Building bridges through international education

An interview with Werner Boumans by Jon Wickins
☰ 5 min read

“Never forget that the human race has been so successful throughout history because we know how to cooperate.” 

Werner Boumans was instrumental in establishing and developing the international programmes at KdG. As the driving force behind its English-taught and exchange-based programmes, he helped shape KdG’s transformation into the internationally connected institution it is today.

In this interview, Werner reflects on his journey, vision, and the enduring value of international education.

Academic foundations 

A love for languages set Werner on his path to a career in international education.  In 1983 he graduated with a master’s degree in Linguistics and a teaching qualification from the University of Antwerp. He worked as a researcher in the Faculty of Education before moving into teaching German in 1986 within what was then the Eligius College Business Administration programme, later integrated into KdG.

In 1993, he founded the language academy Group Lisberg, which for 25 years delivered specialised language training in more than 20 languages to professionals across the region between Brussels and Rotterdam.

He returned to higher education in 2007 as programme manager for the SME Management programme at KdG. Alongside this role, he lectured in Business Planning and Strategic Management and coached student entrepreneurship projects, also contributing to partner institutions in Austria and Finland.

Building an international programme

In 2012, Werner worked with colleagues to redesign KdG’s international English-taught exchange programme, welcoming incoming students from around the world.

“Every year around 150 exchange students joined KdG. The English-taught exchange programme covered around 40 courses with mainly incoming international lecturers, although it did not lead to a degree.

The benefits, however, were genuine. Foreign students and lecturers formed an open and multicultural community within KdG. Teaching perspectives became truly international, and the use of English as a common language made this possible.

We saw similar benefits at our partner universities across Europe, the UK and Asia. Those experiences convinced us to help transform KdG from a local institution into an internationally connected university.

We first founded International Business Management, later followed by international degree programmes in Computer Science, Multimedia and, most recently, Nursing.”

“The IBM team subscribed to a guiding principle that remains central to its ethos: making the world more peaceful through cooperation and trade.”

One man who changed his thinking

A major influence on Werner’s thinking was his friend, Professor Dr. Wolfgang Kremser of Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences.

“Each year, Wolfgang brought together 70 international lecturers and about 150 students from all over the world at his small university. I was astonished by how he made it possible for lecturers and students from Bulgaria, Germany, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Africa, South Korea, the USA and many more countries to cooperate on ventures alongside European companies. This was true international collaboration. Wolfgang inspired me a lot.”

Why cooperation beats competition

Reflecting on today’s geopolitical climate, Werner observes a growing tendency toward zero-sum thinking in global affairs. In contrast, he argues that cooperation-driven approaches such as international education create sustainable prosperity.

“In recent years, we have seen the world change into an arena in which leaders follow the paradigm of the zero-sum game. They think they can defeat one another and become more powerful. In reality, these are often lose-lose situations. On the contrary, countries that pursue win-win solutions through cooperation deliver prosperity to their citizens. 

From that perspective, I believe that international education is on the right side of history.”

“Graduates are the ambassadors for a prospering world while constantly looking for peaceful endeavours through business development and trade.”

The students he still thinks about

Werner describes his time in education as a form of “living in the future” - working with young people who are constantly shaping what comes next.

He cites some examples:

• The student from India who developed a business model enabling farmers to rent cooling facilities, helping preserve crops and improve market prices.
• The student who fled conflict in Iraq with his mother, rebuilt his academic journey in Belgium, and went on to work in international trade.
• The Belgian student who completed a master’s degree in Marketing at a Swedish university, reflecting the mobility and reach of international education.

For Werner, these stories highlight the role of educators as facilitators, supporting students as they create meaningful futures across borders and circumstances.

“It is a pleasure to be the facilitator for the future of those students.”

Werner recalls a conversation between a student from Ghana and one of his classmates about what they had done that weekend. The classmate was upset because her father had asked her to take her car to the garage herself to have the tyres changed. In contrast the student from Ghana had worked night shifts that weekend because he couldn’t ask his family for any more money.

When Werner asked whether this represented a cultural clash, the student responded that it was just a difference in financial means and circumstances.

Werner says the conversation taught him an important lesson:

“Parents all over the world share the same value. They want the best for their children.”

Advice for students

To students at the beginning of their academic journey, Werner offers simple guidance:

“Be curious and chase opportunities. Consider your studies as a basket full of opportunities. Being curious about things and eager to learn, you will discover all kinds of opportunities for your future life. Find your way and make your choices.”

Skills for the future

In an age of overwhelming information, Werner emphasises the importance of critical thinking. With constant exposure to competing narratives, students must learn to distinguish between what is real and what is fake and think independently.

The value of an alumni network

“During your time at KdG, you developed a network of relationships with fellow students, lecturers and possibly corporate partners. These networks are built on shared experiences and friendships, which make them especially meaningful, memorable and reliable.

It’s important to hold on to those connections.”

What Werner is most proud of

“It makes me proud that we succeeded in transforming KdG from a local educator into an international university with a global perspective. I strongly believe that the role of universities is to bring together bright minds from all over the world with mutual respect. 

Never forget that the human race has been so successful throughout history because we know how to cooperate.”

A Final Reflection

“In a time of technological advancement in which algorithms increasingly control decisions, and drones are being used to kill in conflict, I hope that our leaders will soon understand that humanity cannot afford any further destruction and conflict. 

Building bridges should be the concern of everyone.”