What inspired you to work for CES Maastricht?
Study Abroad fair
What inspired me to work for CES Maastricht is the organization’s strong commitment to international education, cultural exchange, and creating meaningful experiences for students from around the world. I am particularly attracted to CES because it brings together people from diverse backgrounds and provides an environment where students can develop academically, personally, and culturally.
The opportunity to contribute to a place that supports international students and helps them feel welcomed in a new academic and cultural setting is very motivating to me. I believe that studying abroad is not only about gaining knowledge but also about building connections, understanding different perspectives, and becoming more open-minded.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
The advice I would give to my pre-travel self is to embrace the uncertainty and enjoy every moment of the journey instead of worrying too much about what could go wrong. Before traveling, it is natural to feel nervous about leaving behind familiar surroundings, meeting new people, adapting to a different culture, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. However, I would remind myself that these challenges are part of the experience and are often the moments that lead to the most personal growth.
I would also tell myself to be more open-minded, patient, and willing to try new things. Every destination has its own culture, traditions, and ways of doing things, and the best way to truly experience a new place is to approach it with curiosity and respect. I would encourage myself not to compare everything to what I am used to, but instead appreciate the differences and learn from them.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is seeing the change in students - from the moment they arrive, often excited and a little uncertain, to the day they leave with more confidence and unforgettable memories.
Visit Royal Delft Blue Museum in Delft, the Netherlands
Why should someone choose CES Maastricht over competitors?
Someone should choose our organization over competitors because we believe that every student is more than just a number. At CES Maastricht, we focus on creating a personal and supportive experience where students feel seen, valued, and welcomed from the moment they arrive.
Studying abroad is not only about academics; it is also about building confidence, discovering a new culture, and feeling connected to a community. Maastricht is the perfect place for this experience because it is an international, vibrant, and student-focused city.
Its unique location in the heart of Europe creates opportunities for students to explore different cultures while enjoying a safe and welcoming environment. The city’s close-knit atmosphere allows students to build strong relationships and feel at home even when they are far away from home.
Student trip to Paris
What is CES Maastricht's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
The mission of CES Maastricht is to create a welcoming, inclusive, and meaningful international experience where students can grow academically, personally, and culturally. We believe that studying abroad is not only about education but also about discovering new perspectives, building connections, and becoming more confident in a global environment.
We continue to work toward this mission by placing students at the heart of everything we do. Every student has a unique story, background, and set of needs, and we believe they should never feel like just a number. Our personal approach allows us to provide guidance, support, and a sense of belonging throughout their time in Maastricht.
Through our programs, events, and daily interactions, we help students connect with each other, experience the local culture, and feel at home in a new environment. Maastricht’s international and welcoming atmosphere creates the perfect setting for students to explore, learn, and grow.
By listening to student feedback and continuously improving our support, we remain committed to creating an experience that goes beyond the classroom. Our goal is to ensure every student leaves Maastricht with valuable memories, lifelong friendships, and a broader understanding of the world.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
We hope participants take away much more than academic knowledge from our programs. Our goal is for students to leave Maastricht with a greater sense of confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. We want them to experience personal growth by stepping outside their comfort zones, meeting people from around the world, and discovering new ways of thinking.
Maastricht offers a unique environment for this journey, with its welcoming atmosphere, rich history, and diverse international community.
Ultimately, we hope participants leave with lifelong friendships, valuable experiences, and a broader global perspective. Our aim is to create an experience that inspires students personally and academically while helping them grow into more open-minded and confident global citizens.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Visit Gouda Cheese Experience
It is important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures because it helps them develop a broader understanding of the world and the people around them. Being exposed to different traditions, languages, and ways of life encourages openness, curiosity, and respect for perspectives that may be different from their own.
Traveling abroad also provides valuable opportunities for personal growth. It challenges people to step outside their comfort zones, become more independent, and build confidence in unfamiliar situations. These experiences often teach lessons that cannot be learned in a classroom alone.
Experiencing a new culture allows people to appreciate both differences and similarities between communities. Ultimately, traveling abroad helps individuals become more adaptable, empathetic, and prepared to contribute positively in an increasingly connected world.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, to me, is about more than simply visiting new places or checking destinations off a list. It is about creating genuine connections, understanding different cultures, and allowing new experiences to shape the way we see the world. Meaningful travel happens when we take the time to engage with local communities, learn from different perspectives, and appreciate the traditions and stories that make each place unique.
It is also a journey of personal growth. Traveling abroad challenges us to step outside our comfort zones, become more adaptable, and discover new strengths within ourselves. The most valuable moments are often the conversations, friendships, and experiences that stay with us long after we return home.
