Chapter 7: The Case of The Netherlands

Parallel to and partly as a consequence of European initiatives, Dutch internationalisation policy received a significant push in the early 1990s. The first policy document on internationalisation by former Minister Ritzen, entitled Grenzen Verleggen (Widening Horizons) was published in 1991 (Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap [Ministry of Education, Culture and Science], 1991).¹ It is interesting to consider the aim of internationalisation expressed in this policy document. The aim is described as follows: “Activities aimed at the structural enhancement of the international orientation and reputation of Dutch education so that education acquires maximum access to the knowledge and experiences at international level, can benefit optimally from international partnerships and programs, and can contribute to international cooperation” (p. 5).