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Internationalization, diversity and inclusion in education

At the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), your education isn't just about textbooks and lectures—it's an adventure packed with varied perspectives and experiences that prepare you for a successful future in a diverse work environment. We're here to foster the skills and mindset needed to thrive both socially and professionally in the globalized societies of the present. That's why we offer a wide range of programmes that connect you with students from all over the world, enriching your education in a unique setting.

Embracing global learning, preparing for a diverse work environment

For over a decade, internationalization, diversity, and inclusion have been integral to our Faculty's strategy, enriching your learning experience at FEB. We actively foster an environment where you and your peers engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds, equipping you with the tools and resources to facilitate open, inclusive, and safe interactions.

Collaborative and inclusive classes

In our classes, you can expect dynamic discussions fueled by perspectives from all around the world, challenging traditional viewpoints and fostering innovative thinking. This immersion in diverse cultures and ideas not only broadens your understanding but also cultivates empathy and adaptability, essential skills for success in today's interconnected world.

In multiple courses, you'll collaborate in small teams in a supportive environment, learning new ways to work together. Moreover, we provide you with an Inclusive Language Guide to support you every step of the way. Depending on your study choice, you can also select courses such as Business Ethics, Globalization Debates, Work Design and Team Processes, Stress, Health, and Sustainable Working Life, which focus on everyday challenges in modern workplaces.

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Students on rainbow crossing at the Zernike Campus

Our student population

At our Faculty, 30% of our students in our Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, and over 40% of our PhD students are international students. By joining the FEB, you'll be part of a vibrant, global community. This diversity enriches your learning experience and can give you a global network and experience working in diverse environments that will benefit your future career.

Study and research opportunities abroad

Studying abroad enriches your education by allowing you to experience different cultures. Outside the classroom, you can practice your intercultural skills with a Master Internship in the Netherlands or abroad, adding valuable international experience to your CV. You can also enroll in Double Degree programmes, earning two degrees and immersing yourself in the culture of countries like Chile, Sweden, or China, which significantly enhances your employability. Additionally, our study associations organize international study and research trips, giving you the chance to visit companies conducting research in destinations like Greece, Hungary, and South Africa, broadening your professional network and global perspective.

Study and research opportunities abroad

Over 200 exchange partners

With 250 international exchange partners, you can experience other cultures first-hand by going on a study exchange. Outside the classroom, you can take the opportunity to put your intercultural skills into practice by starting a Master Internship in the Netherlands or abroad.

Double degree programmes

With several of our BSc and MSc programmes, you have the exciting opportunity to enroll in a Double Degree programme, allowing you to earn two degrees: one from the University of Groningen and another from a top university in countries such as Chile, Sweden, Norway, Italy, China, and more. This option not only doubles your academic qualifications but also offers a truly unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and student life in another country.

International study and research abroad

Are you eager to broaden your horizons while studying? Join one of our study associations.  Our study associations organize international study and research programmes which give students the chance to visit companies who are conducting research for both international and Dutch companies. In recent years, students have traveled to destinations including Greece, Hungary, Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Colombia, Vietnam, India, and Austria.

Exchange students in lecture hall
Students in lecture hall

Inclusive group work

In group work, your voice matters. We prioritize creating an environment where you feel respected, supported, and included. Whether you're participating in class discussions or collaborating on assignments, we encourage you to be yourself, share your unique perspective, and learn from both peers and instructors. To mirror future professional environments, we promote working in diverse groups and foster collaborations. Cross-cultural cooperation in the classroom not only reinforces diversity and inclusion but also builds the professional profile that will help you land your desired job in the future.

Asia, MSc International Economics and Sustainable Development student

“ Participating in group projects gave me the opportunity to broaden my perspective and cultivate collaboration skills with individuals from different cultural and academic backgrounds. Diverse groups allowed me to have fresh insights and learn how to face unexpected challenges and find different ways to collaborate together. ”

Viktorija, BSc Economics and Business Economics student

“In the past I thought that group work was mainly about efficiency and getting the task done, but being a student at FEB has completely changed my perspective. Hearing different viewpoints from my classmates has not only enriched our discussions but also opened my mind to new ways of thinking. I've realized that true learning happens when we embrace diversity and actively engage with each other's perspectives. It's made me more confident in sharing my own ideas and knowledge while also teaching me the value of learning from others. ”

How do our Diversity and inclusion officer and our Well-being officer contribute to the success of these goals?

Ella Sebamalai, Diversity and inclusion officer

“ At FEB, we are committed to making learning environments inclusive and safe. That is why we invest in training our teachers to better support our students on the topic. More particularly, we bring in experts and trainers from both in-house and external organizations to teach inclusive group work, to make sure that underrepresented voices can be part of the dialogue. After all, only with representation, we can reach the best and most creative outcome possible.

From my role as a D&I officer, I see it is important to use case studies and material that is representative of experiences in the global community. This means that we need to adapt our materials sometimes to make sure we present a balanced view in terms of diversity (in the broadest sense possible, beyond nationality, language and culture). It is important to do so to make sure that students do not only recognize their own experiences in the material our lecturers use but also so that they are better equipped to navigate differences of experience when joining the global labour market, with all its challenges in terms of different backgrounds. ”

Ekaterina Glas-Petrova, Student well-being officer

“ As the Student Wellbeing Officer at FEB, Ekaterina’s role revolves around enhancing the overall student experience by continuously assessing and refining well-being programmes, advocating for positive change, and ensuring that students have the resources and support they need to thrive academically and personally. My goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels valued and included. This way, by nurturing a supporting atmosphere in the classroom, we aim to empower students to contribute meaningfully to our society. ”

Diversity in teaching and learning

At our Faculty, diversity goes beyond the number of international students; it's about creating an inclusive learning environment where you feel represented and valued. We're actively incorporating diverse perspectives into our educational materials, from images in presentations to data sets used in assignments, reflecting various dimensions such as gender, race, socio-economic status, and more. By integrating intercultural and global elements into our teaching materials, we ensure that your experience is enriched by the diverse world we live in.

And finally

Outside of the classroom, you can participate in activities organized by FEB, such as Diversity Month in May, featuring workshops and fairs on diversity and inclusion. You can also join international student associations or groups with religious or philosophical backgrounds. Additionally, FEB has its own Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA).

Stefania Boscari, Assistant professor gives an example about diversity in group projects

“ Working in a diverse team offers significant benefits but also presents additional challenges. To support you, we designed activities that promote self and team reflection in class. For example, we encourage teams to reflect on their diversity and devise strategies to minimize or avoid conflicts. The outcome of this reflection is a “group agreement” that includes information, such as preferred communication methods, meeting planning, and internal deadlines.

You evaluate your group members, including yourself, assessing interactions with teammates and contributions to the team's work using FeedbackFruit. These results are then anonymously displayed at the group level in class. At this point, the lecturer joins the discussion, emphasizing key issues from the evaluations and inquiring how students plan to address them in their "improvement plan" for teamwork on the second assignment.”

Last modified:04 November 2024 12.47 p.m.