The Van Bergen Fund provides financial support to study associations of Leiden University for initiatives that promote contact between Dutch and international students. A good plan will receive a subsidy from the Van Bergen Fund.
This incentive is intended to support initiatives that can in many ways bridge the gap between students and staff from different cultures within a cosmopolitan academic community.
The Van Bergen Fund provides grants to study associations that submit an innovative, feasible plan aimed at continuity. A proposed activity can start on a small scale but should be aimed at a potentially larger target group.
The Van Bergen Fund used to organise an annual competition. The winners can be found below and provide an overview of possible project and activities. From 2024 onwards students can apply for a grant all year round.
Prize winners
2019
Leiden City Safari
Leiden City Safari is organised by the LUMC International Student Committee (LisCo). Leiden City Safari is a city tour that aims to introduce international students to the city of Leiden as well as to fellow Dutch students.
OpenUP!
With the OpenUP! symposium, study advisers and coordinators from Leiden University Campus The Hague aim to not only break the silence, but to encourage students to support each other and empower them to take ownership of their feelings and mental state.
2018
Evaluating the plans
The jury is made up of students and staff of Leiden University. The members of the jury evaluate the plans on such aspects as how innovative they are, their scope and their feasibility. The winners present their plans at the annual Diversity symposium organised by the University.
A fast-track procedure applies to plans of study associations and faculties/institutes. Proposals from this target group can be submitted throughout the year.
Archery Attack door L.A.S. Terra
This idea by study association L.A.S. Terra promises both fun for participants and interaction between them. According to L.A.S. Terra physical exercise is often overlooked as a way to bring international and Dutch students together. Through the game Archery Attack, students of all nationalities will participate in a unique competition with bow and arrow.
2017
Sustainable Business Battle
Multiple teams consisting of Dutch and international students work together on business cases of Dutch businesses to find innovative, durable and achievable solutions. After each team giving a short pitch, the jury selects the best plan.
2016
International Ball
The main objective of the International Ball is to bring Dutch and international students closer together. Nine dancing lessons will be organised, once a week. At least four dances will be learned: English Waltz; Valdresspringar (Scandinavian); Salsa (South & North-American); Quickstep (Western), and an opening dance. The final event will be the International Ball where these dances will be performed. After the performance other Leiden university students can join in for social dancing or the afterparty.
Leiden Student Integration Project
The purpose of this plan is to improve relations and increase interactions between Dutch and international students at Leiden University by creating a fun environment that entices participation through diverse cultural expressions such as cuisine, film, art, music, and sports. In addition, with the inclusion of charitable good works this plan aims to instil a sense of community not only within Leiden University but also across the Netherlands. The ultimate goal is for our culturally diverse students to find value in interacting with one another and not to come across as a forced, awkward social attempt.
2015
2014
Leiden International Arts & Theatre Foundation
The Leiden International Arts & Theatre Foundation (LIAT) encourages Leiden University students to exchange and express their artistic talents. Dutch and international students work together to create and perform in theatre productions. LIAT also organises theatre improvisation workshops. Also featured on their agenda is the Arts International Symposium and the Arts Feedback Dinner.
Buddy talk
Buddy talk is aimed at language development. Students can indicate which languages they speak fluently and which they would like to learn, then Buddy Scan matches students who would like to learn each other’s languages. The end result is a fun form of cultural and language exchange. This is further stimulated by the organisation of networking events.
2013
Creative Writing Class
This initiative brings Dutch and international students together through the medium of story writing. All Leiden University students are welcome, irrespective of their field of study. Stories are discussed in a group setting and authors have the opportunity to explain their vision and meaning. This results in meaningful discussion in which students get to know each other cultures and traditions in a fun and informal way.
The Dutch Language and Culture Committee
The goal of the Dutch Language and Culture Committee (DLCC) is to offer students and staff of Leiden University College (LUC) the opportunity to lean Dutch and get to know Dutch culture, in an open and stimulating environment. The committee organises weekly Dutch lessons and cultural events, as well as excursions to Dutch attractions.
Contrast Leiden: Be Present
Contrast Leiden organised ‘Be Present’, in which Dutch and international students worked together to help residents of Leiden. Projects ranged from painting a house to board games with senior citizens, and every project was brought to a fun-filled conclusion with social activities for students.
2012
Leiden United Programme
This programme stimulates contact between Dutch and foreign students and promotes better relations between different cultures. The program consists of dinner meetings in groups of 10 to 14 students at the five major student associations in Leiden and at The Hague campus of Leiden University. Leiden United also organises group activities for all members to participate in together. Dutch students and international students from the same study area have dinner together with their group twice a month. Also, they can meet up over coffee, plan activities together and participate in other activities organised by Leiden United.
Njord: International Membership
Rowing association Njord initiated the International Membership, which enables international students to join the rowing association. International students are assigned for a boat for eight with a Dutch coach. Social activities are organized for Dutch and international students to get to know each other better. In addition, Njord organizes training nights for Dutch and internationals, so they can mingle.
Van Bergen Cup
The Van Bergen Cup is a sport event, in which all Dutch and international students can participate. It consists of leagues of four different sports: soccer, hockey, beach volleyball and dodgeball. Afterwards, a barbecue is organided, which is followed by a party at the sports bar.
The Van Bergen Fund was established in 2005, on the retirement of Joris van Bergen, Vice-President of the Executive Board.
The Foundation regards this as an important preparation for students who will be living and working together in an increasingly globalising world. Connecting Dutch and international students perfectly reflects the University’s policy to internationalise the academic community.
The Van Bergen Fund is part of the Leiden University Fund, which means that it has the status of a public welfare institution (ANBI). The Van Bergen Fund's RSIN-number is 8172.89.501. If you would like to support the Van Bergen Fund by making a financial donation, you can do this via the Leiden University Fund, with a reference to "Van Bergen Fund". More information is available on the website of the LUF about the different ways of making a donation.
