Towards an international campus

I recently invited a group of fifty people to participate in a brainstorming session on the theme of the international campus. In the foyer of Tilburg’s theatre, we discussed issues relating to language, accommodation, culture, integration, food and services. Participants came from all parts of our university community: (international) students, personnel from the support staff and lecturers and researchers from various faculties.

In my welcoming speech, I indicated my belief that the development of the international campus is part of the mission to ‘Feel at Home at Tilburg University’. All our students and personnel should feel at home on our campus. We expect a great deal from our (international) students and our personnel. It’s important that they feel at ease so that they can meet those expectations.

The discussion focused on issues such as: do we speak Dutch, English or are we bilingual? Would it be an idea to have more concentrated accommodation for international and Dutch students on or near the campus? Can we encourage greater variety in the types of food available? How can we promote contact between Dutch and international students? Are our services sufficiently focused on the needs of international students and personnel?

I thought it was an inspiring discussion. We can quickly implement many of the concrete suggestions already. Ever greater numbers of people who feel at home at our university. That’s what it’s all about.