Annoyed at the Visa Office

The visa office that issues the residence permit is starting to get rather annoying. I still haven't sent the funds for the permit, so I can understand that. They sent a reminder a couple days ago about sending the funds and I replied stating that I was having some difficulties collecting the money together as my parents are out of town and very difficult to reach. They replied saying that they understand that collecting the large sum can be difficult and suggested that I can submit the consent form and scanned passport first. So I followed their instructions and did that. They replied the next day saying that I need to physically fill in the form (I did it electronically first). At this point I was getting annoyed at all their rules (and their English isn't all that great and is difficult to understand). I did what they wanted and sent it back, only to have them reply asking where my money is.

UGH! I'm getting frustrated with them. I read the email first thing this morning and definitely was not a good start to the day. I replied with a rather curt response detailing the past couple days of emails, so hopefully they'll leave me alone and I can send them the stupid money on Monday.

Update

So its been awhile since I last put an update here. I've been trying to sort out the resident permit issue with the school. I've more or less figured out what I need to send and I've saved the money, I just haven't gone to do it yet. I'm trying to get my aunt to help me do the actual transfer as she works in a bank and can save me a little money in the actual transfer fee.

I've been watching the prices for flights and I think I'll be getting them soon. I'll be most likely flying from Vancouver on Aug 25, 2008 at 12ish, arriving in Amsterdam on Aug 26, 2008 at 10ish. Add going through customs and a 2.5 hour train ride, I'll probably be in Maastricht around 2 on Aug. 26.

It is definitely coming closer. Kinda scary. I've barely done anything to prep. Only a month and a bit more left in my coop and then I'll be off!

Residence Permit

I received an email from the Visa Office at UM telling me about the process of applying for a permit. Canadians are allowed to be in the Netherlands for 3 months without one, but any longer, it is a requirement. As I'll be there for 4 months, their office is offering their assistance in the application process. The document they sent wasn't all that clear and was very difficult to understand. It seems to be a long and complicated process.

Past exchange students have recommended not getting a permit because a) its expensive (433 Euros or about $685 CAD - not cheap), b) no one requested to see it and c) some went on their exchange without it and did not get caught. I've decided to get it just in case. My parents feel a lot better knowing that I won't be an illegal alien and subject to fines after the first three months. I feel more comfortable knowing that nothing can happen as a result of a lack of a permit. Some past exchange students have done it and no one has gotten caught, but its really up to how each person feels I guess... I'm just not willing to chance it.

They give you a bunch of options, but essentially they want proof that you have the necessary funds to support yourself during your stay in the Netherlands. The easiest way and what they recommend is to wire transfer money into their account. In addition to the permit fee, I'm suppose to wire 775 Euros per month or 3100 Euros total for the four months. Thats about $4900 CAD... Thats a lot of money all at once... I dunno - I'm talking to my parents about it and trying to figure out the best way to do this. So complicated.

What I'll Be Taking

For Block 1 I'm going to be taking European Business which is required by UVic and I think a course called Brand Management. I heard its pretty tough though so I still might change it.

The thing I'm most worried about is that if I sign up for a course that isn't approved by UVic, I can't get it approved until after I get to UM. By that time I won't be able to change it. I can only change my classes until June 20. So if its not approved the I'm doubly screwed. I'll be stuck taking a course that I don't need, spending extra money and then not getting any credit for it.

I emailed the IP office about it, but they weren't very clear. All they said was that as long as I don't take any classes at UM that is identical to a course I will take back at UVic, they'll usually grant me credit. I'm not sure I'll want to risk it. I've emailed the others going to UM with me and I'm seeing what classes they're going to take and I'll make my final decision closer to the deadline.

Class Registration Info

I got my registration information yesterday. Another long set of numbers to memorize >.<"

The registration process is a bit confusing. I couldn't find the class course description for the longest time; I could only find the one for the previous yearbut I eventually found the link. They had given us pretty explicit details on how to register, but I was still pretty confused. The whole system is different.

I have from June 1 to Jun 20 to register for my Block 1 courses. How the semester works at UM is really different from UVic. Their teaching system is called the Problem Based Learning System where the students are really the teachers. Classes take place in smaller tutorial groups with around 8 - 12 students and a tutor (leader) in each group instead of the traditional lecture. From what I heard from previous students, each person in the class is responsible for leading at least one class. Its going to be a lot of work and I'm not that big a fan of talking in class - I'll have to get over that pretty fast though to do well. So because of this block system and intense amount of time put into preparing (lots and lots of reading) the semester is split into two blocks with two classes in each.

For UVic, I need 5 courses, which means unless I take Dutch I will have to write an extra paper. Previous exchanger participants advised against taking Dutch classes - they said it was super difficult and had no practical application as everyone in the Netherlands spoke English.

I'm not too sure what classes I'm going to take yet, but European Business is a required course by UVic and that one is in Block 1. I'll have to figure things out pretty soon though...

Ooops I Forgot!

I forgot to send in a picture / scan of my passport. I guess I didn't read the registration process clearly enough. Thankfully their exchange coordinator emailed about it. They seem to be pretty helpful in making sure all students make their transition to UM smoothly. Definitely a good sign.

Housing Frustrations

I held off on applying for housing because I didn't have a passport, but I was getting worried that I wouldn't be able to get a good room. In the end I left that passport bit empty and said I'll send them my number once I get my passport.

UM has a residence type housing available for exchange students called the Guesthouse. By reading past exchange reports and talking to people that went in years before, the best place to live is the C-building and I definitely want a single room. According to their website, they're full on the cheapest single rooms in the C-building, so I made my reservation for the room one price range above. The site isn't too clear as to why there are different price ranges and the differences in rooms... I guess I'll find out once I get there.

Passport Woes

One thing I realized quickly was my lack of passport (and passport photos!). Everything asks for my passport number and I don't have one anymore! Mine expired in 2006, I think... We'll I'll have to go apply for one ASAP.

I've started my application online and I've been walking past the passport office and the wait doesn't seem too bad compared to what it was in January. I'll have to go do that in a couple days.

Application - Finally!

Awesomeness! UM finally released their application! Its not too bad. It is an online application with a couple questions about your personal information, where you're coming from - standard application stuff. Thankfully no requests for recommendation letters! The application process seems pretty complicated. First I have to fill out that online application and print that application and attach 3 passport photos for the IP office. Then I can apply for housing. After that I wait for my ID and password to register for classes... Good thing the IP office is coordinating the paper application and photos - one less thing to worry about. Got to get everything in by May 16... Thats not too bad, still have tons of time!

There is a mandatory orientation day on August 28 so I'll have to arrive before that. Block 1 classes start on Sept 1. Thats pretty early compared to UVic... But I'll be done everything by Dec 19 so thats not too bad...

Meeting with the IP Office

Today I met with Cynthia to go over the application process. She gave me a lot of details and a couple hand outs to go over being Maastricht releases the application. Seems pretty complicated.

No News Yet

We were suppose to get started on our applications pretty soon, but nothing has come from the Maastricht exchange office yet. Its a little unnerving. A bunch of my friends that are heading to China have these massive applications to fill out complete with recommendation letters. I hope I won't have to do that... Seems like a pain in the butt. Hopefully the application will come out soon and I'll be able to get things rolling...