Holland Alumni network Germany officially launched
On 4 December Nuffic successfully launched the Holland Alumni network in Germany in close cooperation with the Dutch higher education institutions and the Holland Alumni association in formation. More than 300 former students of Dutch higher education institutions residing in Germany attended the events in Berlin, Munich, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Hamburg.
The festivities organised in honour of the new the Holland Alumni Network in Germany started at Embassy of the Netherlands in Berlin where the network was officially launched by Mr Marnix Krop, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Germany.
Networking opportunities
After the ambassador’s opening speech Mr Axel Gerberding, Director of the Dutch-German Chamber of Commerce, Ms Hanneke Teekens, Director at Nuffic and Mr Ronald Venn, Chairman of the Holland Alumni Association in formation, elaborated on the importance of a Holland Alumni network in Germany. This was followed by a reception which offered plenty of networking opportunities for alumni from Berlin and its surrounding area.
For Holland alumni residing in other parts of Germany, events were organised throughout the country. Events in Munich, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Hamburg offered participants new insights in Dutch-German relations and plenty of networking opportunities with fellow alumni.
Importance of a Holland Alumni network in Germany
Dutch-German trade is one of the largest worldwide with 158.5 billion euros (2011). Germany is the main trading partner for the Netherlands, both in exports and imports. Moreover, the Netherlands is the main transit country, with the port of Rotterdam playing a central role.
In the past ten years more than 90,000 Germans have finished a study programme at a Dutch higher education institution. These Holland Alumni have gained profound first-hand knowledge of both countries. By setting up a network for Holland Alumni in Germany Nuffic aims to provide the alumni with strong connections and to make a valuable contribution to German-Dutch relations.
Outcomes
During the events alumni volunteers signed up to organise future alumni events in Germany. With the support of Nuffic and the Dutch diplomatic representation in Germany all the ingredients are in place for a successful start of the Holland Alumni network in Germany.