Van Ganzenwinkel is study officer at the Communication Expertise Center (CEC) and was in London to promote the seven English-language majors at TU/e. It was hard work and she had to do it all by herself, but Van Ganzenwinkel managed to excite English deans, students and parents for programs at TU/e last Wednesday.

The main goal was informing the deans. Many of them had traveled far to attend the event showcasing a number of Dutch universities. Eindhoven was the only university of technology that was represented. Other Dutch universities that crossed the pond were those of Tilburg, Leiden, Groningen, and Maastricht. It was a successful event, since several deans will be paying TU/e a visit next week.

The meeting at a London secondary school attracted dozens of people. Van Ganzenwinkel: “That number bears no relation to the major reach a meeting like this has. For TU/e this was the only meeting. Some other Dutch universities decided to travel to other parts of the UK for promotional purposes as well.”

Tuition fees in England have increased to 11,000 euros a year, which makes taking up a study abroad all the more interesting for British students. Tuition fees at TU/e, for example, are less than 2,000 euros a year. Despite this obvious advantage, Van Ganzenwinkel still senses some reluctance. “You try and get the Brits off that island. There are many preconceptions about the Netherland you have to disprove,” she says. “The sea isn’t the only barrier. The English haven’t got a clue about our culture, really. They’re surprised to hear our level of education is very high overall. They’re not aware Eindhoven has an airport, which would enable them to travel back and forth quite economically. Even the fact the Dutch speak English very well, and that Eindhoven is a relatively cheap city to live and study, surprises people.” 

It’s been an ‘educational’ experience going to London, according to Van Ganzenwinkel. “I definitely see possibilities. And not just in London. The entire UK harbors a lot of potential TU/e students. There are only seven students from the UK at TU/e at the moment. That number can be multiplied easily.”