MERVIN BAKKER // UNIVERSITY OF GRONINGEN// FORMER DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONALISATION

Reflecting on a Transformative Journey with ENLIGHT: Mervin Bakker’s Insights

After years of championing internationalization at the University of Groningen (UG), Mervin Bakker, former Director of Internationalisation, reflects on his significant role in shaping ENLIGHT. This innovative alliance of ten European universities has redefined international collaboration and is at the forefront of creating inclusive, accessible, and transformative opportunities for both students and staff. In this interview, Mervin shares insights into ENLIGHT’s vision, the milestones achieved, and the challenges overcome. His reflections offer a compelling perspective on how the alliance is driving meaningful change and paving the way for a sustainable and collaborative future in higher education across Europe.

 Can you describe your role and responsibilities within ENLIGHT?

MERVIN: Together with my colleagues from the other ENLIGHT partners I was responsible for defining and articulating ENLIGHT’s vision, mission and strategic objectives, and making sure we are jointly achieving the goals we agreed between ourselves and with the European Commission. Internally in Groningen, it was crucial that in doing so we linked up to our institutional strategic goals.

I would want them to dive in and take the available opportunities.

What challenges have you encountered in your role?

MERVIN: Usually before the start of a project it is clear what you will be working on, what the goals are and what to expect from your partners. But here everything was new. We had different expectations, the partner universities didn't all know each other and it was not predetermined how intensive the collaboration would be. Furthermore, as we were setting up shop and the first initiatives were small scale, it was difficult to involve manycolleagues and students from our universities. As a result, the question ”what can ENLIGHT do for me?” was difficult to answer.

What are you most proud of what has been achieved so far within our alliance?

MERVIN: I think we have come a long way in getting on the same page between the 10 universities. We share the same vision and are determined to make ENLIGHT sustainable, also after 2028. We do this by linking the activities better to our institutional goals and by focusing on making ENLIGHT part of our regular business. We see this also in the governance which is now less project focused and is connected to our regular meeting structures. Governance as a success factor might sound boring, but it is actually quite important. Finally, the fact that we have jointly decided to spend most of our budget on actual collaboration means we can involve more staff and students from different faculties in ENLIGHT.

In your opinion, what are the benefits of ENLIGHT for students?

MERVIN: It is an opportunity for students to go abroad fairly barrier-free. What we are working on is for every student, including, for example, students with special needs, or with care taking duties, to be given the opportunity to have an international experience at least once during their studies. Whether this is online/hybrid, in an international classroom, or by physically studying abroad.

Why are you leaving as UG’s director of International Strategy and Relations?

MERVIN: I am leaving the UG to become the new Executive Director of the EAIE, the European Association for International Education based in Amsterdam. This was an opportunity I could not pass up. The EAIE aims to enable professionals working in international education from all over the world. On the one hand they have a network function by bringing together people, experience and knowledge in the field of internationalization. On the other hand they provide (further) training courses to professionals in the field of internationalization of higher education.

Looking back on the past period, what will you remember most?

MERVIN: The colleagues I worked with so closely. There are of course cultural differences, but that is what makes it so interesting. “Trying to understand the viewpoint of a colleague from another background has been a great learning experience and this is what I really enjoyed. I highly appreciate the time and effort everyone put in each time, in addition to their own workload.” There is a genuine interest to make ENLIGHT thrive and I would like to wish the colleagues nothing but the continued flexibility of mind that is needed to make this alliance into a sustainable success. I know it will be.

It is an opportunity for students to go abroad fairly barrier-free

If you were to recommend ENLIGHT to one of your own children, what would you say?

MERVIN: I would want them to dive in and take the available opportunities. Especially in turbulent times, with the current changing political climate here in the Netherlands and beyond, it is crucial to continue to offer young people that window on the world.