In the very first episode, we delve into the topic of how to start. Listen in as a first-year student, a coordinator for international student life, a PhD graduate and a department head share their unique perspectives on life at HSRW and the challenges and opportunities of starting your studies or developing a new international university from scratch.

Nele Decker is both a German student at Hochschule Rhein-Waal and the coordinator of the Welcome Centre as part of the Student Advisory Service. Nele’s main task is to help international students with their transition to life and studies at our institution. Organising the Freshers Week, which takes place at the start of every winter semester, is also part of her work.

Related links: Welcome Centre, Student Advisory Service, Freshers' Week

Dr Joost Kleuters started his academic career in the Netherlands and is now the head of the Centre for Internationalisation and Languages. As a member of HSRW from the very beginning, his work has always been related to the advancement of internationalisation at our institution. Dr Kleuters shares his insights and experiences in this field.

Related links: The Centre for Internationalisation and Languages

Dr Zunera Rana completed her Bachelor's degree in Economics and Finance at the Lahore School of Economics in Pakistan. She then moved to Germany to pursue her Master’s degree in the same field. Now she is a research assistant in macroeconomics and public finance at the Hochschule. She holds a PhD in Development Economics with a focus on aid effectiveness and fungibility from Radboud University, the Netherlands.

Related links: Dr Zunera Rana

Norman Körber is a first year student from Germany studying Sustainable Tourism at HSRW. As a new student who grew up locally Norman shares his unique perspective and experience of starting at our international university.

Related links: Sustainable Tourism, Degree Programmes