The event started with a brief welcome from representatives of the international office. The guest students had the chance to socialize with their fellows while enjoying their drinks. The attendees found the view from the lounge overlooking the Grolsch stadium pitch as fascinating. As a part of the event program, Inge Broekman, the deputy head of the international office delivered an opening preceding the speech by the vice rector, Ramses Wessel.
Wessel started his speech by welcoming the international students, and praising their vital role in the advancement of the university. He presented the variety of scholarships offered by university of Twente, the Dutch government, and foreign governments. Wessel explained that the purpose of these scholarships is offering excellent students around the world an opportunity to receive exemplary education in the Netherlands. The vice rector emphasized the importance of cultural diversity for a successful educational system that eliminates all forms of prejudice and stereotypes. He also pointed out that despite UT being a technical school, the number of female students is increasing. Wessel then ended his speech with a 'Thank you' message, to which the audience reacted with grateful applause.
'It is a warm welcome for our international students' commented Maureen Peters, secretait of the international office on the purpose of the event. Ms.Peters supported the event being organized rather at this time than at the beginning of the study year, to ensure all students have arrived and have already settled in the Netherlands. More events by the international office are to come, she said. Keeping the international students engaged with the university life is a goal set by the international office.
