Bianca Ercole, Alumna BA Arts and Culture
When I had to choose a programme, it really came down to curiosity. I wasn’t focused on what degree might be the most practical or profitable, I just wanted to follow my passion. In my Arts and Culture bachelor, I became fascinated by how arts, ideas, and cultural movements shape the way societies think and function. It gave me a new perspective: not just on history, but on how the arts can influence the world and drive change. That curiosity naturally led me to bigger questions about the relationship between culture, power, and global systems. Pursuing a master’s in Globalisation and Development Studies felt like the natural next step. It broadened my view and added a global, contemporary dimension to what I had first discovered in my bachelor.
What was your favourite course and why?
Two courses really stayed with me. In my master’s, I especially loved those that explored history and development from non-Western perspectives. They weren’t perfect (sometimes still framed through Western lenses) but they challenged me to question assumptions and dig deeper. They showed me how different historical trajectories continue to shape the inequalities we see today. In my bachelor, the Science and Technology Studies (STS) courses opened my eyes to the idea that innovations are never just technical, they are also social and political. Technologies shape us, but more importantly, we shape them through our cultural values, practices, and interpretations. Both experiences helped me see the world from fresh angles and pushed me to keep exploring with that mindset.
How did your bachelor’s and master’s programmes complement each other?
I see them as two parts of the same journey. The Arts and Culture bachelor gave me an understanding of European society, its intellectual roots, and its cultural history. The Globalization and Development Studies master took this further, showing how those ideas and actions connected with (and often harmed) the wider world. Together, they gave me both a local and a global perspective. They also made me more conscious of biases, pushing me to listen to voices on their own terms, and to think with a post-colonial and gender-aware mindset. Which is something that still shapes how I work today.
Looking back, what are the things you learned during your studies that truly help you in your current career/experiences/personal life?
The most valuable lesson I learned throughout my studies was how to truly understand others, whether communities I worked with, policymakers, or colleagues. Courses in history, media studies, discourse analysis, and science and technology gave me the tools to see how narratives shape decisions, and how education and culture can drive social change. I also came to understand how crucial it is to recognize cultural contexts and traditions; not only to make sense of why things are the way they are, but also to work effectively within them, always respecting and valuing local knowledge. These skills have been central to my career, especially when working across cultures or designing educational programs.
Could you tell us more about your current career — your role, your main responsibilities, what you like the most/milestones, and what are your goals for the future?
After graduating, I went into the education and development sector. I worked at the UN supporting training programmes linked to the SDGs and multilateral diplomacy, and later moved to Nepal to design and facilitate workshops on child rights and education. What I love most is working at the intersection of knowledge and practice, taking ideas and turning them into tools that communities can use. Looking ahead, I want to continue on this path, contributing to international organisations that use education and innovation to build more inclusive societies.
What is your fondest memory from your time in Maastricht as a student at FASoS?
What I remember most are the people. From inspiring professors to supportive tutors and supervisors, I always felt encouraged to grow and explore. I started out shy, but through PBL sessions and the guidance I received, I slowly gained the confidence to share my ideas. Just as important were my fellow classmates. Being surrounded by engaged, like-minded people made me feel I truly belonged. Some of my closest friendships were formed in those very first tutorials, and many of those connections remain central in my life today. Even those I have drifted away from still inspire me with their journeys and perspectives.
What advice/tip would you give to (prospective) students?
Make the most of everything the university has to offer, both in and out of the classroom. Join activities, connect with people, and just enjoy the atmosphere while you can. I really miss that part of my life, and my biggest advice is: embrace it all. Stay curious not just in class, but outside of it too; because it’s that kind of curiosity that ends up shaping you the most.
February 2026