Lifelong Learning Special
“One of the reasons, why I love being here, is that we’re developing all the time, giving everyone a chance to expand their horizons.”
“KEEPING AHEAD OF DEVELOPMENTS IS IN OUR DNA” Webster University was founded on the principle of lifelong learning. Established over 100 years ago, the institution offered free evening courses to working women who could not afford higher education. Lifelong learning was a set goal from the very beginning. “In today’s globalized world, Webster University’s mission is to cultivate an international mindset. That’s how we prepare our graduates for living and working anywhere in the world. Lifelong learning is an integral part of that journey”, says director Jean Paul van Marissing. Jean Paul van Marissing
Webster University first opened in the Netherlands in 1983, initially only in Leiden only, later also in WTC Amsterdam. These are just two of the American university’s many locations around the globe. In
Flexible
the Netherlands, it offers both undergraduate (BA/BS) and graduate
If there’s one thing Jean Paul wants readers in Zuidas to know, it’s
(MA/MBA) degrees, with a focus on international business and
that whatever students need, Webster University will find a way.
management, international relations and psychology. Having been
“One of the qualities that makes us unique is that we’re amazingly
with the university for more than ten years, Jean Paul Marissing still
flexible. As we strongly believe in lifelong learning, we need to offer
enjoys his job every day: “One of the reasons why I’m still so excited,
flexibility to our students. That’s why we decided, more than 25
is that we continue developing new ideas and new programs.
years ago, to launch our Online Learning Center. Online learning
Everyone has a chance to expand their horizons.”
offers endless flexibility.”
Accredited in the USA, Webster University is modelled around
“Flexibility is reflected in everything we do, from switching from
the American education system. Yet, in the Netherlands alone, it
classroom to online classes to letting students take time out for
enrols 350 students of more than 45 different nationalities. Jean
busy jobs. Students also have the option to do a few courses
Paul explains, “Our students and faculty come from all over the
instead of a whole MA. You still earn an official academic certificate
world. Our small classes consist of 12 to 15 students. We consider
and can always come back later to complete the MA if you choose.”
giving personal attention to our students a core value. Our goal is to
Alumni are also welcome to return for additional courses to brush
provide students with a global learning experience. That happens
up or learn something new.
as soon as you enter a classroom and start working with people
from various cultures and countries.”
Text: Romy Lange & Celine Boute • Photography: Caily Bobbie Jo
Webster University + 31 (0)71 516 80 00 www.webster.nl
51
