Webster University

“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.

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 the Netherlands, it offers both undergraduate (BA/BS) and graduate (MA/MBA) degrees, with a focus on international business and management, international relations and psychology. Having been with the university for more than ten years, Jean Paul Marissing still enjoys his job every day: “One of the reasons why I’m still so excited, is that we continue developing new ideas and new programs. Everyone has a chance to expand their horizons.”

Accredited in the USA, Webster University is modelled around the American education system. Yet, in the Netherlands alone, it enrols 350 students of more than 45 different nationalities. Jean Paul explains, “Our students and faculty come from all over the world. Our small classes consist of 12 to 15 students. We consider giving personal attention to our students a core value. Our goal is to provide students with a global learning experience. That happens as soon as you enter a classroom and start working with people from various cultures and countries.” Flexible If there’s one thing Jean Paul wants readers in Zuidas to know, it’s that whatever students need, Webster University will find a way. “One of the qualities that makes us unique is that we’re amazingly flexible. As we strongly believe in lifelong learning, we need to offer flexibility to our students. That’s why we decided, more than 25 years ago, to launch our Online Learning Center. Online learning offers endless flexibility.”

“Flexibility is reflected in everything we do, from switching from classroom to online classes to letting students take time out for busy jobs. Students also have the option to do a few courses instead of a whole MA. You still earn an official academic certificate and can always come back later to complete the MA if you choose.” Alumni are also welcome to return for additional courses to brush up or learn something new.

Jean Paul van Marissing

Webster University + 31 (0)71 516 80 00 www.webster.nl