Who we are and what we stand for

"By International Students, for International Students"

That is the motto of ISN-R. The importance of this is very clear to our organization, since we believe that one cannot represent the best interests of the international students, nor know the extent of their problems and the way these affect student life if they are not an international student themselves.

As the official representation body of international students within Leiden University, we aim to make the voices and needs of international students heard within this institution. We wish to facilitate understanding, not only between Leiden University and its international student community, but also among students themselves. We use our expertise to advise both international students and university officials when our opinion is solicited but also when the need arises, to ensure a bright future for both the international students and the university with its plans of internationalization. We use our influence and our experience to help with problems and issues that the international students encounter as well as devise novel ways to deal with existing areas that require improvement. We consider it our duty to ensure that the information flow towards the international students is accurate and adequate and take steps to compile it when we find it lacking. We hope that the experience of the international students is enhanced through the activities we organize and through the support we offer.

Most importantly, one word defines us: Solidarity. Together we can. Together we are strong. Join the circle.

History

It was in October 2005 when Dimi Alexiou and Piarella Peralta met for the very first time and decided to set up an organization for international students in Leiden University. The purpose of existing organizations orientated towards international students at the time was almost purely social and there was great need for an organization that would offer the international students all-round support. The time was ripe for change as our University was moving ever forward into an era of internationalization under the protective wing and visionary gaze of its current Rector, Dr. Rector Magnificus Douwe Breimer. In November 2006, after a full year of preparatory work, our organization officially attains its legal statutes and registers its name and logo. We are proud to be part of Leiden University, the oldest in the Netherlands, one of the best in the world. With our presence, Leiden University redefines itself as a beacon for internationalization, a place where great international minds converge and can now find the support they need, with such an organization as part of its infrastructure.