RSM Erasmus University (MSc in Business Administration) – Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Erasmus University Rotterdam was founded in 1913, by leading businessmen of the era who considered practical higher education to be of the utmost importance to the world’s largest port. University based training in business administration in Rotterdam started in 1966, by having financial support from numerous Dutch multinationals, which founded the Inter-university Institute of Business Administration. With more than 30 years of experience, the Rotterdam School of Management boasts a world-wide reputation as one of the best European management schools as shown by its membership of the CEMS, PIMS and EDAMBA networks. Erasmus University is located in Rotterdam, which lies in the middle of the most important waterway-routes that make it a hive for international trade and industry. The Rotterdam School of Management offers various degree programs that give its students a competitive edge, such as the full-time BSc and MSc Program in (International) Business Administration, the International Full-time MBA and the PhD Program in Management.

The Rotterdam School of Management aims at being a leading international business school by acquiring, disseminating, transferring and applying knowledge triggered by the future needs of the international environment.

Location
As the world’s largest commercial port and a centre for commerce and services, Rotterdam affords unlimited opportunities and possibilities. The city is aptly called the “Gateway to Europe” due to its convenient location, excellent infrastructure and well developed transportation network that gives access to the rest of Europe by road, rail, air and sea. Over one million people live in the region. Almost 590,000 live within the city boundaries. Rotterdam is also an innovative centre for modern architecture, art and major sporting events. Furthermore, Rotterdam offers a wide variety of cultural activities such as the Film Festival, the World Harbour Days and the Boogie and Blues Festival. Each year, the city hosts several major sporting events, such as the Rotterdam marathon and the World Tennis Tournament. The convenient location makes other parts of Europe easily accessible. For instance, within an hour’s journey by car/train other major cities such as Amsterdam and The Hague can be reached, and Maastricht, Brussels, London, Paris and Berlin are hours away.

Approximate Term Dates
Fall Term (Block 1 & 2): Early September to late December
Winter (Spring) Term (Block 4 & 5): Early February to late May

Academic Information
Students participate in business courses from the 11 different specialized Master Programs: Accounting and Control, Finance and Investments, Human Resource Management, Management of Change, Management of Innovation, Business Information Management, Supply Chain Management, Marketing Management, Business-Society Management, Entrepreneurship, Strategic Management, or from the general program in International Business.

There are three study program options to choose from during a term:
1. Business courses (10-20 ECTS) + International Business Project (10 ECTS)
2. Business courses (10-20 ECTS) + Research Paper (10 ECTS)
3. Business courses only (20-30 ECTS)

The International Business Project is the cornerstone of the International Exchange Program; it is an intensive, 14-week international consultancy project that is carried out for a company or institution by a team of four international students under the supervision of an academic and company coach. For more information please refer to the following website: www.rsm.nl (click on Programs, Master Programs, International Exchange Program).

Credit Equivalency
Schulich students are required to complete 30 ECTS credits.
30 ECTS = 15 SSB credits

Size of Classes/Features
There will be up to 45-50 exchange students in the program. Exchange students attend courses together with Dutch MSc students and have ample opportunity to work together with them. Teaching method include: lectures, group seminars, case studies, business projects as well as practical and management simulations. RSM Erasmus University has moved into a brand new building during the summer of 2005; this building is equipped with modern class rooms, student discussion rooms, computer labs, video conferencing possibilities etc.

Language
The language of instruction is English.

Computer Facilities
There are 8 computer rooms available with some 300 workstations. Plug-in points for laptops are available throughout the building, as well as a wireless network. Each student will be given a login account, password and email address. The computer facilities can be accessed from home using an Erasmus Remote Network Access (ERNA) account. This can also be used as a provider to access the Internet. Print facilities are available from each workstation using a print credit, which can be purchased at the helpdesk.

Type/Availability of Accommodation
The Housing Desk o the university will assist students in finding suitable accommodation close to the campus. The Erasmus International House, Casa Erasmus and the Erasmus Lodge are examples of buildings run by the university and popular with international students. The majority of students live in the city or in a radius of about 5 km from the University.

Health Insurance
Medical insurance should be arranged prior to your departure to the Netherlands.

Visa Information
Students are responsible for making visa arrangements. For more information visit:
1 Dundas Street W., Suite 2106
Toronto, ON M5G 1Z3
Tel: 416-598-2520, Fax: 416-598-8064
Web site: www.dutchconsulate.toronto.on.ca

Further Research
For more information about this partnership school, see the exchange literature available in the Schulich Exchange Reference Library located in room W263 SSB or visit their Web site at: www.rsm.nl.