ECTS Information Guide Incoming Students Version 09 10_web

8/2/2019 ECTS Information Guide Incoming Students Version 09 10_web

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howest.be

2009-2010

Practical Information

Packagefor incoming students

International office


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Index

1. Welcome to Howest 3

2. Belgium, Flanders and the 2 Howest towns 4

BELGIUM Belgium, a small but complex country!

Belgiums trumps

Chauvinism is not a part of Belgian nature

Typical characteristicsFLANDERS

Flanders, in the heart of Europe

Flanders beautiful art cities

Flanders: hospitable, trendy and full of qualityBRUGGE AND KORTRIJK, THE 2 HOWEST TOWNS

Brugge Kortrijk

3. Howest 8

Intro

Howest departments and course offer

More classes available through AUGent-mobility

Intensive language courses

Howest applied research

4. Academic calendar 13

5. How to reach the Howest campuses? 15

Howest Brugge-Campus Rijselstraat 5

Howest Brugge-Campus Sint-Jorisstraat 71

Howest Kortrijk-Campus R. De Rudderlaan 6

Howest Kortrijk-Campus Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5

6. Transport in Belgium and the 2 Howest towns 16

Transport in Belgium

Transport in Kortrijk

Transport in Brugge

7. Erasmus and exchange students: application and registration procedure 17

8. Accommodation 18

Brugge

Kortrijk


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9. Insurance 19

School insurance: Physical injuries and third party liability Regularly enrolled students Exchange students

Third party liability Medical insurance

Travel insurance

Health Care and Social Work students

10. Costs of living 21

11. Meals 21

12. Student grants 22

Student grants of the Flemish Community Student grant of your own government

The European Union

Other

SOVOWES

13. Student facilities 24

14. SOVOWES Student Facilities 25

15. Study counselling 26

16. Medical facilities 27

17. Facilities for students with a functional impairment 27

18. Banking in Belgium for foreign students 28

19. Sports accommodation 29

Brugge

Kortrijk

20. Student life 31

21. Howest emergency number 32


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1. Welcome to Howest

Dear exchange student

We wish to extend you a warm welcome to Belgium, Flanders and Howest, de Hogeschool

West-Vlaanderen (University College West Flanders).

The International Office staff as well as all international coordinators within the study

departments will do their utmost in order to create the optimal conditions for you to spend a

successful and pleasant study period at our University College.

We are confident you will experience Howest as an exciting, challenging study environment,

the right place to further develop your competencies and extend your knowledge. We

sincerely hope you will quickly mingle with other Erasmus and of course local students, and

urge you to explore the vibrant student life in the Howest town where you stay, to join the

Howest student club of your department, to test the Flemish hospitality, and to discover theFlemish cultural and historic heritage.

Do not hesitate to contact us in case we can do anything to make your Howest stay meet your

expectations.

We are looking forward to welcoming you at Howest.

Isabelle Pertry

International Mobility Officer Howest

International Office

Marksesteenweg 58, B-8500 Kortrijk

T + 32 (0)56 24 12 90

F + 32 (0)56 24 12 92

Mob + (0)486 95 10 97

[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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2. Belgium, Flanders and the 2 Howest towns

BELGIUM

Belgium, a small but complex country!

Belgium is a small (30, 528 sq. km), densely populated (10 million

inhabitants; 339 inhabitants/sq. km), but very varied country. It is

divided into three (language) communities. The Flemish Community,

where Dutch is the official language, has 6 million inhabitants. 4 million

people speak French in the French Community. The German-speaking

Community with its 70,000 inhabitants is located in the southeast of

Belgium.

Both Dutch and French have been granted an official status in Brussels. Situated in the heart

of Europe, Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, but also of the European Union. From

a geographical point of view, Belgium has three regions, Flanders (in the north), Wallonia (inthe south) and Brussels. Clearly, Belgium has a unique and complex institutional and political

structure. This unique complexity can also be found in the Belgian landscapes. Polder and

costal areas, open fields, hills and mountainous forests in the Ardennes suit the taste of every

nature lover.

Belgiums trumps

Belgians have earned a worldwide gastronomic reputation.

Our country is a real culinary paradise for gourmets. Chips

with mayonnaise, chocolate, Belgian endive, beer, waffles,

ginthe list with delicacies is endless!

Belgium can pride itself on a rich, colourful history and a

lively culture. It is often identified with surrealism. After all,

who doesnt know Magrittes famous painting Ceci nest

pas une pipe? Numerous other contemporary and historic

masterpieces can be found in one of our many art cities.

Through the centuries, several foreign powers have ruled our

territory, until Belgium became an independent constitutional

monarchy in 1830.

Belgium was one of the first countries to join the industrial

revolution. Nowadays, the economy is largely based on theservices sector (more than 70% of the employment rate) and

is characterised by its openness. For example, the export of goods and services amounted to

76.5 % of the GDP in 1999, whereas the import totalled to almost 73 %. (For comparison: the

European average is 32.2 % for export and 31% for import.)

Foto


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Chauvinism is not a part of Belgiums nature

Foreign students will often be corroborated by Belgians, if they express their amazement at

the country and its institutions, habits and political life. The Belgians themselves are often the

most ardent critics in conversations about Belgium. Nevertheless, our country holds some

excellent trump cards. The standard of living ranks among the best in the world, and every

citizen has access to our high-quality and almost free education system. Many countries envy

us for our social security system that finances up-to-date medical care. Furthermore, Belgiumis known for its high productivity and high average income per employee.

Our moderate maritime climate, however, may give cause for some grumbling every now and

then: it guarantees mild temperatures, but it sometimes rains more than we care to count.

Typical characteristics

At first sight, Belgians may seem rather introverted and reserved. Once you get to know them,

however, this impression will fade sooner than you think. Guests are given a warm welcome

with abundant quantities of delicious food and drink. The average Belgian also feels at ease

when he can enjoy a gastronomic meal with his friends or family. Family ties and friendship

bonds play an important role in the life of Belgians. In this respect, foreign students are oftensurprised to notice that their autochthonous fellow studentsleave their digs at the weekend and

go home to visit their family members and friends. Friendship bonds last very long in

Belgium. A Belgian friend is a friend for life.

More information:http://www.belgium.be

FLANDERS

Flanders, in the heart of Europe

Flanders is the northern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium that

borders on the North Sea. It represents 60% of the Belgian

population, and has its own parliament and regional government

with ample powers, including education. Flanders consists of 5

provinces: Flemish Brabant, Antwerp, Limburg, East Flanders

and West Flanders. The strategic location and the extensive

transport possibilities have contributed to Flanders strong

position as a logistic centre and ideal gateway to the European

market with its 500 million consumers. Increasingly more

companies are establishing their European headquarters or

distribution centres in Flanders, where they can engage highly

qualified, multilingual and productive workers.
http://www.belgium.be/http://www.belgium.be/http://www.belgium.be/http://www.belgium.be/


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Flanders beautiful art cities

Already in the Middle Ages, Flanders

was at the crossroads of the mostimportant European trade routes.

Flemish merchants swarmed to all

corners of the world, whereas foreign

merchants and artists boosted trade and

cultural life in cities as Brussels,

Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges.

Flanders: hospitable, trendy and full of quality

Flanders is a flourishing region with a very dazzling and contemporary culture. An

international travel magazine recently even acclaimed the city of Antwerp one of the ten

trendiest places in the world. Because its doors are always open for the world, Flanders is

often in the international spotlights.

Every year, highly qualified professionals and top researchers complete their studies at one of

the higher education institutes. Thanks to these graduates, Flanders holds a firm top position

in fields as biotechnology, pharmacy, multimedia, information technology and

microelectronics.

(Interesting websites: http://www.vlaanderen.be, http://www.visitflanders.be)

BRUGGE AND KORTRIJK, THE 2 HOWEST TOWNS

Brugge and Kortrijk, the two towns with Howest campuses, are all situated in West Flanders

(www.west-vlaanderen.be).

Brugge

Brugge, known in English and French as Bruges, is the chief town of West Flanders (ca

150,000 inhabitants). It is also known as the Venice of the North, thanks to the numerous

canals that criss-cross the historic centre.

Toerisme

"ToerismeVlaanderen

,D.deKievith".
http://www.visitflanders.be/http://www.visitflanders.be/


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The impressive art-historical and cultural

value of the town centre convinced

UNESCO in 2000 to include it in its

prestigious World Heritage List. Brugge

was the most important North Europeantrade centre in the Middle Ages. Apart from

tourists, Brugge also attracts many students

nowadays. The annual Student Welcome

Party in October, as well as the free

SOVOWES culture cheques (see student

facilities Howest) are only a few examples

of the many initiatives for students to get a

taste of the local cultural agenda! On top of the student discounts, those cheques give you anadditional reduction for performances, concerts and shows in the Cinema Lumiere,

Cultuurcentrum,Cactus Muziekcentrum,Het Net,De Werf,Concertgebouw,andIn&Uit.

More information can be found onwww.brugge.be

Kortrijk

Kortrijk, known in French as Courtrai, is a

very dynamic town with almost 80,000

inhabitants, attracting shoppers from the

wide surrounding areas to its cosy centre.

Kortrijk has tourist trumps galore: the belfry,

the Broel towers, the town hall, but above all

the many references to the famous Battle of

the Spurs that was fought there in 1302.

Kortrijk is the pounding heart of the

flourishing region of Southwest Flanders,

pampering the students of the 4 colleges of

higher education with free public transport,

free night buses, and a free Student Welcome

Concert in October. Dont forget to use the free SOVOWES culture

cheques (see student facilities Howest) to explore and enjoy the

cultural activities in Kortrijk! On top of the student discounts, thosecheques give you an additional reduction for performances, concerts

and shows in Limelight, Theater Antigone, De Kreun, Dans in

Kortrijk,andDe Kortrijkse Schouwburg.

More information:

www.kortrijk.be, www.kortrijkstudentenstad.be

Patrick
http://www.lumiere.be/http://www.lumiere.be/http://www.cultuurcentrumbrugge.be/http://www.cultuurcentrumbrugge.be/http://www.cactusmusic.be/http://www.cactusmusic.be/http://www.cactusmusic.be/http://www.het-net.be/http://www.het-net.be/http://www.het-net.be/http://www.dewerf.be/http://www.dewerf.be/http://www.dewerf.be/http://www.concertgebouw.be/http://www.concertgebouw.be/http://www.concertgebouw.be/http://www.brugge.be/internet/nl/in_en_uit_in_Brugge/index.htmhttp://www.brugge.be/internet/nl/in_en_uit_in_Brugge/index.htmhttp://www.brugge.be/internet/nl/in_en_uit_in_Brugge/index.htmhttp://www.brugge.be/http://www.brugge.be/http://www.brugge.be/http://www.limelight-kortrijk.be/http://www.limelight-kortrijk.be/http://www.antigone.be/http://www.antigone.be/http://www.dekreun.be/http://www.dekreun.be/http://www.dansinkortrijk.be/http://www.dansinkortrijk.be/http://www.dansinkortrijk.be/http://www.kortrijk.be/http://www.kortrijk.be/http://www.kortrijkstudentenstad.be/http://www.kortrijkstudentenstad.be/http://www.kortrijkstudentenstad.be/http://www.kortrijk.be/http://www.dansinkortrijk.be/http://www.dansinkortrijk.be/http://www.dekreun.be/http://www.antigone.be/http://www.limelight-kortrijk.be/http://www.brugge.be/http://www.brugge.be/internet/nl/in_en_uit_in_Brugge/index.htmhttp://www.concertgebouw.be/http://www.dewerf.be/http://www.het-net.be/http://www.cactusmusic.be/http://www.cultuurcentrumbrugge.be/http://www.lumiere.be/


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3. Howest

Howest consists of three departments spread

over four campuses in Brugge and Kortrijk.

Howest counts more than 4,500 full-time students pursuing 22 Bachelors and 7 Masters

covering a wide range of disciplines.

Howest is also actively conducting applied research for the industry: several research groups

run R&D projects with industrial companies, at the national and European level.

Students will find an open, vibrant, cosmopolitan and friendly environment here offering a

wealth of educational opportunities, with emphasis on high quality and practice-oriented

courses.

All Bachelor and Master courses are conducted in Dutch, but Howest plans to start up

Bachelor of Digital Arts and Entertainment in English, and also offers four international

semesters in English: ESPIEW (30 ECTS-fall semester-Brugge), Digital Business

Management (30 ECTS-fall semester-Brugge), Tourism Management (30 ECTS-fall

semester-Kortrijk) and Multimedia Communication (42 ECTS-spring semester-Kortrijk).

Detailed information about these programmes can be found in the English section of


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www.howest.be. Moreover, some courses including much laboratory or project based work

can host non-Dutch speaking exchange students on a tailor made basis.

Howest departments and course offer

Howest - Department Professional Bachelors BruggeThe green marked courses are organised at Campus Rijselstraat 5The blue marked courses are organised at Campus Sint-Jorisstraat 71

BA of Applied Computer Sciences

BA of Applied Architecture (unique in Flanders)

BA of Biomedical Laboratory Technology

BA of Business Management

Option Accountancy and Tax law

Option Finance and Insurance

Option Logistics Management

Option MarketingOption Entertainment Marketing (unique in Flanders)

BA of Network Economy (unique in Flanders)

BA of Office Management

Option Management Assistant

Option Medical Management Assistant

BA of Nursing

Option Hospital Nursing

Option Social Nursing

Option Psychiatric Nursing

BA of Teacher Training education: Nursery educationBA of Teacher Training education: Primary education

BA of Teacher Training education: Secondary education

Option Adventure Coach (unique in Flanders)

Option Health and Fitness Coach (unique in Flanders)

BA of Applied Psychology

BA of Social Work

International semesters in English BA level courses:

Digital Business Management

Entrepreneurial Spirit Improving European Welfare (ESPIEW)

Howest - Department Professional Bachelors KortrijkThe yellow marked courses are organised at Campus Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5The red marked courses are organised at Campus R. de Rudderlaan 6

BA of Multimedia & Communication Technology (MCT)

Option nMCT (new Media and Communication Technology)

Option Industrial Product Design (unique in Flanders)

Option Digital arts and entertainment (unique in Flanders)

Option Divine: digital design and media (unique in Flanders)

Research groups:Multimedia and Communication Technology research group
http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/


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BA of Communication Management

Option Commercial Communication (Sales or Advertising)

Option Public Relations and Information (PR-Events or PR-Spokesperson)

BA of Journalism

BA of Occupational TherapyOption Wellnesscoaching (unique in Flanders)

BA of Office Management

Option Management Assistant

Option Medical Management Assistant

Option Business Translator / Interpreter

BA of Social Work

Option Social work

Option Social counceling

Option Socio-cultural work

BA of Tourism and Leisure Management

BA of Social Work

International semesters in English BA level courses:

Multimedia Communication and Tourism Management

Howest - Department Academic Bachelors and Masters Kortrijk

BA and MA of Biochemistry

BA and MA of Chemistry

BA and MA of Electronics, ICT + MA of Multimedia

BA and MA of Electromechanics

BA and MA of Electrotechnology

BA and MA of Automation

BA and MA of Environmental Sciences (unique in Flanders)

BA and MA of Industrial Design (unique in Flanders)

Research groups:

Biochemistry, chemistry and environmental sciences research group

Electro mechanics research group

Industrial design research group

Electronics research group

More classes available through AUGent-mobility!As an international student staying at our institution, you wish to make the most of your

studies abroad. Howest is one of the 4 partners of Ghent University Association (AUG),

which consists of Ghent University, University College Ghent, University College

Arteveldehogeschool and Howest - University College West Flanders.

Ghent University association offers the possibility to take up classes in each of its institutions,

free of charge.

Three conditions must be fulfilled:

- the course(s) may not appear on any programme of your AUGent-institution. In caseof doubt, the educational commission will decide

- the course(s) must be part of the integral curriculum you take and will be accepted as

official. Any extra-curricular courses are not taken into account and must be taken upwith a credit contract.


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- the agreement of both AUGent-institutions is required. Without agreement of allparties, the contract is ineligible.

Interested? Please have a look at www.augent.be or contact [email protected]

for more details.

Intensive language courses

Dutch is the main language of instruction. Howest is therefore offering incoming foreign

students a 3-week introduction course in September and February, recognised as an Erasmus

EILC. It consists of an intensive Dutch course and an introduced to the social, economic and

cultural aspects of Belgium.

The programme is mixed with informal moments such as visits to major Belgian cities.

(http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/llp/erasmus/eilc/index_en.html)

Besides this intensive language course, there are several opportunities to follow Dutch

language courses. In order to take a Dutch language course as a preparation, students who areaccepted by a Flemish University College, may be granted a Temporary Residence Permit of

maximum one year before the start of their programme. All courses of this kind organised by

the various institutions are taken into account for such a stay.

During your study period at Howest, you can also attend evening lessons in order to further

improve your Dutch language skills.

The four international semesters in English also include a 'survival' course in Dutch.
http://www.augent.be/http://www.augent.be/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/llp/erasmus/eilc/index_en.htmlhttp://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/llp/erasmus/eilc/index_en.htmlhttp://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/llp/erasmus/eilc/index_en.htmlhttp://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/llp/erasmus/eilc/index_en.htmlmailto:[email protected]://www.augent.be/


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Howest applied research

The research groups, mainly within Howest-Department Academic Bachelors and Masters

(Kortrijk), focus on the industry and conduct R&D projects with both large enterprises and

SMEs at the European, national and Flemish level.

The commitment to joining education with the creation of knowledge provides a fertile setting

for research that has spawned a host of innovation breakthroughs in applications. All R&D

projects emerge from corporate innovation objectives. The approach differs depending on the

focus of the project: the R&D is either for the benefit of one company or a group of

companies.

Howest-Department Academic Bachelors and Masters (Kortrijk) is not only collaborating in

research with Belgian universities but also with several universities and R&D institutes

outside Belgium. It participates in European research programmes and has created an

academic research network with partners worldwide. Howest-Department AcademicBachelors and Masters (Kortrijk) supports product innovation requested by companies, with

the possibility of an integrated approach:

SME-Innovation studies SME-Innovation projects Industrial basic research Prototype development TETRA (Technology Transfer) projects Strategic Research Projects Flemish innovation co-operation projects PhD-research Federal research programmes European Research Area, including Interreg projects,

Framework Program projects,

The R&D activities create a leverage towards innovation in the industry: since1997,

Howest-Department Academic Bachelors and Masters (Kortrijk) has raised more than 32m

of innovation grants for corporate research.


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4. Academic calendar 2009 - 2010

Number WEEKACTIVITIES academic year 2009- 2010

01/09/2009

Start International Semesters: Tourism Management (Kortrijk/Bruges) -

ESPIEW(Bruges) & Digital Business Management (Bruges)!!!

1 21/9 - 25/9

Start 1st semester / Academic activities/permanent evaluation

22/9 = Official Opening Ceremony of the academic year

!! 01/09/2009 = Start International Semesters: Tourism Management

(Kortrijk/Bruges) - ESPIEW(Bruges) & Digital Business Management

(Bruges)

2 28/9 - 2/10 Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation


4 12/10 - 16/10 Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation5 19/10 - 23/10 Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation


7 2/11 - 6/11

AUTUMN HOLIDAY (for engineering students/masters: academic

activities/(permanent) evaluation)

8 9/11 - 13/11 Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation 11/11:public holiday - armistice

9 16/11 - 20/11 Academic activities /permanent evaluation

10 23/11 - 27/11 Academic activities/(permanent) evaluation




14 21/12 - 25/12 WINTER HOLIDAYS15 28/12 - 1/1 WINTER HOLIDAYS

16 4/1 - 8/1Catch up week/study / 1st exam period /academic activities /(permanent)

evaluation

17 11/1 - 15/1 1st exam period

18 18/1 - 22/1 1st exam period

19 25/1 - 29/1 1st exam period / (final delib.)/ feedback

20 1/2 - 5/2 INTERSEMESTRAL HOLIDAY

21 8/2 - 12/2

Start 2nd

semester/ Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation / feedback

!! 08/02/02010=Start International Semester Multimedia Communication(Kortrijk)

22 15/2 - 19/2 Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation / feedback







29 5/4 - 9/4 EASTER HOLIDAYS / work placement 5/04: Easter Monday

30 12/4 - 16/4 EASTER HOLIDAYS / work placement31 19/4 - 23/4 Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation

32 26/4 - 30/4 Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation 1/05: 1st May Holiday


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34 10/5 - 14/5 Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation 13/05: Ascension Day

35 17/5 - 21/5

Academic activities /(permanent) evaluation / catch up for engineering students

/masters

36 24/5 - 28/5

Catch up / study and exams for engineering students /masters

24/05:Whit Monday37 31/5- 4/6 2nd exam period / work placement

38 7/6 - 11/6 2nd exam period

39 14/6 - 18/6 2nd exam period

40 21/6 - 25/6 2nd exam period / deliberation, proclamation feedback

41 28/6 - 2/7 Deliberation / proclamation and feedback

42 5/7 - 9/7 SUMMER HOLIDAYS for students




46 2/8 - 6/8 SUMMER HOLIDAYS for students47 9/8 - 13/8 SUMMER HOLIDAYS for students

48 16/8 - 20/8 3rd Exam period



51 6/9 - 10/9 3rd Exam period/ deliberation, proclamation and feedback

52 13/9 - 17/9 Deliberation, proclamation and feedback

53 20/9 - 24/9 Introduction / welcome activities/entry tests/ late summer period


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5. How to reach the Howest campuses?

Howest Brugge Campus Rijselstraat 5

The campus is at 5 minutes walk from the railway station of

Brugge. Take the exit that leads to the back of the railwaystation of Brugge(Sint-Michiels). The Rijselstraat is now

right in front of you. The campus can be found 200 metres

further at the left side. Also check the street plan per campus

onwww.howest.be.

Howest Brugge - Campus Sint-Jorisstraat 71

Take the number 3 or number 13 bus in front of the railway station. Alight from

the bus at the bus stop Normaalschool, right next to the entrance of thecampus. Also check the street plan per campus onwww.howest.be.

Howest Kortrijk Campus R. de Rudderlaan 6

The campus is at 20 minutes walk from the railway station of

Kortrijk. You can also take the bus at the railway station

(numbers 1, 91, 92 or 93). Alight from the bus at the bus stop

VTI. The campus is on the other side of the street. Also

check the street plan per campus onwww.howest.be.

Howest Kortrijk - Campus Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5

The campus is at circa 15 minutes walk from the railway station

of Kortrijk. You can also take the bus at the railway station

(number 80 or 81). Alight from the bus at the bus stop

Markesteenweg. Walk back a little and take the Graaf Karel de

Goedelaan. Also check the street plan per campus on

www.howest.be.
http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/http://www.howest.be/


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6. Transport in Belgium and the 2 Howest towns

Transport in Belgium

Belgium is equipped with an extensive road and railway

network. Public transport is organised very well. People under

26 can take the train with a cheap Go Pass (50 for 10 single 2nd

class trips between two Belgian stations of your choice). As

from 1/02/2008 this price will go up slightly. More information

can be found on http://www.b-rail.be/nat/E/

Public bus transport is organised by De Lijn. Bus tickets can be

bought on the bus, but they are cheaper in outlets (shops of De

Lijn, supermarkets, newspaper stores, etc.) More informationcan be found onwww.delijn.be(only in Dutch) or in the shops of De Lijn, which are mostly

situated near the railway stations.

Transport in Kortrijk

The most efficient way to go around in Kortrijk is by bike. The non-

profit organisation Mobiel rents bikes to Howest students for only 5

per month. More information: www.mobiel.be.vzw Mobiel Min.

P. Tacklaan 57 - 8500 Kortrijk tel 056/24.99.10 - fax 056/24.99.19

- [email protected]

Furthermore, all Howest students are entitled to free bus transport of

De Lijn in the whole of Kortrijk. Ask for the special pass at the

administrative department.

Transport in Brugge

The best way to explore Brugge is by bike. Motorised vehicles are kept out of the historic

centre as much as possible. SOVOWES Student Facilities in Brugge rents bikes to Howest

students for 5 per month, 12 for 3 months, 40 for 10 months and 48 for 12 months. You

have to pay a guarantee of 40, which only will be used to do the repairs of the bike. ContactSOVOWES for more information about bike renting for students

(tel. 050-34 97 83 [email protected]).

More information about public bus transport in Brugge can be found onwww.delijn.beor in

the Lijn store near the railway station.
http://www.b-rail.be/nat/E/http://www.b-rail.be/nat/E/http://www.delijn.be/http://www.delijn.be/http://www.delijn.be/http://www.mobiel.be/http://www.mobiel.be/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.delijn.be/http://www.delijn.be/http://www.delijn.be/http://www.delijn.be/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.mobiel.be/http://www.delijn.be/http://www.b-rail.be/nat/E/


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7. Erasmus and exchange students: application and registration procedure

after you have been selected by your home school for a study period at Howest, you

have to send the Howest Application Form to the Howest International Office. If youwish to attend international semester courses in English, you also have to send the

necessary documents confirming that you meet the linguistic and educational

requirements

Howest will inform you about the approval of your application and refer you to thedepartmental internationalisation coordinator for your course programme

together with the departmental internationalisation coordinator, you arrange the practical aspects of your stay. In consultation with the coordinator and your own

school, you draw up and sign an Erasmus Learning Agreement

dont forget to accomplish the necessary formalities before you leave! Make sure thatyou are properly (medically) insured; ask your home school for an official document

stating that you are insured against physical injuries and covered by a third party

liability insurance during school activities. A model form of this document is available

on demand at the Howest International Office

go to the internationalisation coordinator of your Howest department on the agreedday and time. The coordinator will help you with your accommodation questions and

your registration at the student secretarial office

formalities to be accomplished:o student card application (dont forget a passport photo!)o filling in of the Emergency documento handing in of the statement that you are insured by your home school

o (in case this document hadnt been sent yet)o preparation of your registration at the local register officeo purchase of course material and practical arrangements

within the first 8 days of your stay you have to present yourself at the City registeroffice, if you are staying longer than three months in Belgium.

Formalities to be accomplished:

your identity card/passport your address during your study period at

Howest

3 to 4 passport photos, depending on thetown you will be staying in

for non-EU citizens: D studies visa.3 to 7, depending on the town you will

be staying in

After you have been registered, the policeman on

the beat will come around to check whether you really live at the given address. The town

services will invite you then for a second visit. After completing all these formalities you will

receive your residence permit. Students who needed a Visa to enter Belgium, are usually not

allowed to enter Belgium a second time without having received their residence permit first!

For more information you can contact the Howest International Office.Dont forget to deregister at the same register office about one week before you leave!


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8. Accommodation

Some Howest campuses have their own student hostels (also known as peda). All rooms are

furnished and equipped with basic cooking facilities. Residents share the dining room, library,

bar, recreation rooms and sports facilities.These rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Those who want to rent a room on the private market can always take a look

at www.kotwest.be. All rooms mentioned on this website get a quality

inspection of our social services. The website is only available in Dutch for

the moment, but Howest International Office will gladly help you in your

search for an appropriate room. The rent of student rooms can differ widely,

depending on the comfort. The average rent of a decent student room fluctuates between 200

and 280 per month.

Brugge:

Students can rent a room in peda De Zwaan (The Swan), right by the school. The rent comes

to 250 per month, including energy and water consumption, bed clothes, and an internet

connection.

Kortrijk:

In Kortrijk, Howest doesnt have student hostels. Nevertheless, International Office will

gladly assist you in your search for a room by consulting www.kotwest.be or via their

contacts with private student room owners.
http://www.kotwest.be/http://www.kotwest.be/http://www.kotwest.be/http://www.kotwest.be/http://www.kotwest.be/http://www.kotwest.be/


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9. Insurance

School insurance: physical injuries and third party liability

Regularly enrolled students

Foreign students that enrol at Howest are insured against physical injuries and third party

liability during educational activities, field trips and work placements for the duration of one

academic year. More details can be found in the education and examination regulations (see

diary, article II.8).

Exchange students

Erasmus exchange students are not insured by the Howest school insurance, since they are

officially enrolled at their home college, and therefore are covered by the insurance of this

school. Before you leave, make sure that you are officially registered at your home college,and that you are covered against physical injuries and third party liability during educational

activities and work placements. If this is not the case, then you MUST inform Howest of this

before your arrival. If you are insured (standard situation), then Howest must have an

official certificate of this, and not later than the day of your arrival.

Third party liability

Make sure that your personal third party insurance covers the damage suffered abroad. You

might need this coverage in case something happens outside the scope of educational

activities and work placements.

Medical insurance

Irrespective of your nationality, everybody living in Belgium

must have a health insurance, since medical costs (especially

hospitalisations) can be very high.

Before you leave, make sure that you are sufficiently insured.

Dont forget to have an European Health Insurance card. Thisblue card guarantees that all medical costs, including certain

costs for medication, are covered by your health insurance. It

is important to know that all medical authorities need a copy

of this card before they can draw up an invoice. Hospitals will

settle financial matters directly with your insurance office,

whereas ready money is needed to pay a doctors visit. Go to

a Belgian mutual benefit society with your doctors certificate

and blue card to get a refund afterwards.


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Non-EEA (European Economic Area) students that dont obtain a European health insurance

card from their home country, are absolutely obliged to take out an insurance. This is

possible by concluding a (temporary) private health insurance in your home country. The

insurance package must include hospitalisation, dental care and repatriation. Non-EEA

students can also register at a Belgian mutual benefit society, though.

Travel insurance

We strongly advise all foreign students to conclude a personal travel insurance covering

repatriation in case of a serious accident or sickness. Please check whether your travel

insurance also covers longer stays abroad. It is possible that this is already included in your

health insurance.

Health Care and Social Work students

Health Care students at Howest must contact the internationalisation coordinator about

vaccines and other specific requirements beforehand. Students following nursing or

occupational therapy classes, as well as social work students with a specific work placement,

need a certificate proving vaccinations against:

Rubella (only necessary for girls) Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Diphtheria tetanus a certificate proving that you have got a tuberculin injection OR that your lungs have

been X-rayed within the past 12 months.

Dont forget your hospital uniform!!!


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10. Costs of living

Hereunder you find a few prices of some current food products to give you an idea of the

costs of living in Belgium:

small loaf of bread (400 g): 1,30 big loaf of bread (800 g): 2,00 1 litre of milk: 0,75 1,5 l of Coca Cola: 1,48 1 kg of potatoes: 1,40 1 kg of oranges: 2,50 ham / kg: 15 cheese / kg: 7,50 1 pint (in a pub): 1,60 1 coke (in a pub): 1,50

You can keep a lid on these costs by shopping in cheap supermarkets and visiting student-

friendly places. Moreover, students enjoy reductions on many sports events, culture and

leisure activities, and in some shops.

Accommodation and transport prices can be found in the respective sections.

11. Meals

Each Howest campus has a restaurant, a cafeteria or

a bar where you can buy a hot midday meal, snacks,

soup, bread rolls and drinks at very democratic

prices. Of course, each campus has all necessary

facilities to eat your own packed lunch. The cafeteria

is the place to be for meeting other students and

participating in social campus life.

Here are some prices to give you an idea: fresh soup

costs 0,70, a hot plat du jour can be bought at

3,70, and warm snacks cost 1,75 to 2,50.


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12. Student grants

Most foreign students apply for a student grant. The following outline gives general

information about organizations awarding scholarships.

Student grants of the Flemish Community

Certain categories of students staying in Belgium can be entitled to a student grant of the

Flemish Community, provided that they fulfil the pedagogic en financial conditions as

stipulated in the legislation:

children of citizens of a member state of the European Unionwho are working in Belgium or who have worked here and who are

under art.12 of the E.E.C. Regulation 1612/68 of the Council of 15

October 1968 regarding the free movement of workers within the

European Union

students with a foreign nationality having a permanent

residence permit

refugees and their children, whose request for asylum has beendeclared admissible

More information:

Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap

Administratie Algemene Onderwijsdiensten

Afdeling Studietoelagen

http://www.ond.vlaanderen.be/studietoelagen/

Hendrik Consciencegebouw

Koning Albert II-laan 15

Student grant of your own government

Student grants are also awarded by the student's own government. The

appropriate authorities in the student's country should be contacted by

the student himself.

The European Union

The European Union grants scholarships to students from EU member

states (and certain non-member states) who wish to undertake a study

period within a university of another member state (or in some

countries outside the European Union). Student mobility grants are not

full grants, but are intended to cover the mobility costs of studying

abroad (travel expenses, language preparation costs, etc.).

Erasmus seeks to improve the European dimension of higher education in the EU as well as

in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey.
http://www.ond.vlaanderen.be/studietoelagen/http://www.ond.vlaanderen.be/studietoelagen/http://www.ond.vlaanderen.be/studietoelagen/


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ERASMUS student grants may only be awarded to students who:

have full academic recognition testified by an appropriateformal certificate from their home university or college for the

studies they have undertaken in another member state, and this in line

with the study contract are exempt from the payment of enrolment fees in the host

university or college

continue to receive during their stay abroad any grants orloans awarded by their government or national authority

spend at least a three months' term and at most a year inanother member state and are not in their first year of higher studies.

Students wishing to benefit from an Erasmus grant must apply to

their home university or college.

More information:

http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/socrates/erasmus/erasmus_en.html

Other:

A survey of student grants and other financial assistance can be found in the publications of

UNESCO: "Study abroad - Etudes l'tranger - Estudios en el extranjero".

SOVOWES:

support (Student Counselling Service for Howest, de Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen)

Certain categories of foreign students enrolling for a regular study at Howest can apply for

(non-) reclaimable financial aid on the basis of an individual file. This application has to be

made at the SOVOWES student facilities service.

Regularly enrolled foreign students (not for Erasmus students) can also submit a request for

renting a laptop via SOVOWES. Assignment of the laptops is done on the basis of a social

file, and under the conditions stipulated by SOVOWES.
http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/socrates/erasmus/erasmus_en.htmlhttp://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/socrates/erasmus/erasmus_en.htmlhttp://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/socrates/erasmus/erasmus_en.html


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13. Student facilities

All Howest campuses:

dispose of a modern, dynamic and up-to-date library,or rather multimedia information centre. Apart

from specialised books and press, you will find PCs,

printers, scanners, software, places for individual

study or teamwork. All Howest students have access

to multiple electronic databases, which lead you in

some clicks to thousands of newspapers, magazines,

specialist journals and scientific publications.

http://bib.howest.be/

dispose of wireless internet connection

have their own network administrator, which will arrange a mail account andinternet access for all students

use the electronic Howest learning platform Dokeos

dispose of a course service, for the distribution of the print course materials

put copy machines and different kinds of dispensing machines at the studentsdisposal

All operational information about these facilities will be given to you at the moment of

registration or at the welcome event in the Howest department where you will study.
http://bib.howest.be/http://bib.howest.be/http://bib.howest.be/


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14. SOVOWES Student Facilities

Our Student Counselling Service (SOVOWES) is responsible for many Howest student

facilities. This service is referred to several times in this guide. Howest students can appeal to

SOVOWES for help and guidance with:

student grants

laptop rental, after approval of a social file

accommodation:SOVOWES helps you with accommodation, housing tips and model contracts. They also help

you in work and deed, if problems should arise with the owner of your digs.

self care:SOVOWES offers psychosocial counselling, renders assistance to disabled students, and

organises sensitising campaigns.

student jobs:SOVOWES informs students about the financial and fiscal aspects of student jobs, and

provides them with useful links and model contracts.

organisation of sports events and cultural activities.

SOVOWES is the moving force behind student-friendly initiatives such as www.mobiel.be

(renting out of bicycles to students for practically nothing), free bus transport in Kortrijk, and

student events and benefits in the two Howest towns.SOVOWES is also the place to be for students with questions about student participation and

advisory associations for students.

The SOVOWES staff members are always at your service. Call or mail them for an

appointment, or visit them during their office hours. More information can be found on

www.sovowes.be, or just ask one of the Howest employees.
http://www.mobiel.be/http://www.mobiel.be/http://www.sovowes.be/http://www.sovowes.be/default.aspxhttp://www.sovowes.be/http://www.mobiel.be/


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15. Student counselling

For students who need study counselling, Howest offers support through:

international coordinatorThe international coordinator of the department or the study area where you study is your first

contact person when you have problems or when you simply need someone to talk to. He or

she welcomes you upon your arrival at the university college, and often has been your mail

correspondent for quite some time. He or she is your closest coach during your studies here at

Howest.

tutorshipFor each Howest student, a tutor is assigned. Here conversations are placed in the foreground:

how is your integration in Flanders, in Howest, in your group; you do not feel comfortable,

you are looking for faith person

monitoringEach lecturer is monitor for his or her study area. Each lecturer can provide you with

additional explanation on the study material, the assignments,

ombudsserviceGuarantees your rights as a student with regards to exams, exemptionsand acts as a

mediator in conflicts. There is an ombudsperson for each study field in Howest. Please inform

in your department who it is for your course, and contact him/her when you feel it is

necessary.

SOVOWES student facilitiesOrganises student facilities such as housing, student job service, laptop rental, sponsorship of

student events, psychosocial counselling, trainings on personality and relationships You

can find more information on the functioning of SOVOWES in the item SOVOWES student

facilities.

student administrationHelps you through your administration: enrolment or

registration procedure, sickness notes, certificates

study serviceYou can get help on methods for studying and good study

planning, exam tips, dealing with fear of failure,

concentration difficulties


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16. Medical facilities

All Howest campuses have fully-equipped first aid rooms. A permanent staff member in each

campus vouches for first aid administration. Howest doesnt have its own medical service,

though.

When you have medical problems, it is common practice in Belgium to consult a general

practitioner first. Most general practitioners give consultations in the morning and early

evening. Sometimes only consultation by appointment is possible. In urgent and serious

medical cases, dial the emergency number 112, or immediately go to the emergency

department of the nearest hospital. Read the section on insurance for more information

about the financial matters of medical assistance.

Chemists shops have the same opening hours as other retail shops on weekdays. In larger

towns, most of them are also open on Saturday mornings. More details about the chemist on

night duty can be found on the facade of most chemists shops (open 24 h/24).

17. Facilities for students with a functional impairment

Within the scope of the diversity policy it pursues, Howest is receptive to students with a

functional impairment and gives them all the help they need during their studies. After all

possible obstacles for each individual student have been listed, Howest examines how it can

solve these difficulties. This is done by our student counselling service SOVOWES in

consultation with the non-profit organisation Begeleiding Studenten met een Handicap

(Guidance of Students with a Handicap).

All Howest campuses are accessible for wheelchair users.

Howest will also provide intense guidance for these students during the search for appropriate

lodging.


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18. Banking in Belgium for foreign students

When you want to open, as a foreign student, a free bank account in Belgium, you need to

fulfil the following conditions:

Account for young persons (+18y) (account free of charge)

Conditions:

- to be of age and younger than 25 years (minimum 17 years and 10 months andmaximum 24 years and 9 months)

- being competent- not married- have a domicile address in a EU member country other than Belgium or a candidate

country for EU membership (in the country where the identity card was issued)

Documents needed:

- foreign identity card/passport AND- certificate of domicile (if not mentioned on the identity card or passport)- holding a valid Application Form of a Belgian University or University College AND- holding a valid, complete rental agreement of a student residence in Belgium, signed

by all parties

The account cannot be opened if the student:

- is minor or incompetent- does not hold a foreign identity card/passport- has no foreign domicile address

If other conditions are not fulfilled (eg. older than 25 years, married, no Application Form or

rental agreement of a student residence in Belgium), only a regular bank account can be

opened (with costs).


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19. Sports accommodation

Brugge

Brugge has 15 outdoor sports centres. The following are within easy reach:

- sports centre Olympiapark (Kon. Leopold III-laan 50, 8200 Brugge - 13 football pitches, 1

roller-skating rink)

- sports centre Koude Keuken (Zandstraat 284, 8200 Brugge - 1 football pitch, 1 grassplot, 1

fit-o-meter track (in the woods), 3 tennis courts, 10 boule courts, 1 basketball court)

- sports centre Male (Brieversweg, 8310 Brugge - 2 football pitches)

- athletes can practise on the athletics track of the sports centre Julien

Saelens. You can also join a lot of other indoor (fitness training, tennis,badminton,) and outdoor sports (basketball,football,). Address:

Speelpleinlaan 1, 8310 Brugge Assebroek.

http://www.bloso.be/public/centra/brugge.asp

Brugge also has three swimming pools:

- municipal swimming pool Jan Guilini (Keizer Karelstraat 41, 8000 Brugge)- provincial swimming pool Olympiabad (Doornstraat 110, 8200 St-Andries)

- interurban swimming pool Interbad (Veltemweg 83, 8310 Brugge)

More info and opening hours can be found on

http://www.brugge.be/internet/nl/cultuur_sport_jeugd/Sport/Infrastructuur/

Zwembaden/index.htm

An overview of the many Brugge-based sports clubs can be found on

http://www.brugge.be/internet/nl/cultuur_sport_jeugd/Sport/Verenigingen/Sportclubs.h

tm This website also mentions the numerous sports events organized by the municipal sports

department.

Tip: The Roller Parade in spring is a must for all skaters, skeelers and longboarders!

Kortrijk

Kortrijk has several public sports centres and swimming pools:

- sports centre Mimosa

- sports campus De Lange Munte (with an outdoor athletics track)

- sports centre Wembley (with an outdoor athletics track)

- sports centre Olympiadeplein (with an outdoor athletics track)
http://www.brugge.be/internet/nl/cultuur_sport_jeugd/Sport/Infrastructuur/http://www.brugge.be/internet/nl/cultuur_sport_jeugd/Sport/Verenigingen/Sportclubs.htmhttp://www.brugge.be/internet/nl/cultuur_sport_jeugd/Sport/Verenigingen/Sportclubs.htmhttp://www.brugge.be/internet/nl/cultuur_sport_jeugd/Sport/Verenigingen/Sportclubs.htmhttp://www.brugge.be/internet/nl/cultuur_sport_jeugd/Sport/Verenigingen/Sportclubs.htmhttp://www.brugge.be/internet/nl/cultuur_sport_jeugd/Sport/Infrastructuur/


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Each campus has a swimming pool in its immediate vicinity:

- swimming pool Mimosa is located near the R. de Rudderlaan 6 (Mimosalaan)

- swimming pool Magdalena is right next to the Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5

- outdoor swimming pool Abdijkaai, with a large sunbathing area (open from 1/5 until 31/8)

More information and opening hours can be found on http://www.kortrijk.be/sport

(Municipal Sports Department / Bad Godesberglaan 22, 8500 Kortrijk, tel 056-27 88 00 /

[email protected])

This website also provides information on

- the activities and classes organized by the non-profit organisation Sportplus- private sports centres, including the Blueberry-Hill climbing centre (close to R. de

Rudderlaan 6) and several fitness and dance centres

- sports clubs in Kortrijk.

Skate fanactics can try out their new tricks and stunts in the skatebowl, which is one of thelargest in the Benelux (Skatebowl Albertpark, 8500 Kortrijk). The recreation park De

Warande (Heirweg 132, 8501 Kortrijk) also has a

huge spine ramp.

Before you are allowed to use the public skate parks

in Kortrijk, you first have to sign the skate code of

order. By doing so, you agree with the user

conditions. You are also jointly responsible for the

safety and maintenance of the skate parks. You can

find the user code of order and sign it on the website

www.kortrijk.be/vrije-tijd/jeugd/ruimte

Lieve De Becker
http://www.kortrijk.be/sporthttp://www.kortrijk.be/sportmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.kortrijk.be/sport


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20. Student life

Each Howest campus has its own prominent student

club. Their contact addresses can be found

hereunder. Student-like and cultural activities orsports events: you name it, they organize it. Besides

giving student reductions for numerous cultural

events, SOVOWES (see student facilities Howest -

www.sovowes.be) also plays an active role in

various kinds of activities for students. SOVOWES

has a voice in the initiatives taken by the 2 Howest

towns, such as the organisation of the Student

Welcome Concerts. Kortrijk has even developed a

special website for their students:www.kortrijkstudentenstad.be

Student clubs

Erasmus Student Network Ghent:

http://www.esn.org/esn_international/section_info.php?ID=BE-GENT-ESN

[email protected] Ghent is the closest local division of the European Erasmus Student Network. They

organize several activities during the academic year (city-trips, sports, movies, parties,).

Since Ghent is close to the 2 Howest towns, you can join those and meet other Erasmus and

Flemish students.

Student Clubs at Campus Rijselstraat 5 (Brugge):

Brihoswww.brihos.be

Survivalorganizes sports activities and a party.

Bacchus-Zandstuyvers http://club.studiant.be/bacchus-zandstuyvers

Student Clubs at Campus Sint-Jorisstraat 71 (Brugge):

Dominicus www.studentenclubdominicus.be

[email protected]

Campus Sint-Jorisstraat organizes a football tournament in second semester.
http://www.sovowes.be/http://www.sovowes.be/http://www.kortrijkstudentenstad.be/http://www.kortrijkstudentenstad.be/http://www.kortrijkstudentenstad.be/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.brihos.be/http://www.brihos.be/http://www.brihos.be/http://club.studiant.be/bacchus-zandstuyvershttp://club.studiant.be/bacchus-zandstuyvershttp://www.studentenclubdominicus.be/http://www.studentenclubdominicus.be/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.studentenclubdominicus.be/http://club.studiant.be/bacchus-zandstuyvershttp://www.brihos.be/mailto:[email protected]://www.kortrijkstudentenstad.be/http://www.sovowes.be/


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Student Club at Campus R. de Rudderlaan 6 (Kortrijk):

Aida www.club-aida.be

[email protected]

Student Clubs at Campus Graaf Karel de Goeddelaan 5 (Kortrijk) :

Centaura www.centaura.be

Moeder EM http://www.Howest.be/Default.aspx?target=pih&lan=nl&item=362

Leonardo www.daleonardo.be

[email protected]

This student club especially addresses incoming Erasmus students.

So if you study at the departments located in Kortrijk, contact them!

Howest student radio

Coolcast

21. Howest emergency number

In case there is an emergency situation during your stay at Howest, you can call the Howest

emergency number + 32 486 95 10 97. This number is not meant for situations which require

immediate medical assistance. In that case you should call 100.

ENJOY YOUR STUDY AT HOWEST!!!!
http://www.club-aida.be/http://www.club-aida.be/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.centaura.be/http://www.centaura.be/http://www.howest.be/Default.aspx?target=pih&lan=nl&item=362http://www.howest.be/Default.aspx?target=pih&lan=nl&item=362http://www.daleonardo.be/http://www.daleonardo.be/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.daleonardo.be/http://www.howest.be/Default.aspx?target=pih&lan=nl&item=362http://www.centaura.be/mailto:[email protected]://www.club-aida.be/

ECTS Information Guide Incoming Students Version 09 10_web

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