THUAS
Last night I attended the official opening for the new academic year of THUAS (The Hague University of Applied Sciences) or de Haagse Hogeschool in Dutch. With around 25,000 students and 2,000 staff, spread out over 4 campuses, it’s a huge institution to work for. I particularly enjoy the huge diversity of students and staff, not just in nationalities but in so many other ways. You can find out more about THUAS here: https://www.thuas.com
Below is my own involvement, interests and contributions to the upcoming academic year.
International Business
My “home base” for almost 9 years is the International Business Bachelor. This is offered in a 4 year and also accelerated 3 year (TYP) programme.
I have a 50% (2.5 day a week) permanent contract as a lecturer, and each year enjoy continuing with some subjects I’ve taught before, but also taking on new roles and subjects. This academic year, I will be involved in:
BAR: Business & Alumni Relations
We love abbreviations in education and the “BAR” team is myself and two other great colleagues – Celso and Deni. Together, we are allocated one day a week each to strategise and implement the connections between our academic programme and the business world.
Year 3 Mentor
Though I’ve been at THUAS for almost 9 years now, this is actually my first time officially as a mentor! I’m very happy to be allocated this role, especially for the higher years as these students cross the half way mark of their studies.
Career Development
This module supports third year students (second year in TYP) and I very much enjoy teaching them how to identify (or reconfirm) their personal values, explore the industry/industries they are keen to focus on, and searching for their dream internship.
Explico
Now the third year I’m teaching this fabulous module.
Internship Supervisor
This is an ongoing role I have had since the year after I started teaching, and I really enjoy it. Last year I was allocated 8 but this year due to the other roles above, I only have space for 2 unfortunately.
Thesis Coach & Assessor
The final stage of the Bachelor’s programme is the thesis! This will be the first year I will be allocated to coach a student (though I have done this in the Master’s).
Faculty BFM: Business Finance and Marketing
The IB programme sits under the faculty of BFM. Each year there are a few faculty wide events and activities, and I also like the opportunity to chat to BFM colleagues in the staff room at lunch.
Master’s Programmes
THUAS offers three English-language Master’s programmes. I’m an alumni of MICM myself (Master International Communication Management),
Other activities/interests
The Hague University Toastmasters
Public speaking group meets every Wednesday from 7-8pm. All welcome.
Inclusion & Diversity
Of particular interest to me personally is how education can be more accessible to parents, especially those with young children.
Neurodiversity in Education
A year ago at the opening, I had a conversation with our board member. Yesterday at the video shown at the launch specifically mentioned this topic!
Internationalisation
This topic and research group of Global Learning have held several events in the last academic year that I found very interesting and would like to get more involved somehow this year. I ‘d love to do some kind of project with my home country of Australia, so will look into this.
Communications
Earlier in my career, I taught marketing and social media. For various reasons,I haven’t continued teaching in this year but instead
Networking
Both internally and externally, I find it so valuable to consciously connect with
Blended Learning & Edtech
My Master’s thesis revolved around this topic.
Personal & Professional Development (Lifelong Learning)
Especially when educating others, it’s important to keep working on my own skills and self awaren
- London School of Journalism
- English teacher training
International Lecturer’s Network
An initiative that a colleague and I are working on – more to come soon!
Entrepreneurship
Alongside my job at THUAS, I am a ZZP (a my business Zestee.) for almost 15 years now vi
Have a great year!
So it will be a busy year, but I like it that way! To any of my colleagues and students reading this – looking forward to working with you this year! Always keen to hear what you’re up to.
To anyone else, hope you’ve found it interesting to get a glimpse into our academic year. Feel free to connect & contact me via LinkedIn with any questions or comments.
Renée 🙂
Zestee 