Inside Wittenborg’s 2026 Student and Staff Representation Conference Day

https://www.wittenborg.eu/inside-wittenborgs-2026-student-and-staff-representation-conference-day.htm

Students and Staff Discuss Career, Community, and Wellbeing for 2026

On 24 February, Wittenborg brought together students and staff for its annual Student and Staff Conference Day in Apeldoorn and online, sparking discussions on student experience, staff initiatives and plans for the year ahead.

The day began with student and staff representative meetings alongside programme committee discussions, followed by an afternoon plenary where the outcomes and suggestions from the morning were shared with the wider community.

Reflecting on Progress from 2025

The morning discussions looked back at action points raised in 2025 and how they have been implemented over the past year.

Vanessa de Oliveira Menezes, Associate Professor of Applied Sciences, and Fahad Shakeel, Deputy Head of School of Business, highlighted several developments. Type 1 exams moved to a digital format starting in Block December 2025, tentative grades are now available online, and a Handling Aggression training session for staff took place on 1 May. Meeting agendas were introduced to improve discussion structure, and classroom conditions, including building temperatures, were also addressed.

Workplace safety and wellbeing were also part of the conversation. HR Manager Maike Zürcher spoke about Wittenborg’s mandatory Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E), which tracks workplace health and safety risks. She reminded staff about fire safety procedures, emergency response and the importance of reporting accidents.

“Everything you need to know about this is in Wittenborg’s Academic and Operations Guide (AOG),” she explained.

Senior Lecturer and Guest Lecturing Coordinator Fjorentina Muco then moderated discussions around employee experience, communication, workplace policies, feedback and future goals. Staff mobility was also discussed, reflecting Wittenborg’s ongoing collaboration with academic partners.

Building on These Ideas for 2026

Looking ahead, De Oliveira Menezes suggested informal knowledge-sharing gatherings where colleagues can exchange updates on projects, courses and training activities. Clearer communication of staff roles, faster responses to internal emails and additional training opportunities were also discussed, including courses such as Wild Years by Cha-Hsuan Liu.

Further ideas included creating a news board to keep staff informed about key updates and deadlines, alongside initiatives that promote wellbeing through partnerships with local gyms and organised activities.

Student Perspectives: Career, Wellbeing and Community

Most of the student representatives, including Jasmine Shaw and Arshia Baharloueiyancheshmeh brought forward student perspectives, focusing strongly on sustainable career development.

They highlighted the importance of continuous learning, strategic adaptability and aligning career goals with long-term success while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Reflecting on student life, Shaw noted how social spaces remain important for building connections.

Alongside broader discussions about wellbeing, students also raised practical questions about navigating academic processes such as Project Week registration, Moodle and other administrative procedures. Many of these questions are already addressed through Wittenborg’s FAQs, a concise version of the EEG, which provides step-by-step guidance on processes like registering for Project Week.

Students also discussed the importance of strengthening social connections on campus. Suggestions included mental health workshops, reading sessions, mindfulness activities and sports opportunities.

Wittenborg already supports student wellbeing through initiatives such as discounted padel and squash memberships in Apeldoorn, including single-court discounts and free equipment for those without memberships.

Student-led initiatives also continue to play an important role in campus life. Programmes such as Night Chats and the SWIFT Team, which organises student events and clubs, give students opportunities to build community while developing organisational, communication and teamwork skills.

Career Development and Practical Skills

Career development remained a key theme throughout the day.

De Oliveira Menezes encouraged students to take Wittenborg’s Work Experience Preparation Module, which focuses on practical skills such as CV creation, improving LinkedIn profiles, understanding job opportunities in the Netherlands and networking strategies.

“This course is a great opportunity to enhance your CV, strengthen your professional profile, and learn how to find job opportunities in the Netherlands. You will find it very interesting and valuable.”

Additional workshops covering these topics are organised regularly for students in both Apeldoorn and Amsterdam.

Students also proposed further ways to strengthen industry connections, including real-company projects, guest lectures, partnerships with local organisations and real-life case studies within MBA and MBM modules.

Practical Learning and Employability

Discussions also explored ways to strengthen practical learning opportunities.

Shakeel encouraged students to take an active role in their studies:

“Students should take responsibility and be at the centre of their own learning process.”

Deputy Head of School of Business Dadi Chen spoke about developing incubator-style learning opportunities where students can test ideas and scale projects using tools such as AI simulations.

Senior Lecturer and BBA Programme Coordinator George Bosire also suggested the idea of a student-led application where students could propose and organise events themselves, further strengthening community engagement and student initiative.

Alumni involvement was another idea raised during discussions, with suggestions for workshops or TED-Talk-style sessions where alumni could share their professional experiences with current students.

Mental Health Remains a Priority

Peter Birdsall, President of Wittenborg, noted that it is “interesting to see that mental health discussions are back on the agenda. Resilience is something we always focus on, and it is good to see students and staff engaging openly about it.”

Wittenborg takes a proactive approach to mental health and wellbeing. Confidential support services are available for students who need guidance or have experienced unacceptable behaviour. Students are encouraged to reach out early and make use of these resources to support their personal wellbeing.  

The day concluded with a clear set of actions and proposals from both students and staff, building on achievements from 2025 and setting a positive, practical agenda for 2026.  

WUP 06/03/2026 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press

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

How Willemijn Marcussen Turned Her Master's Thesis into Published Hospitality Research

https://www.wittenborg.eu/how-willemijn-marcussen-turned-her-masters-thesis-published-hospitality-research.htm

Wittenborg Graduate’s Research Published in Hospitality Journal in December 2025

When Willemijn Marcussen graduated from Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences in 2022, she had already begun work that would make an impact on hospitality. Now, three years later, her thesis has been published in the Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality & Tourism, showcasing a new approach to employee retention in the hospitality industry.

Willemijn, who is from the Netherlands, had previously completed a bachelor’s at the HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, giving her a strong foundation in facility management. She chose Wittenborg because of its international approach and its MBM (Master of Business Management) programme with a specialisation in Hospitality.

“I was looking for a programme that combined an international perspective with a focus on hospitality management. Wittenborg was one of the few institutions that offered this.”

Turning a Thesis into a Research Paper

Her thesis, supervised by Mats Carlbäck, Associate Professor of Applied Sciences, explored employee retention in the hospitality industry, a sector known for high turnover. Later, Adam Jones, Associate Professor of Applied Sciences, joined the project, offering a fresh perspective that helped refine the work. In December 2025 after a peer review, the paper was officially published.

The study brought together two established models, the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and the Job Embeddedness (JE) model, combining them into a new holistic framework that more accurately reflects real-life conditions.

“Both models made sense individually, but by combining them, we created a more complete picture of what keeps employees engaged.”

The Job Embeddedness framework considers why employees stay rather than why they leave, taking into account organisational connections, the fit between employee and job, and the sacrifices involved in leaving. Meanwhile, the EVP model outlines what the business offers employees, including benefits, career opportunities, training, culture and the working environment. By combining the two, Willemijn developed a holistic model that captures both organisational factors and the broader environment affecting employees’ decisions.

Her research included insights from privately owned Dutch restaurants, showing practical ways owners engage their staff. Examples ranged from restaurant owners buying cars for employees to ensure they get home safely after a long shift and travelling back home in the dark, to establishments sharing company ownership with staff. Other practices included early closing hours, four-day weeks, personalised attention, and in-house training, all designed to build human capital and loyalty.

“I hope it brings a fresh perspective on how people in the hospitality industry treat their employees. Without human capital, there wouldn’t be any business,” Willemijn explains.

Conducting the Research

To gather her data, Willemijn conducted semi-structured interviews with restaurant owners and managers, capturing both practical and personal insights. She explored factors such as compensation, work-life balance, team culture, training opportunities, and participative leadership. The findings highlighted that many effective practices were implemented intuitively, based on owners’ beliefs and values, rather than formal policies.

The study shows that when employees feel engaged and cared for, businesses not only retain staff but also enhance service quality and customer satisfaction. As Willemijn points out, “It’s not only about a fair salary. Sometimes other factors are more important to an individual and their personal lives, and that’s why you need to look deeper at what your staff really need.”

Willemijn now applies her expertise as a Solution Manager at ISS Facility Services in Utrecht, where she continues to focus on people, processes, and workplace solutions.

Advice to Students

Reflecting on her journey, Willemijn encourages students to choose a topic for their final research assignments that really fits their own life or passion. “I would start with picking a topic that really interests you, rather than something that you just got taught in a lecture. That’s really important.” She also emphasises the fit with your supervisor. “Think about who would match your topic, but also your way of working and personal fit. "Make sure you take the time to dive into this and don't wait until the last minute. It is an intense project/period which asks for proper preparation."

Willemijn adds that aligning your topic with your own background and goals helps make the research more meaningful. “In my case, it fit my previous studies and my specialisation in hospitality management. I knew I wanted to work in this sector, so it really fitted me.”

As for Mats and Adam, the publication reflects their shared belief in research that bridges academic theory and real-world practice.

Mats notes that the study addresses “a central and persistent challenge in hospitality management: how to retain and develop human capital in a labour-intensive industry marked by high employee turnover.” By integrating Job Embeddedness theory with the Employee Value Proposition framework, he explains, the research moves beyond descriptive accounts of labour shortages and offers “a structured, practice-oriented understanding of why employees stay,” linking retention more directly to service quality, organisational stability, and long-term competitiveness.

He also highlights its relevance for students and staff, pointing out that effective retention “rarely results from isolated HR practices,” but instead comes from aligning pay, work–life balance, leadership, organisational culture, and development opportunities. Many of these practices already exist within the industry, he notes, but are often applied intuitively rather than strategically.

WUP 02/03/2026 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#SDG4: Quality Education
#SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
#SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#research
#Alumni

A message to our Iranian students, alumni and colleagues

We are very aware that the recent and ongoing attacks involving the USA and Israeli forces in Iran are likely causing significant concern, uncertainty, and emotional strain for many of you. Although you are here in the Netherlands, we understand that your thoughts will be with your families, friends, and loved ones at home.

At this stage, there is still very little clarity about how the situation may develop, which can make this period particularly distressing. Please know that as a university community, we are thinking of you and of those close to you who may be directly affected.

We also recognise that the current escalation affects people across the wider region. Members of our community may have family and friends in neighbouring countries who are experiencing uncertainty and fear. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the violence, regardless of nationality or background.

We sincerely hope that all families remain safe and that the situation moves towards stability and peace as soon as possible. If you are finding this time difficult, we encourage you to reach out to colleagues, line managers, student support services, or HR — we are here to support one another.

With our warmest thoughts and solidarity during this challenging time.

Peter Birdsall

President

Wittenborg Kicks Off Erasmus+ AIDEA Project in Rome

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-kicks-erasmus-aidea-project-rome.htm

Wittenborg Joins Partners in Launching AIDEA Project in Rome

Wittenborg has joined partners from across Europe for the Kick-off Meeting (KOM) of the Erasmus+ project AIDEA (Artificial Intelligence for a New Design Education Approach), held in Rome on 3 to 4 February.

The meeting brought together 14 representatives from all eight project partners, including institutions from Italy, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Austria, the Republic of North Macedonia and Ireland. Coordinated by Accademia Italiana Moda e Design with support from CIAPE, AIDEA aims to transform European design education by combining the intelligence of the hand, artificial intelligence and social intelligence.

“The Kick-off Meeting was a highly productive start for the project,” said Aydan Holtrigter, Head of Research Partnerships and International Mobility at Wittenborg. “It allowed us to dive into detailed discussions on project organisation, next steps, deadlines and coordination. We also agreed on the communication strategy and set clear KPIs for the months ahead.”

Wittenborg has previously collaborated with some partners, including CIAPE and STEP, through the INFURI project (2020–2023). The rest of the consortium were new to Wittenborg.

“Meeting partners in person was a valuable experience,” Aydan added. “It helps establish the right attitude and work ethic from the very beginning. The KOM allowed us to align approaches, define action plans, and agree on a strategy that everyone can follow moving forward.”

Also attending from Wittenborg was lecturer Robert Muster, who contributed insights on curriculum integration and the practical implementation of AI-driven design activities for students.

Over the two-day meeting, the consortium finalised timelines, clarified administrative and coordination processes, and agreed on the next steps for participatory research, creation of the Manifesto for Collective AI Design, the Handbook of teaching tools, train-the-trainer sessions, piloting with students and companies, and a pre-incubation programme that will bring AI-driven prototypes to life.

Wittenborg leads Work Package 5: Communication, Dissemination and Upscaling, coordinating the pre-incubation programme and developing the project’s communication strategy. The university also contributes to research and content creation for the Manifesto and Handbook, ensuring ethical and entrepreneurial perspectives on AI are fully integrated into the curriculum.

“KOM was not just about planning, it was about building relationships and trust,” Aydan reflected. “Starting the project on a strong, aligned footing is crucial for delivering impactful results for students and for European design education as a whole.”

Running from December 2025 to August 2028, AIDEA will provide students and staff with opportunities to explore the transformative potential of AI in design, combining research, creativity and practical application to meet real-world market needs.  

WUP 27/02/2026 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press

Tags
#SDG17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#research
#Erasmus+
#ResearchCentre

International Academic Advisory Panel Shapes Wittenborg’s Direction for 2026

https://www.wittenborg.eu/international-academic-advisory-panel-shapes-wittenborgs-direction-2026.htm

IAAP Meeting Reviews Progress and Sets Strategic Priorities for 2026

On 7 February, Wittenborg held its annual International Academic Advisory Panel (IAAP) meeting in a hybrid format, with thirteen members joining from Apeldoorn and online. The session included IAAP members Ben Q. Honyenuga, Nuran Acur, Erik Devos, Leo Paul Dana, Peter van Zürcher, Marina Dabic, Petra de Weerd-Nederhof, Ed Vosselman, Ed Peelen, and Jasmina Selimovic, along with Wittenborg leadership: Ron Tuninga, Peter Birdsall, Aydan Holtrigter, and Kriszta Kaspers.

One of the main topics was the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) peer review visit in 2025. The panel saw this as an important milestone for Wittenborg and discussed high-level priorities for the institute. These included making sure strategy is clearly linked to action, improving the monitoring of student progress, and growing research capacity and impact.  

Research was another key focus. From 2021 to 2025, Wittenborg coordinated or participated in ten funded projects, primarily within Erasmus+ and capacity-building frameworks. Holtrigter, the Head of Research Partnerships at Wittenborg, presented an overview of these activities, and IAAP members offered guidance on strengthening applied, practice-oriented business research.  

They suggested linking funded projects more closely with publications, finding ways to share research in practical outlets, and working more closely with industry and European partners. Members also highlighted the importance of student and staff mobility, international research networks, and academic events such as workshops and seminars in supporting research impact and visibility.  

Kaspers, Head of Education Development and Quality Management, said:

“The IAAP’s advice is really valuable. It helps us focus on what matters most. Connecting strategy to action, supporting applied research, and building stronger international links are key priorities for Wittenborg.”

The panel also reviewed strengths identified during the AACSB peer review. These included a diverse and international student body and staff, strong engagement from students, and clear links with the local and regional community. Areas for further improvement included making strategy more actionable, tracking student progress in more detail, and increasing research output.  

Preparations for upcoming NVAO and FIBAA programme accreditations were also discussed. These remain important for maintaining degree-awarding authority and programme continuity.  

The meeting formally acknowledged the departure of Weerd-Nederhof from the IAAP after five years, recognising her contributions and dedication.  

A follow-up online IAAP session focusing on education strategy and AI is planned for later this year.

WUP 25/02/2026 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press

Tags
#SDG4: Quality Education
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#Ethics
#research
#accreditedbusinessschool
#AACSB

Wittenborg Brings Milestone Week to a Close with Annual Staff Dinner

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-brings-milestone-week-close-annual-staff-dinner.htm

Over 100 Colleagues and Partners Gather in Apeldoorn for an Evening of Celebration 

On 6 February, Wittenborg’s annual staff dinner returned to the Bilderberg Hotel De Keizerskroon in Apeldoorn — marking the third time the event has been held at the venue. What is fast becoming a tradition provided the perfect setting to conclude a significant week for the institution. 

The dinner followed Introduction Week, Wittenborg’s Winter Graduation ceremony and the Advisory Board meeting earlier that day, with the International Academic Advisory Panel (IAAP) convening in Apeldoorn the following morning.  

Together, these milestones reflected the full scope of Wittenborg’s mission: celebrating student achievement, evaluating strategic direction, and strengthening academic quality. 

With more than 100 attendees, including staff, guest lecturers, Advisory Board members and IAAP representatives, the evening offered a valuable opportunity to connect beyond formal meetings and ceremonies. Colleagues from across departments and study locations gathered in a relaxed atmosphere to reflect on progress, exchange ideas and enjoy each other’s company. 

A professional photography session once again added a special touch to the evening, allowing attendees to capture portraits and team photos.   

Reflecting on the evening, Sopha Faraji, External Relations & Events Manager, shared: 

“It was such a great opportunity to connect and really enjoy being together as colleagues. The energy in the room was fantastic, and seeing everyone engage so openly made all the effort worthwhile.” 

Looking Ahead with Confidence

During the dinner, President Peter Birdsall addressed the room, reflecting on both the wider landscape of international education and Wittenborg’s long-term development. 

He observed that “there does seem to be a growing recognition that internationalisation — and English-taught education in particular — is not something to be rolled back, but something to be managed sensibly and valued.” For Wittenborg, this remains central. “Students choose not only an institution, but they choose a society, a country,” he noted, underlining the importance of the Netherlands’ international reputation and openness. 

Recognising the collective effort behind the institution’s progress, he told attendees: “Everybody in this room contributes daily to international education.” 

Reflecting on the recent panel visit from AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), he described it as “an exceptional AACSB panel visit.” He reminded colleagues that AACSB accredits only around 6% of business schools worldwide, and that the professionalism, openness and academic maturity demonstrated during the visit were exactly what one would expect at this stage of Wittenborg’s journey. 

“Wittenborg presented itself with confidence, credibility and integrity,” he said, adding that this “matters enormously, both for now and in the long term.” 

Looking beyond accreditation, he highlighted long-term institutional thinking, particularly Wittenborg’s sustained commitment to student accommodation. Referring to the Randerode project in partnership with Zorggroep Apeldoorn and real estate intermediary De Kabath, he emphasised that the initiative reflects the institution’s broader philosophy. 

“We’re not only educating students,” he said. “We’re building the conditions in which they can live, belong and succeed.” 

He stressed that such developments are not short-term gestures but signs of careful, responsible planning: “These are not short-term gestures, but signals of an institution that is planning carefully, investing responsibly and thinking well beyond the next academic year.” 

Closing on a strong and optimistic note, he added: “I can say without qualification that I am profoundly confident about Wittenborg’s future, for our students and our academic mission.” 

WUP 23/02/2026 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press Tags
#SDG4: Quality Education
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#Ethics
#apeldoorn

Wittenborg Students Move into Randerode as Institution Expands Housing

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-students-move-randerode-institution-expands-housing.htm

Wittenborg and Zorggroep Apeldoorn Formalise Housing Partnership

Wittenborg has signed an agreement to house students on a vacant floor at Randerode, a healthcare facility operated by Zorggroep Apeldoorn. The initiative, in collaboration with real estate intermediary De Kabath, aims to create a community, where students and older residents live together under one roof.

The full press release from Zorggroep Apeldoorn can be read here.

The first four students already received their keys on  23 January, and eventually up to 30 international Wittenborg students are expected to live in Randerode. These new residents bring energy and activity to the site, and are seen as a great example of how young and old can live together in a meaningful community.

Nicoleta Salaru, Front Office and Housing Coordinator at Wittenborg, said:

“The floor offers bright and pleasant single and double rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms. The location is peaceful and close to the forest, with a bus stop right outside and bicycle parking nearby. Students will have personal access passes with their photos for safety. Contracts can last up to one year, and all furniture is brand new, including beds, mattresses, desks, chairs and lounge furniture. Each room also has a fridge and a sink, and there is a fully equipped kitchen for shared use.”

Peter Birdsall, President of Wittenborg, added:

“We always say: if you cannot house them, do not recruit them. This agreement shows our commitment to providing students with comfortable, safe accommodation while giving them the chance to connect with the community and interact with residents of all ages.”

The Randerode floor is part of Wittenborg’s broader approach to student housing in Apeldoorn, offering secure and comfortable rooms close to its study locations. Other options include shared apartments, dormitories and studios, all with furniture and high-speed internet.

Students who have completed their Study Agreement, paid the package fee and received their visa can request a room. You can read more about it here.

Looking Ahead: A New Campus in Apeldoorn

Wittenborg is also taking a major step toward a new campus in Apeldoorn’s Learning District. A letter of intent has been signed with developers BPD | Bouwfonds Gebiedsontwikkeling and Dura Vermeer, marking the start of a collaboration with the municipality and other education partners.

The planned campus will include modern educational facilities, student accommodation and shared spaces designed for learning, socialising and community interaction. Wittenborg aims to expand its Apeldoorn student population from 1,500 to at least 2,500, providing more beds for international students and creating a lively, international hub in the city.

CEO Maggie Feng described the partnership as “years of patience, networking, listening and determination”, and said:

“We want this to be a place where everyone would like to be. A place that is young, fun, international and built on shared values. It’s not about age but mindset.”  

WUP 20/02/2026 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press

Tags
#apeldoorn
#SDG17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
#Internationalisation
#internationalstudent

Students from over 20 countries graduate in Wittenborg Winter Graduation 2026

https://www.wittenborg.eu/students-over-20-countries-graduate-wittenborg-winter-graduation-2026.htm

Celebrating achievement across bachelor’s, master’s and specialised programmes

On 6 February, Wittenborg hosted one of its most anticipated events of the year: its Winter Graduation 2026, celebrating the achievements of graduates from more than 20 countries.

Students from bachelor’s, master’s, and specialised programmes completed courses in areas such as Business Administration, Digital Marketing & Communication, Entrepreneurship, Logistics & Trade, International Management, Data Analytics, Cyber Security, Hospitality, Finance, Health and Social Care, and Education.

The ceremony, held at Theater Orpheus in Apeldoorn, recognised not only academic excellence but also the resilience, adaptability, and global perspective these students have developed during their studies.

Vajihe Shojaei, Assistant Professor of Applied Sciences, addressed the bachelor’s graduates with words that resonated throughout the hall:

"Your future won’t always be easy but you are not starting from zero. You’re starting from experience. Failure often means you were brave enough to try. You already know how to survive the messy middle. Now go build something meaningful, step by step, with courage and kindness toward yourself and others."

For the Master of Business Administration graduates, Dadi Chen, Deputy Head of the School of Business, highlighted the skills and mindset that will help them navigate the world beyond Wittenborg:

"You didn’t just learn about being a ‘global citizen’ in a textbook; you lived it. You are not just graduates; you are ‘AI-powered explorers.’ Your authenticity, cross-cultural empathy, and human-centred leadership are your greatest competitive advantages in this ever-changing world."

Students also reflected on the journey themselves. Mehak Panwar, graduating in Marketing Communication & Information, spoke candidly about the challenges and personal growth experienced throughout the programme:

"The best thing we can do for ourselves is not to compare, not our progress, not our struggles, not our goals. Cherish your own journey and truly enjoy your life."

She added that despite late nights, group work, and thesis challenges, the determination and consistency of the graduates brought them to this milestone, a sentiment echoed by her classmates.

Harshal Sonawane, an MBA in Data Analytics graduate, shared a similar sense of fulfilment. He chose the programme to combine business strategy with data-driven decision-making in today’s digital world. He described graduating as both rewarding and deeply satisfying, noting that the journey had been challenging but transformative for his professional and personal growth.

For Sonawane, the most memorable moments were working on his thesis and collaborating with people from different cultural backgrounds, experiences that strengthened both his analytical skills and his global outlook. Looking ahead, he aims to build a career in data analytics and artificial intelligence, helping organisations make smarter, data-driven decisions.

Other speakers of the day included Peter Birdsall, who welcomed the guests; Prof. Dr Ed Vosselman, who gave the opening address; Tolulope Oluwatosin-Lawal, the Master’s representative; Robert Muster, lecturer for the MSc cohort; and Colin MacKenzie, Associate Professor of Applied Sciences, who delivered the closing speech.

In his address, MacKenzie drew on stories from the Scottish Enlightenment, citing philosophers, economists, and historical figures such as David Hume, Adam Smith, Mary Slessor, and Robert Burns to illustrate resilience, curiosity, and the power of ethical action. Highlighting Burns’ famous reflection that “the best laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley,” he reminded graduates that plans may not always unfold as expected, but persistence and creative problem-solving can overcome obstacles.

He closed with a personal motto for life: the three P’s: persuasion, persistence, and passion. He encouraged graduates to apply these principles as they navigate their careers, pursue their goals, and make a positive impact in the world. “Today is your day,” he said. “Take each day one step at a time, keep in touch with Wittenborg, and shine bright.”

WUP 18/02/2026 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press

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

Wittenborg Strengthens Partnerships During China Visit

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-strengthens-partnerships-during-china-visit.htm

Eunice Cheung Meets with Agents to Strengthen Partnerships in China

From 22 to 29 January, Wittenborg completed a successful visit to China, reinforcing its commitment to building strong international connections and supporting students worldwide.

The trip was led by Eunice Cheung, Regional Admissions Manager, who is originally from China. She travelled alone to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to meet education agents, strengthen existing partnerships and explore new opportunities to collaborate. Her local knowledge and insight made the conversations even more meaningful.

During the visit, Cheung shared what makes Wittenborg unique — its international, career-focused programmes, hands-on approach to learning and vibrant, multicultural campus community. She also highlighted the opportunities available for students looking to study in the Netherlands and gain practical experience to launch their global careers.

Reflecting on the trip, Cheung said, “It was wonderful to meet our partners in person and hear first-hand about student ambitions and challenges. These discussions really help me show what Wittenborg has to offer and how we support students every step of the way.”

For future students, the visit offered a clear picture of studying at Wittenborg and life in the Netherlands. For current students and staff, it showed how much the school values its global connections and continues to build them year after year.

Every year, Wittenborg undertakes various trips to different countries. This visit is part of the institution’s ongoing international strategy, which also includes taking part in education fairs both abroad and in the Netherlands. To see where Wittenborg will be next, check out the school’s events website.

WUP 16/02/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Tags
#SDG17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
#Internationalisation
#Diversity
#studyinholland

Wittenborg Welcomes More Than 100 New Students for February 2026 Intake

https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-welcomes-more-100-new-students-february-2026-intake.htm

Students Join Bachelor, Pre-Master, Master and other Programmes in Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich

Wittenborg has welcomed over 100 new students for its February 2026 block intake, joining the institution across its Apeldoorn, Amsterdam, Munich and OnCampus study locations.

The February intake reflects Wittenborg’s strong international profile, with students arriving from over 20 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe and more. Among the largest student groups are those from India, China, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka, alongside students from Türkiye, Egypt, Morocco, Brazil, Pakistan and several European countries.

Strong Demand for Business, Technology and Entrepreneurship Programmes

The majority of new students have enrolled in Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programmes, including specialisations in Artificial Intelligence & Cyber Security, Hospitality Management, Economics & Management, Information Management and Event Management. A significant number have also joined the Entrepreneurial Business Administration (EBA) programmes, with pathways in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Digital Marketing, FinTech and Small Business.

At the postgraduate level, Wittenborg has seen strong enrolment in its Pre-Master leading to Master of Business Management, Master of Business Management (MSc), and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes. These students are specialising in areas such as Human Resource Management, Applied Artificial Intelligence, Digital Marketing & Communication, Logistics & Trade, Data Analytics, Cyber Security, Health & Social Care and International Management.

A Warm Welcome in Apeldoorn

Welcoming students in Apeldoorn, President Peter Birdsall encouraged the new cohort to embrace the challenges and opportunities of studying abroad, drawing on his own experience as an international student.

“It’s always a fantastic opportunity to go abroad — to change a life. I’ve done it myself,” he said. “Almost all of your staff and faculty will have gone through the same experience.”

Birdsall emphasised the importance of integration, student engagement, and personal responsibility. He encouraged students to meet people outside their own national groups, join societies, volunteer and make use of the international and expat communities in Apeldoorn.

“We’re here to help you succeed. We will do everything we can to make your degrees as valuable as possible, but at the end of the day, it is your responsibility to work hard and make the most of this opportunity.”

New Student Voices: Why They Chose Wittenborg

Several students from the February intake shared their motivations for choosing Wittenborg and their early experiences in the Netherlands.

Kardelen Aydin from Türkiye, enrolled in the Pre-Master leading to the MBM in Human Resource Management in Apeldoorn, described her first weeks adjusting to life in the Netherlands.

With a background in psychology, Aydin hopes to combine her previous studies with HR to strengthen her career prospects.

“I want to specialise in human resources and combine it with psychology so I can be stronger in the HR field and find a job after graduation.”

Aysan Seyedi from Iran, also studying the Pre-Master leading to the MBM in Human Resource Management, arrived in January.

“Wittenborg is a very popular international institution, and it was recommended to me by a friend,” she explained.  

Looking ahead, Seyedi is focused on personal and professional development.

“I want to improve my communication skills, make international friends, and become a strong human resource professional.”

Himanshu Patel from India is enrolled in the Pre-Master leading to the MBM in Entrepreneurship & Innovation. He chose Wittenborg for its diverse international environment and practical business focus. “The cultural dimension at Wittenborg gives me a good base to connect and grow with people from different backgrounds,” he said. Having arrived before the Introduction Week, Patel has already begun exploring Apeldoorn.

“It’s a beautiful city. I’ve been exploring the streets, and it’s been an amazing experience.” Passionate about business and the food industry, he hopes to start his own enterprise in the future and develop his leadership skills during his studies.

WUP 11/02/2026
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press

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