Category: VU Amsterdam

Pre-departure :

The application procedure for an exchange to Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam is made up of two parts. First, you apply via the usual route, through the PGIO at Stellenbosch University. If you do indeed get nominated to go to VU, you then have to complete an online application procedure that VU facilitates. This is mostly a formality and a means to apply for and finalize your visa, accommodation and academic arrangements through them. They are especially helpful with your visa (i.e. residence permit) and accommodation applications. In addition to your online application, your learning agreement (LA) needs to be finalised. That is, you choose subjects that you would like to do and submit it to them. The academic staff at VU then evaluates your LA to determine whether you meet the prerequisites for the courses you choose. They shall communicate this process to you upon acceptance of your nomination.

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This document is an extended thank you note to everybody that made it possible for me to go on exchange to the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam for six months in 2014. It gives some feedback on my experience and how much it meant to me. My thanks goes to the lecturers, fellow students and international office at the VU for their hospitality in hosting me. I am deeply grateful to the Studiefonds Stichting at the Zuid-Afrika Huis in Amsterdam who’s generosity made it financially possible, but also for their kind reception in Amsterdam. Thank you finally to the PGIO at Stellenbosch University for their support on all terrains and for putting their faith in me as an ambassador for the university.
Here is why I am so grateful…

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