Almost 80 Prospective Students from around World Tune in for Online Session

https://www.wittenborg.eu/first-online-open-day-resounding-success.htm

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences' first ever online Open Day was a resounding success this week with almost 80 prospective students from around the world checking in to participate in the 3-hour session. Attendees were from cities and countries as diverse as London, Nigeria, Indonesia, Georgia, Abu Dhabi, Zambia, Bangladesh, Iran, Dubai, Muscat, Syria and a few South American countries.

The session, led by Wittenborg Student Registrar Florian Oosterberg, was marked by a distinct tone of optimism from prospective students, despite the upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Oosterberg was assisted by Wittenborg's Manager of Admissions and External Relations, Yanti Setiawan. Current MBA student Fisayo Olajide helped answer prospective students' questions, along with bachelor's degree students Aleksandre Meparidze and Allegra Zazzaro.

Oosterberg and Setiawan gave a comprehensive information session on Wittenborg, how it was founded, which programmes are on offer, admission requirements and fees. They also addressed concerns about how COVID-19 might affect admission requirements, such as proof of proficiency in English, and students were eager to know when borders will be opened again for travel.

Usually Wittenborg's Open Days are held at its locations in Apeldoorn and Amsterdam, but they have now also been moved online like all of the university's classes in line with advice from the Dutch government.

Oosterberg said she was "really pleased" with the number of people who joined and enthusiastically participated with lots of great questions about studying at Wittenborg for the almost 3-hour session. "We try to maintain a personal approach to every student and were happy to see how they also connected with each other." Some of the participants have formed a WhatsApp group to stay in touch and share their journey towards studying in the Netherlands.

Olajide shared his experience of being an MBA student at Wittenborg Amsterdam. "I am doing an MBA in Finance and find Amsterdam a really suitable city for that given that it offers lots of practical experience. The Amsterdam campus is 5 minutes from my apartment and about 7 minutes from the closest Metro station. Not to mention that it is very close to the home of Ajax football club, the Johan Cruijff Stadium.

"I also like the fact that at Wittenborg knowledge is not just dumped on you. You get the chance to really interact with lecturers and classmates about the topics covered. Lecturers are also eager to make sure you expand your network and want to see you succeed."

Meparidze said students have to keep in mind that Wittenborg has an attendance rule of 80% for classes – which usually do not exceed more than 25 students. "This is to ensure the quality of education." He also explained some of the exam rules and regulations."

WUP 3/5/2020
by James Wittenborg
©WUAS Press