From 22 to 25 September, the International Office of Erasmus University Rotterdam will host their second Erasmus+ Crossroads Staff Week. This year’s theme is “Optimising the International Student Journey.”
International students are at the heart of the international classroom we value so highly. By bringing together students from different cultural, academic, and personal backgrounds, the international classroom cultivates new perspectives, mutual understanding, and intercultural competences. It enriches the learning experience for both international and local students and prepares all graduates for a global working environment.
As universities, we have a shared responsibility to ensure that international students feel welcomed and supported throughout their studies abroad. That means going beyond removing obstacles and proactively creating a community where they feel connected, and at home. In three days, we will explore every stage of the international student journey, from application to arrival, their academic experience, and life after graduation.
Who should participate?
We warmly invite higher education professionals with an interest in strengthening the international student experience to participate in this staff week. We offer a discount for colleagues from UNIC and EUF partner universities.
Programme
This is a preliminary programme. As we are still finalizing the Staff Week, please note that the programme is subject to change.
- Welcome & Introductions
- Presentation: Understanding the International Student Journey
Host: Martine Wierenga, Director International Office - Coffee break
- Workshop: Co-creating the International Student Journey
- Lunch
- Presentation: Speaking a Student's Language
Host: Marketing & Communication department - Coffee Break
- Presentation: Mind the Gap: From Offer to Arrival
Host: Karen de Man, Senior International Relations Officer, Goin' - Welcome drinks
- Presentation: A Warm Welcome
Hosts: Kimberly Kruijsse, Janna van der Wel, Veronika Norvaisaite - Coffee break
- Workshop: Promoting the Sense of Belonging
Host: Marilisa Boffo - Lunch @ Erasmus Sport
- Workshop: Including the Students' Voices
- Campus Tour
- Presentation: Employability and Career Preparation
- Coffee break
- Ask the Experts - International Student Panel
- Lunch
- Presentation: Beyond Graduation: Staying Connected as International Alumni
- Talk, tour & festive dinner at Stadshaven Brouwerij Rotterdam. The Stadshaven Brouwerij is a local brewery that aims to lead the way in sustainability. They only use the most modern techniques that minimize water and energy waste, making them the most sustainable brewery in Rotterdam! Director Harm van Deuren – and proud Erasmus University Rotterdam alumnus – will welcome us with an engaging talk and guided tour of the brewery. We will wrap up the day with a festive dinner.
Interested to join?
Please complete the Interest Form. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, July the 1st 2025. The maximum number of participants of 30. Note that submitting the form does not guarantee immediate admission. Participants will be selected based on their profile and admitted on a rolling basis. Once we accepted your participation, you will receive a link for official registration and payment.
Participation fee:
- €200 for general participants
- €150 for members of the UNIC or EUF networks
- Optional: €25 for the social programme
The participation fee includes all programme activities, materials, lunches, opening drinks and a festive closing dinner from Monday to Wednesday.
Contact
If you have questions regarding the staff week, please do not hesitate to contact us via staffweek@eur.nl.
Janna van der Wel - Communications Advisor
Maaike van Gerven - International Partnerships Officer
Karen de Man - Senior International Relationships Officer
Martine Wierenga - Director International Office
