International Food & Karaoke Night Brings Students Together

International Food & Karaoke Night Brings Students Together

On 12 March, Wittenborg’s Amsterdam study location hosted a lively International Food & Karaoke Night, organised by the student-led event committee. The evening brought together students, staff and lecturers for a relaxed night of food and music.

Nikita Pahwa, Assistant Professor of Applied Sciences, also took the stage to sing, saying, “We had a lot of fun!”, adding that the event was a great way to bring people together through food and music.

Participants made dishes from their home countries, including Türkiye, Iran, Russia, India and the Netherlands, creating a diverse spread of international flavours. “What stood out to me the most was learning about the stories behind the food people brought,” said Rohan David, Customer Relations & Support Office Assistant Intern. “Hearing why the dishes were special in their culture made the event even more meaningful.”

The karaoke session was a hit. Leila Keller, Wittenborg student and Head of the Event Committee, mentioned, “I am very happy with the outcome, I think people had fun and the food was gone fast.”

This event is just one of many organised by the Event Committee at Wittenborg’s Amsterdam study location over the past year. Previous events included ice skating, a scenic canal tour by boat, a Halloween party, and much more. The committee continues to bring students and staff together through a range of fun and engaging activities.

The International Food & Karaoke Night gave everyone the chance to bond over food, music and shared experiences. “The more the merrier,” Leila added, expressing her hope that future events will draw in even more people.

WUP 28/03/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg Welcomes Diverse Cohort for April 2025 Intake

Students from Over 14 Countries Begin Their Wittenborg Journey

As spring breathes new life into the Netherlands, Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has welcomed more than 80 new students for its April 2025 intake. These students will be pursuing their studies at Wittenborg's Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich study locations, representing over 14 different countries, including South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Türkiye, Egypt and more.

New students have enrolled in a variety of programmes, spanning Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Business Management (MBM) and Pre-Master courses. Their chosen specialisations reflect Wittenborg’s commitment to academic diversity, covering fields such as Data Analytics, International Management, Hospitality, Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship.

A Week of Orientation and Connection

To ensure a smooth transition into life as an international student, Wittenborg hosted a comprehensive Introduction Week across its study locations. Students engaged in essential sessions such as 'My Study Journey', providing them with insights into academic expectations, and an Exam Orientation, which familiarised them with Wittenborg’s assessment process. Workshops on academic skills, intercultural communication and ICT services were also offered to equip students with the necessary tools for success.

A unique highlight in Apeldoorn was the introduction to Wittenborg’s TikTok profile, where students are invited to contribute content and showcase their experiences as part of the school's community. Additionally, a Q&A session on legal registration and work placements provided valuable information on part-time job opportunities in the Netherlands. To round it off, students, faculty and staff came together for a Meet & Greet Lunch, creating an opportunity for networking and building new connections.

Stephen Orme, Head of Business Development and Operations at Wittenborg, delivered a heartfelt welcome to the new students during the lunch. Reflecting on his own experiences, he shared:

“Welcome to the Netherlands! I was just three years old when I came here, and I’ve spent my whole life working in higher education. It has been great to see so many students here, and the diversity is truly inspiring. This is very much the culture of Wittenborg."

Orme encouraged students to go out and connect with the Dutch, as there are many events happening at this time of year. "It’s a great time to arrive, so explore everything around you. You’re in the heart of the Netherlands—there is so much more to this country than just Amsterdam. It’s easy to travel from Apeldoorn to other places, and some of the smaller towns are really nice."

He added that while studying hard is important, exploring the local culture also brings benefits. "I encourage you to learn Dutch—it’s fun, useful, and not as difficult as everyone makes it out to be. And don’t worry, it’s not as dark outside anymore either. Eet smakelijk!”

Student Spotlight: Jasmine Shaw

Among the new students is Jasmine Shaw, from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, who is pursuing her Marketing Communication & Information (MCI) degree in Apeldoorn. Having previously lived in the Netherlands in 2019, Jasmine was eager to return—this time, as a student.

“I love Dutch people; they are very warm, friendly, and honest. That’s one of the reasons I came back. Wittenborg has been great so far—the staff have been really helpful, and I love my accommodation. The Introduction Week has been a lot to take in, but every single question I’ve had has been answered.”

With aspirations to work in digital media, Jasmine is excited about her academic journey at Wittenborg.

With six intakes per year, Wittenborg remains dedicated to offering flexibility for students to begin their studies

WUP 27/03/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press

From Albania to Kazakhstan: Wittenborg Connects with Students Worldwide

A Recap of Wittenborg’s Global Engagement in 2025

In February and March 2025, Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences attended various education fairs across Albania, the Baltics, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, meeting hundreds of prospective students interested in studying in the Netherlands.

Tirana, Albania

Kejsi Hoxha, Study Location & CRM Manager, represented Wittenborg in Tirana, Albania, on 21 February at the Open University Stands Day - Career Week, organised by Turgut Ozal Education Company.

More than 650 high school students visited the event, eager to explore their future study opportunities abroad. Hoxha engaged with students, answering their questions about Wittenborg’s different programmes and its international environment.

She said: "The purpose of this event is for high school students to be introduced to university opportunities on both a national and international level. By the end of the event, the final-year students should have identified at least 10 top universities they would like to attend after graduation."

When asked about the most enjoyable aspects of the event, Hoxha noted: "The students were really motivated. I liked how the event was organised."

Reflecting on the overall outcome, she shared: "Students are very keen to study abroad. The top countries they were interested in were the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Netherlands, with a noticeable increase in demand for the Netherlands compared to last year. What stood out to me was that most of the participating schools were offering business programmes, highlighting the strong interest among students in business degrees. Some of the most popular Wittenborg programmes were the MCI in AI & Cyber Security, IBA in Real Estate Management, and EBA in Entrepreneurship & FinTech."

When asked if she interacted with any interesting individuals or gained any key insights, Hoxha said: "I spoke with several students who were particularly interested in studying in the Netherlands, many of whom found Wittenborg’s programmes very appealing. Most of them had siblings studying in the Netherlands, which motivated them to join as well. However, their main concern was accommodation, and they were relieved to hear that we offer accommodation on-site."

The Baltics

Michael Sheppard, Recruitment & Sales Representative, and Marlon Birdsall, Customer Relations Administrator, travelled to the Baltics from 28 February to 2 March for Kalba’s Education and Career Fair 2025. They visited Riga, Latvia’s capital, and Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, meeting students at different stages of their educational journey.

Birdsall noted that the majority of students they met were between 16 and 18 years old, with some recent bachelor graduates also expressing interest in Wittenborg’s master's programmes.

Reflecting on the fair, Birdsall said:

"What I enjoyed the most was the facilities around the event, they were really good. We had the Scantact app, where we could scan students' QR codes and directly import the leads. In Lithuania, we met a lot of young students who would only start their studies in about two years. In Latvia, there were some really good students and interesting potential candidates." 

Central Asia

Mykhailo Huba, Regional Admissions Manager, represented Wittenborg at the Central Asia Education Fair in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 22 February, followed by the WoExpo Fair in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 26 February.

Sharing his experience, Huba provided unique insights into the cities he visited.

Astana, Kazakhstan

"Astana is a modern capital built just over 30 years ago. Located in the middle of the steppe, it experiences harsh winters, with temperatures dropping to -30°C. The city serves as a hub for work and study rather than leisure, offering a unique blend of Soviet-era influences without the propaganda. It is also home to Nursultan Nazarbayev University, the largest university in Central Asia."  

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

"Bishkek is a Soviet-era capital with architecture that has not aged well, as many buildings were originally designed to be temporary. However, it is a haven for gastro-tourism, offering some of the best and most affordable food in the region. Just outside the city, Issyk-Kul, a stunning high-altitude lake, provides an ideal destination for hiking." 

WUP 26/03/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg President Participates in PIE Live’s ‘Eurovision’ Session

The Pie LIVE Europe 2025 Gathers over 800 Higher Education Professionals in London

From 11 to 12 March, Wittenborg President Peter Birdsall participated in The PIE Live Europe 2025, an event that brought together in London over 800 higher education professionals representing nearly 400 institutions from 40 countries. The annual initiative is organised by The PIE, a news and events group dedicated to connecting the education sector and strengthening its networks. 

The programme included numerous presentations, workshops and lectures, along with networking activities. Additionally, business-to-business organisations and large educational agencies had the opportunity to set up stands to promote their services. 

One of the highlights of PIE Live this year was the EAIE Eurovision session, which included Birdsall representing the Netherlands, along with representatives from Germany, France, Switzerland, Ireland and Sweden. Each participant had four minutes to deliver their speech, focusing on the current state of international education in their respective countries. The audience voted for the best pitch, with Sweden taking first place.

In his speech, the Wittenborg president discussed the current political climate in the Netherlands, highlighting that the Dutch government is considering new legislation that could significantly restrict the influx of international students by limiting the number of English-language programmes at public universities. Creatively weaving the titles of past Eurovision hits into his pitch, Birdsall underscored the inconsistencies and risks posed by the proposed legislation and encouraged policymakers to embrace an open, global and liberal approach. 

“Last year I was invited to speak on a panel about the political situation in the Netherlands at PIE Live and this year they have changed the format to reflect a more relaxed approach through this idea of Eurovision. This allowed them to give space to people for updates on various things going on in international education in Europe,” he said.  

Birdsall concluded by praising the event’s atmosphere. “Participating in PIE is always a pleasure, as it allows us to meet up with people from the industry, including old and new friends. It’s an easy-going event, where the main focus is on networking.”

WUP 25/03/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press

Wittenborg Attends Busy Bees Project Meetings in Lleida, Spain

Initiative Seeks to Foster Digital and Green Transitions in Education and Industry

From 11 to 12 March, Wittenborg participated in a series of meetings organised by the Busy Bees project in Lleida, Spain. The school was represented by Associate Professor Vanessa de Oliveira Menezes and Project Administrator & Researcher Jian Liu.  

Sponsored by Erasmus+, Busy Bees involves partners from five European countries: Italy, Hungary, Spain, Turkey and the Netherlands. The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between higher education courses and market demands in topics such as digital and green marketing.  

The project seeks to develop a ‘Business Game Methodology for Twin Transition in Higher Education’, where student teams compete to create a solution based on a challenge posed by a company in their specific study sector. Simultaneously, the students will receive training on skills related to the two areas of the twin transition – digital and green competencies – to develop a solution for the company’s problem. 

The meetings were held at La Escola del Treball, a century-old public institution dedicated to education and professional training, and one of the project’s partners. During their time in Lleida, the Wittenborg researchers had the opportunity to observe how the Spanish partner conducted the kick-off of the pilot project. The same pilot project will be implemented at Wittenborg during the April Block’s Project Week. 

According to Associate Professor Vanessa de Oliveira Menezes, these meetings provide a valuable opportunity to gather up-to-date information, share experiences and build connections with other partners. "Participating in the Busy Bees project has been a very rewarding experience, and we are excited to bring the pilot project to the Netherlands next month. This initiative addresses pressing topics that will define the parameters for education and industry over the coming decades, and it’s great that Wittenborg is actively involved in this process,” she said.

WUP 24/03/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Celebrating All Things Whisky with Ben Birdsall at Apeldoorn Festival 

Birdsall Special Guest at Whisky Festival, Supporting a Good Cause

The Apeldoorn Whisky Festival, held on 1 and 2 March, was a memorable two-day event, with a standout moment for many whisky enthusiasts being the special guest appearance of author and artist Ben Birdsall. Known for his whisky-travel books Whisky Burn and Whiskey Burn (both published by Wittenborg Press), Ben brought a personal touch to the festival, sharing stories and signing copies of his books.

The festival was organised by the Yourright Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to helping people with disabilities engage in volunteer work abroad. Founders and organisers of the foundation and event, Nicole Schuijer and Branko Driessen, later said that it was a great success. "We enjoyed a wide range of special whiskies, a great atmosphere. Ben was there to promote and sign his beautiful whisky books, and his stories about whisky travels added an extra dimension to the festival. All proceeds from the sales were donated to the foundation."

Reflecting on his experience at the festival, Ben said that the location was something special. The Station Royaal in Apeldoorn, an old station café, provided a unique setting – thoughtfully arranged across two levels. With a carefully curated selection of whiskies from all over the world, the event offered attendees a chance to discover new favourites while enjoying the company of other like-minded people.

“It was a great atmosphere," he said. "And the selection of whiskies was fantastic, too. There was something for every whisky lover here.” 

Ben’s unique approach – travelling by classic Vespa to distilleries across Scotland and Ireland – also sparked many engaging conversations during the festival. “Writing about whisky and travel has really helped me connect with people beyond just tasting,” he explained. “It’s about sharing experiences and learning from each other’s journeys. And at this festival, I got to hear some amazing stories from attendees who had travelled to distilleries around the world.”

Ben also noted that a surprising number of people at the festival were motorbike and scooter enthusiasts. “A recurring theme was my 1970s Vespa 50 – how it handled long journeys, the mechanical quirks and, of course, how I navigated the ‘don’t drink and drive’ rule. That was an easy one – most distilleries offer drivers’ samples, miniature bottles to take home. In the evenings, I did my tastings outside my tent, which always drew in fellow campers for good conversation and shared experiences.”

The festival featured some exceptional whiskies, and Ben was able to sample a few rare bottlings. “I had the chance to taste some unique expressions – rare cask-strength whiskies and distillery exclusives that are almost impossible to find,” he said. “Those are the moments that really make whisky festivals special. It’s not just about buying whisky; it’s about the whole experience.”

What’s Next for Ben?

As for Ben, he’s already thinking about future whisky adventures. “I’m currently planning a trip to Japan to explore their whisky culture,” he revealed. “It’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit, and I’m excited to dive into the world of Japanese whisky. Of course, the challenge will be figuring out how to get my Vespa there!” 

WUP 20/03/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg Strengthens Presence in India and Sri Lanka

Michael Sheppard Attends ICEF South Asia and Visits Universities and Agencies

To strengthen Wittenborg’s position in India and Sri Lanka and continue attracting high-quality students from the region, Recruitment & Sales Representative Michael Sheppard attended a series of events in both countries from 6 to 22 February.

Sheppard began his trip by participating in ICEF South Asia, which brought together 250 universities and more than 300 student agents at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Goa. The event provided opportunities to connect with professionals from India, as well as other countries including Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

Next, the representative travelled to Bangalore, where he received a royal welcome from Brindavan College and spoke to 120 students, in a visit organised by the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Sheppard’s trip, which also included meetings with various student agencies, continued through Chennai, India, before concluding in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he visited York Graduate Campus.

“This was my third time visiting India, and what always amazes me is the diversity of the country. The people, the language, the culture, the geography: from the foothills of the Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan to the tropics of Goa, there is always something to impress you,” he said.  

According to Sheppard, the trip was a resounding success. “From strengthening agency partnerships at ICEF to personalised agent visits in multiple cities, as well as opportunities to meet with students at prestigious universities, this trip provided diverse opportunities to engage with the South Asian market and connect with amazing potential students. I’d like to give a special thank you to Dr Sreedhar Saraswathy from AIIMS in Bangalore, who connected Wittenborg with Brindavan College. I received an incredible welcome at Brindavan, thanks to Dr Saraswathy,” he emphasised. 

WUP 18/03/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Navigating the Dutch Job Market: A Workshop with Nima Sagharichiha

Nima Outlines Steps to Succeed in the Dutch Job Market

On 21 February, students from Wittenborg gathered for an insightful workshop titled '5 Steps to the Dutch Job Market'. Hosted by Nima Sagharichiha in Apeldoorn, the session aimed to equip attendees with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully navigate the Dutch job market.

Nima, originally from Iran, moved to the Netherlands in 1995. With over 30 years of experience living, studying, and working in the country, he offered valuable insights. Nima has a background in engineering and worked at ASML before founding his own company ProContext, after noticing how many people were coming to the Netherlands for work opportunities.

The workshop not only focused on the technical aspects of job hunting but also touched on crucial factors such as leadership and cultural awareness. After the session, Nima reflected on the importance of understanding the Dutch work culture:

“Leadership skills are always relevant – whether you’re a student, applying for a job, or already working. How you apply these skills depends not only on your personal style but also on the cultural context in which you operate,” he wrote. He also highlighted the significance of cultural awareness, stressing that it plays a key role in improving communication, collaboration, and navigating your (work) environment effectively.

Research the Job Market

Nima emphasised the importance of understanding the job market before applying for positions. He encouraged students to explore available job sectors, identify which industries are thriving in the Netherlands, and research which companies are hiring. This research allows candidates to understand which skills are in demand and how they can tailor their applications accordingly.

Create your Personal Pitch (Networking)

According to Nima, networking is one of the most crucial aspects of job hunting in the Netherlands. “Your personal pitch is key to building connections in the Dutch job market,” he explained. Nima stressed the value of being able to present oneself clearly and confidently. “You need to be able to introduce yourself in a way that is memorable and appealing, so that others can help you connect with opportunities,” he advised. Networking, whether online or face-to-face, opens doors to job opportunities and provides access to industry professionals who can offer advice and even referrals.

To help students improve their networking abilities, Nima introduced the STAR method. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It is a structured way of responding to behavioural interview questions or sharing experiences during networking events. “When asked about your experience or skills, use the STAR method to structure your answer clearly and concisely,” he said. This method allows candidates to showcase their problem-solving abilities and achievements effectively.

Polish your CV, Cover Letter, and LinkedIn Profile

Nima advised the students to ensure their CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile are well-prepared and up to date. “LinkedIn is especially important in the Netherlands,” he stated. Many Dutch companies rely heavily on LinkedIn to search for candidates. Nima suggested using the platform to showcase skills, professional experiences, and any additional qualities that might make you stand out. He also stressed the importance of aligning your CV and cover letter to each specific job application, making sure both are tailored to the role.

Prepare for the Interview

Nima outlined that preparation for a job interview is essential. He suggested researching common interview questions, understanding the company’s culture, and preparing examples of your past experiences that align with the job requirements. “Be ready to talk about your achievements, your strengths, and how you can bring value to the company,” he advised. 

Know Your Expectations and Needs

The final step in Nima’s guide focused on self-awareness when it comes to your own expectations. “What do you want from the job? What salary are you expecting?” he asked. “How do you communicate with the company, and what do you need from them?” Nima encouraged students to reflect on these questions. Knowing your worth, understanding your needs, and being able to clearly communicate them to potential employers is essential for ensuring both you and the company are aligned.

In addition to the five steps, Nima also discussed practical advice for students facing challenges such as visa requirements. He explained that some companies may have restrictions when hiring international students, particularly for lower-skilled positions. However, he offered a solution: students can approach job agencies that act as intermediaries between the company and the job seeker, which can open up more opportunities.

Ava Mehrani, External Relations & Events Assistant, said that the workshop was a great experience for all attendees, providing them with actionable steps to enhance their chances of landing a job in the Netherlands.  

“Nima’s focus on leadership and cultural awareness added an extra layer of depth to the session, helping students understand how their skills can be applied within the context of Dutch workplaces.”

The session also benefitted students who are new to the Netherlands, offering them a helpful push in the right direction. 

WUP 17/03/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg Connects with Students from All Over the World at IAmExpat Amsterdam

Event Provides Information about Educational Offerings and Life in the Netherlands

On 8 March, Wittenborg attended IAmExpat Amsterdam 2025, interacting with expats from all over the world and providing information on its educational opportunities. The event was held at Beurs van Berlage, a historic venue in the heart of the Dutch capital. 

In addition to higher education institutions, businesses from various sectors were present, including housing, accountancy, healthcare and legal advice, among others. The event also featured 30 educational workshops and presentations designed to provide participants with valuable insights into navigating life in the Netherlands. 

Wittenborg was represented by Admissions Administrator Allegra Zazzaro, Regional Admissions Manager Mykhailo Huba and student representative Seyed Hejazei, who is pursuing an MBA in Entrepreneurship. 

According to Zazzaro, by participating in IAmExpat Amsterdam 2025, she had the opportunity to interact with numerous students from across Europe and beyond who were interested in studying at or collaborating with Wittenborg. “Among them were two students from Italy who were interested in moving to the Netherlands for their studies, inspired by the great experiences of other international students. It was also wonderful to meet new people eager for future collaborations with Wittenborg. I highly value the efforts of Panos Sarlanis, IAmExpat Media’s co-founder, who, along with his team, consistently creates an incredible experience and fosters a fun and welcoming atmosphere,” she said. 

MBA student Seyed Hejazei commented that, in addition to representing the school, he attended the fair to learn about his rights as an expat, explore networking communities and seek information about opportunities available in the Netherlands during his studies. 

“I had a positive experience presenting Wittenborg to others and sharing my experiences as a student. People were inquiring about the programmes the school offers, and they also had questions about the visa process, what happens after the programme, and how they can leverage Wittenborg's network for job hunting. Having the chance to speak on behalf of the school and showcase the programmes and the wonderful people I have encountered there has been a valuable experience for me. I would love to do it again.”

WUP 14/03/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press