Iryna Bernatska connects with students at Mind Update Education Fair

Wittenborg's Corporate Relations Manager, Iryna Bernatska, visited Mongolia in 18 May, where she participated in the Mind Update Education Fair in Ulaanbaatar. The event, held at the Shangri-La hotel, was organised by ICMA LLC, Wittenborg's partner in Mongolia. Bernatska's main goal during her visit was to inform Mongolian students about the opportunities to study in the Netherlands. She shared valuable insights on choosing the right study programme, available funding opportunities and possible prospects after graduation. Wittenborg is proud of its diverse student community, consisting of more than 100 nationalities, and actively cooperates with representatives from different countries, including Mongolia.

The Mongolian educational landscape has undergone significant changes over the past three decades and has evolved into a vibrant democracy. With a 97 per cent primary school enrolment rate and an increasing number of young people seeking higher education abroad, Mongolia represents a promising market for Wittenborg. The school aims to attract more Mongolian students in the coming years. 

During her visit, Bernatska immersed herself in Mongolian culture and interacted with prospective students. She was pleasantly surprised by the warm and hospitable Mongolian people. "I saw great interest in higher education in the Netherlands," she says. "Especially in our master's programmes." During her trip, Bernatska became fascinated by the country's westernised elements. "Mongolia's progress and technologies draw a line between traditional nomadic culture and industrial, urbanised Western culture," she says.

A specific highlight of Bernatska's trip was the unforgettable experience organised by the event organisers. "I had time to explore Ulaanbaatar, but our partners also organised an unforgettable experience for the fair participants," she says. "The event took place at the Shangri-La hotel, one of the well-known event venues in the city. The grand opening of the event was combined with a performance by traditional musicians and a popular local singer. After the fair, we were given a tour to the Genghis Khan monument/museum where we learnt some history of Mongolia. Then we climbed the Frog Rock and tasted local cuisine." Bernatska knows the educational value of such trips, it is a great opportunity to learn more about the Mongolian culture and understand how to approach potential new students from Mongolia. "These kinds of events always help us learn more about our prospective students, their backgrounds, their needs and also their expectations," Bernatska explains.

Bernatska is confident Mongolian students will come to the Netherlands: "I look forward to welcoming Mongolian students, where they can learn about this beautiful country and its people," she says.

WUP 23/7/2023
by Niels Otterman
©WUAS Press