How the tables have turned

When Ubbo Emmius founded this university in 1614, he probably never had envisioned that it would stand the test of time, and would go into its fifth century in 2014. Back then our city was still part of the Republic of the United Netherlands, that would go into its lustrum year of the well known Twelve Years’ Truce. I start off with this history lesson to illustrate the rich history of our university. The fact that we have existed for over 400 years must mean that we are adaptive to what is happening in the society around us. In fact, we have proven that we can and should be a role model for the society that keeps us going.

Adapting to change: it is one of our tasks as a university. That statement brings us to the student population that we represent as Lijst Calimero. Ten years ago, this existed almost exclusively of Dutch students. Where there were only 753 international students registered to our university twenty years ago, that number has increased to 5,817 by now. That is an increase of 673%. Our university has been a Dutch-speaking university for a long time. With the emergence of internationalization, numerous positive developments have enriched Groningen. But it also came with disadvantages, for which concrete solutions have to be found, so that the university of our founder Ubbo Emmius stays a save academic haven.

It is undeniable that this process of internationalization has brought about a change in the DNA of the university. But that change doesn’t seem to have reached the sense of responsibility of the university. Because where the university could get away with pointing students to their own responsibility regarding housing when it primarily facilitated Dutch students., that isn’t acceptable anymore for incoming students from Croatia, South-Korea, or Australia. The university has duty for the housing of thousands of internationals. A duty that the UG is currently failing to fulfill. Because, once again this year, the UK has reported about an upcoming housing shortage, this time of 563 rooms. For the third year in a row a shortage of rooms, what hits the incoming international students the hardest. This fall, we wrote a pressing letter to the board. Now, the university is taking concrete measures to tackle this problem, but it is clear that she hasn’t tackled this issue seriously enough from the beginning.

Housing isn’t the only issue where it painfully becomes clear that the university sometimes acts before thinks. Earlier this month, the UK reported that a large part of the international students and staff has to deal with inappropriate and racist remarks. Unacceptable, because no one should become a victim of discrimination, and every student, regardless of his or her background, should feel welcome at our university.

From innocence to loaded subject

These are two examples from a number of processes that do not turn out so well regarding internationalization. These problems together make that the term internationalization has become very loaded. The UG has the ambition to increase the percentage of international students to 30%, while the city is already bursting. Our university surpasses its own capacity by handling internationalization in such a rigorous way. We think that it is of great importance to be able to deal with internationalization properly within the walls of our university, before turning our focus outwards regarding our internationalization policy.

We shouldn’t forget that a bigger flow of incoming non-Dutch people asks for a change in the way our education is shaped, as well as in our way of doing things. That awareness has to penetrate all curricula, and all student and staff members. That is why we think that the UG cannot afford to hold back on this in her policy. When we asked the Board of Directors to assign a confidential advisor for internationals, with the eye on the discomforting findings of the UK, this was brushed aside. But we still believe that the UG, as a host, has to give everyone a place to vent their issues in a place that acknowledges intercultural ways of communication.

Besides, we have to acknowledge the boundaries of internationalization. We have received signals from staff members that some programmes are forced to transition to English very fast, with all implications for the quality of those programmes. Often, internationalization can contribute to programmes or courses, but some of it will have to stay Dutch in some cases. That is why it is crucial that new policy regarding internationalization is formed bottom-up: the chances, risks, and challenges will vary per programme. With respect for the identity of those programmes, this university will be able to make favourable steps in preparing her students for a globalised world.

Because internationalization isn’t only about that the university does for internationals. It is also about adapting to the needs of the Dutch students that will have to apply their knowledge and skills in a globalised world later on. Our lives will only become further internationalized, a fact that our study programmes have to reflect. Where possible, we have to be acquainted with international and intercultural experiences. Diversifying education, research and expertise is an essential step for the coming years.

The Board of Directors has announced to begin forming the internationalization chapter of the coming strategic plan (2020-2025) earlier that usual. That’s why it is time for students and personnel, from all faculties, from all layers of the university, to share their vision and opinion on these matters. We have to clarify the position we will take on and make sure that the university will stay relevant in the coming decade.