On Friday, September 1 Utrecht University held an International Student orientation. We were introduced to the school and given a lecture about Dutch culture and school systems. In the Netherlands there is a number grading system with 10 the highest and 1 the lowest. 10 is "for god" and 9 is "for teachers" so one must aim for an 8 as the highest and below a 6 is not passing. Basically 8 equals A and 7 equals B and 6 = C, which isn't hard to remember.
On Monday, September 4 was the Faculty of Geosciences international student orientation. They divided us up and gave us a tour of the campus and the Earth Science buildings. I then met the students in the Earth Surface and Water program within Earth Sciences.
The school year here is divided into 4 quarters or periods and we register for 2 classes per period. This period I am taking Land Surface Hydrology and Principles of Ground Water Flow. I have class then Tuesday mornings and Wednesday through Friday afternoons. The rest of the week is suppose to be spent self-studying, basically 20 hours of classes and 20 hours of self-studying. The studying could include writing, group projects, readings and so on.
My 2 classes contain mostly Dutch students with a sprinkle of international students (Norwegian/American, Irish, Greek). A few Dutch students I have talked to and are very nice and helpful. There are 2 student associations in connection with the Earth Sciences, who organize events and outings that the students can go to. Interestingly enough I buy my school books through them and not at the university bookstore.
Utrecht University is home to the first Erasmus Student Network, which has clubs throughout universities in Europe. It is a way for international students to connect with each other and get to know the area and country that their university is in. On Saturday, September 2 they had a city tour of Utrecht. We divided into groups of 25 and took a canal tour and stopped along different places within the city. It was a nice way to see it especially since it was a beautiful sunny day (apparently the best day for the entire summer and abnormal for September). Next Saturday they are having a trip to Amsterdam, hopefully there will be enough tickets tomorrow so I can go! I have heard so many things about this city that I hope the expectations of it do not disappoint me!
Alright well it is past 2 am and I need to be at school by 9 am...time for sleep!
On Monday, September 4 was the Faculty of Geosciences international student orientation. They divided us up and gave us a tour of the campus and the Earth Science buildings. I then met the students in the Earth Surface and Water program within Earth Sciences.
The school year here is divided into 4 quarters or periods and we register for 2 classes per period. This period I am taking Land Surface Hydrology and Principles of Ground Water Flow. I have class then Tuesday mornings and Wednesday through Friday afternoons. The rest of the week is suppose to be spent self-studying, basically 20 hours of classes and 20 hours of self-studying. The studying could include writing, group projects, readings and so on.
My 2 classes contain mostly Dutch students with a sprinkle of international students (Norwegian/American, Irish, Greek). A few Dutch students I have talked to and are very nice and helpful. There are 2 student associations in connection with the Earth Sciences, who organize events and outings that the students can go to. Interestingly enough I buy my school books through them and not at the university bookstore.
Utrecht University is home to the first Erasmus Student Network, which has clubs throughout universities in Europe. It is a way for international students to connect with each other and get to know the area and country that their university is in. On Saturday, September 2 they had a city tour of Utrecht. We divided into groups of 25 and took a canal tour and stopped along different places within the city. It was a nice way to see it especially since it was a beautiful sunny day (apparently the best day for the entire summer and abnormal for September). Next Saturday they are having a trip to Amsterdam, hopefully there will be enough tickets tomorrow so I can go! I have heard so many things about this city that I hope the expectations of it do not disappoint me!
Alright well it is past 2 am and I need to be at school by 9 am...time for sleep!
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