Blog kick-off

Publishing personal thoughts and emotions on the internet for others to pry in, who in their right mind would agree to that? One wrong word or thought taken out of context and there’s hell to pay for. Debating the issues, on the other hand, is the name of the game, if ever there was one and I love it! So I tell myself, as programme director of one nifty master programme – and proud of it – I am now officially “out there”, sharing the story of the Master International Communication. An invitation for contemplation to the students in our programme in Groningen and to the partners of our Geert Hofstede Consortium.

Let me introduce the programme. Thanks to EU funding, a consortium made up of five universities across Europe developed a three semester master programme for those ambitious enough to want an international career as a communication professional. (www.masterinternationalcommunication.eu).  “One of 20 most influential thinkers of our times” (Wall Street Journal {date!}, Geert Hofstede (www.geerthofstede.nl) is linked through all kinds of activities and in honour of his work, our consortium carries his name.  Last September we organized the first of what we hope will be a series of many successful symposia focused on bringing together researchers, educators, professionals and the industry, all working within an international and intercultural context. (www.hofstedesymposium.eu). How to analyze and deal with the growing demands of a globalizing society, was the main question. To get a good impression of the day, watch the video:

Siegmund Audiovisual Productions did a great job in catching the dynamics of symposium.

But what really amazes me is the effect the didactics of the program has on all involved, students and teachers alike! A hands-on concept placing students right in the middle of professional developments, demanding of them and their teachers to address the issues of the here and now from a solid theoretical background – wow, what a great way for students to start a career. On Wednesday, the 23^rd of November, they participated as finalists in the International NGR Battle (www.nrgbattle.nl) in which they had to pitch their ideas to Ceo’s of companies such as Siemens and Gasterra.  And match their wits with other talented students.

Iekje Smit
Consortium Chair