Campus divided on fewer English programmes: ‘It could make the situation easier for Dutch students’

The Dutch government is planning to reduce the number of programmes taught in English. The Education Minister, Eppo Bruins, cites costs, issues of housing and overcrowded lecture halls as some of the reasons. Most students think it’s a ‘ridiculous’ new policy, but one international student thinks differently.

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Some students, both Dutch and international, feel that fewer English-taught programmes would mean less diversity. “There would be fewer communities, and that would hurt the course”, states Hanna from IBCoM. “I think it’s quite ridiculous; more diversity inspires better work”, points out Marius from Business Information Management. “It is unnecessary, especially when the Netherlands is getting more international, so why take the opportunities away from international students?” asks Hidde, studying Psychology. Even though Neeraj from Financial Economics is himself an international student, he thinks that ‘if they reduce the number of English courses, it could make the situation easier for Dutch students.”

Another issue that could arise if English-taught programmes are abolished, some staff wouldn’t be able to teach in Dutch. “You’d basically have to replace the whole faculty”, says Marius from Business Information Management.