Sustainable Urban Development: Lessons from the Netherlands

Special Note - Tues, March 6, 2012 : The total cost of the program to the Netherlands has been reduced thanks to program leader, Mark Pendras! Dr. Pendras recently received a grant funded by the UW's Office of Global Affairs and additional funding support through UW Tacoma's Urban Studies; these funds are being applied to the Netherlands study abroad program and have resulted in an instant reduction in the cost of the program for students. (*Items marked with an asterisk throughout the text below indicate a change in the program as a result of these awards.)

Urban Studies presents the sixth iteration of a study abroad field course to the Netherlands. Time in Holland will be shared between the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, with additional fieldtrips via train to other Dutch cities, led by Dr. Mark Pendras, to explore spatial, architectural, historical, cultural, social, economic and political dimensions of urban dynamics in contemporary Europe.

Academic Content

This course is intended to enhance students’ perspectives on urbanism and contemporary urban development challenges and concerns, with a particular focus on the concept of sustainable urban development, drawing from examples and experiences in The Netherlands. The Netherlands is known throughout the world as a leader in urban sustainability, from their extensive public transit system and use of alternative forms of transportation, to their land use regulations and social equity planning, through their employment of regional development strategies and innovative housing policies. In addition to discussing readings and reflecting on experiences in the classroom, our time in the Netherlands will be spent, for example, visiting and exploring eco-industrial parks in Rotterdam, the “green” suburbs of Amersfoort, Leidsche Rijn, and Almere, social housing and policy in Amsterdam, and examples of industrial transition in Tilburg. This course will also involve a one-week excursion to the German city of Hamburg, which has been selected as the European Green Capital for 2011. This excursion will provide a comparative perspective on sustainable urban development in Europe. Lectures, readings, visits, and activities will focus on increasing students’ ability to critically assess urban issues and societal problems while helping them learn important lessons about sustainable urban development theory and practice from a country that is a global leader in the field.

Students will receive 12 credits for T URB 379, Urban Studies Field Experience. UWT Urban Studies majors may count a total of 12 field course credits toward the 'core elective' requirement of the degree. Other majors must check with their academic adviser for placement of credits within their degree program.

Program Schedule

This year, this course will offer two options. Option A will involve approximately six weeks in the field; Option B will involve approximately four weeks in the field. The academic content for the two courses will be the same; however, Option A will involve more field assignments, and Option B will require a more substantive final essay.

Travel will take place during the fall quarter, 2012. The following preliminary schedule is subject to change based on travel/lodging rates and availability:

Option A: 6-week

• Sept. 26 - Student preparation (Tacoma)
• Sept. 30 - Leave Sea-Tac
• Oct. 1 - Arrive in Amsterdam
• Oct. 5 - Travel to Rotterdam
• Oct. 12 – Travel to Amsterdam
• Oct. 15 - Travel to Groningen
• Oct. 17 – Travel to Hamburg, Germany
• Oct. 23 – Travel to Amsterdam
• Oct. 30 – Travel to Utrecht
• Nov. 9  - Return to Tacoma
• Dec. 3 - Final essays due

Option B: 4-week

• Sept. 26 - Student preparation (Tacoma)
• Sept. 30 - Leave Sea-Tac
• Oct. 1 - Arrive in Amsterdam
• Oct. 5 - Travel to Rotterdam
• Oct. 12 – Travel to Amsterdam
• Oct. 15 - Travel to Groningen
• Oct. 17 – Travel to Hamburg, Germany
• Oct. 23 – Travel to Amsterdam
• Oct. 27 – Return to Tacoma
• Dec. 3 - Final essays due

The program also involves mandatory meetings prior to departure. These meetings will take place on the UWT campus.

Student Eligibility

Undergraduate and graduate students from any UW campus may apply. Participants are selected on the basis of academic preparation, scholarship, motivation, and financial responsibility. A maximum of 15 students will be accepted, and preference will be given to UWT Urban Studies majors, minors, or students from other fields who have completed coursework in the area of urban studies.

Application

Complete application packets received by Monday, April 16, 2012, will be given priority consideration. Applications will continue to be accepted thereafter on a space available basis and applicants will be notified of acceptance decisions as admitted.

Travel Documents & Insurance

All program participants must have a valid passport in order to travel to Europe. No visa or other paperwork is required for U.S. citizens.

Study abroad insurance coverage is required. We recommend UW students take advantage of the UW Study Abroad Insurance, as an easy and affordable option. Students with personal insurance may petition for a UW Study Abroad Insurance waiver. For details, please contact the UWT International Programs office.

Program Cost

The total cost of the program has been reduced:

Option A: $4300 *the new cost is $3,800

Option B: $3800 *the new cost is $3,300.

Included in the cost of the program

• Academic course fee (12 credits)
• Housing
• Rail ticket between Amsterdam and Hamburg

Not Included in Program Fees:

• Airfare
• Meals
• Ground transportation (except as described above)
• Health/travel insurance
• Personal spending money

Payment schedule (Option A: 6-week)

(*Items in this section marked with an asterisk have been changed to reflect a reduction to the cost of the program.)

Payment schedule (Option B: 4-week)

(*Items in this section marked with an asterisk have been changed to reflect a reduction to the cost of the program.)

Method of payment: Payments made in person or by mail will need to be paid by personal check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to University of Washington Tacoma (UWT). Please write "Netherlands 2012" in the memo line of the check. The administrative fee of $250 must accompany your application for the program. To make the second payment of *$500, please stop by our office in GWP 312, or mail your payment to:

UWT International Programs, Campus Box 358430
University of Washington, Tacoma
1900 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

For other methods of payment, please contact Tracey Norris, Study Abroad Coordinator, International Programs Office (253) 692-4426.

The last payment will be charged automatically to your UWT student account upon registration and can be paid online through your MyUW account. Please note: students do not register themselves for this program. The Office of International Programs will register the student once the 2nd payment and all appropriate program documents have been received.

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid funds which they intend to apply toward the program cost should consult with a financial aid adviser as soon as possible. Please bring the *Netherlands student financial aid budget form with you to your meeting. (*The Netherlands student financial aid budget form was revised on March 6, 2012 to reflect a reduction to the cost of the program. If you met with a financial aid advisor prior to the revision date, please check with them about how this change may affect your financial aid for the Netherlands program.)

Be aware that you may not receive financial aid in time to cover initial payments. You should be prepared to pay fees out of pocket until your financial aid is dispersed. Deadlines for payments cannot be waived or postponed.

Refund Conditions for Fees

1. If you are *not* accepted to the program, the first payment of $250 will be returned to you.
2. If you withdraw prior to May 17, 2012, all payments, less the $250 non-refundable administrative fee, will be refunded to you.
3. If you withdraw on or after May 17 but prior to September 3, 2012, you are obligated to pay 50% of the total cost of the program.
4. If you withdraw on or after September 3, 2012, you are obligated to pay the full cost of the program. No refunds will be given for unused accommodations, meals or other fees and services.

Notice of Withdrawal from the program MUST be made in writing to:

UWT International Programs, Campus Box 358430
University of Washington, Tacoma
1900 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

Changes in Costs or Scope of the Program

In the event of significant devaluations of the dollar, some adjustments to program activities may be necessary.

If there are any political events that might compromise the safety of the participants, a rescheduling or cancellation of the program may be necessary. If such changes occur, students will be notified of the changes and options will be presented.

Program Cancellation

If viable enrollment is not reached by May 17, 2012, the program will be cancelled and all recoverable monies paid will be refunded.

Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodations

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Support Services Office at least ten days in advance.