Tilburg University responds to ongoing internationalization debate
On February 8, Universiteiten van Nederland (universities of the Netherlands, UNL) published its “Package of measures for self-regulation: strengthening the Dutch language and managing the intake of international students”. At Tilburg University, the implementation of these measures will be worked out in cooperation with the Schools and the participation bodies. Tilburg University is adamant that our international community is a valuable and integrated part of our university. We are closely monitoring all developments concerning the internationalization debate and we are studying the consequences these developments may have for our staff, our students, and eventually the quality of our education and research.
Universities take control
Responding to the proposed Balanced Internationalization Act (Wet internationalisering in balans, WIB), UNL has drafted a guideline of proposed measures to better control internationalization. Once there is a new government, universities will take measures to control international intake, to secure accessibility for Dutch students, to strengthen Dutch as an academic language, and to increase the likelihood of international talent staying. For some of these measures, political support is indispensable, because their implementation depends on what exactly the future WIB will stipulate.
Read the UNL press release and the measures.
Alarm and concerns
The internationalization debate can raise many questions and concerns amongst our international students and staff. And we understand. The Executive Board and the Deans are adamant that we embrace our international community. And these developments do not impact on the degree programs registered students are currently taking.
Questions can be submitted through internationaliseringsdiscussie@tilburguniversity.edu. Information about the consequences for Tilburg University will be shared as soon as it becomes available.
Follow-up process regarding measures and proposed WIB
Together with the Schools and the participation bodies, Tilburg University will work out the measures over the coming period. To keep abreast of developments concerning the proposed WIB and for more information about internationalization, please go to the internationalization webpage.