The foundation SMIT (Student Mobility in Twente) emerged in June of 1991 from an advisory board of several internationally-oriented student organizations belonging to the University of Twente. Since its inception, the goal of the foundation has been to improve the international student mobility, by coordinating the reception of all international students at the UT and serving as their guides.
The Board of SMIT changed on Friday, September 16. It was a wonderful evening and many international students were there to congratulate the new board members. The new board comprises Alma Dijkstra (president), Suzanne Engelsman (secretary), Maurizio Messinella (treasurer), David Smits (information coordinator), Maher Ben Moussa (mentor coordinator), Karlien Zomer (activities coordinator), Annemiek van Drunen (PR coordinator).
SMIT is renowned among international students for its monthly theme parties. The board organized its first monthly party last Friday, September 23. According to SMIT President Dijkstra, it was very successful, commenting, `The theme of the party was Pink Flamingo, and Asterion was full of pink flamingos and pink balloons. It started at 11 pm and it got busy very soon. A lot of people came before midnight and the party stayed crowded the whole evening.'
SMIT organizes monthly parties, city trips, salsa workshops and many more interesting activities in order to create an enjoyable stay for international students. Some of the upcoming SMIT-sponsored events include the International Festival on October 11, a trip to Amsterdam on October 15 and the next monthly party on October 28. In addition, SMIT provides international students with useful information about the life here in Enschede. It also couples foreign students with mentors to help them find their way by guiding them through matters like opening a bank account, buying bikes, registering in the City Hall, touring the university campus. Apart from that, SMIT also helps international students if problems arise. These problems can vary between practical concerns regarding one's stay and personal problems. If you have any questions or just want to chat with one of the board members, visit their office in the Bastille, room 319, every weekday during the lunch break from 12:30-1:30 pm.
In order to participate in the activities organized by SMIT, you need not be a member. However, being in their database will keep you informed about all SMIT-related activities via e-mails announcements. SMIT also issues a monthly magazine called the Talkative, which aims to provide international students with information about upcoming events, reports of the success of past events, interesting articles about Dutch culture, and experiences of other international students from their perspective. For updates on all the latest SMIT information and upcoming events, check their website: smit.student.utwente.nl.
