Are you looking for some extra academic support? And to get the opportunity to connect with fellow students? Then the VU Jumpstart programme is designed for you!
For many of you, the decision to study abroad and travel to Amsterdam might already have been a huge step. You may face not only a culture shock but also a bit of an academic culture shock.
The Jumpstart programme has been specifically designed to help all new international students with bridging this academic gap.
Through the Jumpstart programme, we aim to:
- Help you bridge the academic gap
- Smoothe your transition to VU Amsterdam
- And enable you to connect with your fellow students.
Academic boost
Jumpstart offers opportunities to improve your academic skills through tailor-made workshops such as academic writing in English; academic literature search and plagiarism; and an interactive session focused on the Dutch higher education system and its culture.
Socializing
Every academic workshop will be followed by a social or cultural activity to get to know more of the VU, your fellow students and Dutch culture. Think of a Taco Tuesday, a ‘gezellige’ Dutch evening with pancakes and of course drinks with bitterballen (the best Dutch snack)!
Check out the Jumpstart webpage
Customize your own Jumpstart experience
Why sign up?
Do you not have much prior experience with academic writing? Would you like a little reminder on how to use academic sources. Know more about Dutch grading and teaching culture? Or… would you like to do it all? This is possible.
When?
Jumpstart will take place in the last week of September and first week of October 2023.
We’ve made sure to spread out the session over these two weeks, so the programme is not too intense. Each workshop will start at 17:30.
Choose your Jumpstart adventure
You can decide if you want sign up for 1, 2 or all 3 workshops, based on your needs, interest and timetable.
Please make sure to sign up for those sessions relevant to your level: i.e. Bachelor or Master student level.
During all sessions coffee, tea, water, fruits and snacks will be offered to keep you energised.
For more information, please go to the Jumpstart webpage
Practical Matters and Schedule
Registration
Registration opens in the 3rd week of September 2023. You will receive an invitation by email in September.
When you apply to the Jumpstart programme, you will be asked to sign up for the specific workshop(s) that you plan to attend.
For more detailed information about the programme and how to register, please check the Jumpstart webpage.
We work on a first come, first serve basis, so make sure to book your spot as soon as registration opens!
We encourage you to sign up together with your fellow students.
Costs per workshop
VU Amsterdam Jumpstart is sponsored by VU Amsterdam and therefore we have been able to keep the fees down to €5 per session. This fee includes participation in the workshop as well as the social activity and dinner, drinks and snacks.
Who should join
All new international students who are starting their degree in September 2023 are welcome to join!
We specifically encourage you to sign up if you could use some extra academic help and are experiencing a bit of an academic culture shock.
Schedule
Check out the schedule on the Jumpstart webpage