Tilburg University

Erasmus Policy Statement 2007


1. STRATEGY, OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITIES

1.1 CURRENT POLICIES ON INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN COOPERATION

Internationalization is one of the spearheads of Tilburg University's policy, not as a goal in itself but as an essential component of the instruction and research process. Cooperation with over 120 institutions worldwide testifies to this goal. The majority of these institutions are European. The current internationalization policy plan focuses on the following issues in regards to European cooperation and the Erasmus program:

  • 1.1.1 Procedures and facilities are arranged in such a way that foreign guests are treated as full partners in policy development and decision-making. To this end, the university has developed a plan to ensure that the English language functions adequately as a communication tool within the university.
  • 1.1.2 By the end of the current planning period, most of the University's Master's programmes will be offered in English, making them more accessible to international students.
  • 1.1.3 The university will offer dual-degree programmes with other top international institutes within the Lifelong Learning Programme.
  • 1.1.4 The university has initiated a new European network (European Social Economic Sciences League) consisting of eight institutions with similar profiles.
  • 1.1.5 A continued effort to increase student mobility within the Erasmus Programme while recognizing all results obtained.
  • 1.1.6 An increase in lecturer mobility, and consequently in international relations.
  • 1.1.7 Active participation in European research and (former) educational projects, such as Leonardo, KP6/7, Jean Monnet, Mundus and Tempus.
  • 1.1.8 Intensified cooperation with universities in several countries-in-transition, such as Turkey, within the framework of the Erasmus Programme and beyond.
  • 1.1.9 An increased effort to make study abroad part of the curriculum of many Bachelor's programmes. This means decreasing "time-lost" for students who take advantage of the Erasmus program.

The Erasmus Programme is and will be extensively promoted within the university through semi-annual study abroad campaigns, including faculty led information sessions on Erasmus opportunities, university-wide sessions on topics such as internships abroad, culture-shock and preparing for study abroad. Furthermore, extensive information is available via the university website: Erasmus student experience reports, application information, and information on the many partners of the University.

The University's Erasmus Policy Statement will also be given publicity via the University's website, newspaper, and other media.

The University is dedicated to ensuring appropriate provisions for students with disabilities and other special needs. Tilburg University recently obtained funding from the Ministry of Education for the implementation of further services for students with disabilities. Non-discrimination and inclusion are key components of the University's official Code of Conduct.

2. Quality of academic mobility activities

In 2002, Tilburg University introduced the European Credit and Transfer System for all programmes. This includes the publication of a series of Information Guides and a web-based Course Guide listing all courses taught at Tilburg University. Learning Agreements and Transcripts of Records, based on examples from the ECTS, are also used. Upon completion of their studies at Tilburg University, all incoming students receive a Transcript of Records mentioning all courses they attended with credits and marks in both the Dutch and the ECTS system. Results and credits obtained abroad by outgoing students are recognized and registered both in the Dutch and the ECTS system.

Many information, counseling and other services are provided to all students, such as: information brochures about Study Abroad opportunities; Study Abroad advisors for both incoming and outgoing students, both at the central and faculty levels; Information in print and on the web of all course possibilities for incoming students; pre-arrival support with application procedures, arrangement of accommodations and assistance with visa applications; a Welcome Week for incoming students including Meet-and-Greet service, course enrolments, Erasmus Student Network support, and tutoring and integration activities. All incoming students may take courses in French, Spanish, German, Dutch and Italian. All outgoing students must meet language requirements and may take courses in French, Spanish, German, English, Italian.

Many services are provided to all teachers (incoming and outgoing): support by faculty mobility coordinators; information and advice on scholarship opportunities; help with practical arrangement such as travel, accommodation, use of library and computers services, access to buildings etc; acknowledgement of teaching activities as part of their academic careers.

3. Quality of student placement activities

Tilburg University has participated for many years within a Leonardo da Vinci programme consortium, led by Technical University Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Not the number of placements but the quality of the placements has been the main goal in the past and will be the main goal for the future, although the university will strive for increasing the number of students participating in the new placement activities.
With the joint effort of the mobility coordinators and of the University's Student Career Centre, the institution will increase the numbers of placements abroad. Faculty and teacher involvement for this measure is essential.
Applicants will be selected by an evaluation committee, who will examine the applications of each candidate based on marks, year of enrolment, CV, language/s spoken and motivation.
The candidate will be advised by the International Office in conjunction with the academic advisors and supervisor of the programme in order to foster that the work placement will be recognized within the curriculum.
Once the best candidates have been selected, they can begin looking for a work experience with the guidance of the international office. The host organization fills in an acceptance letter in which dates, trainee activities, working hours as well as potential help in finding accommodation, canteen and/or the offer of a small salary are clearly stated. Each candidate will also be advised by a faculty-level tutor, who will help, direct and be a reference for the trainee during the work placement. If needed the beneficiaries may take part in language courses.
After completing their work placement, the candidates work and written report on the work placement will be assessed by the faculty. On the basis of the work load, credits will be awarded.