One World Symposium: internationalisation and sustainable development
Students who go abroad during their studies learn how valuable it is to look outside their own culture. This was one of the themes during the One World Symposium.
The symposium was organised to mark the farewell of Chris van den Borne, former director of the International Office. "Actually, Chris and I have not worked together for very long," said Anka Mulder, who chaired the symposium. "But although I haven't known Chris for very long, I know one thing for sure: Chris is very persistent. He is genuinely interested in people and cultures and he has been of tremendous value for the internationalisation of higher education here at Saxion. Thanks to his efforts our university at present hosts international students from no less than 100 countries."
A semester abroad
During the symposium, several speakers offered their own perspective on the concept of internationalisation. Art and Technology students Kat Land and Stefan Péturrson talked about their semester in Indonesia, and how valuable it was for them to be looking outside their own culture and at the same time trying to connect different cultures. "Everyone wanted to be in a picture with us. And the people are so incredibly friendly, you are always welcome, as long as you take off your shoes," tells Stefan.
Petra Saudi took the opposite route: "I am from Amman in Jordan. I knew all my life that one day I would be studying abroad, preferably in Europe. And so I ended up in Deventer. It was really tough in the beginning, but I am glad that I stuck it out. I discovered my entrepreneurial side in Deventer, a side that really suits me. I have recently graduated, and now I work and live in Deventer."
Inclusiveness and sustainability
Professor Ton Schoot Uiterkamp of the University of Groningen was one of the keynote speakers. He told about his research into sustainable development: perspectives on sustainable development. "This concerns us all. How we live, learn, how we deal with the planet's resources and above all our future," the professor argues. "It is important to have equal opportunities for all. Inclusiveness. Living technology is all about everyday life and the role that technology plays in it. Everything you do has an impact on others, and this planet we live on is the only one we have." The keynote speaker pauses and looks around the conference room. "You know, there are two things on this planet that are in unlimited supply: sunlight, and human ingenuity."
Then former chairman of the board, Wim Boomkamp, entered the stage as the last keynote speaker. He was clearly thrilled to be back at Saxion again. "It's all about inclusion and diversity. We have diversity in common, but inclusiveness is in our own hands. To give every student the opportunity to gain international knowledge and experience - that should be the purpose of our educational efforts. Studying abroad should be an opportunity available to every student. "