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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

Jelle De Vreeze named Ghent Student of the Year for his podcast

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Jelle De Vreeze, a student of Applied Computer Science at HOGENT, has been named Ghent Student of the Year 2026.
  • He was recognized for his podcast 'Call Out!', which brings together students and discusses difficult topics, fostering a sense of community.
  • De Vreeze expressed surprise at winning, highlighting his initiative in building a supportive community around the podcast.

Jelle De Vreeze, a second-year Applied Computer Science student at HOGENT, has earned the title of Ghent Student of the Year 2026. His podcast, 'Call Out! The guide for students through the IT world,' co-hosted with Edis Hurtic, has become a significant platform for students in his field.

He is a role model that inspires others to roll up their sleeves.

— Hafsa El-BaziouiDescribing Jelle De Vreeze's impact as Student of the Year.

The podcast aims to guide students through the complexities of the IT world, covering topics from initial study tips to managing exam stress and choosing the right specialization. De Vreeze noted that students often select study paths based on names rather than content, prompting them to investigate where alumni ended up and their chosen tracks.

"We invite people from the business world onto the podcast," De Vreeze explained, aiming to provide students with practical insights. He also emphasized the importance of understanding the content of different study paths. This initiative has helped students make informed decisions about their academic futures.

This is really crazy. I never expected that I would win. There were so many other candidates with impressive initiatives. Apparently, I did it the most on my own.

— Jelle De VreezeReacting to his win as Ghent Student of the Year.

City councilor Hafsa El-Bazioui, speaking on behalf of Youth Councilor Evita Willaert, praised De Vreeze as a role model. "By fully building a warm community on his own initiative, Jelle shows what student engagement can mean," El-Bazioui stated. "Jelle is a role model who inspires others to roll up their sleeves."

We had noticed that students often just look at the name of the specialization, not the content. That's why we are now investigating where former students ended up and which specialization they had chosen.

— Jelle De VreezeExplaining the motivation behind his podcast's focus on study paths.

De Vreeze, who received eternal fame and a 250-euro voucher, stated, "I didn't do it for the reward at all, but I feel incredibly rewarded." His surprise win underscores the impact of his dedicated efforts in creating a valuable resource for his fellow students.

I didn't do it for the reward at all, but I feel incredibly rewarded.

— Jelle De VreezeCommenting on receiving the award and recognition.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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