The Code of Conduct (CoC) was created with the primary aim of shaping the relationship between international students and higher educational institutions. It provides a set of guidelines and principles that aim to ensure that international students are treated fairly and with respect during their time in higher education in the Netherlands.
The establishment of the International Student Advisory Board is a significant stride in this direction as it furnishes a platform for international students to voice their concerns and offer recommendations, thereby ensuring that the Code of Conduct is implemented in a manner that benefits all parties. Moreover, the Board also works towards increasing awareness of the Code of Conduct among international students, ensuring that they understand their rights as members of the higher education community. Through these efforts, the Board helps to foster a more inclusive environment for international students in higher education.
For this purpose, this page is devoted to the International Student Advisory Board. The page will be used to inform international students of the work of the Board, provide updates on its activities, and encourage international students to engage with the Board and share their views and experiences. International students will also be able to learn about the Board’s role in shaping policy and advocating for the rights of international students. By working together, the Board, the National Commission, and international students can ensure that the Code of Conduct is implemented in a way that reflects the needs and perspectives of all members of the higher education community.
The foundation for an international student advisory board has been laid in the 2022 version of the Code of Conduct. The members of the international student advisory board have started on 1 September 2022 and read down below a bit about each of them. The general e-mail address of the board is: info@internationalstudy.nl
Rauf Mahmud-Zada
Greetings everyone, my name is Rauf, I am from Azerbaijan, Baku. I study Communication Science at HAN university 
of applied sciences.
The main reason that motivates me to be in the Student Advisory Board (SAB) is a desire to assist students with being comfortable and welcomed in the Dutch educational system. Likewise, I strive to raise and spread awareness about the rights that both Dutch and international students have while studying at the Netherlands. Last but not least, SAB strives to increase the quality of Dutch Higher Education System by influencing the regulations and policies regarding the Code of Conduct.
Miklós Papp
Hi everyone, my name is Miklós (21), I am from Hungary, and I study International Hospitality
Management at NHL Stenden university of applied sciences. My goal to make international pupils feel at ease and accepted in the Dutch educational system drove me to apply for the Student Advisory Board (SAB). My main goal is to assist international students and raise awareness about their rights while studying in the Netherlands. Similarly, I expect that the SAB committee will do everything possible to improve internalization in Dutch institutions. We’re here to assist students!
Ato Mensah
Meet Ato, a vibrant student enrolled in the Communications program at HAN University of Applied Sciences.
Ato is an exceptional individual with a deep-seated passion for creativity and a natural inclination towards embracing challenges. Originating from Ghana in West Africa, Ato’s diverse background enriches his unique perspective, enabling him to continually push boundaries and foster a comprehensive environment for fellow students. With previous experience in student leadership and a media professional career, Ato is well-equipped to advocate for the varied interests of international students, ensuring their needs are met effectively.
Sarah Kuipers
My name is Sarah, and I come from a small city in Eastern Slovakia. I’m in my final year of International and European Law at The Hague
University of Applied Sciences.
From the start, I’ve been on a mission to make a difference. My roles on the Faculty Council and the Legal Protection Desk have been pivotal in amplifying student voices. Additionally, my research endeavours have centred on enhancing student participation in university decision-making processes.
Currently, I’m absorbing real-world lessons as an intern at the International Mediation Institute and as a human rights researcher at an NGO, Broken Chalk. With my legal training and hands-on experience, I’m motivated and prepared to tackle the challenges that international students face in the Netherlands.
Arvin Gharib
Greetings everyone! I am Arvin, 26 years of age and I come from Iran. I am currently pursuing an MBA with a specialisation in International Management at Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences. I arrived in Apeldoorn on the first day and have felt at home in te city ever since!
There were two reasons I wanted to become a member of the SAB. My passion for representation and collaboration, and my love for higher education! I have always tried to implement my communication skills by voicing concerns an standing up for my peers in the hope of greener pastures. I have also gained through an internship in Education Quality at my university, the experience of workin with all the stakeholders involved in higher education and hold a deep understanding of how every procedure should look to faciltiate all parties. After the end of my internship, I still follow the Dutch higher education scene daily and try to think critically about ways in which it can be improved. By combining the two, I hope to make a positive impact on the regulations in higher education in the Netherlands, navigating the Code of Conduct!
By the way, this opportunity provides plenty of room to learn and grow, and that is something I would not miss. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are facing a difficult time!
Parker WInkel
My name is Parker Winkel, and I’m a 21-year-old in my final year of a BSc Psychology program at Radboud University Nijmegen. I grew up in Richmond, Virginia, USA. 
At age 16, I got an early opportunity to study abroad in Fuchū, Japan for one year. This experience gave me both the determination to pursue longer studies abroad and an enormous respect for migrant students.
I moved to the Netherlands in 2021 immediately after graduating high school. I used some unique strategies to build up a network, got engaged in various international communities, and eventually used these connections to conceptualize the international student party ISEC (the Inclusion & Social Equity Commission), of which I am the Founder & Chair. To better educate myself for this role, I also became involved with the Radboud University DEI Office, where I was eventually employed as a DEI Trainer for student organizations. My focus is giving workshops on social safety and intercultural communication.
In 2023, I was elected to the University Student Council as the party leader of ISEC, and eventually became Chair of Student Wellbeing & Inclusion at the RU. During my council year, my primary role was as the international student spokesperson within the joint assembly. The establishment of ISEC was a response to the abolishment of an appointed seat for international student organizations in our USC. Without ISEC, there would be no assurance of continued international student representation.
The challenges of life abroad are wide, but the opportunities to invoke change are narrow. Community, but not citizenry. Social – but never political – participants. We’re often at the mercy of systems beyond our comprehension or influence. With respect to natural alienation – and especially the recent Dutch political climate – international students deserve a vigorous defense now more than ever.
For this reason, I’m thrilled to have been chosen to serve on the SAB. I hope to ensure that the CoC is upheld with the truest interests of international students in mind, and I cannot wait to start working with others who care so deeply about our internationals.
If you’re interested in connecting, you can find my LinkedIn profile here.
Marjorie Miranda
Hello everyone! Marjorie here, your Filipina representative on the Student Advisory Board. I was born and raised in the Philippines and have also spent time living in Norway. Currently, I’m in the final year of my International and European Law LLB at The Hague University of Applied Sciences.
As an international student from the Global South and a first-generation university student, my experiences have deeply shaped my dedication to diversity, equality, and inclusion. These values led me to take on a leadership role at my university, where I serve as the Chairperson of the student body on the General Council.
I believe that everyone has a voice, but it is only through strong and bold representation that these voices can be truly amplified. My aim is to embody that representation and to advocate for the diverse voices I stand with so that we can achieve genuine equality and inclusion.
The Code of Conduct for International Students in the Netherlands is key to achieving that goal, as it provides the essential information needed to kickstart our journey toward the high-quality education we’ve been promised. As a law student, I also plan to advise the commission by integrating the most recent policies and regulations from the Dutch Ministry of Education. I hope that through my role on the SAB, every international student will be empowered to make informed decisions and have clear expectations about what will be their experience as a student in the Netherlands.
Isaq Tuna
My name is Isaq M. Tuna, a student from Kenya currently pursuing a Research Masters in Water and Sustainable Development at UNESCO-IHE Delft Institute for Water Education. I chose to study in the Netherlands because of its world-renowned expertise in management of water. I continue to gain practical knowledge and skills that I can use to address pressing water-related issues and champion the rights to access this essential resource for both people and the environment. This understanding of fairness and justice has also driven me to take on leadership roles. I joined the Student Association Board at my institution and help in communicating student needs, promoting diversity, and ensuring student perspectives are considered in key decisions. 
Joining Student Advisory Board (SAB) allows me to further advocacy for the rights of international students. Working towards ensuring that every student feels supported and has the opportunity to voice their concerns, is something I look forward to. By working with the National Commission and rest of student Board, I intend to help improve the Code of Conduct (CoC) that will enhance experiences of international students and help shape a fairer and more open and inclusive educational environment.
I enjoy arts and I like to visit museums, exhibitions, photography and taking nature walks. You can find out more about what I do and study by connecting with me on LinkedIn.