Wittenborg Welcomes More than 50 New Students for February Block
New Members of the Wittenborg Family to Be Based in Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-welcomes-more-50-new-students-february-block.htm
Despite the cold temperatures typical of this time of the year in the Netherlands and Germany, more than 50 new students were warmly welcomed by Wittenborg at the start of the school’s February block. The institution has six intakes per year, and the next ones will be in April, May, August, October and December.
The new members of the Wittenborg family will be based at the institution’s study locations in Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich. In line with the school’s strong focus on internationalisation, they come from 20 countries located in different regions of the world: Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Jordan, Iran, Türkiye, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, Nigeria, Morocco, United States, Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Russia.
From 5 to 9 February, the school conducted its traditional Introduction Week, including sessions on various topics such as Wittenborg’s infrastructure, facilities and online systems. The activities also addressed life and culture in the Netherlands and Germany (for those students who will be studying in Munich) and how to handle immigration procedures, as well as tips related to internships, careers and professional life.
Wittenborg Celebrates Its History and Looks to the Future at Annual Staff Dinner
Wittenborg's Annual Staff Dinner a Resounding Success
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-celebrates-its-history-and-looks-future-annual-staff-dinner.htm
On 9 February, employees and friends of Wittenborg came together at the Bilderberg Hotel De Keizerskroon in Apeldoorn for the annual staff dinner, not only to reflect on the accomplishments of 2023 but also to anticipate what lies ahead in 2024.
The special evening started with a warm welcome from Fjorentina Muco, Lecturer & Guest Lecturing Coordinator at Wittenborg, followed by remarks from Patrick Birdsall, whose connection to Wittenborg spans back to 2003 when he began teaching the first group of international students at the business school. He is also the father of Wittenborg's president.
"Wittenborg is a bright beacon of intellectual progress and enlightenment, an international business school that fulfils a most significant and special role in the world by providing a series of high-level, interactive learning programmes, which are by their very nature international, taught in English and administered by a united team of dedicated international staff to students from many different countries who have chosen to come and study in the Netherlands," Birdsall expressed.
He highlighted the importance of international education in addressing global challenges and promoting understanding across cultures.
"International education becomes a uniting and stabilising force fostering a culture of critical thinking, understanding and empathy for less fortunate communities in order to meet and find solutions to global problems."
More than 100 Wittenborg Graduates Ready to Take on the World
Winter Graduation Ceremony Held at Apeldoorn’s Prestigious Orpheus Theatre
https://www.wittenborg.eu/more-100-wittenborg-graduates-ready-take-world.htm
More than 100 Wittenborg bachelor’s and master’s students experienced a special moment in their lives last Friday, 9 February, as the school’s traditional Winter Graduation Ceremony was held at the prestigious Orpheus Theatre in Apeldoorn.
The new cohort of graduates comprises those who studied on programmes at the school’s Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich locations. It includes representatives of 30 nationalities: Nigeria, Vietnam, Türkiye, Netherlands, Iran, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, India, Morocco, Nepal, United Kingdom, Russia, Congo, Egypt, Ukraine, Italy, Lebanon, Afghanistan, South Africa, United States, Albania, South Korea, China, Indonesia, Chile, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Gabon, Kazakhstan and Syria.
During the ceremony, the Orpheus Theatre was filled with proud parents, family members, friends and lecturers who supported the graduates throughout their journeys.
The event included such memorable moments as the speech delivered by Patrick Birdsall, father of Wittenborg’s president Peter Birdsall. Reflecting on his extensive experience in education, Birdsall Sr. pointed out the importance of international education today, especially in view of the challenges currently faced by the world.
Shortage of Engineers a Threat to the Netherlands
Country Needs International Students and Professionals to Supply Demands of its Economy
https://www.wittenborg.eu/shortage-engineers-threat-netherlands.htm
Owing to factors such as the aging of the Dutch population and the lack of interest among students, the Netherlands is experiencing a shortage of engineers, as well as scientific and technical professionals. This issue is discussed in an opinion piece written by five rectors of important Dutch universities, recently published by De Volkskrant.
The authors highlight that, in order to meet this demand, the Netherlands needs international students, professionals and researchers. These groups play an essential role in the transitions that the country is facing in fields such as healthcare, energy production, food supply, climate, digitalisation, safety and housing.
Wittenborg CEO Attends NICCT New Year Reception
NICCT's Reception Sets Tone for NL-India Corridor in 2024
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-ceo-attends-nicct-new-year-reception.htm
On 24 January, Maggie Feng, CEO of Wittenborg, was present at a 'New Year Reception' hosted by NICCT (The Netherlands India Chamber of Commerce & Trade), in collaboration with HCLTech, a global technology company with an extensive portfolio of technology services and products.
The reception, moderated by Christina James Puthiyadath from HCLTech, included welcoming remarks by Edith Nordmann, Chairman at NICCT, and addresses by Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Embassy of the Netherlands to India, and Satya Pinisetty, First Secretary (Economic & Commerce) at the Embassy of India to the Netherlands. Closing remarks were delivered by Ishtiyaq Amed Maniyar, Associate Vice President at HCLTech.
The event concluded with a networking reception.
On LinkedIn, Nordmann stated that the gathering was not only a celebration but also a reaffirmation of the strong ties and shared visions between the Netherlands and India, marking a promising start to the year for the NL-India corridor.
Strategic Network Apeldoorn Continues Discussion on Transformative Energy Solutions
Wittenborg CEO Attends Strategic Network Apeldoorn Meeting
On 23 January, Wittenborg CEO Maggie Feng attended a meeting hosted by Strategic Network Apeldoorn to continue discussions on energy transition.
Various stakeholders gathered at ACEC (Apeldoorn's Centrum voor Eigentijdse Cultuur) to discuss the topic, where Apeldoorn, known as the 'green and generous capital of the Veluwe,' is considered to be at the forefront of this transition.
This sustainability and energy transition event featured inspiring speakers and collectively formulated the initial steps that the strategic network can take on this theme.
Following opening remarks by Nick Derks, Deputy Mayor of Economy for the Municipality of Apeldoorn, keynote speaker Delta Commissioner Co Verdaas guided attendees through the importance and strength of collaboration in sustainability and energy transition. This included insights into the National Delta Programme, which protects the Netherlands against floods, ensures sufficient fresh water, and contributes to a climate-resistant and water-robust design.
It’s Carnival in the NL (and Abroad!): See How Different Countries Celebrate
Traditional Festivals Include Parades, Costumes, Dance, Music and Drinks
https://www.wittenborg.eu/its-carnival-nl-and-abroad-see-how-different-countries-celebrate.htm
It’s that time of the year again! Traditionally celebrated in the Netherlands for many centuries, Carnival is about to hit the streets of various cities in the country’s southern provinces of North Brabant and Limburg. In 2024, the festivities will take place from 11 to 13 February in cities such as Maastricht, Den Bosch, Tilburg, Eindhoven, Venlo and Breda, among others.
During these events, the streets are filled with colourful crowds, many of them wearing costumes. There is plenty of drinking, singing and dancing to traditional Carnival songs, as well as other attractions such as parades and concerts.
The Intricacies of Networking: Wittenborg CEO and Employees Attend Workmode Event
Wittenborg CEO, Maggie Feng Shares Top Networking Insights
On 25 January, Wittenborg CEO Maggie Feng shared her top networking tips during Hashtag Workmode's networking event at the Theater Orpheus in Apeldoorn. Over 60 participants, including employees from Wittenborg, attended the event to hear Feng, Mirjam Barendregt from the Orpheus Theatre, and Symone De Bruin from the Municipality of Apeldoorn discuss the age-old question in a panel discussion: 'What is your legacy?'
Following the opening remarks by Sunita Biharie from the Municipality of Apeldoorn, the panel, moderated by Mike van Woudenberg, the owner of Ultimate Workspace, engaged in a conversation about their career paths, the importance of local networking, and their commitment to the growth of women in Apeldoorn.
Later in the event, Stephanie Knoors, CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) at Workmode, interviewed Sabine Koning, a Dutch food blogger, before attendees had time to network. Koning's top tips included listening to one's gut feeling when running a business and actively using and maintaining your network to create a positive ripple effect.
Looking forward to future Workmode networking events, Feng emphasised the significance of local networking. She highlighted its dual purpose: firstly, expanding contacts beyond immediate circles.
"Networking allows us to connect with people from all over the world, each bringing unique perspectives and backgrounds. This broadens our social circle."
Secondly, it expands possibilities.
Wittenborg Participates in New Private University College in Austria
New Institution Set to Offer Two Bachelor’s and Two Master’s Programmes in Bad Vöslau
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-participates-new-private-university-college-austria.htm
Wittenborg is involved in the creation of a new higher education institution in Austria, the International University College Bad Vöslau (IUC), together with the International College of Tourism and Management (ITM) and the Municipality of Bad Vöslau.
IUC is set to offer two three-year bachelor's programmes, one in International Hospitality & Business Management and the other in Human Resource Management & Communication. Also, two master’s programmes in related fields will be offered.
The new school has been made possible by a consortium established between the three partnering institutions, through which ITM owns 60% of IUC, Wittenborg has a 30% share and the Municipality of Bad Vöslau is the owner of 10%.
Since 2022, Wittenborg has worked on this initiative together with its partners. Last year, the new organisation submitted the initial accreditation documentation to complete the formal institutional requirements, and last week, IUC received the positive news that the first part of this process has been completed.
During the next phase of the accreditation, which will take place in May, the new University College will undergo a comprehensive two-day panel visit by a team of five peer reviewers. The assessors will review the application and the programmes submitted for accreditation.
Wittenborg President Attends ITM College's New Year Reception in Austria
Peter Birdsall, Mike Sheppard and Dr Alexander Bauer Attend Long-standing Partners' New Year Reception
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-president-attends-itm-colleges-new-year-reception-austria.htm
On 26 January, Wittenborg President Peter Birdsall attended a special New Year's reception in Bad Vöslau, Austria, hosted by long-standing partner the International College of Tourism and Management (ITM). The event showcased the institution's unwavering commitment to international education.
Every year, ITM hosts its annual New Year's Reception where students take charge of preparing the food and providing entertainment. The guest list includes businesses supporting the school, municipal representatives—including the mayor—and education partners.
This year, students organised the event, taking attendees on a culinary journey around the world, presenting delicious food from their home countries, and moderating an exciting programme.
Education partners from Qatar and the United States also virtually attended the event, participating on-screen to celebrate the international atmosphere.
Wittenborg Welcomes More than 50 New Students for February Block
New Members of the Wittenborg Family to Be Based in Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-welcomes-more-50-new-students-february-block.htm
Despite the cold temperatures typical of this time of the year in the Netherlands and Germany, more than 50 new students were warmly welcomed by Wittenborg at the start of the school’s February block. The institution has six intakes per year, and the next ones will be in April, May, August, October and December.
The new members of the Wittenborg family will be based at the institution’s study locations in Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich. In line with the school’s strong focus on internationalisation, they come from 20 countries located in different regions of the world: Kyrgyzstan, North Macedonia, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Jordan, Iran, Türkiye, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mozambique, Nigeria, Morocco, United States, Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Russia.
From 5 to 9 February, the school conducted its traditional Introduction Week, including sessions on various topics such as Wittenborg’s infrastructure, facilities and online systems. The activities also addressed life and culture in the Netherlands and Germany (for those students who will be studying in Munich) and how to handle immigration procedures, as well as tips related to internships, careers and professional life.
Wittenborg Celebrates Its History and Looks to the Future at Annual Staff Dinner
Wittenborg's Annual Staff Dinner a Resounding Success
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-celebrates-its-history-and-looks-future-annual-staff-dinner.htm
On 9 February, employees and friends of Wittenborg came together at the Bilderberg Hotel De Keizerskroon in Apeldoorn for the annual staff dinner, not only to reflect on the accomplishments of 2023 but also to anticipate what lies ahead in 2024.
The special evening started with a warm welcome from Fjorentina Muco, Lecturer & Guest Lecturing Coordinator at Wittenborg, followed by remarks from Patrick Birdsall, whose connection to Wittenborg spans back to 2003 when he began teaching the first group of international students at the business school. He is also the father of Wittenborg's president.
"Wittenborg is a bright beacon of intellectual progress and enlightenment, an international business school that fulfils a most significant and special role in the world by providing a series of high-level, interactive learning programmes, which are by their very nature international, taught in English and administered by a united team of dedicated international staff to students from many different countries who have chosen to come and study in the Netherlands," Birdsall expressed.
He highlighted the importance of international education in addressing global challenges and promoting understanding across cultures.
"International education becomes a uniting and stabilising force fostering a culture of critical thinking, understanding and empathy for less fortunate communities in order to meet and find solutions to global problems."
More than 100 Wittenborg Graduates Ready to Take on the World
Winter Graduation Ceremony Held at Apeldoorn’s Prestigious Orpheus Theatre
https://www.wittenborg.eu/more-100-wittenborg-graduates-ready-take-world.htm
More than 100 Wittenborg bachelor’s and master’s students experienced a special moment in their lives last Friday, 9 February, as the school’s traditional Winter Graduation Ceremony was held at the prestigious Orpheus Theatre in Apeldoorn.
The new cohort of graduates comprises those who studied on programmes at the school’s Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich locations. It includes representatives of 30 nationalities: Nigeria, Vietnam, Türkiye, Netherlands, Iran, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, India, Morocco, Nepal, United Kingdom, Russia, Congo, Egypt, Ukraine, Italy, Lebanon, Afghanistan, South Africa, United States, Albania, South Korea, China, Indonesia, Chile, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Gabon, Kazakhstan and Syria.
During the ceremony, the Orpheus Theatre was filled with proud parents, family members, friends and lecturers who supported the graduates throughout their journeys.
The event included such memorable moments as the speech delivered by Patrick Birdsall, father of Wittenborg’s president Peter Birdsall. Reflecting on his extensive experience in education, Birdsall Sr. pointed out the importance of international education today, especially in view of the challenges currently faced by the world.
Shortage of Engineers a Threat to the Netherlands
Country Needs International Students and Professionals to Supply Demands of its Economy
https://www.wittenborg.eu/shortage-engineers-threat-netherlands.htm
Owing to factors such as the aging of the Dutch population and the lack of interest among students, the Netherlands is experiencing a shortage of engineers, as well as scientific and technical professionals. This issue is discussed in an opinion piece written by five rectors of important Dutch universities, recently published by De Volkskrant.
The authors highlight that, in order to meet this demand, the Netherlands needs international students, professionals and researchers. These groups play an essential role in the transitions that the country is facing in fields such as healthcare, energy production, food supply, climate, digitalisation, safety and housing.
Wittenborg CEO Attends NICCT New Year Reception
NICCT's Reception Sets Tone for NL-India Corridor in 2024
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-ceo-attends-nicct-new-year-reception.htm
On 24 January, Maggie Feng, CEO of Wittenborg, was present at a 'New Year Reception' hosted by NICCT (The Netherlands India Chamber of Commerce & Trade), in collaboration with HCLTech, a global technology company with an extensive portfolio of technology services and products.
The reception, moderated by Christina James Puthiyadath from HCLTech, included welcoming remarks by Edith Nordmann, Chairman at NICCT, and addresses by Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Embassy of the Netherlands to India, and Satya Pinisetty, First Secretary (Economic & Commerce) at the Embassy of India to the Netherlands. Closing remarks were delivered by Ishtiyaq Amed Maniyar, Associate Vice President at HCLTech.
The event concluded with a networking reception.
On LinkedIn, Nordmann stated that the gathering was not only a celebration but also a reaffirmation of the strong ties and shared visions between the Netherlands and India, marking a promising start to the year for the NL-India corridor.
Strategic Network Apeldoorn Continues Discussion on Transformative Energy Solutions
Wittenborg CEO Attends Strategic Network Apeldoorn Meeting
On 23 January, Wittenborg CEO Maggie Feng attended a meeting hosted by Strategic Network Apeldoorn to continue discussions on energy transition.
Various stakeholders gathered at ACEC (Apeldoorn's Centrum voor Eigentijdse Cultuur) to discuss the topic, where Apeldoorn, known as the 'green and generous capital of the Veluwe,' is considered to be at the forefront of this transition.
This sustainability and energy transition event featured inspiring speakers and collectively formulated the initial steps that the strategic network can take on this theme.
Following opening remarks by Nick Derks, Deputy Mayor of Economy for the Municipality of Apeldoorn, keynote speaker Delta Commissioner Co Verdaas guided attendees through the importance and strength of collaboration in sustainability and energy transition. This included insights into the National Delta Programme, which protects the Netherlands against floods, ensures sufficient fresh water, and contributes to a climate-resistant and water-robust design.
It’s Carnival in the NL (and Abroad!): See How Different Countries Celebrate
Traditional Festivals Include Parades, Costumes, Dance, Music and Drinks
https://www.wittenborg.eu/its-carnival-nl-and-abroad-see-how-different-countries-celebrate.htm
It’s that time of the year again! Traditionally celebrated in the Netherlands for many centuries, Carnival is about to hit the streets of various cities in the country’s southern provinces of North Brabant and Limburg. In 2024, the festivities will take place from 11 to 13 February in cities such as Maastricht, Den Bosch, Tilburg, Eindhoven, Venlo and Breda, among others.
During these events, the streets are filled with colourful crowds, many of them wearing costumes. There is plenty of drinking, singing and dancing to traditional Carnival songs, as well as other attractions such as parades and concerts.
The Intricacies of Networking: Wittenborg CEO and Employees Attend Workmode Event
Wittenborg CEO, Maggie Feng Shares Top Networking Insights
On 25 January, Wittenborg CEO Maggie Feng shared her top networking tips during Hashtag Workmode's networking event at the Theater Orpheus in Apeldoorn. Over 60 participants, including employees from Wittenborg, attended the event to hear Feng, Mirjam Barendregt from the Orpheus Theatre, and Symone De Bruin from the Municipality of Apeldoorn discuss the age-old question in a panel discussion: 'What is your legacy?'
Following the opening remarks by Sunita Biharie from the Municipality of Apeldoorn, the panel, moderated by Mike van Woudenberg, the owner of Ultimate Workspace, engaged in a conversation about their career paths, the importance of local networking, and their commitment to the growth of women in Apeldoorn.
Later in the event, Stephanie Knoors, CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) at Workmode, interviewed Sabine Koning, a Dutch food blogger, before attendees had time to network. Koning's top tips included listening to one's gut feeling when running a business and actively using and maintaining your network to create a positive ripple effect.
Looking forward to future Workmode networking events, Feng emphasised the significance of local networking. She highlighted its dual purpose: firstly, expanding contacts beyond immediate circles.
"Networking allows us to connect with people from all over the world, each bringing unique perspectives and backgrounds. This broadens our social circle."
Secondly, it expands possibilities.
Wittenborg Participates in New Private University College in Austria
New Institution Set to Offer Two Bachelor’s and Two Master’s Programmes in Bad Vöslau
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-participates-new-private-university-college-austria.htm
Wittenborg is involved in the creation of a new higher education institution in Austria, the International University College Bad Vöslau (IUC), together with the International College of Tourism and Management (ITM) and the Municipality of Bad Vöslau.
IUC is set to offer two three-year bachelor's programmes, one in International Hospitality & Business Management and the other in Human Resource Management & Communication. Also, two master’s programmes in related fields will be offered.
The new school has been made possible by a consortium established between the three partnering institutions, through which ITM owns 60% of IUC, Wittenborg has a 30% share and the Municipality of Bad Vöslau is the owner of 10%.
Since 2022, Wittenborg has worked on this initiative together with its partners. Last year, the new organisation submitted the initial accreditation documentation to complete the formal institutional requirements, and last week, IUC received the positive news that the first part of this process has been completed.
During the next phase of the accreditation, which will take place in May, the new University College will undergo a comprehensive two-day panel visit by a team of five peer reviewers. The assessors will review the application and the programmes submitted for accreditation.
Wittenborg President Attends ITM College's New Year Reception in Austria
Peter Birdsall, Mike Sheppard and Dr Alexander Bauer Attend Long-standing Partners' New Year Reception
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-president-attends-itm-colleges-new-year-reception-austria.htm
On 26 January, Wittenborg President Peter Birdsall attended a special New Year's reception in Bad Vöslau, Austria, hosted by long-standing partner the International College of Tourism and Management (ITM). The event showcased the institution's unwavering commitment to international education.
Every year, ITM hosts its annual New Year's Reception where students take charge of preparing the food and providing entertainment. The guest list includes businesses supporting the school, municipal representatives—including the mayor—and education partners.
This year, students organised the event, taking attendees on a culinary journey around the world, presenting delicious food from their home countries, and moderating an exciting programme.
Education partners from Qatar and the United States also virtually attended the event, participating on-screen to celebrate the international atmosphere.