Dr Yiming Li Shares Insights on Social Media Marketing with Wittenborg MBA Students

https://www.wittenborg.eu/dr-yiming-li-shares-insights-social-media-marketing-wittenborg-mba-students.htm

Guest Lecture Highlights Strategies for Engagement, Virality and Brand Success Online

What are the strategies used by major successful companies to drive engagement and create authentic connections with their customers? To answer this timely and relevant question, Dr Yiming Li delivered a guest lecture to Wittenborg MBA students on 10 September. The session, titled Social Media Marketing Strategies, invited students to think critically about how brands can cut through the noise of today’s digital platforms.  

Originally from China, Li is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Marketing and Analytics at the University of Lucerne. She holds a Master’s degree in Consumer Affairs from the Technical University of Munich and a PhD in Business Analytics from the University of Lausanne. Alongside her academic career, she has gained industry experience at companies such as Allianz and Huawei in Germany.  

Her lecture combined research insights with practical examples, drawing on well-known campaigns by famous brands and a case study of how a small firm used social media marketing strategies to stand out against its competitors. “The key message I wanted to share is that successful social media marketing is about creating content that people truly want to watch, share and talk about, so that you can build real connections and engagement with your audience. Together with the students, we discussed the key challenges of social media marketing and how marketers can overcome these barriers,” Li said. 

Students were encouraged to analyse why certain content becomes viral, with discussions on the impact of algorithms, platform-specific features and evolving consumer expectations.   

Li stressed that while social media offers enormous opportunities, it also carries risks. “Social media has become such an inseparable part of our daily lives that most of us use it to share what we think, what we like or dislike quite often. If a social media campaign goes wrong, it can damage brand image and even trigger a backlash. That is why it is crucial for marketers to think critically about what drives online engagement,” she explained.  

Interactive elements played a central role in the session. Before introducing each concept, Li asked students to discuss guiding questions in pairs and then share their ideas with the group. This dynamic exchange led to insights such as the importance of targeting the right customer segment and the need for content to stay relevant in a fast-changing environment.  

Li advises those considering a career in marketing to experiment, keep learning and adapt to the rapid changes in the digital landscape. “Marketers need to understand how social media works and think critically about why certain content becomes more popular than others,” she said. “Test different formats, tailor content to the platform and always keep your audience in mind.”  

For MBA student Connor Lowndes, from the United States, specialising in Business Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the lecture was both engaging and memorable. “I really enjoyed her lecture! The use of memes to help convey her points was very engaging,” he said. “My key takeaway was that a lot of what she taught was intuitive, and she made it easy to spot those trends. Her goals are very applicable to what I want to do after the programme. Social media is and will continue to be the main way that we promote brands and business ideas, and memes are the best form of relatable content no matter what we do.”

WUP 03/11//2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#internationalstudent
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
#highered
#research
#studyinholland

Winter Markets, Art, Sustainability and More: Discover What’s on in Apeldoorn in November

https://www.wittenborg.eu/winter-markets-art-sustainability-and-more-discover-whats-apeldoorn-november.htm

City Offers Wide Range of Attractions Including Events for All Tastes

As we near the end of the year, Apeldoorn prepares to welcome the approach of Yuletide with a range of fun and exciting activities. Take a look at some of November’s best attractions in the city:   

Winter market delights  

If you’re into street markets, Apeldoorn has plenty to offer this month. On Saturday, 1 November, the Winter Solstice Market will take place from 15:00 to 20:00 at the roller-skating track at De Voorwaarts. More than 70 stalls will offer unique handmade products, delicious winter treats and hot drinks, all set against atmospheric lighting and cosy music. 

Closing the month on 29 November, there will be a winter market happening at Bertus and Riek’s Farm (Kruisweg 28, Beekbergen) from 10:00 to 15:00. Options include fragrant coffee, artisanal chocolates, homemade chutneys, art and jewellery, cured meats, microgreens, flowers and Christmas trees.  

Also on 29 November, the Oosterhuizen winter fair brings together 65 stalls with a variety of products including wintry delights such as pea soup, warm mulled wine and hot chocolate. The fair will take place from 12:00 to 19:00 at Het Dorpshuis (Het Oude Veen 19-21). Later, there will be a winter festival from 19:00 to 00:30. The entry to both events is free, with a parking fee of €5 per car.   

Zero Waste Winter Week  

How about learning more about sustainability while joining swap meets, fairs, workshops and other dynamic group activities? 

From 1 to 9 November, Apeldoorn will host the Zero Waste Winter Week, a multi-day festival dedicated to zero-waste living. Activities will focus on themes such as second-hand fashion, gardening, recycling, upcycling and more. Find more information and the full programme here.  

New Tech Festival  

Innovations that will change the world and revolutionise work will be featured at the New Tech Festival. Companies from different sectors will present their latest developments and give visitors the chance to get hands-on by testing, building, trying out and experiencing. The event will be held at the NewTechPark on the Zwitsalterrein (Vlijtseweg 148) on 7 November (from 13:30 to 17:30) and 8 November (from 10:00 to 15:00). Entry is free.   

Celebrate Christmas at Het Loo Palace  

From 28 November to 4 January, visitors can explore Het Loo Palace and stables courtyard lit up with Christmas trees and festive decorations. It’s an opportunity to enjoy glühwein, hot chocolate and a glimpse into how the royal family celebrated Christmas through the centuries. Winterpaleis Het Loo is popular, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets early through the Palace’s website.   

Experience nature through a hike  

Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy Apeldoorn’s natural beauty by joining the Gingerbread Walk (‘Pepernotenwandeling’) on 22 and 23 November. Participants can choose from five routes: 5 km, 10 km, 15 km, 20 km or 25 km. All routes start at the Clubgebouw De Trekvogels (Adelaarslaan 1), with start times varying by distance. Along the way, hikers will be treated to gingerbread cookies at the rest stops.  

Mushrooms viewed through art  

The secret and fascinating world of mushrooms is the theme of the exhibition ‘The Mushroom at the End of the World’, held at CODA Apeldoorn (Vosselmanstraat 299) from 9 November to 12 April. Some artworks showcase hopeful collaborations between humans and nature, while others reveal irreparable damage. Several works also utilise new technologies and collaborations with scientists to give shape and substance to fresh ideas and images. For tickets and more info, visit the museum’s website.   

Gigant’s Anniversary Programme  

One of Apeldoorn’s most popular cultural venues, Gigant (Nieuwstraat 377), is turning 50 this year. To celebrate this milestone, it will host an exciting Anniversary Programme, featuring screenings of classic movies from various decades, live music concerts and more. Find the full list of events here.   

Music of the month  

November brings a rich variety of concerts to Apeldoorn, with most tickets available at prices ranging from €20 to €40. Classic rock fans can enjoy Pink Floyd’s iconic album ‘The Wall’, performed in full by Dutch band The Pink Floyd Project on 7 November at the Orpheus Theatre (Churchillplein 1), starting at 20:00. 

One of Hollywood’s most celebrated composers, Hans Zimmer, will be honoured with a tribute concert by Mystery Ensemble on 8 November at Grote Kerk (Loolaan 16), also starting at 20:00. Zimmer is behind the soundtracks for James Bond films, Interstellar, Inception, Dune, Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean and many more. 

Grote Kerk will host another tribute on 21 November at 20:00, this time to Hayao Miyazaki. Scored by Joe Hisaishi, Miyazaki’s films – ‘Howl's Moving Castle’, ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’, ‘Spirited Away’ and ‘My Neighbour Totoro’, among many others – have captivated generations. Mystery Ensemble will perform the music live. 

For cantata lovers, Bachkoor Apeldoorn presents a Christmas Concert at the Orpheus Theatre on 21 November, starting at 20:00. The programme features works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi and Camille Saint-Saëns.  

WUP 31/10/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

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

Green4ADU Webinar Sparks Dialogue on Green Jobs and Adult Empowerment

https://www.wittenborg.eu/green4adu-webinar-sparks-dialogue-green-jobs-and-adult-empowerment.htm

Participants Discuss Learning and Professional Opportunities in Connection with Environmental Issues

On 15 October, Wittenborg hosted the online webinar ‘Green4ADU – Empowering Adult Learning’. The insightful and dynamic event brought together industry and community leaders to discuss green careers, inclusive energy initiatives and the project’s new e-learning pathway for adult learners. 

Led by Wittenborg, Erasmus+ project Green4ADU aims to educate adults seeking to enhance their environmental skills and employability. The initiative includes the educational institutions Apostolina Tsaltampasi Kai Sia EE, SME (Greece), CEIPES ETS (Italy), Interchange Non-Profit gUG, NGO (Germany) and BB&R (Spain).  

The webinar featured guest speakers Dr Szymon Krupiński, co-founder and COO of WasteAnt, and Athanasia Ioannidou, director of the Greek Association of Women Entrepreneurs (SEGE) and a member of WEnCoop, the world's first 100% female-led energy cooperative. 

During his talk, Krupiński explained that WasteAnt is using AI and automation to reshape waste management, from analysing complex, high-volume waste streams to improving plant efficiency and safety. He also discussed the professional competencies valued by WasteAnt, adding that since the company’s beginning, it has been focused not only on technical skills, but also on the openness to learn and grow.  

“We also look for good organisers, people who do not necessarily have very high technological skills but can run projects and an office, people who have got organisational talent. And, of course, we look for people of all ages who have contacts with the local businesses. As a start-up, we offer lots of flexibility in terms of how you work. Many of our colleagues work from home, from other cities and sometimes even from other countries,” he said.  

Next, CEIPES EU project manager and developer Giuditta Parini demonstrated Green4ADU’s multilingual and free Moodle platform. It allows adults to navigate six short modules – plastic pollution, global warming, primary resources, collection and recycling, biodiversity loss and a capstone linking green topics to the job market – at their own pace. Parini highlighted the platform’s multimedia character, featuring written content, videos and interactive activities.  

Green4ADU Webinar Sparks Dialogue on Green Jobs and Adult Empowerment 
“Because environmental challenges are very linked and deeply connected with social and economic challenges, we aim to connect environmental issues with labour market issues. Our goal is to enhance our users’ transversal skills and provide them with a platform that can also give practical skills for daily life and for green jobs – a tool that is accessible even for disadvantaged groups and as experiential as possible.” 

The session also featured a presentation by Athanasia Ioannidou, who discussed the trajectory of WEnCoop, Europe’s first 100% women-led energy cooperative. Ioannidou underlined that the organisation is a broad-based energy community located in Greece, combining clean energy production with gender equity and equality and community empowerment. 

“Our mission is to foster a new generation of women from all backgrounds who are both entrepreneurs and energy producers. As an energy cooperative, we develop and operate photovoltaic parks, and those parks are co-owned by our members. We also provide training opportunities and training programmes in energy efficiency and sustainability. Beyond the infrastructure, we empower our members with the knowledge, tools and community support to take leadership roles in the clean energy community.” 

According to Wittenborg Erasmus+ Project Administrator and Researcher Jian Liu, the webinar’s outcome was very positive. “Attendance and participation were strong, and the live demo validated that our Moodle platform is easy to access and that short, visual modules plus quick quizzes fit adult learners’ needs. The spotlight speeches highlighted demand for practical, job-relevant green competencies. Coming next, the project partners are aligned on using upcoming local workshops to gather learner feedback and improve usability and assessment.” 

Liu added that the project is on a good development journey, with solid coordination. “The e-learning platform is live with core modules and partner work packages are feeding content, workshops and dissemination as planned. The next priorities are structured user testing in each country, and stronger links to employment services and Vocational Educational Training providers, so that our learning outcomes translate into real opportunities for adult learners.” 

WUP 30/10/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#research
#ResearchCentre
#Erasmus+
#SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
#SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
#Internationalisation
#societalimpact

Insights into the Future: Students Explore Data Science during Project Week

https://www.wittenborg.eu/insights-future-students-explore-data-science-during-project-week.htm

Teams Use Datasets to Approach Case Studies and Develop Business Solutions

To equip students with the skills to shape industries through data-driven decision-making, Wittenborg conducted a Business Data Science Hackathon as part of its September Block Project Week, held in Apeldoorn from 15 to 19 September. The hackathon challenged students to apply data cleaning, exploratory data analysis (EDA), machine learning (ML/DL) and visual storytelling to derive actionable business recommendations. 

Approximately 150 bachelor’s students from Phase 1 and Phase 2 took part, divided into teams of five. The event comprised four workshops led by lecturers Mercedes Bertotto and Robert Muster. 

In her sessions, Bertotto covered Introduction to Data & Data Cleaning and Unsupervised Machine Learning & Feature Preparation. Students explored what data are and how they are structured, the fundamentals of multivariate analysis, principles of data splitting and the concept of cross-validation for model robustness. 

Muster’s workshops, meanwhile, focused on Supervised Machine Learning and Visualisation & Storytelling. These sessions delved into supervised learning techniques for classification, regression and forecasting, as well as the effective communication of results through clear visualisations, dashboards and concise narratives. 

Student teams analysed assigned Kaggle datasets, framed a business problem and delivered a comprehensive data science project. Each group tackled a challenge that included customer segmentation for targeted marketing, fraud prediction, customer churn prediction, retail product demand forecasting or predicting Netflix’s next successful movie. In addition to writing a detailed group report, the students provided datasets, code and notes used to prepare their reports and also submitted individual self-assessments. 

For Wittenborg lecturer Robert Muster, it was inspiring to watch Wittenborg students speaking the language of the future. “They tackled real-world business challenges, cleaned and combined data, built predictive models and translated insights into sharp recommendations. This Project Week wasn’t just about learning tools; it was about developing the mindset and confidence to work with data, solve problems and collaborate effectively. The future is data-driven, and our students are ready for it.” 

HBA student Ranen Thomas, specialising in Sport Business Management, highlighted that by participating in this Project Week he had the opportunity to expand his knowledge beyond the content of his regular courses. “What I enjoyed the most was being given the chance to be a mentor. This wasn’t a new role for me, but each time brings new and different challenges. I learned to adapt to new situations and further developed my leadership and people skills, so I could lead and manage the group while also giving my teammates room to improve and grow. Furthermore, I was also able to practise becoming more agile in the work environment.” 

According to Thomas, activities like Project Weeks are highly beneficial for students. “They allow students to familiarise themselves with professional work-like activities and projects, where they can understand how things are done in practice while also gaining insights they can later use in their professional careers. Project Weeks also enable students to explore other paths and collaborate with different people, expanding their networks,” he concluded.

WUP 29/10/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#SDG3: Good Health and Well-being
#SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#highered
#research
#projectweeks

Embracing the Spirit of Internationalisation: Wittenborg Celebrates Erasmus Days 2025

https://www.wittenborg.eu/embracing-spirit-internationalisation-wittenborg-celebrates-erasmus-days-2025.htm

Staff and Students Explore the Possibilities Erasmus+ Can Offer

From 13 to 18 October, Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences hosted a week of events to mark Erasmus Days, showcasing its commitment to internationalisation, diversity and innovation in higher education. As a holder of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education 2021–2027, Wittenborg actively participates in the Erasmus+ programme, supporting mobility, intercultural exchange and collaborative research across Europe.  

“Our main goal was to celebrate the spirit of internationalisation that defines Wittenborg,” said Aydan Holtrigter, Research Centre Manager. “Erasmus Days gave us a platform to highlight the opportunities Erasmus+ offers — not just for mobility, but for building meaningful partnerships and fostering innovation in education.”  

The week included events for both staff and students. On 13 October, faculty attended the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility briefing, exploring eligibility, destinations and funding options. Later that day, students joined the Student Mobility Information Session to learn about study and internship opportunities abroad. On 14 October, faculty were invited to the online session ‘From a Research Idea to Funded Research Projects’, which guided them through turning research ideas into successful proposals. The week also featured the Green4ADU webinar, focusing on sustainability initiatives and cross-disciplinary collaboration.  

One of the highlights for Holtrigter was when participants shared their Erasmus+ mobility experiences. “Hearing first-hand how these exchanges have enriched their professional and personal lives was incredibly inspiring,” she said.  

For staff member Amal Abi Orm, Erasmus+ mobility became a reality in July 2025 when she travelled to Sicily to attend the training course 'EU Projects: Design and Management'. The course covered the full EU project lifecycle, from proposal writing to final reporting, giving her practical insight into managing Erasmus+ projects.  

Participants were enthusiastic throughout the week. “Both colleagues and students have approached us after the sessions letting us know how interesting it was to learn about the possibilities Erasmus+ can offer,” Holtrigter continued. “The sessions were so motivating that some have even found mobilities right after the session they attended.”  

Looking ahead, Wittenborg plans to build on the success of Erasmus Days 2025 by expanding mobility opportunities and deepening partnerships. “We are already busy finalising new inter-institutional agreements that will allow more mobilities for faculty, professional staff and students,” said Holtrigter.  

WUP 28/10/2025 
by Erene Roux
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg Welcomes More Than 230 New Students for October Intake

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-welcomes-more-230-new-students-october-intake.htm

Students from 34 Countries Join Wittenborg’s Apeldoorn, Munich and Amsterdam Locations

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has welcomed over 230 new students for its October block. These students are joining across the institution’s Apeldoorn, Munich, Amsterdam, and OnCampus study locations.

Reflecting Wittenborg’s long-standing commitment to internationalisation, the new cohort represents 34 nationalities from five continents. Among the largest groups are students from China, South Korea, Vietnam, Ukraine, and Turkey, alongside others from India, Iran, Indonesia, and Egypt.

The majority of the October entrants have joined the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme, while others are pursuing Entrepreneurial Business Administration (EBA) degrees with specialisations in Digital Marketing, FinTech, and Small Business.

At the postgraduate level, Wittenborg has seen increased enrolment in MBA and MSc programmes in fields such as Applied Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, and Health & Social Care.

Wittenborg’s six annual intakes offer students flexibility, with upcoming enrolments set for December and February. Looking ahead to 2026, additional intakes in March and beyond ensure continued opportunities for prospective students to join the Wittenborg community.

The October intake began with Wittenborg’s traditional Introduction Week, starting on 13 October. Students participated in workshops on academic writing, immigration procedures, career development, and English assessments, concluding with an Introductory Lunch at each location.

During his welcome speech in Apeldoorn, Rector Ron Tuninga congratulated students on beginning their international journey:

“You are all starting a new journey here at Wittenborg. For many of you, this may be your first time studying abroad – it’s an exciting opportunity to learn, meet new people, and build a network that will last throughout your careers.”

He encouraged students to engage actively with Dutch culture and language, to connect with peers from other countries, and to explore the Netherlands:

“Try to learn Dutch, meet local people, and see the country – it will enrich your experience. Study hard, but also enjoy your time here. Positive energy will help you achieve great things.”

As the October block gets underway, Wittenborg looks forward to supporting its diverse new cohort through another year of growth, learning, and international collaboration.

The week also gave new students the opportunity to share their first impressions of Wittenborg and their hopes for the future.

Anastasiia Tepliuk, from Ukraine, who is studying Marketing and Communications, said:

“I think I’ll find a lot of friends from different cultures, and I believe it’s going to be a really interesting experience in my life.”

Kyal Sin Lin, from Myanmar, also studying Marketing and Communications, shared that Introduction Week was both informative and reassuring:

“We learned who to approach when facing challenges academically, personally or mentally. The teachers and staff are very supportive on all levels.”

She added that Wittenborg’s mix of academic and practical learning was what drew her to the school:

“I chose Wittenborg because it provides both academic knowledge and practical skills, which are important for life after graduation. My future goal is to work in one of the top multinational companies in the Netherlands, and I believe these practical experiences will make me stand out.”

Mohsen Kanazoe, from Burkina Faso, who is studying a Pre-Master leading to the Master of Business Management in Cyber Security, also shared his early impressions of the Netherlands:

“Apeldoorn is a beautiful city. It’s my first time in the Netherlands, so I’m still getting to know the country. The weather is definitely different from back home – more cloudy, windy and fresh – but it’s a nice change of place. I’d like to explore Amsterdam and other cities, and talk with other international students about their experiences too.” 

WUP 27/10/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

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

Wittenborg Leads Key Discussions at Green4ADU Meeting in Palermo

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-leads-key-discussions-green4adu-meeting-palermo.htm

Jian Liu and Cha-Hsuan Liu Join International Partners in Italy to Advance Erasmus+ Project Goals

From 16 to 18 September, Wittenborg’s Erasmus+ Project Administrator and Researcher Jian Liu and Associate Professor Cha-Hsuan Liu participated in the Green4ADU consortium’s third Transnational Project Meeting and Learning, Teaching & Training Activity in Palermo, Italy. 

The activities were organised by CEIPES ETS (Centro Internazionale per la Promozione dell'Educazione e Sviluppo) and brought together partners from across Europe. Alongside Wittenborg, the Green4ADU project includes Apostolina Tsaltampasi Kai Sia EE, SME (Greece), Interchange Non-Profit gUG (Germany) and BB&R (Spain). 

Launched in January 2025, Green4ADU aims to support adults in developing environmental competencies and green skills, with the goal of enhancing employability in a rapidly changing job market. The initiative addresses topics such as climate change mitigation, green technologies and sustainable practices, preparing participants to adapt to new professional opportunities.  

Project discussions and hands-on learning  

As project coordinator, Wittenborg led the Palermo discussions on the testing phase of the e-learning platform, upcoming webinars and the development of the Green4ADU Workshop Toolkit. Attention also focused on project management, the interim report and planning for the next six months to ensure smooth implementation.

Alongside the strategic work, participants engaged in a varied programme of activities. These included practical workshops on natural, biodegradable soap-making, explorations of the relationship between well-being and adult learning and co-design sessions for new workshop formats. A cultural highlight was the visit to Radici – Piccolo Museo della Natura, which combined science, art and ecology to inspire participants’ creativity in workshop design.

Building cooperation and exchanging knowledge

For Jian Liu, the event demonstrated the value of face-to-face collaboration. “This get-together and workshop training event was informative and well-designed. The meeting helped align every partner and participant’s understanding, expectations and tasks. Through the discussions, confusions about project content and performance indicators were clarified,” he said. 

Reflecting on the hands-on activities, Liu added: “We learned not only green skills, such as soap making that can be taught to our target group, but also practical tips facilitators can use to improve workshop implementation. The Nature Museum visit and organic food tasting broadened our imagination on workshop design.” 

Wittenborg Leads Key Discussions at Green4ADU Meeting in Palermo 
He also highlighted the personal dimension: “It was a great occasion to interact with partners and learn more from each other – visions, missions and work cultures. It was not just a two-day meeting but actually a team-building activity to tighten cooperation and smoothen collaboration. The exchange of experiences and challenges was truly valuable.” 

Cha-Hsuan Liu likewise emphasised the importance of in-person activities in international projects. “This positive experience convinced me that face-to-face activities between partners are essential in Erasmus+ cooperation for vocational education and training. While online communication is timely and cost-efficient, personal interaction creates positive bonding and optimises outcomes by fostering mutual understanding across cultural barriers. I would recommend planning one more such event in future project proposals,” she stated. 

Looking ahead  

The Palermo meeting reinforced Green4ADU’s commitment to combining practical environmental learning with innovative educational strategies. With Wittenborg’s leadership, the consortium will continue to refine its e-learning platform, deliver webinars and design engaging workshops that equip adults with the green skills needed for the future labour market. 

WUP 23/102025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
#research
#ResearchCentre
#Erasmus+
#Internationalisation

Wittenborg Meets over 600 Students at BSN University Fair

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-meets-over-600-students-bsn-university-fair.htm

Representatives Meet Students and Showcase Wittenborg Programmes

Representatives of Wittenborg recently attended the BSN University Fair on 1 October in Voorschoten, the Netherlands. Organised by The British School in the Netherlands, the event brought together around 600 high school students exploring their options for higher education in the Netherlands and abroad.

The fair provided Regional Admissions Manager Eunice Cheung and Admissions Administrator Maulik Barot a good opportunity to meet motivated students who were keen to learn more about Wittenborg’s study programmes, admission requirements, and student life.

Reflecting on the event, Barot said, “It was my first time attending, and the experience was both insightful and rewarding. The event provided a great opportunity to interact directly with students, understand their interests, and share detailed information about Wittenborg.” He added, “What stood out the most was the level of engagement and curiosity among the students. Many came prepared with specific questions about study programmes, tuition fees, and career prospects.”

Students showed particular interest in subjects such as business, computer science, and international relations. Barot noted that he was able to provide students with comprehensive information about Wittenborg’s course offerings, tuition and fees, admission requirements, and general insights into student life and support services.

In addition to meeting students, Wittenborg representatives engaged with other university delegates, sharing insights into how different institutions present their offerings and connect with prospective students. The event was well organised and created a productive environment for discussions.

Barot concluded, “Overall, attending the British School in the Netherlands University Fair was a valuable and enriching experience. It provided a unique opportunity to represent our university, engage with prospective students, and gain insights into what today’s students are looking for in their higher education journey.”

WUP 22/10/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

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

Wittenborg Research Centre Sets Strategic Agenda for 2026–2027

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-research-centre-sets-strategic-agenda-2026-2027.htm

Driving Collaboration, Innovation and Global Engagement

The Wittenborg Research Centre (RC) charted its strategic priorities for the 2026–2027 year on 7 October, in a session chaired by Aydan Holtrigter, Research Centre Manager. 

The meeting spotlighted key developments, including the Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) Forum, AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) follow-up, and the newly launched Research Plan 2026–2031.

Rauf Abdul, Head of the School of Business, shared insights from the recent CoVE Forum in Kolding, highlighting opportunities for collaboration and a strong focus on applied research. Abdul reported that Wittenborg currently has four CoVE proposals under review, with results expected in December. In the TourXpeRience project, five new VR headsets have been introduced to enrich classroom activities, supported by Carlos Roos, Assistant Professor of Applied Sciences, and Emma Muchoki, Lecturer and Education Support.

Abdul also provided an update on AACSB accreditation, noting that an AACSB Peer Review Team (PRT) visited Wittenborg earlier in September. The team, composed of experienced business and accounting education leaders from AACSB-accredited institutions, evaluates schools seeking or maintaining accreditation and provides expert advice. Abdul reminded colleagues of ongoing Assurance of Learning (AoL) obligations and the importance of maintaining Scholarly Academic status through publications that carry Wittenborg affiliation.

Ad Kil, Professor of Applied Sciences, presented the Conceptual Foundation and Suggested Research Activities 2026–2031. Kil outlined how the plan organises the RC’s research around three interdisciplinary “chairs,” linking ten research themes with Wittenborg’s academic disciplines: International HRM & Future of Work in a Digital World, International Entrepreneurship & Innovation in Global Networks, and Future of Organisations, Governance & Societal Impact. Next steps include establishing a steering committee, conducting internal consultations, and defining measurable KPIs to guide implementation.

Holtrigter concluded by highlighting upcoming events, including Erasmus Days and the Globalisation Forum (3 to 6 November), both designed to showcase Wittenborg’s international engagement.

Looking ahead to 2026–2027, the Research Centre is reaffirming its commitment to applied research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global engagement through projects, publications and partnerships.

WUP 21/10/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#research
#ResearchCentre
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#Ethics
#Erasmus+
#accreditation
#accreditedbusinessschool

A 360° Experience: Hospitality Student Completes Internship at Hyatt Regency Amsterdam

https://www.wittenborg.eu/360deg-experience-hospitality-student-completes-internship-hyatt-regency-amsterdam.htm

Matin Rouhipourfard Develops New Skills and Expands Horizons

For HBA student Matin Rouhipourfard, specialising in Tourism and Hospitality Management, an internship at the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam Hotel was an opportunity to develop new skills and expand his professional network and horizons. After securing the position with the help of a friend who referred him to the establishment’s HR department, Matin had the chance to work as a Front Office Trainee from February to September 2025.  

In this role, he was the first and last point of contact with the guests, and his responsibilities included welcoming guests and assisting with their check-ins and check-outs, handling reservations and assisting with any queries or complaints that they might have. This enabled him to build on important competencies like listening and communication, problem-solving, time management and technical software proficiency.  

“Teamwork was another important aspect of the hotel industry as there is constant communication between various departments, such as housekeeping, food & beverage, engineering and events. I also managed to build time management and multitasking abilities by balancing administrative tasks with guest-related responsibilities,” Matin says. 

For him, the most enjoyable aspect of the job was being able to connect with people from all over the world and diverse cultural backgrounds and contribute to creating memorable guest experiences. “I also enjoyed the dynamic environment of hospitality, where every day was different and presented new learning opportunities. On top of that, I managed to do cross training in the housekeeping and marketing departments of the hotel. Both gave me valuable insights into hotel operations.”

However, the internship also included challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced environment, managing high guest expectations and learning to remain calm under pressure during peak times. “Another challenging aspect was the distance that I had to travel from Apeldoorn to Amsterdam daily, sometimes on the weekends as well. This was expensive and tiring,” Matin comments.  

The student highlights that this internship provided him with a practical 360° view of hotel operations and allowed him to apply academic knowledge to a real-world setting. “It also gave me a clearer view of the possible career paths within hospitality, particularly in front office and marketing. By developing both technical and soft skills, I feel more prepared for leadership roles in the future.” 

Matin plans to continue building his career in the hospitality, tourism and events industry, focusing on roles that combine guest services and marketing. He is open to both internships and entry-level job opportunities in Front Office, Guest Relations, Marketing or Event Management, ideally in international hotel chains or tourism organisations, and preferably at companies that support the long-term professional development of international employees. 

“I strongly encourage students to do internships because they provide hands-on experience that cannot be gained in the classroom alone. Internships help students apply theoretical knowledge, develop professional competencies and discover their strengths and interests. They also provide opportunities for networking and can open doors to future employment,” Matin emphasises. 

WUP 20/10/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

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