Avans University of Applied Sciences, founded in 2004, is one of the leading institutes for professional education in the Netherlands. The university focuses on two core issues: education and applied research. Being in a classroom with peers from all over the world trains students to be open to different cultural perspectives and helps them develop a global perspective. At Avans, they proactively collaborate and interact with fellow students and lecturers.
Application cycles are open one semester at a time. Applications for the fall/academic year will open around December 1 of the year prior and applications for spring/calendar year will open around July 1 of the year prior.
Click through the tabs to learn more information about this program.
Eligibility
In order to participate in this program, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Students must have completed at least 45 credits at the time of departure.
- For students applying for fall or academic year programs, this total does not include summer coursework that has yet to be completed.
- Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA at the time of application and departure.
- Students planning to study abroad in the last semester of their senior year should discuss this with their GEO program officer and major advisor as this may affect their ability to graduate on time.
- Recent transfer students cannot study abroad their first semester at Mason.
Courses Available
Students studying at Avans will choose a minor program in which to take all of their courses. Students can choose from the following minors.
Biorefinery Technology
Biotechnology
Environmental Geography
Forensic Biology
Forensic Chemistry
International Forensics
Academic Calendar
The fall semester at Avans runs from August - January; the spring semester at Avans runs from January - June.
Credit Conversion
Students are expected to take a full-time course load during their time at Avans. A full-time course load is 30 ECTS.
- 2 ECTS Credits = 1 US Credit
This will allow you to transfer between 12-16 credits back to Mason per semester.
Course Equivalency and Plan of Study
The Global Education Office has a
Course Evaluation and Registration System (CERS), which you will use to complete the steps needed to evaluate your courses abroad, and see how they will count at Mason. This database is accessible whether you have already applied, or are just beginning to think about studying abroad. Look at the courses in the database. You are by no means limited to these courses. The database shows courses that have already been evaluated. You can request equivalency for any course not yet evaluated, through CERS.
You are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to look at this institution’s courses ahead of time to see how they will match up to your Mason degree requirements. Talk to your academic advisor about what courses you will need to receive credit for during your time abroad to stay on-track for your degree. When looking at courses keep in mind that course schedules can change. We recommend having twice as many courses approved as necessary.
Global Understanding
Students participating in this study abroad program will automatically fulfill the Mason Global Understanding core requirement.
Housing
Avans has partnered with 2 housing associations in Breda to offer housing via Student Rooms Breda. On this website, you can find more information about the accommodation these associations offer and the terms and conditions for renting.
All rooms are fully furnished. In all cases you will share a flat with other students, usually international students. Rental prices include water, electricity, gas and internet access. You will need to pay the rent for the full semester in 1 payment when you sign the rental agreement.
If housing via Student Rooms Breda fills or students wish to find their owns accommodation they may visit accommodation section of the Avans website.
Program Cost
This is a Bilateral Exchange Program. Students are enrolled as regular students at the partner university, pay Mason tuition to Mason, and pay room and board abroad. Students can use the budget sheets located at the top of this page to see what GEO estimates as expenses.
Program Payments
As this is a Bilateral Exchange Program, students will pay for their tuition as they normally do in PatriotWeb.
Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $200 for Mason students. This fee is paid online through the MasonAbroad application system.
Administrative Fee: A non-refundable administrative fee of $325 (for semester length programs) or $525 (for year-long programs) must be received in order to confirm your enrollment in the program. This fee is paid online through the MasonAbroad application system.
Financial Aid: Students using financial aid are encouraged to talk to their counselor regarding how their financial aid can transfer to their program.
Scholarships
GEO offers a number of need- and merit-based scholarships. All Mason students are welcome to apply:
Scholarships
Application Deadline:
Fall/Academic Year: Early-Mid April*
Spring/Calendar Year: Early-Mid October*
*See the bottom of this page for the exact deadlines for the upcoming term(s).
Visa Information
Once accepted into a program, it will be your responsibility to apply for a student visa and/or residence permit (if required, based on your citizenship). You will receive details on this with your acceptance letter. Do not apply for a visa until after you have been officially accepted. VU will apply for a visa and/or a residence permit on behalf of the exchange student (if necessary). Students will be informed about the procedure after submitting their application.
Application requirements:*
Application fee: $200 for Mason students.
Official Transcripts: An official copy of your Mason transcript is required as well as copies of official transcripts from any other college or university you have attended.
Passport Status: If you do not have a valid passport, you should begin applying for one now.
Signature Documents: Read and electronically "sign" the documents.
Questionnaires: Read and complete the documents according to the instructions.
*Additional paperwork may be required for this program and can be viewed inside your application.
Application instructions: