Erasmus UPT developed a tailor-made study abroad curriculum for Maritime Studies students from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. From September until December, four courses and an intensive seminar are taught exclusively to the third-year Bachelor students at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR).
In the academic year 2019-2020, 72 students followed the courses in person in Rotterdam and nine students followed the courses online from Singapore. The programme includes the courses: Ship Ownership, Ship Management, International Maritime Law, Marine Insurance and a seminar on Disruptive Scenarios.
Connecting academics and industry
Interaction between the academic world and the professional world stands at the core of this programme. The Academic Director, Dr. Wouter Jacobs explains: “That makes this Study Abroad Programme so attractive. In-depth expertise from the industry combined with insights and knowledge from Erasmus University Rotterdam.” Industry practitioners united in the Rotterdam Maritime Services Community are actively involved in the teaching. They immerse the Singaporean students in their daily practice and in this way enrich theory with practical knowledge during guest lecturers. The dynamic world of the maritime sector comes alive during the company visits. The 2019-2020 cohort visited the Maritime Simulation Centre, Maasvlakte (APM and MOT) and Damen Shipyards.
In the seminar on Disruptive Scenarios, the students combine their academic understanding with creativity to develop realistic future scenarios for the year 2040 on behalf of an international company in the shipping industry that operates in an increasingly volatile world full of disruptions. In small groups and with guidance from a mentor from Erasmus UPT, the students use their academic, teamwork and presentation skills to turn industry knowledge into professional consultancy reports.
Jacobs: “We will introduce these future professionals of the Singaporean maritime sector to the port city of Rotterdam, which fits in perfectly with the vision of Rotterdam Maritime Capital of Europe: Rotterdam as a place to grow and develop talent. Additionally, the students will familiarize themselves with the Rotterdam mentality of getting things done, and make it happen."
That makes this Study Abroad Programme so attractive. In-depth expertise from the industry combined with insights and knowledge from Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Global cooperation
Jacobs: “The Nanyang Technological University is a leading university. We have many similarities. Both universities are part of a port city, both offer specific academic educational programmes in the field of maritime and port management. It is great to see that with this collaboration we are creating a win-win for the students.” NTU is based in Singapore and was ranked the world’s best young university for the sixth consecutive year in 2019. Since 2004, the university offers a Maritime Studies programme with a focus on the management of the shipping business, as well as maritime science and technology – a programme suitable for motivated students who aspire to become future leaders in shipping and related businesses. Nanyang Technological University has an international focus with students from over 100 nationalities. The university aims to have at least eight out of ten undergraduates go overseas during the course of their studies. Jacobs: “As an university and as Rotterdam Maritime Capital of Europe we continuously strengthen our international relations with other port cities in the world through programmes such as these. And what could be better than training young talent. So that the future of ports worldwide is in good hands."
