My design history students learned about Oxenar’s expressive banknote designs in our study abroad program this summer, and saw examples at the Graphic Design Museum in Breda. Several Dutch people still mourn the replacement of the guilder with the Euro, and beautiful designs like this are one reason why. Here’s a video interview with the designer of the perhaps the most beautiful banknotes in Europe.

Budgeting: to estimate meal costs, use the restaurant links on the Going Dutch Google Map for the trip. Remember that prices are in Euros. Once you’ve figured costs in Eurors, use Google to convert to dollars. For example, if I type in “10 euros to dollars” and do a Google search, the results (at the time I typed this) are: “10 Euros = 12.69800 U.S. dollars.”

Money: The simplest way to carry money and convert currency is to use a debit card and go to an ATM periodically. Yes, you’ll pay a fee, but you’ll pay a fee also at cash currency exchanges. ATM locations are marked on the Going Dutch Google Map. And, unlike a currency exchange, you don’t need a passport for an ATM. Always carry some cash, use a neck wallet or money belt, take an extra credit/debit card in case you have a problem with one of them, and keep a photocopy of your cards in your luggage for easy replacement.

Jet lag: It will take a couple of days to adjust to the 6-hour time difference. The best way is to force yourself to sleep, eat, and wake up on the Amsterdam schedule from day one. Be sure you have an alarm that works and is reliable, either on your cell phone, wristwatch, or (crazy idea!) a travel alarm clock.

Planning ahead: The best way to enjoy your trip is to plan ahead. Even if you are a spontaneous person, you don’t want to miss anything. Buy a guidebook now and read it before you go. Check travel websites too, and jot down favorites in your guidebook.

Keeping in touch: U.S. cell phones don’t work abroad unless you buy a special PIN card. The best way to keep in touch with friends and family back home is by email from an Internet cafe. You will also be writing in our group blog and uploading photos for the folks back home!

Tipping: Just like in the States, Dutch wait staff work for tips. Be sure and check with your server though, because a 15% is often included included. If you get good service, it’s cool to round the bill up to the next Euro. illustration by Yoshi Aka.

photo by Jay Simmons in Rotterdam.

For those of you Going Dutch, here’s a podcast walking tour of the city with more canals than Venice. The Amsterdam American Express Travelcast is a well-produced series of MP3s you can put on your iPod, along with a printable PDF map that follows the tour. It might even teach me to pronounce those strange-sounding Dutch names.

This Thursday from 4-6 pm CST (that’s 5–7 pm in Knoxville), join our online meetup to learn more about the Going Dutch study abroad program. Students can join a meeting in person at Watkins, Pellissippi, and in Room C-155 at Nashville State. Students can also join the meetup online by emailing me for their invitation: htduren [at] pstcc [dot] edu. This will be a great way for students who are going to the Netherlands to chat with others, and for those who are interested to learn more. For more info on elluminate, the technology we’re using for the online meetup, click here.

Imagine you had everything you needed to share your vision with the world: talent, skill, dedication, desire. Everything, that is, except money.

Fortunately, with the support of generous individuals, organizations and corporations, Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships allow young people from minority and economically disadvantaged backgrounds not only to realize their artistic dreams, but also to give back to their communities.

According to the FAQs study abroad through an American college or University is eligible, so minority students should download an application and fil it out over Christmas

• Total beginners can use Quick Fix Dutch from the BBC. It has twelve basic words and phrases in Dutch you can download to your iPod, print to carry in your pocket, or play online.
• A few more words and phrases are available at Transparent Language. This site has simple Dutch phrases translated to English. Click on the Dutch phrases to hear it pronounced.
• Ready for complete sentences and paragraphs? Try Laura Speaks Dutch. This site produces themed podcasts designed to teach Dutch phrases to Americans. I downloaded several of the podcasts and have been listening to them in the car on my iPod.

Photo by Severin Winkler.

The basic scholarship requires 12 credit hours at PSTCC by the start of the program, a minimum GPA of 2.0, a statement of purpose, one letter of recommendation (to be submitted with online program application), an interview with the International Education Committee, and a completed program application. Recipients of this scholarship must assist in two presentations highlighting the program, to be scheduled through the TnCIS office.

The Ambassador scholarships are awarded to one PSTCC student per program, and includes the complete TnCIS fee and airfare. Applicants must have 12 credit hours at PSTCC by the start of the program, have a GPA of 2.5, two letters of recommendation (one academic, one personal), two statements of purpose, and one interview with the International Education Committee. Recipients must assist the Program Director and/or TnCIS staff with recruitment for study abroad programs, lead one presentation during study abroad trip if required, assist Program Director as needed, complete a journal within 30 days, and assist TnCIS staff with 12 hours service upon return.

Scholarship and program forms are available on the new “Going Dutch” wiki pages. Just click on the link at the top of the blog, and then click the wiki link near the top of the “Going Dutch” page.

Initially I planned to teach Typography, but after some thought and discussion with CGT coordinator David Gilbert, I’ve decided to teach a course I love: History of Graphic Design. I taught this course until a couple of years ago when it was “replaced” by MDT 1000. The course focuses on styles, designers, and the big ideas of the past in graphic design. We’ll be using Philip Meggs’ definitive textbook, and I’ll be throwing in lots of extra Dutch references.