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. You can read down below a bit about each of the members. The general e-mail address of the board is: info@internationalstudy.nl
Oksana Smalii
My name is Oksana. I’m an international student from Ukraine. As someone who’s experienced the ups and downs of student life myself, I believe in open conversations, shared experiences, and finding balance along the way. I like helping others grow, learn, and feel at home in their academic journey.
Miguel Hernández
I’m from the Canary Islands, but I currently live in the Netherlands and attend Saxion to study international business. In addition to my studies, I oversee external affairs at SV IManage, represent students on the Central Participation Council and in my academy council. I am passionate about empowering young people and fostering cross border cooperation. I can’t wait to contribute to the development of a more diverse, globally-minded higher education system by bringing the perspectives of international students to the SAB.
Reihaneh Salehi Mourkani
Greetings everyone! My name is Reihaneh Salehi Mourkani, I am a 21-year-old Iranian student studying physiotherapy in international class at Saxion university in Enschede.
In addition to my studies, I currently serve as a student member of both the Central Participation Council (CMR) and the Academy Council (AR) at my institution. These roles have given me valuable insight into student representation, institutional decision-making, and the importance of clear communication between students and the university.
I applied to join the SAB because I believe deeply in improving the experience of international students in the Netherlands. The Code of Conduct is a crucial framework that promotes transparency, fairness, and trust—and I appreciate that it empowers students to have a direct impact on education policy. I’m excited to contribute my perspective, collaborate with other members, and support the Commission in strengthening international student engagement.
Nikita Golovanov
Hello everyone! My name is Nick, and I’m currently studying Information Technology and Management here in the Netherlands. Throughout my studies, I’ve been actively involved in university life. I’ve taken part in various councils such as the OC, AMR, and UPC — sometimes even stepping in as a team leader. Recently, I’ve joined the SAB, and I’m excited to contribute to spreading awareness about our code of conduct and student rights among fellow students across the netherlands.
Outside of my academic life, I’m an avid traveler — I’ve visited over 17 countries so far! I also enjoy staying active and love playing sports like tennis and volleyball.
Anna Michelle van der Spek
Hello everyone! My name is Anna Michelle, and I’m half Indian and half Dutch. I grew up in India, and lived there almost all of my life before temporarily moving to the Netherlands two years ago. I am currently pursuing a degree in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Leiden university.
Leaving your home to study in a different country is never easy. You’re not only navigating a new academic institution, but also a new culture, language, and a different set of expectations. Having experienced these challenges myself, I’ve become deeply committed to ensuring that international students feel genuinely at home here.
I have been a representative on the University Council of Leiden University as a part of the DSP-SC coalition and currently am the president of the DSP(Democratic Students Party), where I’ve worked to amplify the voices of international students. I wanted to join the Student Advisory Board because I firmly believe that the support systems in place for international students needs to be improved. I’m eager to see what we can achieve together with the other members of the SAB, especially in the context of the current political climate.
If there’s ever anything I can support you with or if you’d just like to connect, feel free to reach out via LinkedIn!
Jess Jia
Hi, I’m Jess from China. Currently I’m doing Master of Environmental Sciences in Wageningen University& Research. Last academic year, I was a member of Student Council and actively involved in participation. During the participation year, I worked in Sustainability & Integration party and contributed myself in improving students’ life in WUR.
The main reason I want to join SAB is that it gives me the opportunity to further advocate for the rights and well-being of international students. I am committed to ensuring that every student feels supported, heard, and empowered to express their concerns.
Through collaboration with the National Commission and fellow Board members, I aim to contribute to strengthening the Code of Conduct (CoC), with a focus on improving the experience of international students—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
My goal is to help shape a more inclusive, transparent, and equitable educational environment. By joining the SAB, I hope to empower all international students to make informed decisions and have clear expectations about their journey as students in the Netherlands.
Alivia Peterli
Alivia (she/he) is a Bachelor’s student in Global Arts, Culture and Politics at UvA and the chair of the Humanities Student Council. A community organiser and student leader who is passionate about empowering international minoritised students in policy making and grassroots events. Otherwise, she also likes to work on DIY projects and bake bread when she is not busy volunteering.
André Ramos de Almeida
Hi! I’m André, a Portuguese student doing my Bachelor of European Studies at THUAS. My academic interests sit between international law, diplomacy, and EU-policy. I’m passionate about how Europe can work better for the people in it. Last year, I represented students of the European Studies programme in the Degree Programme Advisory Committee (DPAC)
International students are a huge part of academic life in the Netherlands. We’re a real community, and our voice deserves to be at the table when decisions shape our experience here. That’s why I joined the SAB: to make sure our perspectives are heard and valued, and to help build a study environment that feels welcoming for everyone. Feel free to reach out on LinkedIn!
Caleb Turner
Hello, my name is Caleb Turner. I am 21, currently studying environmental earth systems BSc at Wageningen University. I am from Australia but lived in Malaysia for 12 years before coming to the Netherlands. I have been on the Wageningen student council for the past year and have enjoyed it thoroughly. I was the chair of the sustainability and integration party where I directed a team focusing on environmental policy and strengthening international integration through the education and examination regulations.
I am a huge fan of travelling, growing up in Southeast Asia and then moving to Europe, I have constantly been exposing myself to foreign cultures and new ways of life. I’d say I am very curious and adventurous, constantly eager to explore.
I am very much looking forward to being in the Student Advisory Board as it is an opportunity for me to improve life for international students, something I am very passionate about. I am also always enthusiastic when presented with new obstacles and possibilities to learn and grow while meeting new people.
Io Carpiso
Hello! I’m io, from BA Cultural Studies of the University of Amsterdam. Coming from the Philippines, I understand that international students leave their loved ones and their creature comforts to pursue an education that can change the course of their lives. We have a lot of obstacles to overcome.
I care about making higher education for international students to be more accessible and welcoming, and helping international students feel like they’re coming to a community that understands their struggles and will support them through the highs and lows of migration. I care about informing international students about their rights and advising universities to see incoming students more than guests to their countries.
I have been a member of the UvA’s Humanities Student Council; UvA’s international queer student alliance, Spotlight UvA; and the grassroots project let us werk!, which informs non-EU students where they may work in the Netherlands. I hope to bring my community-oriented and internationalisation-focused perspective to the SAB.
Iza Piacentini
Hi everyone! My name is Iza, and I’m originally from Italy. I am currently studying International and European Law at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Within my institution, I am actively involved in student participation at both programme and faculty level. Through these roles, I’ve gained insight into how student voices can directly contribute to improving academic quality, communication, and overall student experience. Being part of these structures has strengthened my interest in representation and advocacy. As an international student, I understand the challenges of adapting to a new educational system, culture, and environment. These experiences have motivated me to support other students in feeling informed, included, and confident throughout their studies. I joined the Student Advisory Board because I believe in the importance of transparency, fairness, and strong support systems for international students. I am particularly interested in raising awareness about student rights and ensuring that the Code of Conduct is accessible and meaningful for everyone.
Nattan Pourriol
I am Nattan Pourriol, a second-year student at Design Academy Eindhoven, originally from Paris, France. At DAE I serve as Chair of the Student Council and Member of the Institutional Participation Council, roles I took on because I genuinely care about the experience of students navigating creative education far from home. I know firsthand what it means to build a life in a new country as an international student, and that is precisely what draws me to the work of the SAB. I am excited to bring that perspective to the board and to meet everyone soon.