The first breakfast with the Rector Magnificus van Vught ('I call myself Frans') for international students yesterday morning seemed to be a success. The theatercafé in the Vrijhof was crammed with people enjoying their free breakfast and the debate. Professor van Vught explained the internationalisation philosophy of the UT and its basis in equality between Dutch and foreign students.
This led to questions from international students in the audience who claimed that students from abroad usually need special facilities, for example signs in English or for their religion. A student from Indonesia was applauded for doubting the UT honorary degree for Indonesian president Wahid, since all Indonesian students want him to resign. But according to Van Vught the degree will be given for Wahid's impressive scholarship and is not related to his political career.
