NEURUS Programme - University of California, Irvine (2005-2006)
Sascha Brinkhoff, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
If I ever wanted to study in California? Beach, Pacific Ocean, L.A. – no question about it! The NEURUS programprovided just the right opportunity for it. I was a NEURUS student at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) from September to December 2005. In addition to enjoying the Californian lifestyle, my objective particularly was to conduct empirical research, i.e. expert interviews and data gathering, for my ’Diplom’ thesis about cluster of creative industries in Los Angeles.
NEURUS offered multiple advantages. First, I received very valuable feedback concerning my research project (research question, methodology etc.) from various university professors at UCI. Second, the Continental seminars, in the 2005/2006 term one each took place in Urbana-Champaign and Vienna, offered great platforms to present and discuss my project idea and first research results, respectively. The feedback and critique from the entire NEURUS faculty of all involved six European and U.S. universities as well as the other participating students was tremendously helpful. Furthermore, usually the research papers of all NEURUS students are published on the program’s website, which gives great examples for the development of your own thesis. Ultimately, the scholarship covered all travel costs and a large share of the (higher) living costs.
The University of California, Irvine in Orange County is one of the best public universities in California and the U.S., respectively. Students and researchers are very international. Also, the university campus offers all kind of facilities and amenities for studying and beyond. I also took a few other courses, which made it very easy to meet other UCI students. The City of Irvine may not be a very exciting place (but the story of its development from the scratch is very interesting, especially to European standards). Orange County, however, is very rich in contrasts, and in particular the proximity to the Pacific, Los Angeles, San Diego, Mexico etc. provide great opportunities to explore the region.
I had a fantastic time during my stay at UCI, and it was a great experience. Furthermore, the NEURUS programme provides great assistance and general framework conditions to write a master thesis or research paper.
Sascha Brinkhoff, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
If I ever wanted to study in California? Beach, Pacific Ocean, L.A. – no question about it! The NEURUS programprovided just the right opportunity for it. I was a NEURUS student at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) from September to December 2005. In addition to enjoying the Californian lifestyle, my objective particularly was to conduct empirical research, i.e. expert interviews and data gathering, for my ’Diplom’ thesis about cluster of creative industries in Los Angeles.
NEURUS offered multiple advantages. First, I received very valuable feedback concerning my research project (research question, methodology etc.) from various university professors at UCI. Second, the Continental seminars, in the 2005/2006 term one each took place in Urbana-Champaign and Vienna, offered great platforms to present and discuss my project idea and first research results, respectively. The feedback and critique from the entire NEURUS faculty of all involved six European and U.S. universities as well as the other participating students was tremendously helpful. Furthermore, usually the research papers of all NEURUS students are published on the program’s website, which gives great examples for the development of your own thesis. Ultimately, the scholarship covered all travel costs and a large share of the (higher) living costs.
The University of California, Irvine in Orange County is one of the best public universities in California and the U.S., respectively. Students and researchers are very international. Also, the university campus offers all kind of facilities and amenities for studying and beyond. I also took a few other courses, which made it very easy to meet other UCI students. The City of Irvine may not be a very exciting place (but the story of its development from the scratch is very interesting, especially to European standards). Orange County, however, is very rich in contrasts, and in particular the proximity to the Pacific, Los Angeles, San Diego, Mexico etc. provide great opportunities to explore the region.
I had a fantastic time during my stay at UCI, and it was a great experience. Furthermore, the NEURUS programme provides great assistance and general framework conditions to write a master thesis or research paper.
NEURUS Program - University of Florida, Gainesville, (2010-2011)
Matthijs Rolsma, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
When I was discussing international exchange options with the study abroad coordinator at the University of Groningen to make a decision about where to conduct my research project, the reference of Florida as Sunshine State proved to be enough motivation for me to spend the last semester of my Economic Geography study abroad. Soon after my escape of the miserable Dutch climate, I found out that this journey had much more to offer than just a lot of vitamin D.
Facilitating my four month stay was an exchange program organized by a network of European and American Universities called NEURUS. This NEURUS program was of great importance in enabling me to conduct a thesis for my MSc. degree in the United States, both financially and academically. Looking back at the academic aspects of the program, I realize that I would never have had the same opportunities at my home university. The program allowed to me to follow courses besides writing my thesis, to discuss my thesis with top academic researchers from European and American Universities and to learn about urban planning practices in different regions. Two conferences were held for NEURUS students and professors to discuss their studies, their research and also to get acquainted on a personal level.
Gainesville proved to be an excellent location for a case study that was focused on the economic effects of historic preservation. The staff there proved very helpful in setting up contacts that were necessary for acquiring data. Also, the campus itself proved to be a vibrant meeting spot for students with different backgrounds and nationalities. People showed to be very accessible and friendly and were very often up for undertaking something.
My time in Gainesville was the best time I’ve experienced during my studies. Meeting many different people, visiting interesting places, playing several sports while still making progression with my academic career definitely developed me as a person on many different levels. Also, I made friends in the network that I still have reunions with. Taking the preceding in consideration, this following might be a rhetorical question, but with hindsight in my mind, would I do it again? Hell yeah!
Matthijs Rolsma, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
When I was discussing international exchange options with the study abroad coordinator at the University of Groningen to make a decision about where to conduct my research project, the reference of Florida as Sunshine State proved to be enough motivation for me to spend the last semester of my Economic Geography study abroad. Soon after my escape of the miserable Dutch climate, I found out that this journey had much more to offer than just a lot of vitamin D.
Facilitating my four month stay was an exchange program organized by a network of European and American Universities called NEURUS. This NEURUS program was of great importance in enabling me to conduct a thesis for my MSc. degree in the United States, both financially and academically. Looking back at the academic aspects of the program, I realize that I would never have had the same opportunities at my home university. The program allowed to me to follow courses besides writing my thesis, to discuss my thesis with top academic researchers from European and American Universities and to learn about urban planning practices in different regions. Two conferences were held for NEURUS students and professors to discuss their studies, their research and also to get acquainted on a personal level.
Gainesville proved to be an excellent location for a case study that was focused on the economic effects of historic preservation. The staff there proved very helpful in setting up contacts that were necessary for acquiring data. Also, the campus itself proved to be a vibrant meeting spot for students with different backgrounds and nationalities. People showed to be very accessible and friendly and were very often up for undertaking something.
My time in Gainesville was the best time I’ve experienced during my studies. Meeting many different people, visiting interesting places, playing several sports while still making progression with my academic career definitely developed me as a person on many different levels. Also, I made friends in the network that I still have reunions with. Taking the preceding in consideration, this following might be a rhetorical question, but with hindsight in my mind, would I do it again? Hell yeah!
NEURUS Program - Wirtschaftsuniversitȁt Wien, Vienna (2011-2012)
Alexandra (Ali) Thompson, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Vienna is a mix of history, culture, public services and natural features. It has a fantastic public transit system which provides access to urban amenities and the natural areas surrounding the city. My favorite memories of Vienna (besides all the delicious coffee and cakes) are my weekend walks along the designated Stadtwanderwege (city hiking paths) in the hills around the city. The city’s website (http://www.wien.gv.at/) provides an impressive amount of information about resources and events in the city (including the hiking paths), and there is always something going on in town.
Conducting research in Vienna was a great experience. The faculty and staff at the host institution (RUW at WU) were fantastic. Additionally, with Vienna’s wealth of resources and friendly and approachable people, getting access to information and receiving assistance with my project was easier than I expected.
My housing situation ended up being a headache. I signed up for international student housing through OeAD. Although they have decent housing facilities, the OeAD office is very difficult to work with, and some of their housing locations are better than others. After my third move in two months, I finally ended up in an OeAD flat I really liked.
Alexandra (Ali) Thompson, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Vienna is a mix of history, culture, public services and natural features. It has a fantastic public transit system which provides access to urban amenities and the natural areas surrounding the city. My favorite memories of Vienna (besides all the delicious coffee and cakes) are my weekend walks along the designated Stadtwanderwege (city hiking paths) in the hills around the city. The city’s website (http://www.wien.gv.at/) provides an impressive amount of information about resources and events in the city (including the hiking paths), and there is always something going on in town.
Conducting research in Vienna was a great experience. The faculty and staff at the host institution (RUW at WU) were fantastic. Additionally, with Vienna’s wealth of resources and friendly and approachable people, getting access to information and receiving assistance with my project was easier than I expected.
My housing situation ended up being a headache. I signed up for international student housing through OeAD. Although they have decent housing facilities, the OeAD office is very difficult to work with, and some of their housing locations are better than others. After my third move in two months, I finally ended up in an OeAD flat I really liked.
NEURUS Program - Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Groningen, (2012-2013)
Garret Wanjala, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Sleep-deprived and meandering down a narrow, brick-paved street, lined with Medieval-looking row houses. That’s where I found myself just a few hours after arriving in Groningen. I was looking for this big public square called the “Grote Markt” where I would be meeting several other NEURUS fellows. The Grote Markt, as you will discover, is in the heart of Groningen, both literally and figuratively. When I finally found it, I was surprised to discover that the entire square had been converted into a mini amusement park. It was part of a celebration for the municipal holiday, the “Liberation of Groningen.” You will most likely arrive in Groningen during this celebration. I highly recommend the Mousetrap roller coaster.
I do not, however, recommend waiting until you arrive in Groningen to write the ICURD papers. Trust me, you don’t want those hanging over your head when you’re learning to pole dance during ESN Introduction Week – this may seem really undergrad-y, but I am so happy I signed up for it – or when you’re buying North African goodies at Le Souk. Waiting to write the papers will also prevent you from starting to do the research you are so eager to do. Speaking of which, be prepared to change your topic. I’ve only been here for three weeks, and I’ve already significantly altered my proposal. The program coordinator, Paul van Steen, expects this and will provide resources for you no matter which direction you choose to go in. Both Paul and Professor Ashworth, a well-known scholar of heritage planning, have been extremely helpful as I’ve refined my research topic, and just experiencing the city has altered the course of my research in surprising and exciting ways. Groningen is a fantastic place to do research, but the NEURUS experience is also about so much more than that. Enjoy the ride, Mousetrap roller coaster and otherwise.
Garret Wanjala, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Sleep-deprived and meandering down a narrow, brick-paved street, lined with Medieval-looking row houses. That’s where I found myself just a few hours after arriving in Groningen. I was looking for this big public square called the “Grote Markt” where I would be meeting several other NEURUS fellows. The Grote Markt, as you will discover, is in the heart of Groningen, both literally and figuratively. When I finally found it, I was surprised to discover that the entire square had been converted into a mini amusement park. It was part of a celebration for the municipal holiday, the “Liberation of Groningen.” You will most likely arrive in Groningen during this celebration. I highly recommend the Mousetrap roller coaster.
I do not, however, recommend waiting until you arrive in Groningen to write the ICURD papers. Trust me, you don’t want those hanging over your head when you’re learning to pole dance during ESN Introduction Week – this may seem really undergrad-y, but I am so happy I signed up for it – or when you’re buying North African goodies at Le Souk. Waiting to write the papers will also prevent you from starting to do the research you are so eager to do. Speaking of which, be prepared to change your topic. I’ve only been here for three weeks, and I’ve already significantly altered my proposal. The program coordinator, Paul van Steen, expects this and will provide resources for you no matter which direction you choose to go in. Both Paul and Professor Ashworth, a well-known scholar of heritage planning, have been extremely helpful as I’ve refined my research topic, and just experiencing the city has altered the course of my research in surprising and exciting ways. Groningen is a fantastic place to do research, but the NEURUS experience is also about so much more than that. Enjoy the ride, Mousetrap roller coaster and otherwise.
NEURUS Program - Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Groningen (2012-2013)
Elizabeth Corrado, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Groningen and NEURUS have been, from my experiences thus far, excellent partners. The city has a great deal to offer those interested in urban planning—everything from a semi-permanent Occupy camp to historically compact development and a necessary mastery of water management. I’ve loved the manageable size of the city and University, while still stumbling upon new areas on every meandering bike ride. Integration into city and student life has been less challenging than expected, aided in part by enrolling in the mandatory Dutch course for the 3 week intensive period prior to the start of the school year and by participation in activities for international students run by the Erasmus Student Network.
I would recommend, to the extent possible, preparing the Distance Learning Course papers prior to your arrival in Europe. I chose to live in a private residence with my own bedroom and a shared kitchen and bathroom. My experience with the housing office has been a bit disappointing and expensive- I would recommend exploring alternatives, including the possibility of dorms, or as they’re called here, ‘student houses.’ Finally, as I have discovered, it is much less complicated to sort out the NEURUS fellowship, financial aid, and capstone projects while you are in Champaign-Urbana, so ensure that all your ‘ducks are in a row’ prior to leaving for a city that you will fall for- guaranteed.
Elizabeth Corrado, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Groningen and NEURUS have been, from my experiences thus far, excellent partners. The city has a great deal to offer those interested in urban planning—everything from a semi-permanent Occupy camp to historically compact development and a necessary mastery of water management. I’ve loved the manageable size of the city and University, while still stumbling upon new areas on every meandering bike ride. Integration into city and student life has been less challenging than expected, aided in part by enrolling in the mandatory Dutch course for the 3 week intensive period prior to the start of the school year and by participation in activities for international students run by the Erasmus Student Network.
I would recommend, to the extent possible, preparing the Distance Learning Course papers prior to your arrival in Europe. I chose to live in a private residence with my own bedroom and a shared kitchen and bathroom. My experience with the housing office has been a bit disappointing and expensive- I would recommend exploring alternatives, including the possibility of dorms, or as they’re called here, ‘student houses.’ Finally, as I have discovered, it is much less complicated to sort out the NEURUS fellowship, financial aid, and capstone projects while you are in Champaign-Urbana, so ensure that all your ‘ducks are in a row’ prior to leaving for a city that you will fall for- guaranteed.
NEURUS Program - University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (2011-2012)
Luuk Huttenhuis, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
From January till April I studied at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and this was my opportunity to participate in the NEURUS research exchange program. My main objective was writing a master thesis for the master Economic Geography but I also wanted to experience the American way of life in this mid-western city.
NEURUS is a perfect program to write your final research project in. It offers you a place at a great university and gives you a lot of freedom to develop your own program and research. UIUC is a top research university and this is definitely reflected in the support you get for your own research. The local subject (Tax Increment Financing) required me to talk and interact with local officials and I got a lot of support from the professors at DURP giving helpful suggestions and pointing me to the right officials. Another helpful part of this program are the two research seminars, in my year in Groningen and Tempe (AZ). At this event all the students and faculty of the participating universities gathered to give feedback on the students research. These seminars also provided the students with extra methodology and research classes. At UIUC we also organized weekly meeting with all the NEURUS students (US & EU) to reflect on each others research projects and help with local themes. All these parts contribute to the well-supported research exchange program which is called NEURUS.
The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is a great public university and offers very good facilities for students. The campus is located between the two cities Champaign and Urbana and the student life in centred here. Although the cities don’t compare to other big cities in the US, they do boosts a lively student scene and provide enough opportunities to have a great stay at UIUC. Champaign-Urbana is a typical American college town where the campus plays an important role and is reflected in everyday life. If you want to enjoy American campus life, UIUC is a good place to do so.
My time a UIUC was a perfect end of my university career with my thesis as the end product. The NEURUS program gave me the freedom to develop and write my thesis in an international setting. The support of the faculties, the freedom given and the interaction with all the participants provides a good mix for this well designed exchange program.
Luuk Huttenhuis, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
From January till April I studied at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and this was my opportunity to participate in the NEURUS research exchange program. My main objective was writing a master thesis for the master Economic Geography but I also wanted to experience the American way of life in this mid-western city.
NEURUS is a perfect program to write your final research project in. It offers you a place at a great university and gives you a lot of freedom to develop your own program and research. UIUC is a top research university and this is definitely reflected in the support you get for your own research. The local subject (Tax Increment Financing) required me to talk and interact with local officials and I got a lot of support from the professors at DURP giving helpful suggestions and pointing me to the right officials. Another helpful part of this program are the two research seminars, in my year in Groningen and Tempe (AZ). At this event all the students and faculty of the participating universities gathered to give feedback on the students research. These seminars also provided the students with extra methodology and research classes. At UIUC we also organized weekly meeting with all the NEURUS students (US & EU) to reflect on each others research projects and help with local themes. All these parts contribute to the well-supported research exchange program which is called NEURUS.
The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is a great public university and offers very good facilities for students. The campus is located between the two cities Champaign and Urbana and the student life in centred here. Although the cities don’t compare to other big cities in the US, they do boosts a lively student scene and provide enough opportunities to have a great stay at UIUC. Champaign-Urbana is a typical American college town where the campus plays an important role and is reflected in everyday life. If you want to enjoy American campus life, UIUC is a good place to do so.
My time a UIUC was a perfect end of my university career with my thesis as the end product. The NEURUS program gave me the freedom to develop and write my thesis in an international setting. The support of the faculties, the freedom given and the interaction with all the participants provides a good mix for this well designed exchange program.
NEURUS Program - Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (2011-2012)
Nienke Boneschansker Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
My first introduction to the NEURUS program was in september 2010, when I attended presentation sessions of NEURUS students during the autumn seminar in Groningen. The enthousiasm of the participants and the constructive criticism of the professors on their research projects, made me decide to apply for the program myself. One year later, the NEURUS program brought me to Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Living (in a gated community) in a city so different from my hometown Groningen was a unique experience and enabled me to study a phenomenon that is non-existent in the Netherlands: ‘The retirement community’.
For me, the het NEURUS program was great, because I was responsible for my own work, but still had guidence on the way to a succesful research project. The two seminars (in Groningen and Tempe) and the group meetings with the local NEURUS supervisor, helped me to reflect my work and make use of the suggestions of others. The input of the professors was very helpful, but I was also positively suprised about how much we NEURUS students learned from each other’s comments. To me, it provided the right feedback to improve my thesis. The NEURUS scholarship was also much appreciated. It helped me to cover travel costs and part of my living expenses. I was very happy to buy a bicycle that brought me to the university every day. I also used my bike to get to my research area, which would have been hardly possible with public transport.
Overall, I am very thankful that I could join the NEURUS program. For me, the great contacts with other students and the help from the professors, did not only give me a wonderful time abroad, it also helped me to deliver a master thesis research that I am proud of.
Nienke Boneschansker Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
My first introduction to the NEURUS program was in september 2010, when I attended presentation sessions of NEURUS students during the autumn seminar in Groningen. The enthousiasm of the participants and the constructive criticism of the professors on their research projects, made me decide to apply for the program myself. One year later, the NEURUS program brought me to Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Living (in a gated community) in a city so different from my hometown Groningen was a unique experience and enabled me to study a phenomenon that is non-existent in the Netherlands: ‘The retirement community’.
For me, the het NEURUS program was great, because I was responsible for my own work, but still had guidence on the way to a succesful research project. The two seminars (in Groningen and Tempe) and the group meetings with the local NEURUS supervisor, helped me to reflect my work and make use of the suggestions of others. The input of the professors was very helpful, but I was also positively suprised about how much we NEURUS students learned from each other’s comments. To me, it provided the right feedback to improve my thesis. The NEURUS scholarship was also much appreciated. It helped me to cover travel costs and part of my living expenses. I was very happy to buy a bicycle that brought me to the university every day. I also used my bike to get to my research area, which would have been hardly possible with public transport.
Overall, I am very thankful that I could join the NEURUS program. For me, the great contacts with other students and the help from the professors, did not only give me a wonderful time abroad, it also helped me to deliver a master thesis research that I am proud of.
