Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Please scan down this page to find the answers to frequently asked questions about applications, credits, languages, housing and stay.

Applications

How do I apply?

Please use our online application form. This form will be available from January 2012. 

Until when can I apply for the programme?

The application deadline for the Global Summer School is 20 April 2012.

How many people will be admitted to the course?

We will admit a maximum of 40 students. Places will be given on a first come first serve basis, so the sooner you apply, the better your chances of admission.

Are there any scholarships available?

There are a limited number of scholarships available for the Global Citizenship programme for enrolled City University London and Utrecht students only. Priority consideration for scholarships will be given to students on a first-come first-served basis. If you are an enrolled City or Utrecht student, please submit your application and indicate your reasons for wanting to be considered for a scholarship in the personal statement.

Do I need a visa? How do I arrange it?

For visa information please see the websites of the UK Border Agency and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once you have been accepted and paid the programme fee, the Global Citizenship Summer School will send you a letter of confirmation. If you require a visa, you will need this letter to apply for your visa.

I have been accepted for the course, what happens now?

If you have been accepted, it is important to pay the course fee as soon as possible. Placement will be based on the order of payment received (first-come first-served). After you have paid, you will receive a letter of acceptance and instructions regarding visa applications. The course director will send you pre-departure information approximately one month in advance of the course. In the meantime, we will post general course information on this website.

Can you send me a letter of registration?

Yes, if you have been accepted and paid the course fee, we will send you a Letter of Acceptance by (regular surface) mail. This can be useful (or even necessary) for your visa application procedure.

How can I pay the course fee?

After your application has been accepted by the course director, you will receive a payment request by e-mail. You can pay online by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or by wired transfer. To secure your place you should pay as soon as possible after you have been accepted.

Can I get a refund if I have to cancel?

Costs will be owed in the event of cancellation or if the participant interrupts the course or ends it prematurely. These costs are as follows:

If the participant cancels before or on 1 June 2012, he/she will be charged 25% of the full course fee. If the participant cancels after 1 June 2012, no refund will be provided.

Credits

Do I get credits for the summer school courses?

Yes, you will receive credits from both City University London and Utrecht University for successful completion of the course. However, it is up to your home university to accept the credits in the context of your study. If you want to be sure of this, please contact the study advisor at your home institution. He or she can always contact our course director, to learn more about the content and the level of the course.

What is the equivalent of one ECTS credit?

The European Credit Transfer System ECTS was developed by the Commission of the European Communities in order to provide common procedures to guarantee academic recognition of studies abroad. It provides a way of measuring and comparing learning achievements, and transferring them from one university to another. This is achieved through the use of a common ECTS credit unit and a common ECTS grading scale. The average course load for an academic year is 60 ECTS credits. That means that a week of serious studying is equivalent to more or less 1.5 ECTS. Click here for further information.

Languages

Do I need to take a TOEFL test?

No, we do not ask that. Be aware, however, that you have to be quite fluent in English. We expect you to be able to follow the lectures and participate actively in the discussions. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you ensure your English is equivalent to at least one of the following:

Housing and stay

Where do I stay?

All participants are provided with student accommodation. In London you will be housed in residences at Nido Kings Cross. You will share a bedroom and en-suite bathroom with one other student. You will also have access to a shared kitchen. At Utrecht you will live in University residences with private bedrooms and shared kitchen and bathroom facilities (shared with 3 - 5 other students). The cost of your accommodation is included in the overall course fee.

Will all students that attend the course be housed together?

In London, students will all be housed in the same residence. In Utrecht, we also expect to put students in the course together in the same residence (although on occasion students may be split between two university residences).

Does the housing include kitchens and bathrooms?

In London you will have a shared double bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a shared kitchen.

In Utrecht you will have a shared kitchen and a shared bathroom with a private bedroom.

When can I move into my room and until when can I stay?

Housing is provided from Sunday 8 July (in London) and until 12pm on Friday 10 August (in Utrecht). Rooms are available for the course period only; however, you may enquire about extending the rental period for an extra day in London. Extending the renting period in Utrecht is not possible.

When can I collect my keys?

The key pick-up desk at Nido Kings Cross will be open on Sunday 8 July. You may check into your room at 14.00 or later on 8 July.

Global Citizenship students will travel to Utrecht together on 22 July, where they will pick up their keys between the 12.00 and 16.00.

What should I do if I arrive after opening hours of the key pick up desk?

You should notify us at least two weeks prior to the start of your programme about your anticipated arrival time and we will schedule your key pick-up at an alternate time. Details will be provided in the programme handbook.