saturdays and Sundays. However, a limited
number of pharmacists are on duty during the weekends and at night for urgent medication,
although an extra fee will be charged. A weekly list of pharmacists that are on night and
weekend duty is posted at every (closed) pharmacist. Addresses of pharmacists on duty
can also be found in newspapers and free local newspapers. You can dial 0900 10 512 or
consult www.kava.be and click on “wachtdiensten”.
General Practitioners
Some host institutions have a General Practitioner on campus who can be consulted by
students on a daily basis. It is also possible to contact a student psychologist.
Student Information Point for consultation hours (stip@ua.ac.be)
Campus Drie Eiken, Gebouw G, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk
T 03 820 20 82
Hogescholen
• Mieke Coenen T 03 259 01 55 mieke.coenen@kdg.be
• Social Services T 03 205 90 90 sovoha@ha.be
Plantijnhogeschool
• Hilde Roelandt T 03 221 07 25 hilde.roelandt@plantijn.be
A list of all general practitioners can also be found in the Golden Pages (www.goldenpages.
be) under the section ‘Doctors’. You are free to consult the doctor of your choice.
During weekends only a limited number of GP’s are on duty. They will be listed on the
answering machine of your GP and in newspapers and in free local papers. Dial 0900 10
512 to find out which GP is on duty.
You can always consult the international office if you are unsure what to do. In the event of
an emergency, dial 100 or 112 for an ambulance.
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HEALTH & INSURANCE
Dentists
A list of all dentists can be found in the ‘Dentists’ section of the Golden Pages (www.
goldenpages.be) Dental care in Belgium is quite expensive, as only a small percentage of
the cost is refunded by the insurance for some treatments - and in some cases there is no
refund at all. For urgent dental problems during the weekend or on public holidays you can
call 0903 99 591 to find out which dentist is on duty.
General hospitals
A list of all hospitals can be found in the Telephone Directory and in the Golden Pages
(www.goldenpages.be) under the ‘Hospitals’ section. In each town area there is at least 1
hospital with a 24 hour emergency unit.
For other specific needs, such as psychological help, legal problems, abortion, and advice
about drugs and AIDS, specific help is available. You can turn to the social service or the
international relations office at your host institution and/or consult the list under part 8
‘Contacts’ (p. 71).
Algemeen Ziekenhuis Middelheim, Lindendreef 1, 2020 Antwerpen

> www.zna.be T 03 280 31 11
Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem
> www.uza.be T 03 821 30 00
Jan Palfijn, L. Bremstraat 70, 2170 Merksem
> www.zna.be T 03 640 21 11
Sint Vincentius, Sint-Vincentiusstraat 20, 2018 Antwerpen
> www.st-vincentius.be T 03 285 20 00
Eeuwfeestkliniek Monica, Harmoniestraat 68, 2018 Antwerpen
> www.monica.be T 03 240 20 20
Stuivenberg, Lange Beeldekensstraat 267, 2060 Antwerpen
> www.zna.be T 03 217 71 11
Sint Elisabeth, Leopoldstraat 26, 2000 Antwerpen
> www.zna.be T 03 234 41 11
63
64
7 | Keeping in touch
Using the phone

Calling Belgium from abroad
If you want to call Belgium from abroad, dial the international prefix (this number varies per
country, but is usually 00) and
• the country code for Belgium: 32
• the area codes which are used for making local calls (omitting 0):
for Antwerp and Lier: 3
for Turnhout 14
for Mechelen 15
• the telephone number
Example
If you want to call the tourist information office of the city of Antwerp from abroad, dial
0032 3 232 01 03
Calling abroad from Belgium

If you want to dial a phone number abroad from Belgium dial:
• 00 (international prefix)
• country code
• area code (omitting 0)
• telephone number
You can make international calls to Belgium’s neighbouring countries (France, The
Netherlands, Luxembourgh and Germany), Spain, Italy, North America and Canada at the
interzonal rate (€ 0,09/min off-peak, € 0,18/min on peak hours). Calling Portugal, Greece,
Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Finland and Norway is a bit more expensive (€ 0,20/min
off-peak, € 0,25/min on peak hours).
Dialling in Belgium
If you want to dial a phone number in Belgium dial:
• 0
• area code
• telephone number
Telephone booths or phone boxes

Telephone booths can be found all over town. In most booths you can only use telephone
cards, which can be bought at post offices, railway stations, bookshops or at telephone
shops. You can also find public telephones in post offices and railway stations, at the
Belgacom telephone shop in Antwerp and at the various host institutions.
Belgacom Telephone Shop Antwerp
Jezusstraat 1, 2000 Antwerp
Opening hours: Mo, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9AM - 6 PM
T 03 201 66 20
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KEEPING IN TOUCH
A local phone call from a public telephone costs € 0.025 per minute to € 0.05 per minute,
depending on the time of the day. The cheapest rate is from 7 p.m. until 8 a.m. and during
the weekends and holidays.
Belgian telephone rates for international calls are rather high. The cheapest rates are from
7 p.m. untill 8 a.m. and during the weekends and holidays. For information on international
rates call 0800 55 800 (English) or 0800 33 800 (French) for free. For frequent callers
cheaper rates can be obtained by using international calling cards from Belgacom or other
companies.
Go to www.belgacom.be/private for further information.
In the city there are also ‘telephone-call centres’, where you can make calls to all corners of
the world, at sharply reduced rates.
Mobile phones
Belgium has three mobile phone operators: Proximus, Mobistar and Base.
Proximus
You can choose between a subscription and a calling card. The calling card is called
Pay&Go and comes in three different Kinds: Pay&Go Original, Pay&Go AnyTime and
Pay&Go Student.
There is also an option called ‘Top3’. This allows you to choose 3 (national or international)
phone numbers which you can call more cheaply.
You have to put a specific amount of money onto the card before you can make a telephone
call. You can choose between €15, € 25 and € 50.
The subscription formula means that payment has to be made at the end of each month
and also consists of three formulae: ProxiTime, ProxiFun and ProxiPro.
Retail outlets include:
B-Com, Sint-Katelijnevest 44, 2000 Antwerpen
T 03 227 41 81 F 03 227 41 62 E info@B-comnv.be
Fnac Antwerpen, Shopping Center Groenplaats, 2000 Antwerpen

T 03 213 56 11 F 03 232 97 22
The Phone House Antwerpen, Meir 38, 2000 Antwerpen

T 078 15 30 60
The Phone House Antwerpen II, Keyserlei 2, 2000 Antwerpen

T 078 15 30 60
Mobistar
Mobistar also offers the choice between a subscription and a calling card. The calling card
is called Tempo and you can choose between Easy, Together and After School. You can
also reload your card with € 15, € 25 and € 50.

Mobistar Centre, Meir 127, 2000 Antwerpen
T 0495 51 81 50 F 03 231 94 00
Belcompany Meir, Meir 42, 2000 Antwerpen

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KEEPING IN TOUCH
T 03 213 11 64 F 03 213 32 28
The Phone House Meir, Meir 38, 2000 Antwerpen

T 078 15 30 60 F 03 201 19 88
Base
You can choose between a BASE Prepaid formula, which can be compared to the call cards
of the other operators, or a BASE Postpaid formula, which is like the subscription method.
The amounts of the Prepaid formula differ from the other operators: you can reload with
€ 5, € 10, € 15 € 20 and € 30.
BASE shop Antwerpen, Meir 117, 2000 Antwerpen
T 0486/501.185 F 03/225.16.25
B-Com, Sint-Katelijnevest 44, 2000 Antwerpen

T 03 227 41 81 F 03 227 41 62 E info@B-comnv.be
The Phone House, Meir 38, 2000 Antwerpen

T 078 15 30 60 F 03 232 09 27
Fnac Antwerpen, Shopping Center Groenplaats, 2000 Antwerpen

T 03 213 56 11 F 03 232 97 22
Please note, if you call a mobile phone from a landline (fixed telephone), there are different
tariffs, depending on the operator you are calling:
Rush hour
to Proximus € 0.1985/min.
to Base € 0.2923/min.
to Mobistar € 0.2481/min.
Off-peak hours
to Proximus € 0.1409/min.
to Base € 0.1988/min.
to Mobistar € 0.1649/min.
Connection cost per call

to Proximus € 0.11
to Base € 0.11
to Mobistar € 0.11
67
68
8 | Contacts
Important telephone numbers
100 urgent medical assistance and fire brigade

101 police, for urgent cases
0800 123 12 Antwerp police, for non-urgent cases (e.g.: information)
106 ‘tele-onthaal’, a helpful ear for urgent psychological needs *
1207 to find telephone numbers in Belgium (Dutch)
1307 to find telephone numbers in Belgium (French)
1204 to find telephone numbers in foreign countries
1225 to send a telegram (only on weekdays)
03 217 75 95 special centre for the treatment of burns
070 245 245 anti-poison centre
02 649 95 55 suicide prevention *
02 648 40 14 help line (English speaking, 24 hours, crisis information
and support centre for a wide range of problems) *
070 344 344 Cardstop in case of loss of credit cards
Eurocard/Master Card, Visa and Bancontact/Mister Cash
03 221 13 33 Stadhuis Antwerpen (City Hall)
02 233 22 11 Touring Wegenhulp (Car Problems)
03 224 10 52 VTB – VAB (Car Problems)
02 533 75 75 Europe Assistance
078 15 15 15 Aids-telephone: information about safe sex, HIV, aids,...
078 15 10 20 Drugsline: information about drugs, alcohol,...
09 238 26 26 Holebifoon (for gay, lesbian and bisexual people)
078 15 40 60 Teleblok (problems preparing for your exams)* from the end of May
untill early July
03 232 27 28 Jongeren Advies Centrum (JAC) (Youth Advice Centre)* free help
with any kind of problem
0800 173 64 Centrum voor Gelijke Kansen en Racismebestrijding
(Centre for Equal Opportunities and Fight against Racism)
03 271 16 16 Amnesty International
03 201 49 11 Lost and found objects
078 35 35 35 Electrabel Electricity and Gas
* though it might be a better idea to contact the social services office at your host
institution (SOVO)
69
CONTACTS
Institutions’ services
For addresses of specific services of the host institutions please consult the institutions’
publications or contact the international co-ordinator. On p. 50 you can find information
about general services (campus restaurants, libraries, ICT-facilities) at the institutions of
the AUHA.
INTERNATIONAL OFFICES
Groenenborgerlaan 171 (building U, 2nd floor), B-2020 Antwerpen
Fax +32 3 265 36 22
E-mail: international@ua.ac.be
> www.ua.ac.be/international
Nele Voorspoels
Contact person for incoming exchange students
T +32 3 265 35 61
nele.voorspoels@ua.ac.be - building U237
Martine Depauw
Contact person for work permits, visa, mobility of researchers and teaching staff
T +32 3 265 35 60
martine.depauw@ua.ac.be - building U237
Location: 3 campuses in Antwerp (City Campus + Campus Middelheim/Groenenborger),

1 in Wilrijk (Campus Drie Eiken)

Sophie Deltour / Steve Heymans
Noordkasteel – Oost 6, B-2030 Antwerpen
T +32 3 205 64 35/74, F +32 3 205 64 72
sophie.deltour@hzs.be
steve.heymans@hzs.be
> www.hzs.be
Location: 1 campus in Antwerp, near the harbour
Frank Rylant
Keizerstraat 15, B-2000 Antwerpen
T +32 3 213 93 26, F +32 3 213 93 41
f.rylant@ha.be
> www.ha.be
Location: 5 campuses in Antwerp, 1 in Merksem, 1 in Turnhout, 1 in Lier, and 1 in
Mechelen
70
CONTACTS
Helene Vanbrabant
Van Schoonbekestraat 143, B-2018 Antwerpen
T + 32 3 241 03 00
F + 32 3 241 16 86
helene.vanbrabant@kdg.be
www.kdg.be
Location: 11 campuses in Antwerp
Plantijnhogeschool van de Provincie Antwerpen

Marleen Matyn
Meistraat 5, B-2000 Antwerpen
T +32 3 221 07 09
F +32 3 221 07 01
marleen.matyn@plantijn.be
www.plantijnhogeschool.be
Location: 2 campuses in Antwerp, 1 in Boom
LANGUAGE CENTRES
Linguapolis
Institute for language and communication
City Campus
Prinsstraat 13
B-2000 Antwerpen
T +32.3.220.48.03
F +32 3 220 46 37
nadine.lotens@ua.ac.be
www.linguapolis.be
Campus Drie Eiken

Universiteitsplein 1
B-2610 Antwerpen - Wilrijk
T +32 3 820 27 87
F +32 3 820 27 86
christa.huygen@ua.ac.be
www.linguapolis.eu
Dutch Language Course, Departement Vertalers & Tolken
Schildersstraat 41, B-2000 Antwerpen
T +32 3 213 93 26,
F +32 3 213 93 41
f.rylant@ha.be
www.ha.be (choose English-Dutch Language Course)
71
CONTACTS
Erasmus Intensive Language Courses (EILC)
Department of Commercial Sciences and Business Administration
Centrum voor Talen
Nationalestraat 5, B-2000 Antwerpen
T +32 3 205 18 00,
F +32 3 205 18 44
Marleen.coutuer@kdg.be
http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/programmes/socrates/erasmus/eilc/index_en.html
TOURIST INFORMATION
Province of Antwerp
Toerisme Provincie Antwerpen
Kon. Elizabethlei 16, B-2018 Antwerpen
T 03 240 63 73, F 03 231 19 37
info@tpa.be
> www.tpa.be
Mon-Fri: 8.30 a.m. to 16.30 p.m.
City of Antwerp
Tourist Office, Grote Markt 13, B-2000 Antwerpen
T 03 232 01 03, F 03 220 82 96
visit@stad.antwerpen.be
> www.dma.be
> www.visitantwerpen.be
Mon-Sat: 9 a.m. to 5.45 p.m.
Sun-/holidays: 9 a.m. to 4.45 p.m.
> www.antwerp.be
> www.aviewoncities.com/antwerp.htm
> www.trabel.com/antwerp.htm
Cultural events and tickets

Prospekta, Grote Markt 13, B-2000 Antwerpen
T 03 203 95 85, F 03 203 95 97
72
9 | Glossary English-Dutch
In the shop
Type of shops
a shop een winkel
a bakery een bakker
a bookstore een boekhandel
a butcher’s een slager / beenhouwerij
a chemist’s een drogist
a dairy shop een zuivelhandel
a fish shop een viswinkel
a florist een bloemist
a grocery store een kruidenier / algemene voeding
a hairdresser’s een kapper / kapsalon
a newspaper shop een krantenwinkel
a pharmacy een apotheek
What can you buy there?

bread brood
chicken kip
coffee koffie
fish vis
meat vlees
a potato een aardappel
rice rijst
tea thee
vegetables groente(n)
a price een prijs
money geld
Practical expressions
How much does that cost? Hoeveel kost dat?
Thank you / thanks / cheers Dank u / bedankt
Frequently used words and expressions

light licht
heavy zwaar
easy gemakkelijk
difficult moeilijk
left links
right rechts
pretty / nice mooi
ugly lelijk
73
sweet zoet
sour zuur
dark donker
less minder
more meer
long lang
short kort
full vol
empty leeg
cold koud
warm warm
big groot
small klein
Where is that? Waar is dat?
How are you doing? Hoe gaat het met u?
The classroom
a university een universiteit
sir mijnheer
miss / madam mevrouw
a course een les / cursus
a mistake een fout
correct / good juist / goed
wrong fout
a room een kamer
a chair een stoel
a table een tafel
a sheet of paper een blad papier
a language een taal
I don’t know Ik weet het niet
Could you please repeat that? Zou u dat kunnen herhalen?
Could you speak slower, please? Kan u wat trager (langzamer) spreken alsjeblieft?
Personal pronouns
I ik
you jij
he hij
she zij
we wij
you jullie
they zij
74
The time
Time of the day
good morning goedemorgen
good evening goedenavond
Days of the week

Monday maandag
Tuesday dinsdag
Wednesday woensdag
Thursday donderdag
Friday vrijdag
Saturday zaterdag
Sunday zondag
Time in general
morning ochtend
noon middag
evening avond
yesterday gisteren
today vandaag
tomorrow morgen
Me and my family
My name is… Ik heet… / mijn naam is…
a mother een moeder
a father een vader
a son een zoon
a daughter een dochter
75
76
10 | Index
page page
(Tele)phone 65 Home institution 33
Academic bachelor 13-20 Hospital 63
Accreditation 12 Host institution 39
Airplane 25 Hotel 29
Antwerp 7-9/55 Housing 46
Association 12 ICT 50
Bachelor – Master 11 Insurance 61
Bank 41 Fire 61
Bed & Breakfast 29 Health 61
Beer 52 Language Courses 71
Belgium 5-9 International relations office 35
Bike 26 Karel de Grote-Hogeschool 16/38
Bus 26 Linguapolis 7
Campsite 29 Library 50
Campus Drie Eiken 37 Meal 59
Campus Middelheim 36 Museum 55
Car 26 Painters 55
Cathedral 56 Pharmacy 62
Church 58 Plantijnhogeschool 16/38
Climate 5 Professional bachelor 12
Consulate 41 Registration 33/39
Contact 70 Student restaurant 50
Cost 43 Scheldt 7
Dentist 64 deSingel 56
Department of Foreigners 39 Sports centre 59
Dutch 21 Stadscampus 36
Dutch language courses 21 Student card 51
Embassy 41 Student’s union 52
Europe 5-9 Taxi 28
Film Museum 56 Theatre 56
Financial 41 Tourist office 29/72
Flanders 11 Train 26
Flemish Opera 56 Transport 25
General practitioner / GP 62 University of Antwerp 14/35
Golden Pages 69 Youth hostel 45
Harbour 37/70 Zoo 9/55
Antwerp Maritime Academy 14
University College 14
Hogeschool Antwerpen 14/37
77
78
79
Colophon
Editorial Team
University
Nele Voorspoels
Sara Bervoets
Patricia De Clopper
University Colleges
Brigitta Bijloos (Karel de Grote-Hogeschool)
Pauline Deleu (Plantijnhogeschool)
Wouter De Pesseroey (Hogeschool Antwerpen)
City of Antwerp
Tom Ollivier
Editorial Coordinator
Pauline Deleu
Lay-out
Erik Desombere
Photography
Stefan Dewickere
Tony Gonzales (City of Antwerp)
Printing
Printing Antilope
This booklet has been developed with the support of the European Union Socrates-Erasmus
programme.
July 2006
copyright: H. Van Brabant (Karel de Grote-Hogeschool)
P. Van Hove (University)
80

Erasmus - A Passion For Antwerp

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Erasmus - A Passion For Antwerp

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A Passion for Antwerp

HIGHER EDUCATION IN ANTWERP

2 | STUDYING AT THE Antwerp University Association

3 | TRANSPORT & TRAVEL

4 | ARRIVAL & ACCOMMODATION

5 | CULTURE & LEISURE

6 | HEALTH & INSURANCE

Belgium, two cultures and three languages

Flanders and the province of Antwerp

The province of Antwerp is one of 5 Flemish provinces. It is situated between Limburg in

The city of Antwerp

The structure of higher education in Flanders …

… and the Bologna process

More about these three essential factors:

• Bachelor – Master in Flanders

• The Antwerp University Association

The University of Antwerp, Hogeschool Antwerpen, Plantijnhogeschool, Karel de Grote-

Antwerp University Association - AUHA

Access via a bridging programme PHD Degree

Offered at Universities & at

Education at the Antwerp University Association

About the University of Antwerp

About the University Colleges of Antwerp (Hogescholen)

Besides professional Bachelor programmes in business administration, teaching, social

D courses are organized in Dutch

All courses available for the academic year 2006-2007

n Ma Culture Management D/E

n AdMa Executive MBA Moscow (part-time) D

Admission of exchange students

Terms of admission for other international students

• Erasmus Intensive Language Courses (EILC)

GETTING AROUND IN ANTWERP

By bike (or motorbike)

Telephone numbers of some information desks (in 4 languages):

Useful Internet sites:

Trams and buses

GETTING OUT OF ANTWERP

Travelling outside Belgium

BEFORE LEAVING FOR BELGIUM

Registration at the home institution

Visa requirements, formalities before leaving Belgium

1 EEA: EU + Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein

Your first night - an interesting tip

Addresses of the Antwerp University Association (University–University colleges)

The International Relations Office is situated at Campus Groenenborger

Name Patricia De Clopper (Institutional Socrates Co-ordinator)

How to get to the City Campus

How to get to Campus Middelheim

How to get to Campus Groenenborger

Campus Drie Eiken

How to get to Campus Drie Eiken

Antwerp Maritime Academy

International Relations Office

How to get to the Antwerp Maritime Academy

International Relations Office

How to get to the Hogeschool Antwerpen?

International Relations Office

How to get to the Karel de Grote-Hogeschool?

International Relations Office

Registration at the host institution

Registration in the host town

Addresses Town Administration, Department of Foreigners