Wittenborg to re-locate its Austrian study location to International Tourism Management College (ITM) in Bad Vöslau

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wuas-re-locate-its-austrian-location-new-partner-itm-bad-voslau.htm

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has recently signed a memorandum of cooperation with the International Tourism Management College (ITM), which is situated 30 minutes from downtown Vienna, Austria in a spa resort town called Bad Vöslau. The college, known as ITM, is an Austrian government accredited College, that offers programmes in the fields of business hospitality and tourism.

Bachelor's Final Year in Hospitality Management

The cooperation agreement sees WUAS appointing ITM as its delivery partner for the final year of its bachelor's in international business administration pathway in hospitality management. The programme, is an intensive 90 EC credit top-up degree, that enables ITM students and other college students to gain a full bachelor’s degree. ITM is unique as it offers its state Austrian curriculum in English, specifically to a wide range of international students.

Re-location

WUAS has now moved its relatively small bachelor's operations from Vienna, where it has been operating since 2016, to ITM in Bad Vöslau from the coming academic year, and is accepting applications into the final year, though its partner

Conference Hotel

ITM is located within a conference hotel, enjoying space and facilities to grow its school, whilst its teachers and students have access to a busy ‘working hotel’ surrounding them. ITM’s facilities allow students to gain a professional experience whilst following their academic studies, however the main work placement is often completed in world renowned hotels and restaurants in and around Vienna.

Bad Vöslau

Bad Vöslau is renowned for its water, the spa resorts and its own famous brand of drinking mineral water. It is situated in the centre of the Austrian wine growing region, and is well known for its special restaurants that serve local food and the best wines of the region.
 
WUAS hopes that the new partnership with ITM will also allow its Netherlands based students to continue to have the opportunity to spend a period of time studying in Austria, whilst giving the students who started their studies at ITM, the possibility to continue after graduation in the Netherlands.

Masters

WUAS hopes also to offer its joint University of Brighton Masters, in hospitality, tourism and event management in Austria, however according to WUAS’ partnerships office, going ahead with this depends on the outcome of Brexit.
 
An overview of the top-up programme can be found here.

WUP 10/12/2019
by James Wittenborg
©Wittenborg University Press

"Universities of Applied Sciences Must Become as Attractive as Research Universities"

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-welcomes-proposal-professional-doctorate.htm

Wittenborg has welcomed a proposal from Dutch institutions of higher education that students at universities of applied sciences should also be given the opportunity to do PhDs and not only those at research universities.

The idea of a "professional doctorate" for universities of applied sciences was put forward in a position paper by the Association for Dutch Universities (VSNU) and the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (Vereniging Hogescholen- VH). The two organisations represent 14 universities and 36 universities of applied sciences (hogescholen).

Wittenborg's chair of the executive board, Peter Birdsall, said Wittenborg had already started discussions about gaining PhD-awarding powers with the previous Dutch minister of Higher Education, Culture and Science, Jet Bussemaker. In the meantime, it has started offering
3-4 year PhD research degrees together with its UK partner, the University of Brighton. Students study at Wittenborg in Apeldoorn, and have two supervisors, one from the University of Brighton and one from Wittenborg. The PhD degree is awarded by the University of Brighton.

The position paper also argues in favour of more master's programmes being offered at universities of applied sciences. While research universities continue to grow - partly thanks to the high number of international students - a decline in growth is expected for universities of applied sciences over the next 10 years, the Dutch daily NRC reports. Research universities also offer more English programmes than universities of applied sciences. "We want universities of applied sciences to be as attractive to students as research universities," the chairman of VSNU, Pieter Duisenberg, told the paper.

According to the position paper, several universities of applied sciences have already indicated they would be interested in offering professional doctorates. However, it warned that the funding of this so-called "third cycle" of education should not be to the detriment of existing education and research budgets.

WUP 10/10/2019
by James Wittenborg
© Wittenborg University Press

West African Students Impress with Vast Knowledge on Cocoa Industry

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-students-flex-debate-muscles-against-american-students.htm

Students from Wittenborg Amsterdam showed off their debating skills against a group of American students who are on a short-term, study-abroad programme at the University of Amsterdam and the Vrije Universiteit.

The topic of debate was the use of child labour in the cocoa industry and stakeholder responsibility. Students were divided into groups, representing different stakeholders  – farmers, corporate companies, NGOs, consumers, social entrepreneurs, as well as the governments of Ivory Coast and Ghana – the two top cocoa-producing countries in the world.

Wittenborg senior admission officer, Amy Abdou, said: “Each team had 20 minutes to brainstorm their main talking points. The discussion was greatly enriched by the participation of students from West Africa who had a deeper knowledge of the issues surrounding the industry. We started from the perspective that human rights should be respected in the cocoa industry but asked the question: How will we get there? After 20 minutes of discussion, the teams reconvened and participated in a debate. We agreed that for all stakeholders, including corporations who run a reputation risk, the current system is unsustainable.

“As we focused on solutions, the debate shifted towards investment in infrastructure within the countries where cocoa is grown, to allow them to benefit from a larger share of the profits associated with refinement. Other solutions included greater transparency within the industry, respect for human rights, NGO auditing as opposed to corporations auditing themselves, and an overall greater awareness among consumers to support Fair Trade.”

Afterwards, students from both universities had a chance to socialise and network over refreshments in the canteen. All agreed it was a fruitful discussion and a great opportunity for students to showcase their talents.

 

Abdou, who organised the event, remarked: “Wittenborg has a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives within our student population. That is a significant form of capital that we can share with other universities. We look forward to organising more of these types of collaborations in the future.”

The discussion also touched on the broader issues of sustainability in global commodity chains and the ethical exportation of raw materials from underdeveloped countries. This is the first time students from Wittenborg's Amsterdam campus welcome a group of their peers for an academic debate. Abdou said she hopes this event sparks more engagement with students from surrounding universities who are engaging with issues connected to sustainability and corporate governance.

WUP 8/10/2019
by James Wittenborg
© Wittenborg University Press

New Group Represents 14 Different Countries

Event management is proving the most popular programme among new MSc students, who will start their classes at Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences on Monday, following an intense few days of Introduction Week activities, together with the new intake of HBA (Hospitality Business Administration) students.

More than half of them will do a Master in International Event Management. All Wittenborg's Master in International Management (MSc) programmes as well as the HBA double degree programme are offered jointly with the University of Brighton. Together, the two groups represent 14 different countries - Germany, Nigeria, Vietnam, Luxembourg, Turkey, Spain, India, the Netherlands, China, Austria, India, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Italy and Ukraine.

The Introduction Week programme was designed to give students the necessary information and tools to get a good start at Wittenborg, and to learn about the policies and procedures, as well as the online and offline resources at Brighton.

Top Lecturers

Representing Brighton was Dr Michael Williams, Brighton's partner liaison tutor. Williams teaches across the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in event management at the university’s Eastbourne campus and at Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences, one of the school’s partner institutions.

Prior to joining the University of Brighton, Williams was responsible for managing the festival programme at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. He has also previously worked as Events Manager for the Harrogate International Festival and the Wiltshire Festival.

Each of the MSc modules is taught by two lecturers, one from the University of Brighton and one from Wittenborg University. The programme can be followed either part-time or full-time.

"We Want you to be Employable"

Williams told students that juggling multiple responsibilities is "part of the deal" - this might include working, studying, commuting, and family obligations. Therefore, good time management will be essential. "But there are different things you can do to help manage the work load. Things such as planning, prioritising tasks, and not leaving assignments to the last minute 'because I work best under the pressure'.

"After your studies we want you to be innovative, creative, informed, skilled, strategic and critical, professional and employable."

WUP 6/10/2019
by James Wittenborg
©Wittenborg University Press

Wittenborg spent the day in Moscow to celebrate 10 years of Nuffic Neso Russia, and strengthen ties with Russian partners.

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-moscow-celebrate-10-years-nuffic-neso-russia.htm

Wittenborg helps Neso Russia celebrate its 10th anniversary in Moscow, whilst strengthening ties with its partners in Moscow.
 
Yesterday saw around 15 Dutch research and applied science universities join the Nuffic in Moscow to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Netherlands Education Support Office (Neso) in Moscow.

RANEPA

Wittenborg's President Peter Birdsall was joined in Moscow by its Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor Dr Ron Tuninga and International Partnerships Manager, Lena Vandenbosch, and before the Nuffic event the team already made good partnership relations with the MBA programme at RANEPA (Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration), a triple crown accredited university.

Nuffic at the Financial University

Yesterday's event was started at the Financial University, with whom WUAS has a partner agreement, where a Russian-Dutch Higher Education Forum was held. In the afternoon, some of the Dutch institutes attended an Erasmus+ fair for student mobility staged at the Financial University, which this year also celebrates its 100th year anniversary.

Wittenborg neighbour, Saxion's head of the international office, gave an overview of Dutch Higher Education, following on from the review of the Russian Higher Education Landscape by Olga Oleynikova, director of the Erasmus+ programme in Russia.

During the forum, Nuffic director general, Freddy Weima could not avoid spending a moment to highlight the current Dutch government policy regarding funding for the Nuffic and its Neso's, that are all threatened with closure. He received much support from all the Dutch universities present at the event.

Nuffic event continues at the Higher School of Economics and then gets less formal with a relaxed reception to enjoy 10 years of Neso's success

During the afternoon sessions, at the Higher School of Economics, Dutch and Russian academics discussed entrepreneurship in higher education, and digitalization as a strategy.

The day ended with a reception that saw members of the Neso Moscow team, led by their current director Jerke Verschoor, look back on a successful 10 years of partnership building between Dutch and Russian higher education institutions. He was supported by the first director of Neso Moscow Charles Hoedt (now at Neso Beijing), the Dutch Ambassador in Russia and Nuffic's director general Freddy Weima, who took to the stage to perform, singing with a local rock band led by a former student who had studied his PhD in the Netherlands.

According to Wittenborg's President, Peter Birdsall, "the Russian partners cannot believe that the Dutch government is planning to scale back its Neso operations, and actually even the Dutch embassy representatives didn't seem aware of what is possibly planned. I think overall the Neso has to be credited for its promotion of bi-lateral partnerships, and that the notion of closing the Neso in order to reduce the numbers of international students in the Netherlands should really be re-assessed by the government."

WUP 4/10/2019
by James Wittenborg
© Wittenborg University Press

Students Hear How 120-year-old Dutch Company Stays Competitive in Modern Times

https://www.wittenborg.eu/export-manager-royal-talens-inspires-students-unique-sales-approach.htm

Wittenborg students heard how a simple shift in communication led to phenomenal growth at an international company based in Apeldoorn, Royal Talens, which is celebrating its 120th birthday this week. The company specialises in producing paint for fine art around the world and also hobby materials.

Royal Talens’ export manager, Andries Grul, told students that a few years ago he started having quick meetings every single morning with all his staff face-to-face as well as weekly meetings and checking up on their well-being. A month later sales started increasing -  and growing ever since. Grul was the guest speaker for IBA students on the topic of Change Management in Corporate Entrepreneurship on Monday. "We want to get the best service for our customers, so those daily meetings paint a good picture to everyone about what's going on, why there are delays and how to fix them. The meetings range from 5 minutes to 55 minutes. In the beginning some people were really annoyed because they can be time-consuming, but in the long-run we saw the benefits. And more importantly, the customer gets the best service. We also don't speak of 'customers', but rather refer to them as 'business partners'."

Brush with Fame

Royal Talens provided all the paint for the Oscar-nominated movie, Loving Vincent – an animation about Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, and the world’s first fully painted feature film.

Grul delighted students with the story behind how this brush with fame came about, saying they had no idea their paint was being used for the movie until they started noticing sales for their “Van Gogh” oil paint soaring. “The director of the movie said of all the paints they tested, ours was the best for the purposes of the movie – especially the yellow.” The colour yellow features prominently in Van Gogh’s paintings.

Aside from the movie, Royal Talens has over the years provided paint for lots of famous artists, like Damian Hirst and many members of the Dutch Royal family.

Keeping customers satisfied stands at the core of Royal Talens’ success, Grul said, explaining how relations with customers are kept intact and making sure they excel in service delivery.

Social Media

It may be 120 years old, but Royal Talens is also moving with the times. Grul said social media is growing part of their marketing strategy. “We do for instance use influencers. Many artists have huge followings on social media. Some of them also act as our ambassadors.” Asked whether the company pays influencers to promote them, he said: “Yes, but not in money.”

WUP 2/19/2019
by Anesca Smith
©Wittenborg University Press

New Student? Don't Make these Common First-Year Mistakes

https://www.wittenborg.eu/surviving-your-first-year-wittenborg-student.htm

With its unique rolling entry system, Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences welcomes a new group of students every few weeks. So how do you overcome all the jitters of a newcomer to Wittenborg?

Firstly, it doesn’t really matter what you did or have achieved in high school, as college life is definitely different. It is good to know that you start college or university life with a clean academic slate. From now on, whatever will be written on that slate depends very much on you and your own commitments.  So brace yourself and set your targets and priorities right.

Get Familiar with Wittenborg's Online Resources

Ensure that you know how to use Wittenborg’s online resource page, because everything that relates to your studies is available there - from your course modules, timetables, exam registrations, results, to students’ handbook and many other online resources.  Make sure you enrol in each module that you are taking and register for your exams early.  Read the student handbook for tips on getting your BSN number, residence permit cards, student insurance, university doctor and dentist, and many other important details that can assist you to settle in the Netherlands better.

Know your Modules

Enrol in your course modules early and download all necessary resources before class.  Trust me, doing it early really helps you to keep tabs on your progress.  Don’t wait until one or two weeks before exams to go through the resources.  It will be too late.  Read up in advance whatever books, case studies or reference materials are provided in the course and as instructed by the tutors.  Reading in advance will help you to understand the lessons better and will better prepare you for class discussions or group work.  There is a lot of reading, so start early.

Manage your Time

Organise your time wisely.  Set aside at least 2 hours per day to review your lessons or to catch up on your reading.  I know it is hard to sit down to read or tackle homework at night, especially if you have class until 5pm.  But, try as best as you can.  Have a nice dinner and rest for 1 or 2 hours before hitting the books.  I know there is a tendency for us to watch YouTube clips or browse our social media platforms and generally turn our body to relax mode. Don’t.  You have to persevere and be consistent to avoid assignment meltdowns.

Attend All Classes - Yes, Really

I cannot stress enough the importance of attending all classes.  Do not miss any class even if you think the class is boring or that you have already studied the module before (in the case of those taking their master's).  Nothing is useless.  There is always something new to learn.  Take advantage of the class time to gain knowledge from your learned and experienced lecturers and tutors, as well as classmates from different backgrounds and countries. There are quite a few lecturers (and students) at Wittenborg who have field experience in the business and corporate world, so you will definitely get current and up-to-date information.  Don’t miss it.

Avoid absences unless you are sick. No doubt you may have part-time jobs but take heed that your studies should take priority.  Repeating exams or a college year should not be in your agenda.  Take care of tardiness (late-coming) too.  Firstly, it is rude and distracting to come late when your lecturer is already teaching in the classroom.  Secondly, you might have missed important information or discussions.

Avoid Distractions and Participate in Discussions

Put your phone to silent mode and avoid checking on your mobile for FB or WhatsApp messages.  Students also have the tendency to bring their laptops to class and start browsing the internet.  Some even engage in online shopping during class.  Abstaining from doing all these will not only show your respect for the lecturer but will benefit you in the long run.  Do not attend class just for attendance's sake, but attend class for knowledge's sake.  Participate in all class and group discussions.  It will lead to better understanding of the lessons or topics and helps to trash out any misconceptions.

Understand the Different Type of Exams

Be aware of the type of examination you will take, whether Type 1 or Type 2, whether written exams, open-book exams, presentations, research papers or essays.  Knowing the type of exams is pertinent because for some exams you have to make a really early head start.  Take heed of all instructions and rules with regards to exams and classes.  They are pertinent to doing things right and a remedy for anxieties and headaches.  Some students miss exam dates or forget to submit forms due to their own negligence and lack of care.  Avoid this.  Keep in contact with your classmates and remind each other of deadlines and regulations.  This will really help you with a smooth transition during your first few blocks and exams.

Ask if Unsure

Do not feel embarrassed to ask if you do not know anything.  The administrative office is just a few steps away and they are always willing to assist you.  Get to know your academic supervisor or professors and make appointments with them to discuss any issues you’re facing.  If you feel overwhelmed or stressed out, or if you have anxiety attacks, seek help.  Talk to a friend or your supervisor.  Just remember, you’re not alone and you’re not the only one facing these challenges.

Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle

Don’t be so over anxious that you forget to take time off.  Have a balance in your day-to-day activities.  Enjoy a few hours per week of fun activities - sports, walking, playing games, cooking, shopping or just lazing on the grass in the park.  Avoid a sedentary lifestyle.  Be active and get involved with the activities organised on campus or off campus.  Build up connections and indulwa d wd ge in useful activities.  Who knows?  These may benefit you in the future.

WUP 30/9/2019
by Hanna Abdelwahab
©Wittenborg University Press

Host Country for ICEF and EAIE, Finland, Frequently Ranked as World's Best in Education

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-icef-and-eaie-new-munich-partner-nec.htm

Wittenborg was joined by its new partner from Munich, the New European College (NEC), at the 13th edition of the ICEF Higher Education Workshop held in Helsinki, Finland, this weekend where they met a range of student recruitment agents from around the world.

As  per usual, the ICEF event takes place  shortly before the 2019 EAIE Conference and Exhibition - from 24 - 27 September - which is also held in Helsinki, allowing educators to attend both events.

At ICEF, Wittenborg was represented the chair of the executive, Peter Birdsall, while NEC was represented by its managing director, Sascha Liebhardt. At the EAIE conference, Birdsall was joined by senior admission officer, Florian Oosterberg, who has just been announced as Wittenborg's new Student Registrar from 1 December 2019.

Recruitment Agents' Crucial Role in Growth of HE Sector

Agents continue to play a crucial role in the growth of the higher education sector, representing institutions in their markets and providing culturally aware counselling to students and their families. Agents also monitor enrolment criteria, streamlining the entire process, ICEF said on its website.

"(The event) provides a targeted opportunity for international tertiary institutions, selected higher education-focused agents, and relevant service providers to hold pre-scheduled, one-to-one business meetings effectively and efficiently."

Agents from All Over the World

Birdsall said: "There were agents attending the 2-day workshop from countries as far as El Salvador and Vietnam who all travelled to Finland for the event. These agents specialise in sending students to universities and colleges to study abroad. They also narrow it down to particular areas of higher education - for instance, you would have agents who specialise in Nordic countries or only the Benelux and Germany."

EAIE Promotes Inclusivity and Diversity

The 31st Annual EAIE Conference and Exhibition focuses on internationalisation. Finland is a frontrunner in education - frequently ranked the best in the world. The theme of the conference is  "Encompassing all voices", which will promote the idea of inclusion, not excluding those who might otherwise be marginalised, providing equal access to high-quality learning, and seeking out and incorporating divergent viewpoints into policy and practice.

WUP 28/9/2019
by James Wittenborg
©Wittenborg University Press

Wittenborg Amsterdam Students Mix with Politicians and Entrepreneurs at Freezone Festival

https://www.wittenborg.eu/major-development-area-around-wittenborg-amsterdam.htm

Students from Wittenborg Amsterdam attended the Freezone Festival this weekend in Amstel III - the site of a major city development project in east Amsterdam. Students were able to meet and engage with local entrepreneurs and politicians during the event, which described the exciting changes planned for the area in the coming years.

The City of Amsterdam plans to transform the neighbourhood, currently dominated by offices, into a residential and working area that combines living, working, shopping, education and facilities in a lively city district with a park-like environment. The development would require accessible infrastructure and good, quality public spaces like bicycle and pedestrian routes, more green areas and space for sport and recreation.

According to Wittenborg senior lecturer Amy Abdou, students were excited to learn about these developments and meet the local movers and shakers behind the scenes. Four large apartment complexes will be built in the vicinity with room for restaurants, bars, community meeting spaces and a new park.

"Students could also enter a lottery where the main prize was one year, rent-free accommodation in one of the first housing units to be delivered in 2022," Abdou said. "Overall it was a great opportunity for Wittenborg to connect with our community. We look forward to being a part of these transformations in the coming years.

"Around 5,000 homes will be built here by 2027. The ambition is to grow by 2040 into a city district with 15,000 homes. The housing supply in the area is becoming very diverse, and varies from owner-occupied housing to social and rental housing in the middle and upper segment. The apartments in KARSP - the first office to be transformed into living spaces - range in size from 55 m2 to 80 m2 and are equipped with modern bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens. The houses are developed with various energy-saving technologies, solar cells and a natural roof, which means that the houses can be delivered with an A +++ energy label. KARSP will be provided with a closed parking garage and a bicycle shed under the houses for residents only. The project is five minutes by bike from Wittenborg's Amsterdam Campus."

WUP 27/9/2019
by James Wittenborg
©Wittenborg University Press

FIBAA Accreditation Panel Impressed with Support for Students

https://www.wittenborg.eu/good-news-wittenborgs-mba-programme-accredited-another-7-years.htm

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences' Master of Business Administration programme has just been re-accredited for the next 7 years by the German, Austrian, Swiss accrediting body FIBAA.  In its report, FIBAA was particularly impressed with how Wittenborg prepares its students for the challenges in an international working environment.

Admission Department and Faculty Exceed Quality Requirements

It singled out the admissions department and the faculty for the support it provides to students, saying counselling for prospective students exceeds quality requirements. "Student support is an integral part of the services provided by the faculty. Faculty members are also available to students outside the specified office hours. Students are 'fully content' with the support they receive. The team of experts were particularly positive about the whole student support - especially by the process tutors and academic supervisors."

Rolling Intake a Clear Advantage for International Students

The report also calls Wittenborg's rolling intake throughout the year a "specialty and clear advantage". "The block structure and the curriculum design make it possible to start at various times during the academic year. Especially with students coming from so many different countries, this is a very unique and student-friendly situation which was very much appreciated by WUAS students during our on-site visit."

Not Just a Student Number

The MBA programme also exceeded quality requirements in terms of its positioning within the institution's overall strategic concept, the report reads. "There are few master's programmes in the Netherlands with a rolling entry throughout the year, offering a very competitive position compared to similar programmes. There are (also) very few programmes in the Netherlands embedded in a completely English-speaking and culturally diverse environment like the MBA at WUAS. In addition, the small size of the institute allows students in the MBA programme to feel that they are individuals who are part of a fine academic community, rather than being just a student number within a large and impersonal university.

Partnership with Brighton University Brings Wealth of Experience and Professionalism

"WUAS counters the disadvantages of (its) small size with its strong, strategic partnership with the University of Brighton, giving access to a range of online resources, for example, and a pool of external lecturers from the UK, that bring a wealth of experience and professionalism to the institute and hence to the MBA programme."

The FIBAA panel cited Wittenborg's internationality as its main and driving characteristic. "From figures obtained by Nuffic, in percentage of student body WUAS is the most international higher education institute in the Netherlands.

"WUAS is a small university, and the international mix of its students and staff has a fundamental impact on its functioning, the content of its programmes, learning materials, the discussions and debates, its teaching methods, on its ethics and its ability to absorb intercultural differences and allow its students and staff to flourish and achieve. An international focus is encouraged in all modules and international reflection stimulated throughout the modules."

On Wittenborg's efforts to ensure its students' employability, the report reads: "The promotion of employability in various work areas by the students runs as a common thread of the study programme through all its modules."

Recommends Larger Stock of Books for Library

One of its recommendations to Wittenborg, though, was to enlarge its stock for the books required by the modules. "During the on-site assessment, the team of experts was able to determine that some of the recommended textbooks are not actually available in the library. The team considers that the students should have direct access to the recommended books."

WUP 26/9/2019
by Anesca Smith
© Wittenborg University Press