FASoS Student Ambassadors Talk 2023-2024

Rafael de la Rocha, BA Digital Society

During the last couple of months, temperatures have been rising, we started the year with a whiteout of heavy snow and now we photosynthesise at the park until the sunset. Nevertheless, I learnt that Dutch weather must never be trusted, one of the days it was sunny, rained, hailed, was sunny again and rained again. However, this weather balanced the workload that these two last periods contained. For context, this period walked us through qualitative research methods and a more philosophical course teaching us about the correlation between having a good life and the role of technology. 

Along with the other course, and other projects, we also had to focus a bit more on our future fifth semester decisions. In my case, I chose to follow an internship looking for a position as a User Experience Designer. Others, for example like my friend Annika, is exploring the option of an exchange in Portugal, or my friend Clara who decided to go exchange in Singapore. On the other hand, Rodrigo is doing a minor at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN). In my case, during these last weeks I have been interviewed by different companies, but everything seems to be in process.

Both this last period and upcoming period look like they are preparing us for the waited Bachelor Thesis of next year. For example, we just started Interdisciplinary Research Design, where we design a research proposal with an interdisciplinary approach, and they have been giving us a glimpse of how it is going to be structured. However, the most awaited upcoming event happening soon is King’s Day, without a doubt, my most anticipated day of the year.

April 2024

María Palazón Simón, BA European Studies

As the first year of my Bachelor of European Studies comes to an end, I find myself reflecting at the experiences gained during this year and all the things I learned and people I have met. 

The fourth period of our academic year was particularly interesting as we delved into the mechanics of the EU and its institutions. Exploring topics ranging from the European Commission to the European Parliament, we gained invaluable insights into the functioning of one of the world's most complex political and economic unions. It was a period marked by the need to retain a lot of information. However, I found it highly relevant as it laid the groundwork for a more nuanced understanding of European integration. 

Transitioning into the fifth period, the atmosphere was charged with expectation as we have embarked on our final leg of the year. Here, we broadened our horizons beyond the borders of Europe, exploring global dynamics and their impact on the European continent. Participating in negotiations simulations was undoubtedly a highlight, offering a taste of real-world diplomacy and the challenges of finding common ground amidst diverse perspectives. These simulations not only honed our negotiation skills but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the art of diplomacy in today's interconnected world. 

As spring blooms in Maastricht, the city takes on a new charm. Looking ahead to the second year, I am filled with curiosity about what lies ahead. With the opportunity to explore diverse fields such as law, economics, and policy domains, the journey promises to be both challenging and rewarding.

May 2024

Salomé Chemla, BSc Global Studies

As I approach the final month of my studies, I reflect on my three years at Maastricht University with great satisfaction and joy!

This last semester is quite challenging: we are simultaneously working individually on our Bachelor thesis, and in groups to solve a challenge posed by an external stakeholder.

I did not think I would enjoy the process of writing my thesis so much, but I really appreciate having the freedom to create my own research on a topic I am passionate about. For the last five months, I have been looking at how a reform of the United Nations Security Council would enhance the organisation’s legitimacy. I am analysing three reform proposals, and illustrating my results with the creation of my own reform proposal. On top of this, I am conducting interviews with academic experts to ask their opinion on the realisability of reform. I am really happy to have the opportunity and available resources to go in-depth into this fascinating topic!

Next to the thesis, the 21st-century learning course pushes us to apply skills we learned throughout the program to a real-life project. In a group with 5 other students, we are working with our challenge owner Shelter City Maastricht to help them with specific areas of their work. Shelter City is an NGO, which provides a safe haven for human rights defenders at risk of persecution in their home countries, by hosting them in Maastricht for 3 months. Our goal is to help a former Shelter City guest who took part in the program in 2020 to acquire funding for his NGO in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This semester gives us the opportunity to have a real impact by helping our challenge owner support a human rights defender’s actions in the DRC.

I feel so lucky to have chosen Global Studies and Maastricht University for my bachelor’s degree, and am grateful for these three years of intellectual, professional, and personal development. Maastricht, this is not a forever farewell!

May 2024

Emma Rubin, BA Arts and Culture

As I am about to finish my second year at university and leave Maastricht for experiences abroad, it is time to reflect on the achievements and experiences that have shaped my second semester.

This first semester had been marked by lots of decisions regarding my future at Maastricht University. I had to make the selection for my electives for the fourth and fifth periods. This decision allows us to explore a chosen field and adapt our academic journey to our interests and career inspirations. I chose to follow the political path of our bachelor's degree and the electives called Othering Europe and Power and Democracy. Both classes were really instructive and helped me understand better my interests for a future master’s degree and even career. Wrapping up those two years at Maastricht University, I have definitely found out more about my field of interests.

Moreover, in the first semester I also had to submit four choices for the semester abroad. I can now share with you that I will be experiencing a semester at the University of Turin, Italy. I am excited to have this opportunity to learn about yet another culture, meet people from Turin or the rest of Italy, enjoy some delicious food and maybe even learn the language. I am also excited to visit my friends all around the world, some are going as far as South America or Japan! I will be sharing these incredible with you, as well as the experiences of the students doing an internship: some for newspapers or for art galleries. Lastly, share the experiences of those who are staying in Maastricht to do a minor; all minors offered through our program can be found on the website of Maastricht University.

Beyond the academic side of this second semester, I have enjoyed some activities organized by the faculty and some by the city of Maastricht. At the beginning of the year, we had a lovely time at the FASoS gala organized by the student’s association. I was also enchanted to go to the Museums Night. The museums organized an evening with special exhibitions or activities such as concerts or workshops and a bus drove us through the city. Moreover, me and my friends celebrated the famous Maastricht carnival which they hold every year. The city was lively and colourful. The city is not enormous but quite dynamic, there are lots of events programmed all the time! With the return of sunny days, I also enjoyed going to the farmer’s market that happens every Wednesday and Friday at the square called “markt”.

Overall, I am really grateful for these first two years at Maastricht University, the people I have had the chance to meet and learn from, and the opportunities gained through the university. I am looking forward to starting another year, and hopefully see many new students in August!

May 2024

Pavlina Papageorgiou, MA Arts & Heritage: Policy, Management and Education

Having reached the end of my thesis trajectory, I feel both a sense of relief and anticipation. I recall how, at the beginning of the academic year, our coordinators kept mentioning how the thesis would be a major piece of academic work, the product of an academic year's worth of effort. I see that now, having submitted an essay with so much heart and soul poured into it that it almost feels like a diary, something personal and somewhat difficult to part with.

For my thesis project, I had the pleasure of interviewing academic staff about their experiences with Englishisation, making my thesis something bigger than myself. Throughout this process, I have felt entrusted with the responsibility of delivering their experiences successfully and ensuring that they feel represented in the final outcome. For this reason, the thesis has been, for me, the magnum opus of this academic year in every sense of the word. It has proven to me what it means to be a reflective practitioner and how one's learning process is contingent upon one's ability or willingness to reach out and learn from others.

Every exam or re-sit has been a challenge I have seen through and one that has led me to where I am now. These experiences have helped me set new academic standards for myself while gaining a better awareness of what it feels and looks like to develop personally and professionally as a historian, researcher, and practitioner in the cultural sector.

July 2024

Lena Reichel, MA Media Studies: Digital Cultures

Phew, this year flew by, and I cannot believe it is already over! Since my last blog post in March, I have started an internship at the Maastricht Museum, applied for several jobs, attended multiple interviews, and wrote my Master's thesis. I celebrated finishing my thesis with my closest friends and had to say goodbye to them. Now, as I write this blog and reflect on the past months, I realize how immersed I was in my work. Before I return to enjoying my summer break, let's review these past three months! 

My internship at the Maastricht Museum provided a fantastic atmosphere with friendly colleagues, an excellent working environment, and various experiences within the institution. During my internship, I shared an office with my fellow student Menglu Li. What I appreciated most was the daily structure and the diverse environment of this public institution. The internship began busily but excitingly, as my case study exhibition was set to open during Museumnacht (Museum Night), an event where museums extend their hours and offer special activities. 

I assisted in setting up showcases, objects, information texts, and setting up exhibit furniture, which taught me about curation from the perspective of an exhibition designer rather than just a visitor. For my research, I chose focus groups as a method, which required extensive preparation and communication with various departments. I enjoyed working with a diverse group of people and learning about their roles, and I improved my Dutch language skills by writing and communicating in Dutch. 

The focus groups were successful, and I am still grateful to my fellow students and ambassador colleagues for showing up. Another role in my internship was creating digital content for my case study exhibition, "The Treaty of Maastricht." I learned not only about the historical significance of the Treaty, but also gained insights into user-friendly, accessible, and inclusive interface design. Working with external partners like Studio Europa, I learned to use software for digital curation and regularly collaborated with their provider to refine an interactive tour for a touchscreen element in the exhibition. 

Applying for positions in my field, such as project manager for AI and digital literacy or digital editor, made me realize how much I can now apply in the real working world, and I think these skills will become increasingly important in the future. I am excited to enter the job market with the many projects I have completed over the past months. Despite the challenging and uncomfortable moments, the rewarding results, and the support and inspiration from my tutors and fellow students, who became both supportive peers and friends, have made this journey worthwhile. 

July 2024

Camilla Notari, pre-master student at FASoS

In less than a month, my academic journey at Maastricht University will come to an end, leading me to reflect on my experiences. Over the past two years, I have been both a pre-master and master’s student, and this time has flown by, teaching me invaluable lessons.

The pre-master program was instrumental in my success during my master’s studies. It bridged the gap between my bachelor's degree in business and economics and my master's in European Studies. Through the pre-master, I learned about the subjects and topics related to European Studies, helping me choose my specialization and the topic of my master’s thesis. Without the pre-master, I would have made different, likely misguided choices due to a lack of knowledge. I am grateful for the path I took, starting with the pre-master. Moreover, thanks to the premaster I developed skills in academic writing, which have been proven essential for my master journey.

The relationships with tutors and professors have been unique, offering a more relaxed yet professional and impactful learning environment. Finally, the highly multicultural setting has enhanced my cultural sensitivity and English communication skills.

I am deeply thankful to Maastricht University for these transformative experiences. University years are among the most important for shaping one's future, and I am grateful to have been part of Maastricht University's environment for the past two years.

May 2024

Imane Chelioui, MA European Studies on Society, Science and Technology

Wow, I am already at the final days of my studies.

Currently, the courses have ended, as I am writing the essay of my final exam. Looking back, I had so much fun during this Master’s and I am amazed by how fast time flew by. Yet despite the rush and the intensity of this program, I was able to form some incredible connections and potential lifetime friendships. The highlight of this Master’s for me was when David, an ESST classmate in Maastricht challenged Banditos to a carrot cake battle and Deniz, another classmate, was the blind judge and we lost. Those people are now my best friends along with some other classmates both from Maastricht and in Norway.

When I reflect on my personal growth, I would say that the main changes pertain to confidence, knowledge, and awareness of others. I now feel confident in taking on various challenges, as the rush of researching for our exams taught us to be efficient and manage our stress. I feel more knowledgeable because we were extensively instructed in the fundamental principles of innovation studies and were given the opportunity to specialize in a field of our choice through assignments, second semester courses, and the thesis. In my case, this topic concerned sustainable pathways to implement generative AI. Indeed, I was able to analyse this topic from various angles (social, historical, technical, and political). The awareness mentioned here pertains to the social aspects that occurred during the Master's program. I had the opportunity to meet many different people with whom I shared all kinds of experiences, both professionally and leisurely. I also had the chance to travel on many trips, experiencing various landscapes and encountering different cultures.

May 2024

Caitlin Reed, MA European Public Affairs

Over the course of the last three months since my first blog post and now, so many things have changed.

First of all, whilst I was writing my previous blog post still living and studying in Maastricht, I have moved to Brussels in April for my internship. I am currently interning at the Permanent Representation of Germany to the European Union, in the department that is responsible for the relations with the European Parliament. Of course, with the elections coming up, lots of my work right now focuses on the possible voting outcomes and the constitution timeline after the elections. I am also joining my team to the General Affairs working party meetings in the Council. During the first period, we have already simulated this process during the negotiation workshop, and I can conclude that this has been a very realistic preparation.

Overall, I am happy to look back at my time in Maastricht and all the things I have learnt over the short time span of a year. It is nice to be back in Brussels after my previous internship at the European Parliament in 2022, and it is great not having to go alone, but having quite a lot of my EPA peers accompanying me on this experience. We regularly meet up for some drinks after work, Plux on Thursday, to explore the city or dinners on the weekend. In addition, Brussels is full of EPA alumni, and it is great connecting with them.

What’s next? During the end of June, I will hand in my thesis and my internship report. At the end of July, I will finish my internship. Thus, I am excited to finally go back to my hometown Hamburg in August after not having had the time since the beginning of the year

May 2024

Miguel Serrano Ascandoni, MA European Studies

There is only one month left to finish this master and I still can not believe it, time flies! It has been more than three months, two periods and incredible experiences since my last blog. We have already submitted the first draft of the thesis and in a few days we have the thesis conference, the last step before making the final delivery in June.

In February, right after the carnival, I went on a trip with my best friend to London by train. A highly recommendable experience from Maastricht. March was a very intense month, focusing on the fourth period with the subject “Governing the European Economy: The Politics of EMU and the EU Budget”. Furthermore, in March we also had to develop the thesis proposal, with the introduction, analytical framework and methodology sections.

I must admit that March was quite hard for me, not only academically but also personally since I could not dedicate time to my friends or myself. In April, everything changed for the better and I was able to regain my energy and enthusiasm. I would like to make it clear that in those moments when everything feels dark, there is always light at the end of the tunnel and with effort and dedication, you can move forward. At the beginning of April, after finishing the take-home exam and the policy blog post of the fourth-period course, the well-deserved period break arrived. Then, I took advantage of seeing a friend, traveling through South Holland, and meeting my family in Bruges and Ghent.

The fifth period has been the shortest of all, so combining the subject “Civil Society, Lobbying and Policy Influence in the EU” with the development of the first draft of the thesis has been quite a challenge. However, at the end of the month, two incredible events happened: King’s Day and the Maastricht Debate. I fulfilled my dream of celebrating King’s Day in Amsterdam with my brother. Furthermore, the Maastricht Debate with the candidates of the main political parties for the European elections has been unforgettable.

In May we finished the research paper and the skills portfolio for the fifth-period course, as well as the first draft of the thesis. Right after, my best friend came for my birthday and we took the opportunity to take trips to Luxembourg and Aachen. I miss home a lot and I think that when I go back, I will miss this experience at Maastricht University even more, although I will always carry it in my heart and my memories.

May 2024

Elena Cassina, MA Arts and Culture: Contemporary Literature and Arts

Navigating the Academic Landscape: Reflecting on the Last Six Months at the CLA master.

As I reflect on the past six months of my journey through university, I am struck by the whirlwind of academic exploration and personal growth that has characterized this period. I just finished my last courses and I now have three whole months to concentrate on writing my thesis. This is a pivotal juncture, poised to delve deeper into my research interests.

It took me a while to come up with a thesis topic; I looked into recent pieces of art or literature that I explored in the last few months and tried to draw connections to bigger issues that are important to me. Moreover, I got to talk about all my ideas with my thesis supervisor and had different tutorial sessions for preparation with my peers to give each other feedback and suggestions. Eventually, I came up with a topic —a comparative analysis of a movie and a TV series, examining how they portray relationships between working-class Europeans and immigrants. I think this project promises to be both intellectually stimulating and socially relevant, offering insights into the complexities of contemporary society. Guided by my dedicated supervisor, I embark on this project with purpose and curiosity, eager to uncover nuanced narratives and challenge prevailing assumptions.

Before starting to work on my thesis full time, I had the privilege of participating in two thought-provoking courses: "Speculative Fiction" and "Time to Act: Artivism and Cultural Interventions." Each course offered a unique lens through which to explore complex themes and engage with diverse perspectives.

In "Speculative Fiction," I was particularly struck by the transformative power of utopian writing and art. Through imaginative narratives and visionary imagery, speculative fiction invites us to envision alternative realities and question the status quo. It serves as a potent tool for social critique and collective imagination, inspiring us to aspire towards a more just and equitable world.

Meanwhile, "Time to Act: Artivism and Cultural Interventions" provided a platform for exploring the intersection of art, activism, and cultural expression. Through interdisciplinary discussions and creative projects, we examined the role of art in effecting social change and fostering dialogue. It was a profound journey that deepened my understanding of the potential for artistic expression to catalyse meaningful transformation.

On a similar note, the spring is coming in Maastricht. This means beautiful cherry trees blossoming and long days of sunlight. It means that I get to study in the park or on the terraces of the restaurants of Maastricht, enjoying this beautiful period in the city before my stay here comes to an end.

April 2024

Eleonora Pizzini, MSc European Studies (Research)    

The Research Master is almost over after 2 years and the feeling about being so close to the finish line are mixed.

The last months of the RMES look very different for everyone, some of us still have some classes and exams until the end of June, some others are fully focusing on the thesis and almost done with it. Together with this, we are trying to figure out what to do next and what working path to choose. Hence the level of stress is a bit high, but still manageable.

The main objective right now is the thesis and its development. Personally, I was able to finally start the process of writing after the first semester of the second year. I am looking at energy transition and the European Union link with the Global South, but the thesis topics covered by my cohort are quite different between each other. Some people are focusing on national parliaments, lobbying or specific policies implemented by governments, some other are also focusing on climate change or international development, but with different lenses.

Aside from these last academic commitments, this is a period to look back at the entire academic journey and I am very happy with the choice I made. The programme was indeed challenging sometime, but it gave me a lot both in terms of academic knowledge, and also in terms of personal growth. I developed friendships with the classmates, and found out what I am really passionate about and that will, hopefully, be my future field of work.

May 2024           

Isabel Bruijstens, MSc Cultures of Arts, Science and Technology (Research)

The end of the academic year is approaching! This week, I am laying the last hand on my final paper. I can already smell the summer holidays!

Looking back on this first year of CAST, I have learned so much. I have explored topics like art-science, speculative design and exhibition theory, and used methods like archival research, narrative analysis, discourse analysis and making as research. There were times when I felt unsure about what I was doing and how to find my way through these new territories, but it always proved to be a rewarding process.

In the midst of such explorations, I have found that it is very valuable to keep reflecting on your ambitions. I did this at various points throughout the year. I made a conscious effort to reflect on my experiences until that point and get a good grip on where I would like to go next. This has helped me a lot in understanding myself better and feeling more confident in the steps I will be taking next.

In other exciting news, I am making the final arrangements for my internship! It is almost official. I am really looking forward to working together with professionals in the cultural field. Every CAST student is going into completely different directions, so I will have many different stories to share next year!

For now, I am buckling down on my last paper of the year. Currently we follow a course about practical knowledge, artistic research and ethnography. We explore the art of noticing and researching through making. Each of us has explored a new hobby in their project – from cooking to yoghurt-making, to 3D printing, to making puzzles, to photography and to zine-making!

As usual, I will keep you posted on Instagram [@researchmastercast]. Make sure to stick around, as I will be bringing you along during my summer in Maastricht!

June 2024

Arianna Roetta, MSc Globalisation & Development

Embarking on a Master’s degree in Globalisation and Development at Maastricht University has been an incredibly transformative experience. The programme's multidisciplinary approach, encompassing migration studies, social sciences, politics, geography, and contemporary issues like gender inequality, environmental movements, and social movements, has profoundly broadened my understanding and ignited my passion for global development.

A highlight of my year was the two-month internship with Refugee Project Maastricht. This experience was invaluable, providing me with hands-on experience in the field of migration and refugee support. Working directly with refugees, I gained a deeper understanding of their challenges and resilience. This practical experience complemented my academic studies, providing a real-world context that enriched my learning.

The internship allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, enhancing my problem-solving skills and adaptability. It also exposed me to the complexities of implementing development projects on the ground, an experience that has been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations. The connections and insights gained during this internship have already proven beneficial in my professional journey.

Maastricht itself is a city that blends historical charm with a lively student atmosphere. The parks provided a beautiful escape for relaxation (whenever Maastricht decided to bless us with some sunshine), while the numerous festivals and cultural events added so much fun and discovery to my student life. Day trips to nearby cities and bike rides through picturesque landscapes became regular activities, making my stay in Maastricht fulfilling. The culinary scene in Maastricht also deserves a mention. From cosy cafés to diverse restaurants, the city offers all types of food for everybody. Sharing meals with friends became a cherished tradition, fostering deeper connections and creating lasting memories.

As I move forward in my career, I carry with me the knowledge, skills, and memories from Maastricht University, confident that they will continue to shape my journey in the field of globalisation and development.

June 2024