Wittenborg Student Joins National Commission of Higher Education in the Netherlands

08.10.2024

Arvin Gharib Represents All International Higher Education Students in the Country

Wittenborg student Arvin Gharib recently became even more engaged in student affairs by joining the Student Advisory Board of the National Commission of Higher Education in the Netherlands (Gedragscode Hoger Onderwijs). Originally from Iran, Arvin is studying for an MBA degree in International Management. Since January 2024, he has also been serving as the chairperson of Wittenborg’s Student Representatives.

In his new role as a volunteer at the National Commission, Arvin represents all international students enrolled in higher education institutions in the Netherlands. He explains that the organisation is responsible for the Code of Conduct for International Students in Dutch Higher Education, an instrument of self-regulation aimed at ensuring that higher education institutions provide international students with proper assistance and information. Moreover, the Code of Conduct also establishes English-language requirements for international students wishing to pursue their education in the Netherlands.

“On top of that, the Commission has the authority to handle petitions submitted throughout the country based on the provisions of the Code of Conduct,” Arvin comments.

The Commission is a team of five members, being composed of representatives from the three umbrella organisations pertaining to the segments of research universities (Universiteiten van Nederland), universities of applied sciences (Vereniging Hogescholen) and private education institutions (NRTO). Additionally, it includes an independent chairperson and a representative of the international students.

Through his role as chairperson of Wittenborg’s Student Representatives, Arvin was invited by the organisation to apply for membership, and later went through several rounds of reviews. He emphasises that he has always been involved in student representation, starting from his elementary education in Iran.

“I do enjoy representing people and researching, and this work involves a lot of research to gather factual data. I thought this could be a way to contribute to the international student community in the Netherlands and maybe help someone along the way. So, it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.”

Arvin’s path at Wittenborg

Having previously earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Translation Studies in Iran, Arvin worked in education, education management and business before moving abroad to further his studies. He decided to move to the Netherlands to seek new career opportunities, also drawn by the country’s diversity, international character, nature, culture and quality of life.

“I chose Wittenborg because its multiple intakes made my life easier, given my schedule at the time. On top of that, I liked the facilities and the content of the school’s programmes. I decided to trust the staff and the teachers, and it has paid off; I’ve been very satisfied with my education so far.”

At Wittenborg, Arvin has developed important skills such as working with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. He has also broadened his knowledge in various business topics including strategic management, marketing and sustainability.

Additionally, Arvin had the opportunity to intern at the school as an Education Quality Assistant in the Education Development and Quality Management department. This experience allowed him to gain deeper insights into the higher education sector and become acquainted with the perspectives of various stakeholders. “This will be helpful for my future career, and I also built on my skills in research, critical thinking and quality assurance,” he points out.

Currently, Arvin is busy with his studies and learning Dutch. His master’s thesis will focus on the emergence and impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) on higher education. “After I graduate, I would like to work in education, as I find it a fascinating field with many dimensions. I feel that my communication and interpersonal skills align well with education, but I am also interested in business, so I will try to find opportunities in the intersection between both.”

He concludes by encouraging other current students to be bold and create opportunities for themselves. “Opportunities don’t just appear; you have to take risks and create your own chances. You have to seize the moment and make things happen.”