More than 1,000 Students and High-Schoolers Attend Begin Fair in Kiev

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-begin-edu-fair-ukraine.htm

More than 1,000 prospective students recently attended the Begin Edu Fair in Kiev, Ukraine, where Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences also participated. The event was held at the Hyatt Regency Kiev Hotel.

This fair hosted 35 international universities and welcomed more than 1,000 visitors - university students, high-schoolers and their parents.

Wittenborg was represented by Iryna Bernatska, campus manager at Wittenborg Amsterdam, who is herself originally from Ukraine. She informed potential students about undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered by Wittenborg, admission requirements, scholarships, the cost of living, etc.

According to Bernatska, prospective students were particularly impressed with the internationalisation of Wittenborg, its six entry dates, as well as the possibility to change their bachelor's degree programme during their first year at Wittenborg should they wish to.  

Bernatska noted a high interest in the undergraduate programmes, especially top-up programmes when the students directly join the final year of bachelor's programmes. Also, prospective students had a positive reaction to master's programmes that do not require work experience.

WUP 14/11/2019
by James Wittenborg
©Wittenborg University Press

Inflow of foreign students continues to grow in the Netherlands

https://www.wittenborg.eu/inflow-foreign-students-netherlands-continues-grow.htm

According to the Dutch National Teachers' Union magazine, 'Onderwijsblad', preliminary figures released by the Association of Universities (VSNU) in mid-October shows that foreign student intake in bachelor's programs increased by 23.5 percent.

The number of international students in higher education has doubled in the last ten years. A further increase is 'at odds with the quality of education and accessibility for Dutch students', an interdepartmental team of policy officials warned this summer.

The VSNU shares this concern. As a result of the growth, the workload and the pressure on finances are increasing. Universities are asking for investments in education and for instruments with which they can control the international influx. Dutch education minister Ingrid van Engelshoven wants to give state-funded universities the opportunity to set up a student stop for English language studies.

Non-accredited commercial (for-profit) education providers

Research from the Onderwijsblad, however, shows that the hunt for international students continues unabated. Publicly funded universities will be represented at dozens of study abroad trade fairs in (Eastern) Europe, Asia and North America this autumn to recruit students and work with commercial agents who send international students to them for a commission fee.

According to Onderwijsblad, other non-accredited commercial (for-profit) education providers bring foreign students to the Netherlands, who pay between 14 to 18 thousand euros for a transition year that gives them access to a study they would otherwise not be allowed to start.

University of Twente

This construction has proved to be very successful: in September 235 international students from 50 different countries started a new bridging program from the Australian education provider Navitas on the campus of the University of Twente, a research university in the eastern Dutch town of Enschede. The company expects 185 to 200 of those students to start their bachelor's next year, however, research shows that often these students were never qualified to start studies at a research university in the Netherlands, as they do not have a school diploma equivalent to the Dutch VWO school leaving diploma, which is required.

This also means that the international intake at the University of Twente will increase by a quarter next year, while one in three undergraduate students already comes from abroad.

Dutch students are not allowed to take this 'short-cut' to a research university, however, they are required to study the first year at an accredited university of applied sciences before they make this switch.

WUP 11/11/2019
by James Wittenborg
©Wittenborg University Press

Wittenborg Amsterdam Students Visit Famous Chocolate Factory

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-amsterdam-students-visit-famous-chocolate-factory.htm

Last month, students from Wittenborg University's Amsterdam campus had a tour of Tony Chocoloney's offices in the Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam. This visit was another collaboration with students from the Vrije Universiteit and the University of Amsterdam. The tour guide spoke about the importance of the social mission and the story behind Tony's logo and brand name. He also provided us with information about the partnerships that Tony's has forged with competitors, their organisational structure and plans for expansion, including building a large factory in Zaandam complete with roller coaster. This was a productive conversation in which we discussed Tony's choice not to advertise, and their creation of the 'slave free' logo which is now also used by the Albert Heijn supermarket chain to indicate child-labour-free cocoa products.

Students were very happy with the chance to network and discuss their business ideas with students from another institution. They were also pleased with the gift bags they received from Tony's which contained samples of their new products.

WUP 9/11/2019
By Amy Abdou
©Wittenborg University Press

ICEF Berlin - is one of the largest gathering of educators and study abroad agents, buzzing with opportunity!

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wuas-icef-berlin-2019.htm

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences (WUAS) was one of only three Dutch higher education institutes that attended the ICEF Berlin this week. In total there were around 4000 representatives of schools, service providers and study abroad representatives, who spent two and half days in meetings discussing programmes, study abroad, and collaboration opportunities.

WUAS was represented by its International Partnership Manager, Lena Vandenbosch and its President Peter Birdsall, and together they spoke to over 80 existing and new contacts.

"ICEF Berlin is an amazing experience - its very intense. Every meeting hall is buzzing with conversations and its an art to focus and concentrate on your meeting' says Birdsall.

WUAS recruits around 50% of its students through a well established agent network, that spans 5 continents and over 100 different countries. According to Vandenbosch 'This was my first ICEF, although I have been helping organising our attendance at these events for the past years, so I had some idea what goes on. My experience in Berlin has definitely made me even more  confident that our participation is worthwhile - there is no way we could compact 80 (phone or skype) meetings with agents from over 30 different countries into two days normally.'

Introduction Day Amsterdam

https://www.wittenborg.eu/introduction-day-amsterdam.htm

One of the new students is Golnaz Faraji, originally from Iran. She and her husband have a sports medicine centre back home. She is a founder and manager of the centre, which provides the services of nutritionists, psychologists, physiotherapists and a consultancy. Around 5,000 members of the centre have access to the gym and they all get support provided by 33 employees. Golnaz decided to join the Entrepreneurship and Small Businesses Bachelor programme in order to write a new business plan for making her sports medicine centre more successful, and to learn how to promote her business.

Le Hoang Thinh and his girlfriend Tran Thi Bao Ngan, originally from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, are doing MBAs.  Thinh went to high school in California, US, and in 2008 he moved to Boston for his BSc in Economics with Northeastern University. After his graduation, he worked for two years in Singapore with Crown Asia Pacific Holdings, at which he was selling metal beer cans to most breweries in Asia.

In 2014, he returned to Vietnam for a long-term job as Manager of Export Markets of SABECO, the largest beer company in Vietnam. After many years of working in Vietnam, he felt in need of a change of scenery and a break from the hectic business environment in the country. He was thinking about an MBA to enrich his knowledge and overall business administration skills. He started researching programmes, and the Netherlands was his top choice, as he always wanted to experience living in Europe. He hopes that the MBA in Finance will help him to improve his skills and knowledge about the finance sector.

Ngan has been working in the Retail Banking industry for 5 years since she got her Bachelor in Business Management in California, USA. She speaks Vietnamese natively and English fluently. Learning Dutch is in her to-do list now.
On the question “Why Wittenborg and what do you expect?” Ngan answered simply: “I want to have my own business, but I also understand that I need more tools and techniques before launching my own “child'' in this competitive market. The best way to pursue my goals would be by gaining more knowledge and skills through an MBA. I realised that a new country and a new environment would be new challenges, but would help me learn and explore more. The Netherlands was the best match for me because of the cultural vibrancy.

"Wittenborg was the last university that accepted my application, but I decided to choose it because of the flexible entries. I highly value the course curriculum, as it matches my professional aspirations, and will, therefore, be beneficial to my future. Without any hesitation, I completed all the required documentation, packed my luggage and flew to Amsterdam in September 2019. I cannot describe my excitement when I first arrived in this country. My specialisation for the MBA at Wittenborg is Entrepreneurship and Innovation. I hope this journey will help me to fulfil my goals and achieve success in my future career.”

WUP 5/11/2019
By Iryna Bernatska
©Wittenborg University Press

New Austrian Partner International Tourism College, based in Bad Vöslau, Austria visited Wittenborg’s main Campus in Apeldoorn.

https://www.wittenborg.eu/new-austrian-partner-itm-visit-apeldoorn.htm

This week a delegation from the International Tourism College, based in Bad Vöslau, Austria visited Wittenborg’s main Campus in Apeldoorn.

ITM is Wittenborg’s new partner in Austria and as of next year will be the location for WUAS’ final year of the Bachelor of Business Administration in International Hospitality Management for both its own students who have graduated from the associate degree as well as other students who want to enter the joint delivered programme In Austria.

Director of Studies at ITM, Hans Lichtenwagner  was joined by two senior members of his team, representing internationalisation and academics. As well as experiencing a wonderfully sunny Apeldoorn, the group also spent the two days discussing the development of the programme and learning about the way that WUAS manages its curriculum and its students and all the support systems that are in place. These will be mirrored when the programme kicks off at ITM.

The town of Bad Vöslau, 30 minutes to the south of the Austrian capital Vienna, is known for its spring mineral water, its spa hotels and also its wine production, as its located right in the middle of Austria’s red wine producing areas.

WUP 3/11/2019
by James Wittenborg
©Wittenborg University Press

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Four reasons why speaking a foreign language can boost your career and enhance your life

https://www.wittenborg.eu/benefits-learning-foreign-language.htm

It is an undeniable fact that in today’s technology-laden, global economy, multiple language proficiency is an indispensable skill for an individual.  This is supported by the European Commission which states that “foreign language skills play a vital role in enhancing employability and mobility”.  It further states that “languages unite people, foster better understanding between diverse nationalities and strengthen intercultural understanding”.  Poor language skills can cause companies to lose international contracts and hinder expansion into foreign markets.  

If you are still not convinced, here are four reasons why speaking a foreign language can boost your career and enhance your life.

Competitive Edge

Knowing a second or third language will definitely boost your marketability and provide a competitive advantage over other candidates.  Globalisation and advancements in technology open doors to doing business with foreign partners.  Thus, potential employers often have a preference for employees with multiple languages, to help realise their ambition of globalising their businesses.  Furthermore, with people having more and more academic degrees under their belts, the only way to differentiate yourself from the other candidates is knowing a foreign language.  If employers know that you took the effort to learn different languages, they would be more likely to hire you for your unique talent, initiative and versatility.

Improved Work Performance

Research reveals that employees who can speak a foreign language often feel more confident in their work and interaction with teams, partners, customers and vendors.  This is especially so in the hospitality, retail, communication and food & beverage industries.  Work performance may be affected if you don’t speak the language of your team.  You may feel ostracised or out of place, and it will be difficult to build rapport and trust with your colleagues.  Thus, knowing the language of the majority will make you feel more comfortable and can help you and your colleagues to understand each other better.  

Knowing a foreign language can also save you time and costs in translating foreign documents.  It is reported that employees spend an average of more than three hours a week translating documents into the local language. Or spending hundreds of dollars getting an accredited translator to provide a certified translation of the document.  Not only that, lots of time is also spent on resolving problems caused by miscommunication and misunderstanding between employees and other stakeholders locally or internationally. Lack of understanding in a different language as well as culture can cause loss of contracts or opportunities for your businesses.  Knowing the local language is vital to succeeding in foreign markets because language is the connection towards understanding people’s culture and way of life.  Hiring a local translator may not do justice to your company as the translator may not have your company’s best interests at heart.  Your multilingualism can ensure that you deliver or understand every message clearly and accurately, which will definitely benefit you and your company.

Fostering Intercultural Understanding

Being able to speak a foreign language transcends two-way conversation and written communication.  It will help you to relate to diverse cultures in a more amiable or amicable manner.  This skill helps to break down barriers and allows you to build cordial relationships not only in business but also socially and personally.  This can propel you towards career advancement as well as personal development.  Working in a multi-racial country like Singapore or a U.S. state like New York, you need to be able to relate to different races and cultures like Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian, European and American.  Not able to relate or communicate well with these diverse groups of people can negatively impact your work and professional experience.

Possibility of Becoming a Global Employee

Many companies nowadays have globalised their businesses and set up bases in foreign countries.  Having a foreign language opens up opportunities for you to be a global employee.  Although there are many challenges in being away from your home country, working in different countries can reward you with many exciting adventures and lucrative career prospects.

Furthermore, if you are sent overseas by your company for a certain job, you will definitely feel out of place in the office if you cannot speak the language.  Not only that, getting around in the country - buying groceries, getting a haircut, doing bank transactions, using transportation, etc., will be a nightmare.  You may even get cheated and ‘bullied’, especially if the majority of the residents in that country do not speak a common language like English or if you are not the street-smart type.  Residents of a country tend to respect more those foreigners who speak their language compared to those who don’t.

To summarise, languages are not just a fancy hobby but are actually an important route towards success.  It is one of the 21st century competencies that the future workforce needs to have.  So, go on, pick up a foreign language because being a polyglot (a multilingual person) will surely help you to succeed in both your career and your social life.

WUP 31/10/2019
by Hanna Abdelwahab
© Wittenborg University Press

International students integrating in the Netherlands

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-s-new-buddy-system-create-comfort-zone-international-students-netherlands.htm

As part of the LONKT project, the idea was instigated by our Student Career & External Relations Coordinator, Sanne de Jong, for the benefit of our International students, to help them integrate and network with the local Aventus students. Sanne says, “Sometimes international students are very introvert or even confused about how to associate with the local people, so our buddy system speed-dating program will help to break that shyness and build relationships within the local society”.

Buddy System Speed-Dating

The purpose of the programme is to minimise the primary hesitation and doubts of new students arriving in the Netherlands. For some International students, Dutch culture is completely opposite to their own culture. After the students arrive at Wittenborg, they are invited for the speed-dating program along with other local students from different institutions. Meanwhile, current students are also invited if they are willing to make friends among the new students. During the speed-dating session, all the students mingle and exchange their contacts, answering questions about their own countries, and even get tips and pointers to resources like good departmental stores, public transport, libraries, etc.

One of Wittenborg’s student ambassadors, Kavinga from Sri Lanka, says, “I strongly support this programme especially for new students, since through this new students can collect information about study, part-time jobs and life in general from a local perspective”.

As an International student himself, Francis Uzoma Odoemenam from Nigeria says, “It is always a little bit difficult at the beginning to adapt yourself into a new environment in a new country.” For Francis, the whole buddy system speed-dating was a good initiative, as there were people from various cultures sharing their own cultural differences. Francis says, “Buying a bicycle can be a struggle in a new country, and after my speed-dating session one of the students helped me to buy a bicycle”. He was surprised to see that all the students are so friendly and so eager to help each other.

WUP 29/10/2019
by Sonia Rahman
©Wittenborg University Press

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