This program is not currently being offered. Please contact your UI study abroad advisor for alternative study abroad options.

A Reciprocal Exchange agreement between the University of Iowa and Radboud University Nijmegen allows UI students to take up a year or semester of study in the Netherlands alongside local students in regular classes and standard student housing. Though the language of instruction at Radboud University is Dutch, a large variety of courses are taught in English.

The exchange is particularly suitable for UI students interested in American studies, European studies or pre-Law. It is also of interest to majors in German, linguistics and political science.

Prior Dutch language experience is not required for participation.

You can learn more about the international student experience at Radboud on their Exchange Student website.

Due to Radboud’s academic calendar, this program is only offered during the spring semester, or for the full academic year.

Academic Program

Radboud University Nijmegen is a student-oriented research university where classes are small and individual responsibility and independence in academic pursuit is assumed on the part of students. Most disciplines apply the model of “student activated education” which is characterized by instruction in study groups and the organization of courses as a series of study tasks, to be carried out by the students with guidance from the instructor.

This program is designed in close partnership with the American Studies department at Radboud. UI students are required to take two courses from the North American Studies department, but can choose their other courses from Radboud’s general course catalog.

Courses

You can find a list of the courses available through the North American Studies department on the North American Studies course catalog website.

You can find the general catalog of courses available to exchange students on the course catalog website.

Exchange students typically enroll in 4-5 classes each semester.

Flexibility Regarding Course Offerings

Foreign universities are typically unable to provide a final course catalog for the upcoming semester until shortly before the semester begins. Students usually do not know which specific classes they can take before arriving abroad, and they usually do not register for classes until they arrive in their host country- this means that there is no way to guarantee that you will be able to enroll in your preferred courses. Your final course schedule may not be finalized until you are already abroad and attending classes.

Because of these differences, all students must meet with their academic advisor before going abroad to discuss how the differences in course availability will affect their degree progress and graduation plans. It is important to develop a back-up plan in case your preferred courses are not available when you arrive at their host university.

Applying credit toward a UI degree

Unless UI Study Abroad has an approval on file for the courses you take abroad to be applied toward a specific major, minor, certificate, or general education requirement, you will receive general elective credit for your course.

If you plan to apply the credit you receive for your program course to a major, minor, certificate, or general education requirement, contact your UI study abroad advisor for details on the process. 

Cultural Activities

Radboud offers a variety of cultural and social activities for international students, including a mandatory orientation week, excursions, language partners, etc. You can learn more about these opportunities on their Social Activities/Orientation website.

Program Dates

This program is only offered for the Spring semester, or the full Academic Year. The program is not available for only the Fall semester.

Dates for the upcoming sessions, including the pre-semester orientation dates, are available under the Information Sheets heading of the Admissions website.

Radboud’s orientation program is required for UI students. Students should plan to arrive approximate 10 days prior to the start of the regular semester dates in order to participate in the orientation programming. Exact dates for the orientation and the regular semester are provided in the Information Sheets section mentioned above.

For more information

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application for this program, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa.
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu

This program is not currently being offered. Please contact your UI study abroad advisor for alternative study abroad options.

Where You Will Study

Radboud University Nijemegen is situated in the oldest city in the Netherlands. It has seven faculties and enrolls over 18,000 students. The Dutch university information guide Keuzegids Universiteiten lists Radboud University as the best general university 2014 of all the traditional general universities in the Netherlands.

Their personal style of teaching ensures that there is plenty of opportunities to work closely with instructors and fellow students in small seminars. Over the last few years, Radboud University has focused on intensifying its education and on increasing study success rates.

Radboud University has grouped its research within research institutes with the aim of creating an optimal research environment which has good focus and a critical mass. One of our distinguishing hallmarks is our emphasis on interdisciplinarity.

The mutual exchange between the city and the University can be heard in the intellectual debates which, in a university city such as Nijmegen, are particularly lively.

Learn more about Radboud on their Useful Links website.

Nijmegen

Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands dating from Roman times when it was called Noviomagus or New Market. It is situated close to the German border on the banks of the River Waal, a branch of the Rhine. Badly damaged during the Second World War, much was done to rebuild the city in the post-war period leaving monuments of Nijmegen’s rich historical past to occupy a special position in the new city center. Today, it has some 161,000 inhabitants with a significant student population of more than 15,000. It is a green city, a safe and friendly place with a rich social and cultural life – theaters, cultural centers, cinemas and museums number in the twenties. Nijmegen's location and excellent rail service is also ideal for travel throughout Europe during the year.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands today is one of the world's most prosperous countries, thanks to its advanced industries and agriculture, its role in world trade and its large reserve of natural gas. A highly developed system of social welfare is meant to ensure that everybody in the Netherlands can share in this prosperity.

The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. About 16 million people live in an area of approximately 37,000 square km. Sixty per cent of the population lives in the western part of the country, which is called Holland. This name is often used to refer to the Netherlands as a whole.

Though the country may be tiny in size, its friendly people, fascinating culture and charming cities make it one of the most grandly charismatic places in all of Europe. Hope on a bike and explore the country's many picturesque windmills, canal cities and breathtaking garden. The Netherlands' central location in Europe makes it an ideal place to begin one's journey to other nearby countries.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

This program is not currently being offered. Please contact your UI study abroad advisor for alternative study abroad options.

Living Arrangements/Accommodations

Housing Costs and Deposits

Housing costs will be paid directly to your host institution. You will receive details about how to pay for your housing abroad from your host institution prior to departure. You should plan to pay a housing deposit early in the semester prior to your departure.

Estimated housing costs are provided under the Application tab above.

Passport

All students need a valid passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport before applying for the visa you will need to enter your host country.

Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-US Citizens

Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.

Travel Arrangements (Flights)

UI Study Abroad will not arrange a group flight to your study abroad destination. Students will purchase their own plane tickets to their host country, though UI Study Abroad can assist by providing advice regarding airline booking options.

You are advised not to purchase plane tickets until:

1. You have received an official offer of acceptance from your host university, and have submitted confirmation materials to UI Study Abroad.
2. You have finalized your housing arrangements abroad.
3. You are aware of both the semester start date and the move-in date for your accommodations abroad.
4. You have received your visa (if required- contact your study abroad advisor for more information).

If you have questions about purchasing plane tickets, please contact your UI study abroad advisor.

Local Transportation

Nijmegen has a good public transportation throughout the city. Students can navigate the main areas of the city on foot or by bike. Taxis are available throughout the city. Nijmegen is well connected to the rest of the Netherlands by bus and train, and to the rest of Europe by several airports within an hour or so.

This program is not currently being offered. Please contact your UI study abroad advisor for alternative study abroad options.

Eligibility

This program is open to University of Iowa students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Good academic and disciplinary standing- Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Students placed on either academic or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad on a University of Iowa program. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who are not in good standing at any point overlapping with the program dates will have their acceptance revoked, and will be responsible for the associated late withdrawal fees.
  
• Minimum 3.0 UI and Transfer GPA- Students must have a minimum 3.0 UI and Transfer GPA to participate in this program (transfer GPAs lower than 3.0 may be considered on a case-by-case basis).
  
• Junior or Senior standing required- Students must have Junior or Senior standing at the time the program begins.
• Dutch Language Requirements- No Dutch language experience is required.
• Approval by UI study abroad- A student’s application must be reviewed and approved by their University of Iowa study abroad advisor.
  
• Acceptance by host institution- Students must be accepted by their host institution as a temporary visiting student. Acceptance by the host institution is typically automatic for students that have been nominated by their study abroad advisor, but the final acceptance decision is made by the international student office and the sponsoring departments at the host institution based on their own internal requirements.
• Attendance at mandatory orientation programming- Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programing presented by UI Study Abroad.
  
• Clear interest and commitment- Students must demonstrate a clear academic or personal interest in the program’s subject matter, and a commitment to engage responsibly in coursework abroad.
  
• Demonstrated preparedness and maturity- Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel. Students must demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.
  

Costs

Students will be responsible for paying many of their program costs through their University of Iowa U-Bill, while other costs will be out-of-pocket costs paid by the student directly to vendors before and after going abroad. Refer to the cost sheets below for details on the costs associated with this program.

The cost sheets outline the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid purposes. They include fees charged on students’ U-Bill as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic.

Costs for future sessions are usually similar to the current session, however students can expect a modest increase in overall costs each session. Final cost sheets for future sessions are typically available early in the semester before the session begins.

Cost Sheets

The following cost sheet applies to the Spring 2018 session.

Cost Sheet- Radboud- Spring 2018

A cost sheet for the Spring 2023 session will be available by mid-fall 2022.

Calculating Fees

The cost sheets are based on the fees described below:

• University of Iowa Study Abroad Administrative Fees
• University of Iowa’s CISI health insurance
• University of Iowa Tuition and Fees, housing, flight, and other costs of attendance.

Cost sheets do not include the following optional costs:

Personal Travel Costs

Costs for personal travel are not included in the cost estimates provided on the cost sheet. If you plan to travel outside of your host city or country during or after your study abroad program, you will need to budget for additional funds to cover the cost of your personal travel.

The cost of personal travel depends entirely on each student’s individual travel plans and spending habits. Estimates for personal travel costs provided by past students on this program vary significantly from $1,500 to as much as $9,000 or more per session.

Costs charged to the U-Bill

• Application Fee- (charged at the time of application, before financial aid/scholarships are disbursed.)
• University of Iowa Tuition & Fees- (charged shortly before departure.)
• Study Abroad Fees- (charged shortly before departure.)
• CISI Health Insurance- (charged shortly before departure.)

Out of Pocket costs (not charged to U-Bill)

• Round trip airfare from Cedar Rapids- (paid by student directly to travel agent or airline- approx. 6-8 weeks prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships are disbursed)
• Food- (paid by student at their discretion while abroad)
• Housing- (charged upon arrival to the host country)
• Housing Deposit- (paid by student shortly before departure to the host country, before financial aid/scholarships are disbursed)
• Visa/Immigration fees- (paid by student on arrival to the host country, or shortly before arrival/before financial aid/scholarships are disbursed. See the Immigration/Visa section under the Predeparture tab for more information.)
• Local Transportation- (paid at student’s discretion while abroad)
• Cell phone- (paid at the student’s discretion while abroad)
• Passport- (paid by student prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships are disbursed.)
• Textbooks- (paid as needed while abroad)
• Medical Exam/Immunizations- (paid by student as needed prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Personal expenses- (paid by student at their discretion while abroad)
• Personal travel expenses- ( paid by student at their discretion while abroad )

Scholarships & Financial Aid

You can find information about options for funding your study abroad experience, including financial aid, scholarships, grants, etc., on UI Study Abroad’s Finances page.

How to Apply

Interested students should make an appointment with the designated UI Study Abroad advisor to discuss the program and the application process. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 319-335-0353. During the appointment, the advisor will provide full application instructions. Note: Application materials will not be reviewed unless a student has already met with the advisor to discuss the program .

The application process consists of three major steps:

Post-Acceptance

Confirmation

If you are accepted to your program, you will be asked to commit to participating in your program by submitting the University of Iowa Confirmation of Participation form, and by completing requirements for your host university.

After you have formally confirmed your plans to participate, you will work both with UI Study Abroad and your host university. Follow instructions from both. Later in the semester, your UI Study Abroad advisor will contact you regarding orientation sessions, registration, and other required UI procedures and documentation.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Fall and Academic Year sessions are due on February 24.

Applications for the Spring session are due on September 24.

Limited Admission

Admission to this program is limited to a small number of students each semester, based on the current exchange balance with the host university.

Complete applications from eligible students will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Interested students are encouraged to submit complete application materials as soon as possible to increase their chances of securing a place in the program during their chosen session.

Contact your study abroad advisor for updates on available spaces for the upcoming sessions.

This program is not currently being offered. Please contact your UI study abroad advisor for alternative study abroad options.

Health & Safety Planning

Students should carefully review the following materials starting at least two months prior to departure:

Prepare for Departure

Health and Safety

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Immigration/Visa

All program participants are required to complete immigration requirements to enter and study in your host country. UI Study Abroad and your program provider/host institution abroad will provide you with immigration instructions prior to departure.

Note that permission to enter and study in your host country is provided exclusively by the host country’s government based on that country's immigration requirements. Your host country’s immigration requirements may include considerations related to specific national origin, national heritage, criminal background status, and similar issues that can make it impossible to receive permission to enter the country in some cases. Contact your UI study abroad advisor for more information.

It is essential that you thoroughly review all of your immigration materials before you leave for your host country to ensure that they are absolutely complete and accurate. It is entirely your responsibility to ensure that all of your immigration materials are in order and fully accurate before you leave for your host country. If any of your immigration materials contain inaccurate information of any kind, contact your UI study abroad advisor immediately to discuss your options.

Do not take steps to complete your host country’s immigration requirements until you receive more information from UI Study Abroad.

Review the UI Study Abroad Travel Documentation website for further guidance on the immigration/visa process.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your UI study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.

There are no photos available for this program yet. Do you have any photos to share with us? If you do, please contact us at:

1111 University Capitol Centre
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1802
USA

Phone: (319) 335-0353
Fax: (319) 335-0343
E-mail: study-abroad@uiowa.edu