The bachelor’s degree programs in Business Administration Online, Business Administration Online and Business Administration & Business Psychology Online are mostly taking place online. Interactive webinars and individual self-study phases enable students to study from any location, while interaction with fellow students remains an important part of the experience.
To actively support this exchange, the Department of Business Administration Online at MCI has developed a student and group coaching concept. After all, even in an online degree program, learning is not exclusively an individual activity. Particularly during the first academic year, students in the bachelor’s degree programs are supported by student and group coach Gythe Eekhoutte. She helps students build connections within their peer groups, communicate effectively and learn successfully together. She also provides individual support on matters relating to their studies.
The courses themselves also incorporate this collaborative approach. Alongside individual assignments, students take part in group activities designed by their instructors. This makes collaboration with fellow students an integral part of the learning process.
In the interview, Gythe Eekhoutte explains more about the student and group coaching concept.
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Why was the student and group coaching concept developed, and what needs of students were at the center of its development?
The group concept was developed because academic research shows that peer learning can have a positive impact on academic success, the likelihood of successfully completing a degree and students’ satisfaction with their studies. Especially in an online degree program, there is a risk that students may feel isolated and that building contact with fellow students may be more difficult. That is why it was important to us to create opportunities for exchange and networking from the very beginning of the degree program. Through the group concept, students get to know each other early on and build a foundation of trust. This makes it easier for them to ask each other questions, seek support and work together to overcome challenges during their studies. Instructors also deliberately integrate group activities into their courses, allowing students not only to learn together but also to learn from one another.
Student coaching originated in the Netherlands. There, the student coach serves as a first point of contact when students have questions, experience difficulties during their studies or are unsure about the options available to them as they progress through their degree. For example, students can arrange an individual meeting with a study and group coach to reflect on their situation together and discuss possible next steps.
The concept therefore focuses above all on students’ need for social interaction, a sense of belonging, mutual support and individual guidance – so that students do not feel that they have to face their challenges alone, even in an online degree program.
How long has the concept been in place, and how have students responded to the initiative?
The concept has been part of our department at MCI since 2025 and has been very well received by students overall.
Students particularly value the opportunity to connect with others, learn together and benefit from one another. Especially in an online degree program, it is important for many students to feel part of a cohort rather than simply being an individual studying alone in front of a laptop.
At the same time, it was important to us that the concept accommodates different needs. Not everyone enjoys studying in a group, and that is of course perfectly fine. The activities are intended to provide opportunities for exchange and collaboration without making students feel that they have to participate.
What do you personally value most about your role as a study and group coach?
What I particularly value about my role is being able to witness and support students’ personal development. Seeing how students grow throughout their studies is very rewarding for me.
I can still remember my own time as a student very well. A degree program can quickly feel overwhelming, especially during challenging periods. That is why I believe it is very valuable for students to have someone they can turn to when they do not know how to move forward. Knowing that you are not alone and that there are ways to successfully complete your degree can make a significant difference.
At the same time, I strongly associate my own time as a student with the people I studied alongside. The exchange of knowledge, as well as the different perspectives and life experiences, greatly enriched my studies.
That is why having the opportunity to give students these same experiences – supporting both personal development and exchange and community – gives me a great deal of energy and makes my work very rewarding.
Student and group coach Gythe Eekhoutte
Studying with peers
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