Student experiences
As an interior design student, Chrissie wanted to expand her knowledge and discover how designers and architects can contribute to create a seamless relationship between the exterior surroundings and the interior of buildings within a city. "This programme has met and surpassed all my expectations, from delivering insightful information within the lectures, to the multiple excursions we embarked on. One of the most valuable things I was able to take away from this experience was the various friendships I have made with amazing people from all over the world. It was truly remarkable to hear and learn about other cultures and cultivate long-lasting friendships."
Dhiramedhist works in a refugee center in Bangkok and joined us for our programme Migration and Integration: Refugees, Rights & Realities. "Applying to this summer programme has been one of my best decisions. Throughout those 3 weeks I gained extensive insight into a wide variety of topics as well as a clearer vision of my commitment to serve refugees in my home country. Two highlights were our trip to an asylum seekers center in Utrecht and the passionate and detailed guest lecture on international refugee law by prof. dr. Marjoleine Zieck."
Varvara joined us in summer 2019 for our programme on Activism and Social Change. She studies Sociology in Moscow and was looking for a study abroad experience that would nicely complement her current studies. "The most interesting topic for me was the role of social networks in organizing a social movement: an intriguing issue in today's world." She was a bit nervous to make the trip, but it was definitely worth it: "Not only to better understand the subject matter, but also to get to know many wonderful people from around the world!"
Sarah currently works as a teacher in Hong Kong and joined our course on Mindfulness and Compassion-based Interventions. As a teacher she finds it very important to have a philosophy of education that centers on contemplative practices and to do research, implement strategy and collaborate with her colleagues on this subject. "The icing on the cake is that the course was at the UvA in the heart of Amsterdam! I fell in love with the city and was invigorated by the classroom conversations. Now back at work, I've already applied some of the strategies I learned."
Yevheniia is a PhD candidate studying alcohol addiction formation among the adult children of migrant workers. She was very happy to be able to join our Summer Institute on Addiction in 2019: “It was super helpful for my PhD and my work as a psychologist. One of my favorite parts of the programme was a trip to the Trimbos institute in The Hague where we learned more about prevention on all levels. I also really enjoyed the guest lecture by Rik van Lunsen, he had a great sense of humour and changed my view on sex addiction.”
Samantha works as a Sustainability Consultant in Sweden and was very happy to be able to take time out of work to join us for the Circular City programme last summer: "It was inspiring to be able to spend so much time working in and exploring the city from the sustainable urban lens. I came away with a renewed sense of hope and purpose, a clearer view of the challenges, and various thought tools ready to bring circular principles into my daily work in urban and building design."