The TU/e is set to make English its primary language of instruction by 2020, following a plan submitted to the university council by the executive board.
The ‘U-council’ responded positively but warned against high costs incurred in updating study programs. The council also wants to maintain a high level of Dutch among students.
Almost all study programs at the TU/e are already available in English, however the institution still communicates mostly in Dutch externally.
Some are against the plan, with one student saying they feared the quality of education may deteriorate due to professors not being fully fluent in English. The TU/e board promised an improvement, with courses offered where necessary.
Other Dutch universities such as Maastricht and Wageningen are also making the transition to 100% English-language instruction.
The university stressed that some communications will remain in Dutch where possible.
Source: Studio040
Translation: Nicola W
