The International Student Platform welcomes their new trail blazers

 
On Friday 21st October the first meeting of ISP took place. At stake for these international student representatives: A more integrated student community, including better informed students, better student-teacher relations, flexibility in (re-take of) exams and written work, early student graduations, a better interaction with the locals and knowledge of Brussels. These are some of the aims driving the engine of change. There is still much work to be done but solidarity and dedication lie at the roots of improvement.
 
We interviewed five ISP members about their personal motivation and goals.  
 
Mohammad Al Aswad (first year Master of Management Science from Syria and part of the Student Refugee Programme): “University is a reflection of our global community. Just as expats face problems when arriving in a new country, international students encounter similar challenges in adapting and integrating with the student community. We aim to make their life easier. We are not simply a ‘shoulder to cry on’, but rather we try to solve their problems”. Examples of integration barriers are often met by the different language barriers. While students see the VUB as an open community where speaking English, for example, is not a problem, there is nevertheless essential social information that is out of reach to international students who do not speak the local languages.
 
“There is sometimes the problem of professors writing emails to students in Dutch on PointCarré”, says Federico Ricci (Erasmus exchange student from the bachelor of Social Sciences programme and Italian national). He also points out that more campus information seems available in Dutch than in English. However, many of these concerns are effectively addressed by simple communication: “Having had experience as member of the Study Programme Committee, I know that professors are very keen on hearing suggestions of improvement. They just need to be reminded”, says second year running ISP member Arlind Cara, student from Albania (Master of Communication Studies: Journalism and Media in Europe). “Plus we have a great relationship with the Student Council of the VUB who are very influential in policy making. Their achievements in shaping student policy aids the integration of international students within the local community and gives them a voice, ways to resolve any issues. This is our aim”.
 
Indeed, internationalisation on campus goes both ways – it is important, according to the ISP, that Belgian students are equally integrated into international student life on campus and familiar with the concerns of those coming from abroad. Working together is not only important on the level of the ISP, for example, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) encourages all students to join their organisation and benefit from integration. Belgian students are often not aware that they have the opportunity to develop interesting international contacts in their own backyard.
 
So, what is so special about the VUB? “For me it was love at first sight”, laughs Arlind. “I come from a small community which reflects the spirit of the university. All inclusiveness, diverse nationalities, and the many youth initiatives which form the core of a city like Brussels are all positive attributes. I really like that there are so many internationally oriented activities on campus. I would like to do my part and contribute to something I really enjoy”. Anne Herling (first year Master of Management Studies from Germany) adds: “In my experience, VUB offers a good student service for international students in comparison to other universities. There is the opportunity to raise a problem and have it solved”. Having done an internship at IRMO (International Relations and Mobility Office), Anne finds the team very helpful and understanding of student needs. “But they cannot do it alone. Students who have been here for a couple of years can also help newcomers to find their way and encourage them to express any concerns they may have.  Maybe the ISP is the proof that our generation’s sense of community is coming back. But we have to keep on working on the visibility of initiatives such as the ISP.”
 
What is even more helpful is that students are willing to help their new fellow countrymen on campus. Jiang Mengfei (first year Master of Educational Sciences student from China) was instantly impressed by the role and dedication of student organisations on campus during their introduction at the Orientation Days: “I immediately wanted to join and contribute. I knew that I could use my experience as a student and employee back in China. I would also really like to help my fellow Chinese students who are often shy and miss out on many opportunities as a result. They also generally do not dare voice their opinions”, she says. “I see no limits and there is no reason to. I want to spread that word.”
 
“What is most important”, says Federico, and this reflects the entire ISP team vision, “is that we help students of all nationalities overcome their differences and get involved in common activities, help each other.’’ Arlind adds: “We need to create an active global community. Youth participation is key.”
 
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