Jarne is a master student in ‘BRUFACE electronics and information technology engineering’ and Julie a master student in medicine. As active members of the current student council, they already have experience of student representation in previous years. They were also closely involved in launching the new international student platform (ISP).
“This year I represent the students from my faculty in the student council. Next year I want to represent all VUB students,” Jarne explains. “And of course, this includes the international student population.” Currently, Jarne also takes up a position in the Council for International Policy, as a delegate of the student council.
“I understand it can be difficult for international students to take part in the student council, because of the language barrier, but solid cooperation with the international student platform can overcome this. A member of the student council took on this bridging role this year, and now we want to appoint a co-ordinator whose specific task it is to improve interaction with the ISP.” This should be an extra step forward in involving international students and making sure their voices are heard at VUB.
“It will be a challenge to be as good as the current student council,” says Jarne. Although the council deals with high-level university management issues, they brought relevant, recognisable topics to the student population. “We want to continue their work and keep on organising debates and events such as the Week of the Student Council.”
VUB wishes Jarne, Julie and all the new student council the best of luck!