Marlon Birdsall Races at Jack’s Racing Day Sporting Wittenborg Logo

https://www.wittenborg.eu/marlon-birdsall-races-jacks-racing-day-sporting-wittenborg-logo.htm

Thousands Attend Jack’s Racing Day at TT Circuit Assen

From 8 to 10 August, Marlon Birdsall, Wittenborg’s Customer Relations Administrator, raced at Jack’s Racing Day at the TT Circuit in Assen — one of Europe’s largest combined karting, motorcycle and car racing events. Held every year in August, the three-day event offers free entry to spectators and features a packed schedule for motorsport fans of all kinds.

Marlon competed in the Supercar Challenge, a multi-class championship in which Jack’s Racing Day is one of the calendar events. “This is my first year so I chose races that I fancied,” Marlon explained. “Next year I’ll be doing a full season and won’t have a choice of races. I also really enjoy the track in Assen. It has a nice flow to it, keeping a lot of speed throughout the entire circuit.”

He teamed up with Chris Bridle, a professional British racing driver and Formula 1 host. The pair met previously at races in China and Italy and decided to race together at Assen. “Chris really enjoys the event. This is his third time here and last year he won overall in the second race,” Marlon said. “We decided to do a dual-driver format which meant I had to learn driver swaps in the pits.”

Despite a challenging qualifying session that left them starting mid-grid, Marlon had strong starts in both races, overtaking multiple competitors and giving Chris a solid platform for the second half. They finished fifth in class in the first race and seventh in the second. “Both races were really positive,” Marlon said. “There’s always more to learn but it’s a good start to my racing career.”

Marlon also highlighted the significance of seeing Wittenborg represented on his car. “It felt really good having Wittenborg as a sponsor,” he said. “Having that support helps me perform better and it’s great to promote Wittenborg with so many eyes on us.” According to the organisers of the race, the event drew tens of thousands of visitors.  

Looking ahead, Marlon will compete in five more races this year followed by a test in Dubai. Next year he plans to join a full championship season and possibly explore endurance racing with the goal of winning podiums and becoming a champion in his division.

WUP 10/09/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press

Tags
#SDG3: Good Health and Well-being
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#internationalstudent

Wittenborg Graduate Presents Research on AI Literacy at EuroSoTL Conference 2025

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-graduate-presents-research-ai-literacy-eurosotl-conference-2025.htm

Azar Kord Among 300 Participants Presenting at University of Groningen’s EuroSoTL Conference

Azar Kord, a recent MBA (Master of Business Administration) graduate from Wittenborg, presented her research on AI literacy at the prestigious EuroSoTL 2025 conference held at the University of Groningen, from 18 to 20 June.

Originally from Iran and a former teacher, Azar’s academic journey has been guided by her former supervisor in Iran, who supported both her master’s degree and this particular research project. Now based in the Netherlands, Azar intends to continue her academic career by pursuing a PhD in the country.

The EuroSoTL conference welcomed around 300 participants from across Europe and beyond. Its theme, 'Making Connections through the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning', reflected a commitment to fostering collaboration across disciplines and encouraging innovative teaching practices that address global challenges, such as digital transformation and sustainability.

Azar’s research poster, titled AI Literacy and Intrinsic Motivation: Self-Determination Theory Outcomes for Students from Developing Nations in Dutch Higher Education, explores the relationship between AI literacy and intrinsic motivation among students from developing countries studying in Dutch universities. Using Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a framework, her study examined how AI literacy influences students’ feelings of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in AI-enhanced learning environments.

The study surveyed 386 students and found that higher AI literacy significantly increased students’ sense of competence and autonomy, which in turn enhanced their intrinsic motivation. While relatedness played a supportive role, it was less prominent in driving motivation. The research highlights the importance of designing AI-integrated curricula that empower international students, especially those from regions with limited AI infrastructure and predominantly teacher-centred education systems.

Speaking about her experience at the conference, Azar reflected on the importance of building her academic profile: “I have many classmates from developing countries. When I decided to begin the PhD process, I needed to connect my research and strengthen my CV."

She added that EuroSoTL was an inspiring opportunity to meet and collaborate with researchers from across the globe: “At the conference, I met people from Australia, the US, Canada, the UK, Norway, and China. It was motivating to connect with such a diverse group of academics.”

WUP 09/09/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#SDG4: Quality Education
#SDG10: Reduced Inequality
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#research
#internationalstudent

Wittenborg Interim Teachers’ Meeting Focuses on Accreditation, AI and Academic Innovation 

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-interim-teachers-meeting-focuses-accreditation-ai-and-academic-innovation.htm

Faculty Discusses Institutional Priorities and the Path Towards AACSB Accreditation

On 26 August, Wittenborg held its annual Interim Teachers’ Meeting at the Brinklaan campus in Apeldoorn, with around 40 participants attending both in person and online. Organised by the Education and Quality Management (EDQM) Department, the meeting served as a platform to share updates on institutional strategy, teaching delivery and upcoming milestones.

The opening session, led by president Peter Birdsall, highlighted key priorities, including progress toward AACSB accreditation, the upcoming Annual Globalisation Conference and Wittenborg’s academic year themes linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals: SDG #4 – Quality Education (2025) and SDG #5 – Gender Equality (2026). Birdsall also introduced a faculty challenge, discussed the pilot of online testing and outlined the school’s evolving AI strategy to enhance employability.

Rector Ron Tuninga followed with a session on faculty, research and engagement. Later, Head of the School of Business Rauf Abdul presented an analysis of the multidisciplinary exit exams (MEEs), highlighting student competency strengths and areas for improvement. He also provided updates on year planning, academic supervision and the amended AI policy.

According to Abdul, the session was highly productive and forward-thinking. “Overall, the meeting fostered a collaborative atmosphere and reinforced a shared commitment to quality education, innovation and continuous improvement. What stood out most was the strategic alignment with the UN SDGs, which reinforces Wittenborg’s commitment to global educational impact. The integration of AI in both assessment and teaching shows a proactive approach to future-proofing education,” he highlighted. 

For lecturer Emmah Muchoki, the value of collaboration beyond the classroom was an important takeaway. “Activities outside the university, whether paid or unpaid, are valuable for the knowledge and experience they bring,” she noted. “It was also insightful to see how the exit exams measure competency growth across phases, showing student progress over time. The mindset shift around AI was especially interesting; rather than resisting it, we discussed embracing it thoughtfully so both students and lecturers are equipped to use it ethically and intelligently.”

The Interim Teachers’ Meeting also featured a workshop by Wittenborg lecturers Robert Muster and Adeyemi Banjo on integrating AI tools into education and Moodle. The day concluded with open feedback and discussions.  

Associate Professor Vanessa Menezes commented that the event reflected both innovation and commitment to institutional progress. “The most important aspect is that Wittenborg is now in the final stages of preparing for AACSB accreditation, a process we have been working towards for six years with great commitment,” she said. “At the same time, the workshop demonstrated the potential of AI to help develop teaching practices and promote student engagement, while future developments may allow us to use these tools to support academic supervision and research evaluation.” 

WUP 08/09/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#SDG4: Quality Education
#SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
#Internationalisation
#Ethics
#research

A September to Remember: Apeldoorn’s Best Attractions This Month

https://www.wittenborg.eu/september-remember-apeldoorns-best-attractions-month.htm

City Offers a Host of Parties, Cultural Events and Fun Activities  

September has just begun, and if you’re looking for the best ways to enjoy the month in Apeldoorn, you’ve come to the right place. Explore the city’s highlights in the guide we’ve prepared for you:  

Dance your worries away  

Throughout the month, Apeldoorn will host no lack of concerts and parties. This Saturday, 6 September, from 16:00 to 00:00, Zwitsalterrein (Vlijtseweg 104) will be the stage for Summer End Techno Edition, featuring hard bass, strobes and raw energy. More information and tickets are available on the event’s website. 

On the same day, from 15:00 to 23:00, the Zwitsalhal (Vlijtseweg 126B) hosts Toxic Trait Outdoor, with a line-up including dancehall, afro, hip hop and R&B. Alongside the music, food trucks will be serving snacks and drinks. 

If you’re into pop music, don’t miss Popronde Apeldoorn on the evening of 19 September at various locations in the city centre – with free entry. It’s a great opportunity to discover Dutch musical talent and enjoy a night out with friends. 

Closing the month, on 28 September at 15:00, Theatre Orpheus (Churchillplein 1) will present The Music of Hans Zimmer vs John Williams, bringing some of the best cinematic orchestral music. A must if you love epic soundtracks.

Explore Apeldoorn’s heritage on Open Monument Days  

On 13 and 14 September, more than 20 unique locations in Apeldoorn will open their doors for free during Open Monument Days 2025. With this year’s theme, ‘Architectural Heritage’, the event includes both well-known landmarks such as the Orpheus Theatre and Zwitsal’s historic boiler house, as well as hidden gems like the Wenum watermill, Castle Ter Horst and the Masonic Temple. 

The Open Monument Days App enables users to create their own routes, mark favourites, navigate between monuments and discover the stories behind Apeldoorn’s most iconic buildings. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience culture, history and architecture up close.  

Unleash your theatrical side in English  

How about improving your acting skills while having some fun and meeting new people? 

The English Theatre Workshop takes place on 9, 16 and 23 September, from 19:30 to 21:30 at GIGANT (Nieuwstraat 377). A €5 ticket gives you access to all three evenings. If you enjoy the workshop, you can officially participate in the team’s upcoming production. For more details, visit the workshop’s website.

Discover bargains, natural products and more  

To discover plenty of bargains, household items and antiques, make sure to visit Apeldoorn’s Flea Market & Car Boot Sale near the city’s roller-skating rink (De Voorwaarts 440) on Sunday, 7 September, from 09:00 to 16:00, with more than 200 stalls participating. 

If you enjoy buying natural products, the Harvest Market at the StadsAkkers organic farm offers fruits, vegetables, mushrooms and flowers. The next edition of the market will be on Saturday, 6 September, from 10:00 to 16:00 at Dommeweg 5b. 

On 20 September, the Honey, Nature and Hobby Market at Ugchelens Belang (Bogaardslaan 81) is the perfect way to sweeten your day. Organised by the Apeldoorn-Ugchelen Beekeeping Association, the event brings together local beekeepers and other producers from 10:00 to 16:00.  

Art and creativity in focus

Until 14 September, Apeldoorn’s main historical church, the Grote Kerk (Loolaan 16), will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 13:00 to 16:30. On all open days, there is a varied music programme with performances from 14:00 to 16:00. The exhibition FREE-LIMITED?! also features works by students from six Apeldoorn schools and a group of local artists. 

The 7th Apeldoorn Photo Festival will take place from 14 September to 26 October. This year’s theme, “Seeing is a Lie”, explores the fine line between reality and illusion. During the festival, there will be several exhibitions, workshops and meetups to enjoy, most of which are free. Nearly 100 photographers and image makers will present their work in 46 projects. One of the highlights is the Urban Photo Race, a compact four-hour photo marathon where participants explore three surprising themes. Check the festival’s full programme here.  

A toast to laughter  

Finnegan's Irish Pub (Hoofdstraat 176) is turning 25, and they’re kicking off the celebrations with a Big Comedy Night on Sunday, 21 September, from 20:00 to 22:30. In collaboration with Comedy Huis, this special evening features five top comedians, one mic, loads of laughs, and all in English. 

It’s a great opportunity to enjoy world-class comedy from Rachel Morton-Young, Kendra Borgen, Zuva Martens, Shaz Memon and Alina Sharipova. Get your tickets here.

WUP 05/09/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#SDG3: Good Health and Well-being
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#internationalstudent
#apeldoorn

September in Amsterdam Brings Festivals, Food and Culture

https://www.wittenborg.eu/september-amsterdam-brings-festivals-food-and-culture.htm

Things to Do in Amsterdam in September 2025

Amsterdam in September is alive with music festivals, open-air cinema, cultural events and food experiences. From Surinamese street food to techno nights, Japanese and Korean flavours, and free outdoor yoga, this month has something for every student to enjoy. 

Dance, eat and celebrate

September starts strong with the Kwaku Down Town Summerfestival on 6 September. Expect Caribbean vibes, live music and Surinamese dishes like roti and moksi. A great chance to experience another side of Amsterdam’s food culture.

On the same day, 24 Hours North turns Amsterdam-Noord into one giant festival. Over 50 activities — from live music and games to art, workshops and even a dog fashion show — take place across the neighbourhood.

If you’d rather explore Amsterdam’s nightlife, make sure not to miss TAPT Festival in Rembrandtpark on 12 and 13 September. With craft beer, cocktails, karaoke, silent discos and street food, it’s the perfect student weekend.

Foodies will also enjoy the Art of Taste Japan & Korean Food Festival from 12 to 14 September at Museumplein. Expect sizzling Korean fried chicken, Japanese street snacks, karaoke, K-pop and plenty of sake and soju.

Closing the month with a bang, the Strafwerk Festival on 20 September offers a full day of house and techno, while Gollem’s Oktoberfest on 13 and 14 September serves up beer, bratwurst and live music with plenty of party atmosphere.

Culture and creativity

For something more laid-back, Concertgebouw OPEN on 6 September lets you wander the city’s most famous concert hall for free. Enjoy the mini-concerts, workshops and family activities without spending a cent.

The West Beach Film Festival from 17 to 21 September transforms Sloterplas into an outdoor cinema. Alongside the screenings, there’s art, markets, pop-up restaurants and music. This year’s theme, Habitat, explores what it means to find your place in the world.

Meanwhile, the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre runs throughout September with weekend performances — from dance and music to comedy and family shows. Entry is donation-based, making it a perfect student-friendly cultural spot.

From 4 to 14 September, the Amsterdam Fringe Festival offers 70 experimental performances across 22 venues, from theatres and clubs to boats. At the same time, the Netherlands Theater Festival presents ten days of high-quality shows at top stages, including many suitable for non-Dutch speakers.

The NDSM Loods will also host the Ambacht in Beeld Festival on 27 to 28 September, a hands-on craft event with workshops, demonstrations and activities for all ages. This year focuses on restoration crafts, highlighting how traditional skills preserve cultural heritage.

Free and easy activities

Need a break from lectures and assignments? Every Sunday morning at 10:30, free outdoor yoga in Oosterpark is open to all. Just bring a mat or towel and enjoy a peaceful start to your day.  

If you love browsing markets, Amsterdam has plenty of options: every Saturday, the H’ART Museum courtyard market offers local Dutch products, while the Haarlemmerplein Wednesday market is a great spot to chat with farmers and enjoy a free cheese tasting.  

Pure Markt brings artisanal produce to various locations across the city throughout the year, and on the first weekend of each month, De Tuinen Van Yard Sale lets you pick up discounted plants (just book your time slot in advance).

WUP 05/09/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#SDG3: Good Health and Well-being
#Internationalisation
#internationalstudent
#Diversity
#studyinholland

Wittenborg Welcomes 74 New Students from Across the World for September Block 

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-welcomes-74-new-students-across-world-september-block.htm

From 25 to 28 August, Introduction Week Familiarised Students with School and Their Peers

Solidifying its role as the most international business school in the Netherlands, Wittenborg has welcomed 74 new students from across the world for the September block. The bachelor’s and master’s students joining the institution come from diverse countries such as Tanzania, Spain, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Ukraine, Belarus, China, Colombia, Switzerland, India, Nigeria, United States, Romania, Iran, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, Pakistan, Ghana, Morocco, Germany and Uganda.

Wittenborg’s diversity is also reflected in its programmes and specialisations, encompassing fields such as Entrepreneurship & Digital Marketing, Economics and Management, Health & Social Care, Sport Business Management and many others.  

In total, the school offers six intakes a year. The next 2025 entry dates are in October and December, while in 2026 they are scheduled for February, April, May, August, October and November. Wittenborg has study locations in Apeldoorn and Amsterdam in the Netherlands, as well as in Munich, Germany.

From 25 to 28 August, the institution held its traditional Introduction Week. In addition to attending lectures on the practical aspects and cultural nuances of the countries where they will be living – the Netherlands and Germany – the new students were also given valuable insights into Wittenborg’s infrastructure, services and organisation.  

One of the highlights of the week was a puzzle game held in partnership with the Municipality of Apeldoorn, which encouraged participants to explore the city centre, find clues, take photos and answer questions. The activities concluded with an Introductory Lunch at each of Wittenborg’s locations, giving staff and new students the opportunity to enjoy the delicious food on offer and make new friends.

During his speech at the Introductory Lunch in Apeldoorn, Wittenborg president Peter Birdsall shared exciting news with the new students, including the institution’s ongoing AACSB accreditation process and its Globalisation Forum, which will involve the Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich locations. 

“You’re joining Wittenborg at a great time, because we’ve got lots of exciting developments going on. This will be a period of hard work and challenges for you, but also a journey that will expand your knowledge and make you a well-qualified international professional,” he said. 

A new chapter in life  

Ukrainian student Mahdalyna Borshchivska, who will study for an Entrepreneurial Business Administration (EBA) degree in Entrepreneurship & Digital Marketing in Amsterdam, said she chose Wittenborg for its international character and experience in the business field. “I would like to develop my plans for the future, learn more about business and start a successful career path,” she said. 

For Kedane Murphy, who spent eight years in the US military, Wittenborg marks the beginning of a new phase in life. “I chose Wittenborg because it’s the only school in the Netherlands that accepts the GI Bill, through which the US military supports my studies. I’ll be pursuing a bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship & Small Business, and I want to bring more structure to my life and explore new horizons.” 

MBA student Shashika Jayathilake from Sri Lanka highlighted that he is enjoying being part of Wittenborg’s international and diverse environment, which is new for him. “I feel very relaxed in the Netherlands, and I love this country. Introduction Week was really helpful and essential for students because we learned how to use Moodle, for example, which we’ll use in our studies. It’s a good foundational activity and very interesting.”

Hailing from Spain’s Canary Islands, International Bachelor of Administration (IBA) student Alejandra Polo Perez explained that she discovered Wittenborg through her previous education at the Canary Islands Business School. For her, Introduction Week was an opportunity to make new friends and familiarise herself with the school and life in the Netherlands. “It was very well-structured, fun, informative and not stressful at all. I had many questions when I arrived, but they made everything very simple. I feel at peace now and ready to start.” 

WUP 03/09/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press

Tags
#SDG4: Quality Education
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#studyinholland
#internationalstudent
#apeldoorn

From São Paulo to Amsterdam: Wittenborg Graduate Builds Career Abroad

https://www.wittenborg.eu/sao-paulo-amsterdam-wittenborg-graduate-builds-career-abroad.htm

Beatriz de Rosa Soares Blends Brazilian Experience with Dutch Opportunities

For Beatriz de Rosa Soares, moving from Santo André, in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, to the Netherlands was both a personal and professional turning point. A Wittenborg graduate, Beatriz completed a Master of Business Management (MBM) in Entrepreneurship and Innovation while adapting to a new country and building a career in the Dutch job market. 

Before starting her studies at Wittenborg, Beatriz had already accumulated solid academic and work experience in Brazil. She holds a degree in Production Engineering and an MBA in Marketing. Professionally, she worked in the customer success department of a technology company serving the healthcare industry. Although her high school years included a brief stint living abroad, her university education and early professional development took place entirely in Brazil. 

By the time she decided to pursue a master’s degree in the Netherlands, Beatriz was not embarking on this journey alone. She and her partner had been planning to live abroad together and carefully evaluated several options. “We wanted to live in a country where we could work using languages we already spoke – Portuguese, English, or Spanish – or where it would be easy to learn the language. It also had to be a place with a decent job market, somewhere we could find opportunities without too much difficulty. The Netherlands allowed us to work in English, which was a major advantage,” she said. 

Once they chose the country, Beatriz began looking into study options. Her decision to enrol at Wittenborg was driven by practical considerations. “I liked the programme’s focus on innovation and the tuition fees were within our budget, which is a big deal when you’re paying in Brazilian reais. Wittenborg also offered multiple intake dates throughout the year, which gave me more flexibility,” she explained 

While her partner initially arrived on a tourist visa and later found a job that offered visa sponsorship, Beatriz came specifically to study. 

The move to the Netherlands represented an exciting new chapter, but it also brought unexpected challenges. “Finding housing was one of the hardest parts. At first, I stayed in student housing, but when that period ended, I struggled to find a place. You start to panic when time is running out and you haven’t found anything yet. It was much more difficult than I had anticipated,” she recalled. 

Another major adjustment was adapting to a different academic culture. Having completed two degrees in Brazil, Beatriz was surprised by the volume and nature of written assignments in her programme. “In Brazil, especially in engineering, we had a lot more hands-on work. When I arrived here, I was shocked by how academic and writing-intensive the programme was,” she said. “It wasn’t just a matter of doing the work. It was a complete mindset shift. I had to learn how to approach academic writing and research differently.” 

Despite the initial difficulties, Beatriz took a proactive approach to integrating into the Dutch job market. During her studies, she completed three internships – two at the tourism tech company Tiqets and one at another organisation. Although she had professional experience in Brazil, she recognised the value of internships as a gateway into a new labour market. “Even if it feels like a step back career-wise, it’s essential when you’re in a new country where you don’t understand the work culture. You don’t know anyone, you don’t have a network and you don’t know how things are done,” she explained. 

She also noted the cultural differences in the workplace. “In Brazil, I was used to long hours. You’d arrive at 08:00 and maybe leave at 20:00 or 22:00. Here, people stop working at 17:30 sharp. That was completely new to me.” 

Her internships ultimately led to a full-time position at Tiqets, where she now works as an Operations Specialist. The company, which sells tickets to tourist attractions around the world, has a diverse and international team. Beatriz is part of the operations department, where her responsibilities include product curation, onboarding and maintenance. “We make sure the information on our platform is accurate. That includes updating product details and working closely with suppliers to keep everything aligned,” she said. 

When asked about her academic experience at Wittenborg, Beatriz highlights the diversity of the student body as one of the most enriching aspects. “The best part was learning from people with completely different backgrounds,” she said. “You gain new perspectives on how culture, religion and life experience influence the way people think and work. That was fascinating.”  

Looking to the future, Beatriz sees herself moving towards process improvement and strategic operations. “Even though I have a strong background in customer success and marketing, I’ve realised that what I enjoy most is working with processes: understanding them, optimising them and making them more efficient. The engineer in me still speaks the loudest.” 

Beatriz highlights that her multidisciplinary training, combined with international work experience, has given her a broad perspective that she hopes to apply in future roles. “It’s not just about being data-driven. It’s about knowing which metrics to track, where to find them and how to adapt systems in a way that makes sense for the company.” 

To current Wittenborg students, she offers a practical piece of advice: “Try to go beyond the classroom. Apply for internships, attend job fairs and explore different fields. Even if you don’t know exactly what you want to do yet, these experiences will help you figure it out. You’ll learn what you like and don’t like, and you’ll meet people who can open doors for you.”

WUP 01/09/2025
by Ulisses Sawczuk
©WUAS Press

From Clinical Psychology to International Business: Parisa Khalili’s Journey

https://www.wittenborg.eu/clinical-psychology-international-business-parisa-khalilis-journey.htm

Wittenborg Graduate Overcomes Challenges and Starts Promising Career in the Netherlands

After a successful academic and professional trajectory in Iran, Parisa Khalili made a bold decision to change paths and continents. Today, she looks back with pride on the challenges she has overcome and the new opportunities she has embraced, from earning her MBA in International Management at Wittenborg to establishing a career in the Dutch business sector.
 
Parisa originally studied Clinical Psychology up to master's level in her home country. However, her professional ambitions soon led her in a different direction. “I decided to follow my passion for entrepreneurship and started my own business in women’s fashion wear,” she recalls. Unfortunately, due to systemic obstacles faced by women entrepreneurs in Iran, she was forced to close her stores.

She then pivoted to the sales field, working for several years at a metal structure manufacturing company. “Eventually, a new chapter began when I started the process of emmigrating to the Netherlands,” she says.

Seeking to continue her professional development, Parisa chose to pursue a Master of Business Administration with a specialisation in International Management. “I chose Wittenborg because I believe it is a professional and inspiring environment that brings together international students from all over the world, helping them turn their ambitions into reality.”

Her transition, however, was not without significant difficulties. “I believe all newcomers to the Netherlands face housing challenges in the beginning, and for me it was no different. After arriving, the language barrier was another big hurdle,” she explains. “One of the most difficult moments was when my son joined me only after three months. It was the first time in my life I had been apart from him for so long, which was emotionally very hard.”

Adjusting to a new educational environment also took time. “The approach was completely different from what I was used to, but I managed to adapt during the first months and I’m proud that I was able to complete my studies on time.”

Parisa highlights the importance of balance. “Managing family life was not easy, especially when my son had to start school and learn a completely new language. But we worked through these challenges step by step, and eventually we settled in, just as we had hoped. Now, my son speaks Dutch fluently and is fully integrated into society, which is something I’m very proud of.” 

Reflecting on her time at Wittenborg, she says the MBA programme helped her develop crucial skills. “I developed analytical and strategic thinking skills, as well as a deep understanding of global business environments. The international approach of the programme helped me improve my communication, teamwork and leadership abilities. I also learned to adapt quickly to multicultural settings, which has been essential in my current role.” 

While Parisa did not complete a formal internship, she credits networking – particularly through LinkedIn – as key to her job search after graduation. “Through active networking, I was able to connect with professionals in the industry and secure my position.” 

Currently working in sales, Parisa is responsible for customer relationship management, sales operations and business development. “I work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions,” she says. One of the biggest challenges has been the language. “Dutch is the main language used in the company and market. However, I’m actively learning and improving my Dutch every day.” 

Despite the challenges, she finds great satisfaction in her work. “Building strong relationships and receiving positive feedback from customers is truly rewarding. I also enjoy attending industry events and expanding my professional network.” 

Looking ahead, Parisa aims to continue developing both personally and professionally. “I plan to continue improving my Dutch language skills and explore new aspects of my career through updated industry knowledge and learning methods. I want to grow both professionally and personally, taking on more responsibility and achieving new milestones.” 

She also hopes to leave a lasting impression. “My goal is to make a meaningful impact in my workplace and be remembered as a valuable and inspiring team member.” 

To current Wittenborg students, her message is clear: “Learn the local language, because it helps with integration and opens up many opportunities. Create a personal work plan, set realistic deadlines and hold yourself accountable. Don’t miss deadlines, stay disciplined and always believe in smart work. If you stay consistent and focused, your efforts will definitely pay off.”

WUP 29/08/2025
by Ulisses Sawczuk
©WUAS Press

Tags

#SDG5: Gender Equality

#SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

#Internationalisation

#Diversity

#highered

#internationalstudent

#studyinholland

 

Breaking into Sports: Tech Wittenborg Student Gains Valuable Industry Experience 

Hilal Bafrali Develops Hands-on Skills and Gets Industry Insights at InnoSportLab De Tongelreep

Wittenborg student Hilal Bafrali recently completed a highly enriching and dynamic internship at InnoSportLab De Tongelreep, an Eindhoven-based company specialising in technology and innovation to enhance performance in swimming sports. Hilal, originally from Turkey, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Business Administration (HBA), with a specialisation in Sport Business Management.

From January to July, she worked as a Marketing Analyst intern at the company. In this role, she was responsible for various marketing activities, including market research focused on swimming sports in the Netherlands, as well as front-desk and administrative duties. To get the position, Hilal researched sports tech companies online, made a list and began sending out her CV until she received a positive response from InnoSportLab De Tongelreep.

The student highlights that this experience helped her develop important professional skills. “In addition to hard skills such as website design, content creation, video production and social media management, I also learned how to handle clients in direct communication, assisting them at the pools and answering their questions,” she explains.

According to Hilal, some of the most enjoyable aspects of her internship included learning to use marketing and project management tools such as Canva, WordPress, ClickUp and DaVinci Resolve. However, the experience also came with challenges, such as a costly daily commute of three hours from Apeldoorn to Eindhoven, and the fact that it was her first experience in the sports industry.

“At first, I struggled to create workable plans and to keep up with the talent in a company that is at the forefront of sports science. But I feel very lucky to have had the chance to work at InnoSportLab. I met many seasoned professionals in the sports industry, so it was a great networking opportunity,” Hilal emphasises.

The student is currently working on her graduation assignment and conducting research in the field of sports business. After graduating, she plans to look for jobs related to sustainability, sports or community development projects.

“I’m also passionate about economics and the disciplines related to it. Sociology, finance, accounting, business and philosophy are among my main areas of interest. I enjoy learning about these subjects and developing my own theories about current world dynamics.”

She encourages other students to pursue internships, emphasising that they are an investment in their future careers. “It’s great when you can intern at a company that helps you recognise your strengths and weaknesses. It contributes to your personal development and helps you correct mistakes, giving you a more rational approach that can even be useful in everyday life,” Hilal concludes.

WUP 25/08/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

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