In September, after their arrival at University of Twente, the students were chosen by several faculty selection committees to receive a full or partial scholarship based on their personal achievements. In total, four separate scholarships were awarded: the University of Twente Scholarship, the Orange Tulip Scholarship, the ITC scholarship and the Holland Scholarship.
The first three scholarships are fully paid by the University of Twente. The Holland Scholarship is funded by the University of Twente and the Dutch Government. The amount of each scholarship depends on contributions that the Master’s student may receive from other sources; such as their home country’s Government or businesses.
Home away from home
At the start of the event, Rector Magnificus Ed Brinksma gave a warm word of welcome and told newcomers how proud he was that they had chosen to study at University of Twente. He emphasized the importance of internationalization for the university and said that University of Twente will do everything in its power to make them feel like they have a ‘home away from home’.
On behalf of the Student Union, Jasper Driessens held a ‘lecture’ which included a Powerpoint presentation with humorous elements on how to deal with the Dutch. He made it clear that in order to really connect with Dutch people, it’s a good idea to approach them more than once. ‘Because the Dutch may be sophisticated and worldly, but they can also be very shy’, says Driessens, who also informed the Master’s students on the options available at the university to become a member of sports clubs or student societies.
Group selfies
Although the ceremony took place a little later in the academic year than in previous years, this did nothing to detract from the festivities last night. After the certificates were presented by deans and vice-deans from the various faculties, everyone took this opportunity to get to know each other a little better. Naturally, group selfies were taken, with the illuminated FC Twente pitch in the background. The students received a hoodie (hooded sweatshirt) as a gift to commemorate the occasion, with the words ‘University of Brilliant Minds’ printed on it.
