A World of Talent: More than 83 New Students from 25 Countries Join Wittenborg

22.05.2025

A Look at Wittenborg's May 2025 Student Intake

As the May 2025 academic block kicks off, Wittenborg is buzzing with global diversity. With more than 83 students arriving from over 25 countries, the new intake includes students from Armenia, Taiwan, Iran, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Rwanda, Cameroon, Albania, and many more — each bringing unique perspectives to Wittenborg’s three study locations: Apeldoorn, Amsterdam, and Munich.

A noticeable trend this block is the growing popularity of tech-oriented specialisations, including Applied Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, and Digital Marketing & Communication.

This intake began with Wittenborg’s traditional Introduction Week, starting on 12 May. The week was packed with sessions designed to familiarise new students with staff, infrastructure, and facilities, while also immersing them in the school’s vibrant international atmosphere. The programme included workshops on academic writing, immigration procedures (for those studying in the Netherlands and Germany), career development, and a Support English assessment for all master’s and bachelor’s students. The week concluded with an Introductory Lunch at each location, offering students and staff a chance to meet and connect.

Welcome to Wittenborg

Rector Ron Tuninga welcomed the new cohort in Apeldoorn with an encouraging message.

“We are truly delighted you are here. Wittenborg is proud to be one of the most international business schools,” he said. “You’ll learn not just from professors, but from each other — this is a real opportunity to grow.”

He emphasised the importance of respectful, open-minded engagement among students from diverse backgrounds:

“We can all work together, no matter what country we come from. That’s what gives me hope.”

Drawing from his own experience as a former international student, he reminded newcomers that some of the friendships they form now may last a lifetime.

He also encouraged students to explore the city of Apeldoorn, noting its historical significance as the former home of the Dutch royal family:

“It’s not just a great place to study — it’s also a cultural gem. I recommend visiting Paleis Het Loo to learn more about Dutch heritage.”

Students with Global Vision

Nguyen My Trinh from Vietnam, who has joined the MBA (Master of Business Administration) programme in Apeldoorn, brings real-world experience from her family’s food delivery company. She hopes to use her studies to innovate and expand the business:

“Delivery is a big trend in Vietnam,” she explained. “I want to learn more about management and innovation here at Wittenborg and bring that knowledge back to develop our business.”

Trinh first learned about Wittenborg through a workshop in Vietnam: “The representatives were very active and gave me a lot of helpful information about Dutch education and culture. I chose Wittenborg over Canada because I felt more connected.”

She found the Introduction Week both practical and welcoming: “The teachers helped us understand Dutch culture, how to take the bus, handle paperwork, and even how to approach assignments.”

Her first impressions of the Netherlands have been equally positive: “Dutch people are really friendly. A friend of mine got help from a stranger who even paid her bus fare. That left a big impression.”

Meanwhile, in Amsterdam, Love Cheng, an MBA student from Taiwan specialising in Data Analytics, brings a unique perspective. Having lived in the Netherlands for over a year, she decided to transition from work to study in hopes of building a future in the country.

“I was working before, but I felt I needed a degree to stay in the long term.”

For Cheng, Wittenborg stood out from other institutions: “Wittenborg feels more student-focused. People are willing to help.”