What inspired you to join the team at CES Maastricht?
As part of my Bachelor studies, I studied abroad in Monterrey (Mexico) in 2006 and did an internship in Barcelona (Spain) in 2008. These experiences gave me an in-depth understanding of what it means to integrate and adapt to different cultures and situations. I wanted to use these experiences to help international students settle in their new life in Maastricht and follow their adventures as they travel to places in Europe that I have not even visited yet.
Having a CEStastic time in Berlin with programme coordinator Maureen and student assistants Daniella and Tom.
Describe a typical day/week as the Communications Officer.
No day is the same in this role, which is exactly what makes it so exciting. Throughout the week, I spend a lot of time on finding fun and informative content for our social media channels. I check the websites and pages of many (student) organizations on a daily basis to see if events are coming up that might be interesting for our students and help them to integrate into life in Maastricht.
Furthermore, I run an ambassador program which a lot of amazing CES alumni are part of. They represent CES at study abroad fairs at their home universities/colleges and provide input on ideas I have for new Facebook or Instagram series and merchandise. These are just a few examples of my responsibilities as a Communications Officer at CES.
Two of our fall 2018 students showing off their CES flags.
What has been your favorite part of your position as the Communications Officer?
Meeting all of our international students and working together with them to create new merchandise and great content for our social media channels. They have also given me so much inspiration for my future travels!
Why should students choose to study with CES Maastricht?
When I studied abroad, I just turned 19 and I had never been that far from home. I did not have a coordinator who helped me adjust to life in a country that is so different from the Netherlands, so I had to deal with some difficult situations all by myself.
The program coordinators at CES know all of their students by name and they offer assistance with everything from academic advising to immersion into Dutch student life. This is something that I would have loved to have when I studied abroad and it is exactly what makes CES so special.
In addition to comprehensive and individual guidance from a program coordinator, students can also expect excellent education according to the Problem-Based Learning approach and hands-on multiple-day study trips, field trips, company visits, or a combination of these experiences.
How does your background in International Business Communication influence the work you do?
During my Bachelor (Communication Management) and my Master (International Business Communication) studies, I obtained so many skills and knowledge that I am able to use now, in my role as a Communications Officer.
Two experiences that I will also cherish forever are my study abroad and subsequent internship abroad because they helped me grow so much professionally but also as a person. Besides becoming independent and internationally minded, my studies and experiences abroad have also contributed greatly to my ability to communicate effectively in an international environment, which is exactly what CES is.
Study trip in Berlin with our spring semester students.
What lessons have you learned through your own travels?
I have learned that it is extremely valuable to learn local customs and languages as a sign of respect to people from other cultures. It is a small effort but people really appreciate it. Plus, it is so much easier to get around if you understand signs, tips, and directions given to you by locals who are not able to speak another language.
Why do you think it is important for individuals to travel and experience new cultures?
Because traveling and learning about cultures other than our own can truly change us in so many ways. It can make us more understanding, compassionate, and respectful towards others. Sometimes it also helps us appreciate the things that we have even more.
In the heart of the city you will find the most beautiful square in Maastricht.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, travel is meaningful when it enriches my life in some way. I love to explore other cultures and learn local customs and languages so that I can communicate with people in their own language. I have already visited a lot of different countries (among others Mexico, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia) but there are still so many countries on my wish list (Japan, Peru, New-Zealand, etc.).
Why is Maastricht an ideal location for students and travelers?
Maastricht is centrally located in Europe. There are multiple airports and large train stations nearby via which students can travel to a whole array of amazing places. For example, in two and a half hours you can be in Paris with France’s ‘train à grande vitesse’ (TGV) and with Ryan Air you can fly to Barcelona in two hours. Of course, students should not forget to enjoy Maastricht as well. There are so many beautiful (hidden) spots to discover in our 2000-year old city.
What hopes do you have for the future of your position with CES Maastricht?
I hope to remain a part of the CES team for a long, long time. It is an amazing group of people and I can honestly say that I love working at CES. I also hope to meet, help, and see many more CEStastic students grow during their study abroad in Maastricht.
