Introduction Programme January 31 and February 1 2013

 During the passed two-day Introduction Programme we welcomed approximately 300 international students from over 50 different countries. Students were assigned a guide and a group, depending on their study (faculty) and programme (Exchange/ Master). Thursday the 31st started of with an introduction at the faculties. The students were informed about several practicalities and available facilities, such as how to use USIS and Blackboard. After the introduction the students were given a tour around the faculty building and through Leiden.
After the citywalk the students were welcomed by university officials such as the Vice Dean and Jantien Delwel (Student Support) The day ended with drinks and Dutch snacks at the beautiful Arsenaal building and following that a Pub Quiz organised by ISN (international student network) The morning programme of Friday the 1st of February consisted of an information fair and a crash course Dutch. Also there were real Dutch poffertjes and hot chocolate! On the information fair international students were presented with several associations such as Njord rowing, Leiden Debating Union,Contrast, ISN, Leiden United (mentor programme for int. students) and Roofs (short term housing) During the crash course Dutch,students were introduced to the basics of the Dutch language. The students were quickly able to learn to ask where are you from (waar kom jij vandaan?) but pronouncing the Dutch word for canals (grachten) turned out to be more of a challenge.
The warm lunch provided everyone with enough energy for the rest of the programme: a highly amusing class on Dutch culture in which students learned more about Dutch history and traditions.
The day ended with a programme organised by ISN: several entertaining workshops and a great " welcome to Holland" party in InCasa Club. It was another succesful edition of the introduction days

Welcome drinks Introduction Programme January 2013