Internationalisation

Internationalisation is an important topic within our university. The UG strives become an international university, with a growing number of international students and an increasing number of English study programmes. Lijst Calimero promotes internationalisation, although we believe that internationalisation should happen gradually and should never negatively affect the quality of the education.

Better inclusion

Lijst Calimero pleads for better inclusion of international students within the Groningen student community. The first step is strengthening our Buddy program, which we initiated in cooperation with ESN Groningen. Secondly, study associations should get the help they need to internationalise. Finally, it is important to take away language barriers by offering Dutch as well as English courses for free.

Free English courses

A free English course for students will not only stimulate integration between Dutch and international students but also prepare students better for the current international labour market. Therefore, Lijst Calimero continues to plead for free English courses, hoping they can be realised in the future.

More job opportunities for international students

It is important to increase the networking opportunities and the number of career events for international students. This way, the integration between international and Dutch students is stimulated and international students become more aware of the job opportunities in the Netherlands.

Further shaping of the International Classroom

Lijst Calimero is actively contributing to the discussion about shaping the International Classroom. Cooperation between professors and students from different cultures stimulates the development of intercultural competences. These competences are extremely important in modern society.

Honest information about housing

The University of Groningen is limited in her communication towards international students about housing because of a contract with the ‘Foundation Students Housing’ (SSH). Lijst Calimero thinks that international students should have the same access to housing possibilities and information about housing as Dutch students have. As long as the UG does not provide this information, Lijst Calimero stays motivated to help international students by finding good housing for a reasonable price. To do so, we are constantly looking for cooperation with other organisations for international students.

Expansion of the possibilities to study abroad

Lijst Calimero believes that the existing cooperation contracts with universities abroad should be extended to enable more students to study abroad. Furthermore, a system should be implemented to check the quality of a partner university. The quality and the level of the courses you follow abroad should be comparable to the courses you follow here at the UG, so that the value of your UG diploma remains high.

More English information provision from the municipality of Groningen

Lijst Calimero thinks that information should be available to all students. International students should be able to find their way in Groningen, regardless of whether they not speak Dutch or not. The municipality of Groningen should, in cooperation with the UG, also provide all relevant information in English.