Below are some tips to help prepare you before you travel.
- Make sure your emergency contacts know that they are your emergency contacts.
- Fill out the Emergency Card and carry it with you at all times. Your institution may have given you a card before you traveled; if not, we highly recommend you carry the Emergency Contact Card provided by the International Office.
- The emergency number in The Netherlands is 112.
- Make copies of your passport and other forms of ID; emergency card; credit/debit cards; itinerary.
- For credit/debit cards, make note of customer service numbers, especially if they are different for calling from abroad.
- Keep a set of copies separate from your wallet and a give a set to your family/friends.
- Know how to get in contact with your Program Director and supervisor at both your home institute and in The Netherlands, and with the International Office.
- Know where and how to contact the appropriate Embassy/Consulate in The Netherlands.
- If you plan to use your mobile phone while abroad, make sure it will work in The Netherlands.
Although English is routinely heard in The Netherlands, we recommend learning some Dutch, especially for social interactions. The James Boswell Institute in Utrecht offers Dutch language for foreigners as a good foundation.
The Utrecht Summer School also offers 2-week intensive Dutch language courses during the summer.
As long as you are a full-time student can obtain an International Student Identity Card. This card gives you access to discounts on travel fare, shopping, dining out, accommodations and much more. In addition, if you are a full-time professor, you are eligible for an International Teacher Identity Card, which gives you similar benefits.
You may wish to purchase an OV Chip Card (approximately 7.50 Euros).
There are three types of cards:
- a personalized one with a picture ID (non-transferrable and provides additional benefits) can be re-loaded;
- an anonymous card, (transferrable and does not have the additional benefits of a personalized card) can be re-loaded; and
- a disposible card, good for a pre-determined, short-term trip and can be thrown away after its use.
All types of cards can be used at all public transportation services in The Netherlands. Be sure to check in and out when entering and leaving all public transportation vehicles.
Please visit the OV Chip Card website for detailed information.