Higher education in English

One of the more difficult issues to negotiate as higher education internationalization unfolds is the language of instruction. English has been the most typical language adopted in programs, especially where branch campuses of primarily English speaking countries are involved. A new program offered in partnership between Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Ghent University in Belgium is offering an interdisciplinary bachelor's degree in English to appeal to the international market. Initially expected to attract about 60 students, 117 had signed up within the first three days of opening applications. Dieter Vandebroeck, professor of sociology and director of the program, indicated that the mix of students from 30 different countries will "enrich the learning experience of students from across the globe bring a variety of perspectives to contentious international issues."