Jason Pridmore is dean of education at the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication. He is an associate professor in the Media and Communication programme. Pridmore provides leadership and oversight of the faculty’s Bachelor’s, pre-Master’s and Master’s programmes.
The government intends to limit the number of international students in the Netherlands. What is your reaction to that?
“I think this is quite concerning, because we see huge benefits in our international lecture hall. International education is an important focus for us, so this is something we take personally as faculty.”
What effect will this intention have on the faculty?
“That depends on how the legislation ends up, of course. We may see a reduction in the number of international students, and that will have negative consequences. But I think this is a general concern for all universities.”
For example, would you have to completely redesign the Bachelor’s Communication and Media programme in Dutch?
“For this study, we have a strong case. The programme has already been recognised by both the European and Dutch Education Inspectorates for its international qualities. So we think this programme in particular will be fine in terms of an exemption from Dutch education. Students who want to study media and communication in Dutch also have options at other universities.”
What has your faculty done so far to prepare?
“We are currently looking at a number of scenarios. Of course, we argue that an international environment is positive and that this should be valued in the Dutch educational landscape.”
Why is an international environment positive and important for education?
“We prepare our students for an international workplace, whether in companies, NGOs or government organisations. Our own research shows that our Dutch students benefit from an international environment. Precisely because of our international environment, they trust their competences and feel that they perform better in their field. Their self-esteem is significantly higher than that of the average international student.”
You are the only non-Dutch dean of education at this university. Do you see this issue differently from your colleagues? What is the general sentiment among deans?
“I think I am fully supported by all the other deans of education. They have the same concerns as me. I feel that, whenever I have these conversations, whether at RSM, ESE or Philosophy, we are all concerned. We all see that international education is key to our common goal of connecting and educating global citizens.”
You said the idea of fewer international students is part of larger problems in the Netherlands. For example, the country does not have enough student accommodation for international students. How do you view this?
“Indeed, I think this plan is partly related to a bigger problem, such as housing in general. Too often, international students are used as scapegoats even though they only occupy a small percentage of available housing.
“I actually think there is often a fear that the Netherlands will lose itself if it opens up. This fear of migration is also a political problem in Europe and the rest of the world. What we want to do in education, I think, is to think about how we can preserve Dutch culture while thinking more broadly as global citizens in this country.”
