Ukraine update: Partnerships with Russia and Belarus frozen

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In response to the attack on Ukraine, colleges and Universities have decided to freeze partnerships with Russia and Belarus, following the urgent appeal of the Minister of Education, Culture and Science. Inholland University of Applied Sciences has also taken this decision. There is relief that students from the affected areas who study in the Netherlands are allowed to stay.

“First and foremost, we are dealing here with a terrible situation that no one has asked for. Ukrainians live in great uncertainty about the consequences of the war for their families and personal situation," said Inholland Executive Board Chair Bart Combee in a response. “It is also a complicated situation for Russian and Belarusian students. We support all international students from the affected areas who study with us.”

“In any case, we are relieved that students from the affected areas – Ukraine, but also Russia and Belarus – are allowed to continue studying with us,” said Combee. “This is good news for them and for us. Research and education thrive through international collaboration and the open exchange of knowledge, insights and ideas.

In the coming period, we will work out exactly what the decision to freeze partnerships means for our collaborations. Colleagues for whom this has direct consequences will be informed. If you have any questions, please contact your direct supervisor. Cooperation with Ukrainian researchers and organizations will continue unabated, as circumstances permit.

‘We support everyone who studies with us’
Bart Combee emphasizes that we support all international students from the affected areas who study with us, in addition to Ukrainian, Russian and Belarusian. “Everyone gets support and help where needed. In addition to the 'hard' side, such as organizational and financial matters, the soft side is also important: we are very well aware of how difficult the current situation is and we don't look at anyone's country of origin," says Combee. He also expresses his appreciation for the initiatives that colleagues are taking to help Ukrainians.

32 students with Ukrainian, Russian and Belarusian nationals study at our University. 12 of these students are taking classes in Alkmaar as part of an exchange. They have been in the Netherlands for a few weeks now. The other students follow an international full-time bachelor's program and in most cases have already been in the Netherlands for several years.

All students with Ukrainian, Russian or Belarusian nationality known to us have now received a personal message from the Executive Board. There was also personal contact with them.

Russian and Belarusian students, teachers and researchers who are currently in the Netherlands can stay here and receive the best possible support. Those who follow an exchange program with us or other Dutch institutes or who are studying for an international bachelor can complete their study/program.

Financial support
All counsellors have also been informed about the options for supporting affected students via (among other things) the emergency fund. Students can be referred to it. The group of exchange students in Alkmaar receives help from the Student Success Centre of Inholland Alkmaar, the counsellors  and the International Office. The international study programs in the Creative Business and Technology, Design & Information Technology domains are also actively informed about support options for affected students via the internationalization contact person.

Our University is also involved in the organization of a coordination point for receiving Ukrainian students, lecturers and researchers who have fled their home country. To this end, links are sought with existing initiatives such as the International Science for Ukraine movement.

At Inholland, we naturally take responsibility for our students. We hear from many colleagues that they also want to contribute. If you have ideas, discuss them with your direct manager and review the options.

You can also  contribute to Giro 555 or the Red Cross. 

Keep an eye on the coverage on Iris. We will provide an update as soon as there is more information.