From the 1960s through the 1980s, the UO business college and Nyenrode Business Universiteit in the Netherlands maintained a fruitful and inspirational exchange program. That Nyenrode-University of Oregon connection was revitalized in 2012 thanks in large part to Lundquist College of Business Dean and Nyenrode alumnus Kees de Kluyver and a dedicated group of alumni. And by all accounts the re-energized program is resulting in significant benefits to a new generation.
Lundquist Alumna Kristen Kirkpatrick "12 who recently graduated from Nyenrode's twelve-month International MBA program shared her experience, emphasizing that it was so much more than a standard study abroad. Though the program was “intense" it was also extremely rewarding for Kirkpatrick.
“I was really excited," she said. “And it ended up being worlds better than I expected."
Like the Lundquist College's Oregon MBA, the Nyenrode international program focuses on real-world application of concepts, site visits, international perspective, and expert insight. Kirkpatrick especially enjoyed the special Friday sessions—called CEO Sessions—led by executives representing a variety of international firms. International MBA students" work also included a culminating thesis. Kirkpatrick presented to Unilever in London on consumer movements and social identity. (View a gallery of Kirkpatrick's photos from her time at Nyenrode.)
“I loved thinking on my feet and answering their questions," she said.
Today, Kirkpatrick is continuing to live in Amsterdam, serving as a liaison between Nyenrode and a Madrid startup.
And like those before her, she is encouraging current Lundquist College of Business undergraduates to take advantage of a special opportunity available to them. For the second year running, senior business majors will compete for a full-tuition scholarship to the seventeen-month master of science in management program at Nyenrode Business Universiteit. Brice Helm "13 won last year's competition and is currently studying at the school's Breukelen campus.
In addition, this past December, the Nyenrode-UO Lundquist College relationship was further strengthened when UO Master of Accounting (MAcc) students completed a study tour in the Netherlands. Students learned about Dutch accounting methods while networking with high-level European executives. (Read blog posts from MAcc students who participated in the 2013 and 2012 Nyenrode study tours.)
Lundquist College Seniors: there's still time to compete for that scholarship. Get the details and then sign up.