Wittenborg’s 2026 Summer School Edition Blends AI, Leadership and Dutch Experiences
Wittenborg’s 2026 Summer School Edition Blends AI, Leadership and Dutch Experiences
Wittenborg’s 2026 Summer School Edition Blends AI, Leadership and Dutch Experiences
International Students Discover Leadership, AI and Dutch Culture in Two Weeks
Bringing together 15 students from six countries, Wittenborg’s 2026 Summer School offered a two-week experience combining academic learning, cultural exploration and international exchange.
From 13 to 24 July, the Summer School programme focused on Leadership and Marketing in the Era of AI, giving students the opportunity to explore digital marketing, artificial intelligence, leadership, communication and teamwork while experiencing life in the Netherlands.
Students from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, Czechia, Romania and Georgia took part in interactive workshops, group activities and cultural excursions designed to develop both professional skills and personal confidence.
Learning Leadership in an International Environment
During the programme, students explored the changing role of leadership in today’s multicultural workplaces. Sessions covered leadership styles and strategies, decision-making, change management, conflict resolution, communication and building professional networks.
Menekşe Onbaşı, who facilitated the leadership sessions, encouraged students to look beyond traditional ideas of leadership.
“Leadership is not simply about authority or making decisions,” she explained. “Effective leadership also requires self-awareness, communication, empathy, adaptability, the ability to work with difference and the capacity to transform conflict into dialogue and collaboration.”
Through experiential learning activities, teamwork exercises and reflective discussions, students were able to practise leadership skills in real-life situations.
“The most rewarding part was watching students from different countries, cultures and backgrounds gradually become a group,” says Onbaşı. “They were not simply discussing what it means to lead a diverse team. They were experiencing it.”
Exploring AI, Marketing and the Digital World
The first week focused on marketing in the era of digital transformation and AI. Students explored topics including digital marketing campaigns, digital cultures, consumer behaviour, digital platforms, ethical considerations in marketing and the role of artificial intelligence.
The programme also highlighted the importance of understanding how technology influences businesses, consumers and future workplaces.
Alongside academic sessions, students participated in workshops focused on intercultural competence, communication and working effectively in diverse teams.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
A key part of the Wittenborg Summer School experience was exploring the Netherlands beyond the classroom. Students visited Dutch cities including Apeldoorn, Deventer, Utrecht and The Hague, while also experiencing local culture through activities such as a canal tour, a visit to Paleis Het Loo, Madurodam, bowling, laser tag and a farewell dinner.
Allegra Zazzaro, Digital Content & Community Administrator, helped coordinate the programme and highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for students to connect outside formal learning spaces.
“This year, students had the chance to experience much more than just a classroom environment,” she says. “They explored a variety of international cuisines, visited Dutch cities and took part in activities that helped them connect, exchange cultures and create memories together.”
Students Share Their Summer School Experiences
Hubert Vacha from Czechia enjoyed the balance between academic learning and social activities.
“I probably liked the after-school activities the most, where we played together, went for laser tag or bowling,” he says.
Reflecting on the learning environment, he added: “Everybody is included in the activities, and there’s no one left out.”
For Business Administration student Natali Tsulaia from Georgia, the programme created lasting memories.
“My favourite courses were with the lecturer Menekşe. I also liked all of the activities. It was very fun and interesting,” she says.
She also enjoyed discovering the Netherlands for the first time.
“The Netherlands is amazing. The people here are very communicative and nice. Almost everyone speaks English perfectly. They help you with everything, and it’s a lot of fun to live here.”
Computer Science student Lado Megrelidze, also from Georgia, appreciated the opportunity to experience a different environment.
“The Netherlands is a different level. Apeldoorn is a very quiet city. It’s very clean. There are so many bicycles and not a lot of cars.”
Returning student Mariami Kutubidze highlighted the welcoming atmosphere as one of the reasons she came back.
“I love the staff so much. I missed them this year, and the whole environment is really positive.”
The Wittenborg Summer School 2026 Edition showed how combining academic learning with cultural experiences can create meaningful opportunities for students to develop new skills, build confidence and form international connections.
WUP 29/07/2026
by Erene Roux
©WUAS Press
Tags
#Internationalisation
#internationalstudent
#Diversity
#apeldoorn
#SDG4: Quality Education
#GRT3: Cultural Exchange
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