Two years ago, PhD students at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology joined forces to launch the PhD committee to create a platform where topics and issues related to their PhDs could be discussed. The committee, representing more than 100 PhD students, is currently chaired by vice-chairwoman Dorien Van de Wouwer and chairman Nick Vangheluwe. Their mission? To strengthen the PhD experience, enhance academic and social values and promote beneficial daily coexistence.
One of the initiatives that the committee has considered organizing is an international language exchange during lunch hours. VIB’s diverse mix of non-Dutch speakers and locals presents a unique opportunity to get together, dust off our skills in non-native languages and practice talking. Talking to native speakers is the best way to improve language skills, and a fantastic way to get to know your colleagues better.
At the moment, the strategy is to begin encouraging native speakers to team up to facilitate the language exchange after the summer break. We’re looking forward to seeing you all there!
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