Modules

TiasNimbas has a different way of giving lectures than other business schools. You have to finish 12 modules in order to graduate. An example of a module is Accounting & Finance module, one which we have recently finished. The module is over within 4 days, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. And after ~ 1 month, we had the exam that makes 60 % of our grade. We also handed a group project (everybody has a study group of 6 people) which is the 40 % of our overall mark.

The modules are given in one week as all the lecturers come from outside. It is of course good to have lecturers from all around Europe, but not having the lecturers around is a very disadvantage. All you can do about your questions is to ask them via e-mail, but in the exam, if you have any questions, there is noone...

But the advantage of this compact modules is that, once you pass the exam, handle the report, it is completely over, so you can concentrate on only one subject each time.

So far so good, I am happy about the modules I had, but I still think that if the lecturers could have been around, it would feel more like a university...

Why TiasNimbas?

Everybody of course has many different answers for this question but I want to share mine.

First of all TiasNimbas is an experienced Business School which has a very good FT ranking in Europe, check it out from:  

http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolrankings/global-mba-rankings

Secondly, the full time M.A/M.Sc. lasts only one year, which is great as having a masters degree usually requires two full years. And in this one year, the schedule is really well organized and you have plenty of time for yourself, to participate in student associations, learn Dutch and explore the country :)

Another advantage of TiasNimbas is that they choose their lecturers each year from the universities in all over Europe (and they are really good as far as I experienced), so it is also challenging for the lecturers to teach in TN as they have to perform well in the eyes of the students to continue teaching the next years. 

The classes are held in a different way than usual. You don't take several courses each semester but you have the modules which are held in one week - fast & compact. Than you have the final and a group work - and it is completely over, here comes a new module!

This system has both advantages and disadvantages of course, you have plenty of time to focus on only one subject and don't have to think about anything else till it is over but it is also hard to try to get the whole book in one week.

But to be honest, the thing that effected my decision most is the staff of TiasNimbas. I have applied and had offers from many schools, but none of them really tried to get in touch with me and tried to get to know me as TN did. TiasNimbas called, e-mailed, paid attention to all my questions and problems. The thing is, they really work very hard to be sure that they have the right students in the programme and are willing to help as much as they can to students they think that are really right!

Living in The Netherlands

I would like to start with how life has been here in The Netherlands so far as this is going to be the place I will call "home" for the next year.

First of all the weather is not that bad, I thought it would be raining 24/7 but it has been quite nice since I got here. Still, an umbrella and a raincoat are in the top 3 things you need to have in The Netherlands. And what is #1?

A BIKE !! Netherlands is without a question is the only place in the world that is practically ruled by bikes and bikers :)) Everyone has (at least one) bike and the easiest and cheapest way to travel to anywhere in the city is by bike. There are special roads, parking places and shops for bikes (and unfortunately thiefs! - so you better lock your bike well everytime you leave it alone). It costs about 60 euros to buy a decent 2nd hand one and a good lock for 10 euros :)

The best thing about living in The Netherlands as an international student is that ALL Dutch people (without exception) speak fluent English and always willing to help!

Another key point is the shops close at 5 every weekday and are also closed the entire sunday (with an exception of the first sunday of each month!)

Of course it is always difficult to live in a foreign country, but Netherlands makes everything easier for you with its nice people and friendly environment. And Utrecht is one of the best places in NL to live as a student!

WELCOME

Welcome to TiasNimbas Student Blog !!

Here, you will be able to find many photos and comments which will help you to have a clearer idea of how life will be in TiasNimbas....