Before the Game
There are few steps before you study abroad. The most important thing is being well prepared both mentally and physically. You will be far away apart from your home country. There will be many new things that you will meet as challenges or opportunities. Before you go to study, there are some documentations that need to be fulfilled.
Visa
Entry visa to the Netherlands is needed before you come here. The visa normally costs 40 euro. Visa can be applied through the Netherlands Embassy in Jakarta . Getting a visa is not as easy as you think. There are several documents that must be applied. These documents are:
- Valid passport for five years
- Photo as in the ID size
- Prove of sufficient money in your bank account
- Acceptance letter from University or University of applied sciences
- Legalized translation of your birth certificate (Legalized by three institutions: Netherlands Embassy, Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Justice)
If you make contact through NEC, they will take care of your visa, but normally you still have to take interview in the embassy. The visa process normally takes one to two months, depending on the situation. So, be sure to complete all the documents needed in time or earlier to get the visa as soon as possible. The visa is normally valid for other European countries as well. You should make sure that the visa you get is an entry visa, as soon as you arrive in the Netherlands you should change to student visa by registering yourself to town hall.
TOEFL
The TOEFL requirement is almost the same in every university and university of applied science. Normally they ask for 550 as the minimum or 6.0 for IELTS. The TOEFL can be applied through NEC. The cost of taking a TOEFL is normally 100 USD, if the price has not change.
Money
Normally, you have to prove that you have around 10,000 euro in your bank account. The money includes already the institution and tuitions fee, housing, insurance and cost for the temporary residence permit. Bring only necessary amount of money, for temporary needs, normally it is around 1000 euros. Don't forget that you might get refunds from school. Furthermore will be explained in the living guide.
Luggage
You are coming here for a temporary but long stay. You must think about the stuffs you are going to bring. First make sure about your ‘weight limit', confirm it with the airline company (usually 20-30 kg). Then think of what is necessary to bring here! Rice cookers, cooking utensils, clothing, stationery etc. Think very carefully.
Study preparation
Make sure you have your last grade after graduated from senior high school. If you go to business major, it will be necessary to stressed out fluent English and writing skill. For electronics you need strong mathematical and physics. In the Netherlands , you are obligated to be creative and independent. The docent normally only gives you a general broad of knowledge. You should take initiatives anytime by asking necessary questions and be proactive during the projects. University normally focuses more on theories, while University of applied sciences on projects and labs.
How you prepare your condition
Since you will go abroad for a long period of time, it will be wise if you make a general check up to make sure your conditions before leaving the country. Bring all important medicines with you. Once you arrived here, you also have to take one of the insurances to guarantee you and your belongings. Normally we are using IPS insurance for students. The insurance costs you 450 euro per year. Ask your University or University of applied sciences for more information about this.
Computer and electronic equipments
It is wise to bring laptop due to the mobility of your living. Once you already settle with your living place, you could change to desktop. Here in the Netherlands we use the same electri plug as in Indonesia . Same voltage (220V AC) and frequency (50 Hz). Don't forget to bring your GSM mobile phone.
Miscellaneous preparation
It is necessary to bring your personal cooking equipment such as rice cooker or blender. You may also bring your own pillow, bolster (guling, Dutch people don't use it) or blanket. Don't forget to bring slippers for summer. For winter, you need two pairs of winter jackets. Please bring the most suitable winter jacket because normally on winter, the temperature could reach minus ten!. Bring good quality shoes since you will walk for the most of time. Cycling is a must in the Netherlands . So for those who are not used to riding bikes, start practicing. The distance between the school and the Centrum normally is only 2 km. The distance between your house and the school normally 1 to 5 km. It depends on the area. Please refer to the map in the city guide. If you bought new things here, please save all the receipts. If you lost them or have them damaged, you can use your insurance to reimburse the money by showing them the receipts.
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