My UM
My UM
Search

Education minister focuses on internationalisation at UM

Minister of Education, Culture and Science Ingrid van Engelshoven visited Maastricht on Monday 16 April to find out more about internationalisation and language policy at UM and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. She will use the input in a vision document she is working on. It will touch on several issues, including the use of English in higher education, a topic which has been in the news a lot lately and has led to strong debates in the Lower House of Parliament.

 

Ingrid van Engelshoven
Education Minister Ingrid van Engelshoven talks with students

During her working visit to the ‘most international university in the Netherlands and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Van Engelshoven first met with a delegation of students and lecturers, as well as  members of the University Council. Next, she spoke with administrators, including  UM President Martin Paul,  his counterpart at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences Luc Verburgh and government representatives including the King's Commissioner Theo Bovens and Maastricht alderman Bert Jongen. The discussions  focused on the international classroom and the labour market, as well as the importance of internationalisation for the region and the country.

Added value

The minister indicated that internationalisation can have added value for higher education, but that educational quality, accessibility and diversity are paramount. To further develop her vision, the minister will speak with the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH), the Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU), the student unions and Nuffic. She will also await the results of several ongoing studies, including those being carried out by the Netherlands Institute for Social Research, before drafting her vision document.

Also read