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EUROPEAN STUDIES PROGRAM

GET SET, READY GO!

Preparing for Antwerp, Belgium

in June 1997

with the

BELGIUM OVERSEAS STUDIES PROGRAM

Helpful hints and suggestions

you might find useful

ANTWERP



The purpose of this booklet is to provide you with a list of helpful hints for making the most out of your European vacation. As students, scholars, and visitors in a foreign country; you are expected to conduct yourself accordingly.

Course Information

Students who enroll in the European Studies Program will earn six (6) Radford University credits.

Course Title

The European Studies Program Announces Study of the European Community: Economic and Business Perspectives

When: June 1997
Where: University of Antwerp [Universitaire Faculteiten Sint-Ignatius Te Antwerpen] Ufsia.
Program: ECON 495/ECON 574 (3 Cr) International Trade and the Environment- This course examines the importance of environmental considerations on trade and development In the formulation of international economic and business policy. The course has special focus on the European Community. It provides an understanding regarding the origins of the trade and environmental conflict and develops both commercial and economic perspectives. Business majors will be allowed credit for this course as MKTG 442 or ECON 340 upon request or as a special topics course with consent of department.Instructor: Dr. Prahlad Kasturi

ECON 495/ECON 574/ACCT 471/FINC 471/MGT 471/MKTG 471/MGT 571/MKTG 571/MKTG 502 (3 CR) Special Topics in European Economics/business Studies. Study of the European Community and business activities regarding international trade, changing economics, cultural constraints, political environments, financial considerations, and management expertise. Class will provide students with the opportunity to research industry potential in Europe. Business majors can gain credit for any of the cross listed courses above. Instructor: Dr. Prahlad Kasturi and University of Antwerp faculty.
Description: Classes are taught in English. They are intensive, each meeting three hours per day, four times per week. Excursions to EC Headquarters in Brussels, an American firm doing business in Europe, a Belgium firm with US ties, and a major seaport are generally included. Additional field trips to other local points of interest will be arranged. Directed study (for graduate students), electives, and follow-up language courses are also available.
Estimated Costs: $2900 for excursions, lodging and tuition for 6 credits. Does not include airfare, meals and other incidentals. The cost has been estimated upon a group of 8 students enrolling in the program. It will be lower if there are more than 8 participants.
Contacts: Dr. Prahlad Kasturi, Davis 147,(540) 831-5884
Information: http://www.runet.edu/~econ-web/belgium.html

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Course Outline-Econ 495 Environment & Trade

Course Outline

Course: Econ 495 Environment and Trade
Instructor: Dr. Prahlad Kasturi, Professor & Chair
Section Numbers: 01
Office Room: Davis Hall 147
Prerequisites: None
Phone: (540) 831-5884 Office; (540) 831-5100 Lv. Message; (540) 763-9160 (Residence)
Instruction Room: TBA
Session Hours: TBA
Office Hours:TBA (Consultation by Appointment)

Source Texts:

Environment and Trade: The Relation of International Trade and Environmental Policy by Seymour Robin & Thomas R. Graham, Allanheld, mun Publishers, 1982.

The Environmental Effects of Trade published by OECD, 1994.

Greening the GATT: Trade, Environment and the Future by Daniel C. Esty, Institute for International Economics, 1994

Course Outline:

This course examines the importance of environmental considerations on trade and development in the formulation of international economic policy. The course has special focus on countries of the European Community. The course provides an understanding regarding the origins of the Trade and Environmental conflict and develops both commercial and economic perspectives. A systematic analysis of the issues involved will be conducted to shed light on sources of conflict or convergence. The role of organizations such as GATT and WTO in fixing failures of Trade Policy will come under scrutiny. Students will be provided comprehension of the offensive use of environmental trade measures. The course will examine issues of competitiveness, ecoduties and harmonization. The role of the OECD in greening the gatt through procedural reforms, international environmental agreements, developing scale of trade measures and through multilateral negotiations will also be assessed.

Course Objectives:

The course objectives are:

  1. To provide students an understanding of the importance of environmental considerations in international trade.

  2. To identify environmental concerns within the European Community and how they may be affecting bilateral and multilateral trade relations both within the European Community and the rest of the world (e. US, NAFTA, APEC, ASEAN and rest of the third world).

  3. To familiarize students with the new rules for trade and the settlement of environmental disputes.

Grade Assignment:

Student will be evaluated on the basis of in-class assignments, examination and a case study which will be a group project. Commitment to the class in terms of attendance and participation will be noted. The following weights attend to assignments, examinations and term paper.

Case Study = 100 points
1 examination = 100 points
In-Class Assignments = 100 points
Grade assignment on the basis of Total = 300 points
Examination Date:
July 15, 1997 Final Examination (tentative)

Case Study Requirement:

A concise and well researched term paper is part of the course requirement. The typed paper, about 6-8 pages in length is to be submitted on the last instructional day of class. The case study should have an abstract and other sections providing background information, problem identification, methodology, and data sources utilized, results, discussion, solution and conclusion. The case study will follow the American University format for discussing case studies i.e. by employing geographic, legal, trade and environmental filters and then make an assessment of the economic impact and implications for international economic policy.

The case study will be evaluated on style of presentation, analytical rigor, soundness of data and methodology, validity of conclusion, clarity and language.

The case study, which will be a group project, will focus on some environment and trade related issue involving the US and the EC preferably. Other bilateral and multilateral issues are acceptable. Students will learn to employ the case study method. A list of trade and environment case studies pertaining to Europe that have been identified by the instructor for class discussion have been appended. A case study outline should be submitted to the instructor by the 6th day of instruction. Students are encouraged to avail themselves of the instructor's guidance in preparing the case study.

Detailed Syllabus:

Part I: Issues of Environment and International Trade in Perspective

Topic 1. Introduction to patterns of international trade in the EC
Topic 2. Trade barriers: A commercial perspective
Topic 3. Trade repercussions of Environmental Policy: An economic perspective

Part II: Origins of Trade and Environmental Conflict

Topic 4. Conflict or convergence
Topic 5. Making trade work for the environment
Topic 6. GATT and WTO roles in fixing trade policy

Part III: Developments in Trade and Environment Dispute Settlements

Topic 7. Trade liberalization and environmental policy
Topic 8. Trade measures as leverages
Topic 9. Extraterritoriality of environmental legislations
Topic 10. Competition, Ecoduties and Harmonization.

Part IV: Role of OECD in greening trade

Topic 11. Procedural reforms
Topic 12. International Environmental Agreements
Topic 13. Scale of Trade Measures

Part V: Outstanding Trade and Environmental Issues in Specific Sectors of the European Community

Topic 14. Agriculture
Topic 15. Forestry
Topic 16. Fisheries
Topic 17. Endangered Species
Topic 18. Transport
Topic 19. Hazardous Waste

Additional References:

  1. David Weigall and Peter Stirk(eds), The Origins and Development of the European CommunityLeicester University Press 1992.
  2. Spyros Makridakis and Associates, Single Market Europe: Opportunities and Challenges for Business, Jossey-Bass Publishers 1991.
  3. Steven Schmidheiny, Changing Course: A Global Business Perspective on Development and the Environment, The MIT Press 1992.
  4. Hilary French, Costly Tradeoffs: Reconciling Trade and the Environment, WorldWatch Paper 1993.
  5. Franke Joyce and Gunter Schneider, Environment and Economic Development in the Regions of the European Community, Avebury Press 1989.

Case Studies Involving Trade and the Environment in Europe

Western Europe

  1. ANIMAL: EU Animal Testing Regulations
  2. AUSTRIA: Tropical Timber Import Ban
  3. CASSIS: Liquor Dispute Between France and Germany
  4. DANISH: Danish Beer Bottle Laws
  5. DUTCHWD: Dutch Tropical Wood Import Limits
  6. ECCAR: EU Car Pollution Laws
  7. ECCARBON: EC Carbon Proposal and Trade
  8. ECFURBAN: EU Ban on Furskin Imports
  9. ECPACK: EC Packaging Laws
  10. EUMEAT: EU Hormone Meat Law
  11. EULABEL: EU Eco-Labelling
  12. GERMAUTO: French Ban on new Ski Areas
  13. FRENCHTV: France Television Broadcast Requirements
  14. GERMBEER: German Beer Purity Law
  15. GERMAUTO: German Auto Recycling Law
  16. GERMPACK: German Packaging Law
  17. GERMWAST: German Waste Exports
  18. LIGNITE: Lignite Use in East Europe
  19. MADCOW: UK Madcow Disease
  20. EDWASTE: French-German Medical Waste Trade
  21. QUARRY: Scotland Quarries and Stone Exports
  22. POTATO: Irish Potato Famine
  23. SELLA: Irish Sea Radiation Pollution
  24. SHELLRIG: Shell Oil Rig Proposal
  25. HETLAND: Shetlands Island Oil Spill and Salmon Exports
  26. SULFUR: Sulfur Treaty
  27. UKCOD: UK Cod Dispute with Spain
  28. UKWATER: UK Water Pollution and Imported Technology
  29. VEAL: UK Veal Exports
  30. VINEWINE: French Vine Disease and Wine Exports
  31. WOODLBL: EU Wood Eco-Labels

Northern Europe

  1. LILLIE: Lillehammer Olympics and Environment
  2. NWHALE: Norway's Whaling Practices

Southern Europe

  1. BRONZE: Roman Bronze Trade
  2. DRIFTEC: Italian and French use of Driftnets in the Mediterranean
  3. GREEKTUR: Greek Turtles and Tourism
  4. MADEIRA: Madeira Island Development
  5. MEDIT: Mediterranean Pollution and Tourism
  6. VENICE: Venice Tourism Problems
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Procedure of Classes

Procedure of classes

As in any university course, students are expected to do assignments, readings and research outside of class. Since the program includes a number of scheduled activities while in Europe, and you'll want to make the most of travel opportunities, the following plan is advised:

  1. Purchase textbook and other materials at the R.U. Bookstore well before departure. Read all articles included in the introductory packet, and the first two or three chapters in the textbook. With this preparation, classes taught in Belgium will be far more meaningful.

  2. Set aside time while in Europe to read articles and materials provided in class. Much of the material will help you get more out of the classes, field trips, and excursions. Plan on taking notes on field trips as well as in the classroom.

  3. Read some of the European newspapers. The best newspaper in Europe is the International Herald Tribune. Most newsstands have the New York Times International, The European, or The London Times, all printed in English.

  4. Don't be intimidated by the library at the University of Antwerp. Let your first visit be to the periodicals section where there are several English language magazines and journals. Chances are, you'll find articles on the EC related topics you will be studying.

  5. If a research paper is required, chances are your Radford University professor will allow you to finish the paper after your return to the United States. However, the more research you do while in Europe, the more meaningful your project will be.

  6. Keep in mind that the major purpose of the Belgium Program is both academic and cultural. A sound blend of scholarly work and cultural interaction is the best recipe for a lasting and valuable experience.

Conduct

Many Europeans welcome Americans because they are considered more polite (and spend more money) than other visitors. You can help to reinforce these notions as "student diplomats" by being patient, friendly, and understanding. As an American, you are entitled to no special privileges. Be prepared to wait a little longer for basic services.

While on the campus of the University of Antwerp and in the housing provided to you, you are representing Radford University. The R.U. honor code will be in effect during the summer sessions in Belgium. A serious violation of this code could result in early termination and judicial action. Belgian people are generally very tolerant, and the city of Antwerp is quite safe. However, in some parts of Europe, laws are stricter than in the United States. Be mindful of these things and you should have no problem.

Currency

Have a number of travelers checks with you. The best credit card to have is the Eurocard, available through some banks in the United States. In addition, especially MasterCards and also Visa cards are widely recognized. Your PIN number will be good at teller machines just as they are in the U.S., except that you will get local currency. At the teller machines you can usually choose several languages of which English is always one. Exchange money at the airports, train stations, banks, or post offices because they will give you better rates and lower service charges.

Passport

Consider carrying your passport in a concealed pouch under your clothing (as well as extra cash). Have a photo-copy of your passport stashed elsewhere. In some countries, you must surrender your passport while staying overnight at hotels or youth hostels. This is O.K.; it's the law.

Health

Have all booster shots; see your physician. Carry duplicate prescriptions for glasses and medications.

Photography

Take lots of film with you since it is very expensive in Europe. Consider purchasing a lead-shielded film pouch for airport metal detectors, or ask to have film-bag hand inspected. Some scanners still ruin high-speed film. When visiting museums or historic sites, ask if photographs are allowed inside. If not, you can buy postcards. Also, consider developing all your film when you are back in the United States. Developing film is very expensive in Europe!

Purchases

Ask for and save all receipts on expensive purchases; this will help you at U.S. Customs upon your return. Also, as a United States citizen you can often get refunded for the value-added tax (VAT), which sometimes is as high as 17.5% Look out for signs in stores which say "tax-free shopping". These stores can arrange for you to get refunded for the value-added tax. The easiest way to get the refund is by paying with your credit card.

Electric Appliances

Since European electrical standards are different, a hair dryer, electric shaver, or radio will need to have a dual voltage adaptor; or you can purchase a portable converter (try Radio Shack).

Packing

The tendency is to pack too much. Avoid this by following a strict check-list that includes what you need. However, at least one outfit should be included for formal occasions (shirts and tie or other business apparel). Note that during the summers it may get as hot as 90 degrees Fahrenheit although this does not happen very frequently. Usually it is about 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with quite a few rain showers. Do not forget to pack your umbrella. Bring a light jacket for colder days or for in the evenings.

Supplies

Buy most items at the R.U. bookstore before departure. Bring textbook, calculator, pencils, paper, and notebooks. The calculator is especially useful for computing exchange rates.

Traveling

Have a backpack and lightweight sleeping back if you plan to travel in Europe. Rail passes are less expensive if bought in the U.S. before departure. The following are excellent sources of traveler information and youth passes:

  1. Rail Europe, Inc.; 226-230 Westchester Avenue; White Plains, NY 10604; 1-800-438-7245

  2. Council on International Education Exchange; 205 East 42nd Street; New York, NY 10017; 1-212-661-1450

Monetary Exchanges

Before leaving one country to go into another, spend the coins you may have accumulated. Most exchanges do NOT accept coins (leaving you with a pocket full of souvenirs).

Books

Some books which might be helpful to you are as follows:

  1. Let's Go Europe (Harvard University Press) about $15
  2. Dutch Phrase Book
  3. Foder's Europe
  4. Michelin Guides (Green) and Corresponding Maps

Language

In Northern Belgium (Antwerp and surrounding regions), a Dutch phrase book may be helpful, especially for reading signs and menus. However, most of the Belgians speak English very well and will be happy to speak English with you.

Here are some Dutch phrases and words you might find helpful:

HOTEL
Can I check in? kan ik inchecken?
Can you tell me how to get to.... Kunt u mij de weg naar ... vertellen?
Could you please give me a wake-up call at.. Kunt u mij alstublieft wekken om......
I would like to change rooms Ik will graag van kamer veranderen
would like to check out Ik will graag mijn rekening betalen
Is there a message for me? Is er een boodschap voor mij?
SOCIAL
Yes ja
No nee
I have lost my way Ik ben de weg kwijt geraakt
Help me please! Kunt u mij alstublieft helpen!
Would you take a picture for me? Kunt u een foto voor mij nemen?
What is your name? Wat is uw naam?
How much is the postage to U.S.? Hoeveel port is het naar Amerika?
Where is the post office? Waar is het post kantoor?
hello hallo
My name is..... Ik heet....
Nice to meet you Leuk met uw kennis te maken
how are you? Hoe gaat het?
I beg your pardon pardon
All Is fine Alles gaat goed
I don't understand Ik versta het niet
Where it the bathroom? Waar is het toilet?
bye dag (or) doei
Thank you Dank u
I am from the U.S. Ik kom uit Amerika
May I use the phone? Mag ik uw telefoon gebruiken?
Can you do me a favor Kunt u mij een plezier doen?
Good luck! Succes!
Excuse me Neemt u mij niet kwalijk
Do you speak... Spreekt u....
Good morning Goede morgen
Good afternoon Goede middag
Good evening Goede avond
Good night Goede nacht
RESTAURANT
A table for... Een tafei voor...
Bring me a menu Het menu alstublieft
May I order? Kan ik bestellen?
I want some water Ik wil graag wat water
Is there a service charge? Is dit inclusief de bediening?
Do you accept credit cards? Kan ik met een credit kaart betalen?
I don t think this Is what I ordered.. Ik geloof nlet dat ik dit besteld heb
What kind of dressing do you have? Wat voor sla saus heeft u?
What is the special? Wat Is het menu van de dag?
Just a small portion please Maar een klein portie alstublieft
A bottle of beer (wine) please Een fles bier (wljn) alstublieft
May I have the bill please Mag ik de rekening zien alstublieft
Medium-rare Half gebraden
Well-done Door gebraden
It was delicious Het was heerlijk
SHOPPING
Can you give me a discount? Kunt u mij korting geven?
I want a hair cut Ik wil mijn haar laten knippen
Do you have any chance? Heeft u wissel geld?
Would like a receipt Ik wil graag een bon hebben
Do you have a cheaper one? Heeft u een goedkopere?
I will take this Ik neem deze
It is too expensive Dat kost teveel
Can you repair this? Kunt u dit repareren?
How much is it? Hoeveel kost het?
May I try it on? Mag ik het aandoen?
Can I see another one? Kan ik een ander model zien?
Do you sell.... Verkoopt u ook......
Do you have any other colors? Heeft u nog andere kleuren?
I am Just looking Ik wil alleen wat rondkijken
Where can I get... Waar vind ik....
EMERGENCY
Help Help
Thief Houd de dief!
There Is fire! Er is brandl
I had my wallet stolen Mijn portefeuille is gestolen
I have lost my passport Ik heb mijn paspoort verioren
I am not feeling well Ik voel me niet goed
Where is the nearest pharmacy? Waar is de dichtbijzijnde apoteek
I want to lie down Ik wil gaan liggen
It Is urgent Het is dringend
Where Is the embassy/consolate? Waar is de ambasade/ het consulaat
Call the police please Belt u alstublieft de politie
Call the abulance please Belt u alstublieft een ziekenwagen

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The City of Antwerp

Location and transportation

The city of Antwerp, with a population of 500,000, is located near several other well known European cities. The transportation system is very safe, very practical, and very well organized. By using the train, bus, metro, or tram, you can go virtually anywhere you want. From Antwerp, by train, it takes about 30 minutes to get to Brussels and about 1.5 hours to get to Amsterdam. It would take about 4 to 5 hours to get to Paris.

The going out life

Antwerp is known for its night Life and entertainment. All interesting spots are within walking distance of the hotel. Dozens of charming local pubs populate the center of Antwerp. For more energetic evenings, there are plenty of dance clubs very close to the central station. The many movie theaters in the area, which often show American movies with Dutch subtitles, may be of interest to the film buff. Also available are concerts of almost every type of music including that performed by the Royal Ballet of Flanders, the Flemish Opera, and the Flemish Philharmonic Orchestra. The flourishing live theater community includes a British-American Theatrical Society.

Shopping and food

In Antwerp every possible taste in shopping is catered to, from the antique stores to the Vogelmarkt, a massive Sunday market in the town square.

There is a wide variety of cuisine available in Antwerp due to the many ethnic groups in its population. When you miss good old American foods, however, they are always available too. Remember that, almost always, the tip is already included in the cost of your meal.

Art and Diamonds

There are some renowned art museums in Antwerp, but the most famous one is the home of Rubens, which is now open to the public. It has an exquisite permanent collection of the great master's work.

Antwerp is recognized as the world leader in diamonds. The city boasts a diamond museum, which demonstrates the process of making a raw, mined diamond into a beautiful piece of jewelry.

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SCENES OF BELGIUM











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LINKS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST

University of Antwerp
The City of Antwerp
HandiLinks to Belgium - Antwerp
Digital Metropolis Antwerp
Europa Homepage
Earth Story Page

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Information and pictures arranged by Teresa Grubb, Secretary of the Department of Economics.
Assistance with scanning of the pictures and text by Dr. Michael Hayes, Associate Professor of Department of Economics and Lori Stilwell, Economics Workstudy Student.
Pictures and Information on Get, Set, Ready GO! provided by Dr. Fess Green, Department of Management and Marketing who taught in the European Studies Program in 1993.
Assistance with placing page on-line by Dr. George Santopietro, Associate Professor, Department of Economics.
Updated by Katherine Gagnon.
Last Updated: .