Testimonials Erasmus+ Mobility programma

Exchange Officer at FPN 
Visited Koç University, Sabanci University and Boğaziçi University in Turkey (May 2026) 

"Istanbul, a city of over 20 million inhabitants, is home to more than 60 universities and is an important centre for higher education and international collaboration. During this programme, I had the opportunity to visit three prestigious institutions: Koç University, Boğaziçi University, and Sabancı University. 

Participating in the Koç University Internationalisation Programme was an enriching and inspiring experience. The programme brought together 22 participants from across the globe, creating a diverse and collaborative environment that encouraged intercultural exchange and meaningful connections. 

The sessions provided valuable insights into inclusion, global awareness, intercultural communication, and student-centered services in higher education. One of the most impactful learning points was understanding the importance of building inclusive academic environments through initiatives such as micro credentials, global awareness programmes, and cultural engagement activities. 

The workshops, especially “Survival Turkish” and “I’m Not a Racist But…”, encouraged open-minded thinking, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication across diverse communities. Interactive activities and networking sessions further strengthened teamwork, collaboration, and the sharing of international perspectives. 

In addition, the job shadowing visit to Boğaziçi University provided valuable insight into their administrative processes, particularly regarding the management of international mobility, the selection procedures for exchange students, and the allocation of Erasmus+ grants as a non-EU country. Observing these processes in practice offered a deeper understanding of how international exchange programmes are coordinated efficiently within a complex higher education environment. 

Overall, this experience deepened my understanding of internationalisation in higher education and highlighted the importance of diversity, inclusion, and global collaboration in shaping the future of education. It also contributed to my personal learning goal of gaining broader insight into international exchange processes and strengthening my professional perspective on supporting students in an increasingly global academic environment." 

Communication advisor at SBE  
Visited University of Cyprus (April 2026) 

"At a time when workloads tend to regularly increase, it is very easy to lose sight of one’s personal and professional development. Having this opportunity to “pause” for a week and focus on learning was refreshing and extremely rewarding. 

I particularly appreciated the opportunity to exchange good practices, share experiences, and look at challenges from a different perspective. These discussions brought valuable insights, practical inspiration, and new ideas that I can take back into my daily work. Connecting with the International Relations and Recruitment teams at University of Cyprus (member of the YUFE Alliance and the YERUN Network) was an especially enriching experience, both professionally and personally. 

I would strongly recommend participating in an Erasmus staff exchange to anyone looking for fresh perspectives, meaningful connections, and to break a bit the eventual routine of their work." 

Education Officer Global Education Programmes at Maastricht School of Management, SBE 
Visited ISIM Business School Nice in France (April 2026) 

"Participating in the Erasmus+ staff mobility programme at ISIM Business School in Nice was both a professional milestone and a deeply personal journey. As my first exchange activity after joining Maastricht University, this experience marked an important step in expanding my role beyond my daily responsibilities as an Education Officer. 

The 11^th International Staff Week brought together 89 participants from 22 countries and nearly 70 universities. Engaging with colleagues who share similar roles yet operate in very different institutional contexts was both inspiring and eye-opening. Through workshops, roundtable discussions on AI in education, and an AI Toolkit training, I gained valuable insights into how universities are adapting to emerging technologies and global challenges. 

Representing UM on an international stage was a particularly meaningful experience. Presenting our university, the School of Business and Economics, and MSM made me feel proud and more connected to the institution I represent. At the same time, hearing how other universities approach similar challenges encouraged me to reflect critically on my own work and identify areas for improvement and innovation. 

On a personal level, this mobility pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways I had not fully anticipated. Travelling and working independently in a new environment required adaptability and confidence. Initially, I expected to feel nervous interacting with so many new people, but instead I found myself energised and genuinely excited each day. This shift helped me realise that stepping into unfamiliar situations can be a powerful driver of personal growth. 

Beyond the formal programme, experiencing the local culture in and around Nice added another layer to my learning. Observing how people communicate, collaborate, and balance work and life in a different cultural setting gave me a broader perspective on academic environments and professional interactions. It also made me reflect on my own values—particularly the importance of openness, curiosity, and connection in both work and life. 

This experience has strengthened not only my professional skills but also my sense of identity as an international university staff member. I return to UM with renewed motivation, greater self-confidence, and a clearer vision of how I can contribute to our international community. I am deeply grateful to the Erasmus+ programme for providing this opportunity and would strongly encourage colleagues to embrace similar experiences." 

PhD candidate in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at FHML 
Visited the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio (March 2026) 

"The main goal of my visit was to strengthen research collaboration and explore new methodological approaches for my PhD work on knee imaging segmentation and modelling. I was particularly interested in the expertise of the Biophysics of Bone and Cartilage research group, whose work closely aligns with my research challenges. 

During my stay, I took part in expert meetings, one-to-one discussions with PhD candidates, postdocs, and senior scientists, as well as the group’s weekly meeting. These exchanges were very productive and resulted in a concrete plan for integrating their modelling approach into my own research workflow. I also had the opportunity to tour the lab, which gave me a fascinating insight into the breadth and diversity of ongoing research across the department. Altogether, these activities offered a comprehensive overview of ongoing projects and led to many open and inspiring scientific discussions. 

What stood out most to me was the welcoming and open atmosphere within the group. Despite being a short visit, I felt included in their scientific discussions from the very beginning. This experience also helped me gain confidence in working in a new academic environment and strengthened my ability to communicate across disciplines and cultures. 

Overall, this mobility had a direct impact on my PhD project by helping to address an important methodological challenge and by opening new opportunities for collaboration. It also reinforced the value of international exchange in research. 

I would highly recommend Erasmus+ mobility to other researchers. Even a short visit can be both professionally and personally very rewarding." 

Project Leader at FSE 
Visited Aarhus University in Denmark (March 2026)  

"A few days in Denmark at Aarhus University showed me how much you can learn just by stepping into a different environment. Not everything comes from planned meetings, some of the most valuable insights came from random conversations with people who have been working on topics we are only starting to explore at FSE. It makes you realise how powerful it is to learn from others who already went through the process. 

What stood out to me the most is how unpredictable these experiences are. You never really know who you will meet or how a single interaction can shape your thinking. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and exposes you to new ways of working, but at the same time it helps you reflect on your own environment. 

For me, it also highlighted something important. What can be a bottleneck at other universities can actually be an opportunity at Maastricht University. Our PBL approach gives a level of flexibility that many institutions struggle to achieve, especially when it comes to topics like entrepreneurship. 

If you are considering an Erasmus+ experience, this is exactly why you should go. You will learn from others, but you will also start seeing the value of what you already have, and that shift in perspective can make a real difference." 

Financial Consultant at Facility Services

Visited University of South Eastern Norway (October 2025)

"After learning about the Erasmus+ staff mobility programme, I contacted a number of universities affiliated with YERUN and expressed my interest in job shadowing. Based on the content, the University of South Eastern Norway (USN) quickly emerged as the most interesting choice for me. I was given the opportunity to visit the Vestfold Campus for a full working week in the autumn of 2025.

During the week, I worked with the accounting manager and a number of other finance professionals to look at a wide range of financial processes, focusing in particular on month-end closings and the technical system design. I observed several best practice elements that we at UM could improve on, but at the same time I also noted that both universities face similar challenges in various areas.

In addition to job shadowing, I also had the opportunity to briefly familiarise myself with an interesting part of one of their specialised maritime study programmes. My main contact was also kind enough to offer me an excursion to Faerder National Park - Verdens Ende, which gave me the opportunity to admire another part of this beautiful country.

My conclusion: it was a fantastic experience in which I was able to gain a lot of professional knowledge and inspiration in a short period of time, as well as meet new people in another country in a professional setting. I am therefore very grateful to UM and USN for this opportunity."

Strategic policy advisor, MUO/CI-Office

Visited Ladok Consortium in Sweden (October 2025)

"My participation in the Erasmus+ mobility programme consisted of a working visit to the Ladok Consortium in Sweden. This consortium is responsible for the development and operation of the national Student Information System (SIS) Ladok. It supports more than 40 Swedish higher education institutions in their administrative education processes. In discussions with members of the Ladok management team and staff from the universities of Stockholm and Umeå, I gathered a wealth of information and inspiration about the technology, architecture, governance and organisation behind this system. These insights will help us at UM to form a vision for the future of our own SIS (currently SAP SLcM).

Participating in the Erasmus+ mobility programme gave me a unique opportunity to gather insights and experiences from other institutions abroad, something I see as a necessary broadening of my role as a strategic policy advisor. In addition, the working visit was also enriching for my personal and professional development, as it allowed me to get a taste of the working and organisational culture in another country. I can recommend this programme to anyone!"

Financial consultant at the Faculty of Law 

Visited Universitat Politècnica de València in Spain (June 2025)

"My staff mobility brought me to the wonderful city of Valencia, where I attended the 18th International Staff Week for administrative staff at Universitat Politècnica de València. I chose this mobility not only for the programme, which contained 5 days of job shadowing, training courses and workshops, but also because I had never visited Valencia and heard great things about the beautiful city itself. On top of this, I wanted to improve my personal and professional development by taking part in a journey like this.

With over 230 participants from over 20 countries, it certainly surpassed my expectations! During the job shadowing, people from different administrative branches shared their work experience and turned it into an interactive discussion sharing best-practices and discussing current and future challenges. The workshops allowed for a great bonding experience with fellow participants. I even learned some Spanish along the way!

For me, the best part was meeting professionals from different universities. There is a sense of mutual understanding because even though we work for different institutions across Europe, we all try to achieve the same goals and deal with roughly the same issues. On a personal note, I formed friendships with great people I will never forget.

When colleagues ask me about my time in Valencia, I always tell them that if they have the chance to take part in a mobility, they should. The experiences you have and people you meet vastly outweighs the effort you must put in upfront. I will apply again if I have the opportunity."

Financial consultant at FHML

Visited Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain (June 2025)

"Through the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility programme, I had the opportunity to attend 18th international staff week for administrative staff at Universitat Politècnica de València. I chose this mobility programme because it covered a wide range of topics. The job shadowing aspect focused not only on finance but also included 4 additional subjects. In addition to the job shadowing there were training courses you could choose from. I personally took the IT course.

I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but the week exceeded my expectations. Both the job shadowing and IT course were very informative. Listening to other professionals share their experiences and challenges provided valuable insight in how other institutions manage their administrative tasks. The workshops were also a great opportunity to bond with the other participants and learn a bit more about Valencia.

What I enjoyed me the most was the social aspect. With over 230 participants from 20 countries, we were a diverse group of professionals with a wide range of backgrounds. Despite our differences we were still able to understand each other’s daily tasks, challenges etc. with little to no context needed. I made some amazing friendships during this week and hope to meet them again in the future.

For anyone considering of joining this programme, I highly recommend it, just go for it! you will not regret it!"

Education-/Research Officer at FHML

Visited the National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana, Slovenia (June 2025)

"Earlier this year in June, I had the chance to spend time at the National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana, Slovenia, through the Erasmus+ staff mobility programme. I ended up there thanks to a past collaboration between my supervisor and the institute and I’m so glad I did!

My main goal was to learn the Micronucleus (MN) assay, and I got to do exactly that by job shadowing their skilled researchers. Watching them work step-by-step, asking questions in the moment, and picking up those little 'unwritten' tricks made all the difference. I left feeling not just more confident in the technique, but also with a deeper appreciation for its applications in environmental and genotoxicity research.

What really stuck with me, though, was the atmosphere. The team’s generosity with their time, their openness to share ideas, and their genuine passion for science were incredibly motivating. And Ljubljana itself? Charming streets, beautiful river views, and a calm, welcoming vibe that made every day enjoyable.

If you’re thinking about applying for Erasmus+ mobility... do it! Even a short trip can open your mind, refresh your perspective, and remind you why you love what you do."

Tuition Fee Administrator

Visited the University of Split, Croatia (May 2025)

"In early May, I took part in an Erasmus+ Staff Week at the University of Split in Croatia. Motivated by my enthusiasm for international exchange, I had proactively reached out to various universities and Split responded immediately. The theme of the week was: “Halfway There? Reaching the Goal of 50% Mobility”, focusing on the ambition for 50% of students and staff in European universities to gain international experience, something I was now contributing to myself.

There were 86 participants from 39 different countries. The programme included presentations, workshops, and social activities, such as a city tour and a beautiful boat trip. One workshop stood out for me: a session on communication strategies for Generations Y and Z. Although the workshops were not specifically about mobility, it was interesting to hear that communication challenges with students are widely shared across countries.

Although I work in the financial back office and might not be the most obvious participant, I felt very welcome. The interaction with colleagues from other departments and universities was truly enriching. We recognised many of the same challenges, especially when it comes to student engagement. What inspired me most was realising how valuable informal contact can be. You don't need a specific topic to have meaningful conversations, simply being together can lead to valuable insights. And the location? Absolutely amazing. The sunset cruise in particular was unforgettable: networking at sea with live music in the background and a breathtaking view, it felt like being in a movie. It was the perfect ending to a fantastic experience.

My tip for colleagues: don’t wait for an opportunity to come to you, take initiative. The experience is incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally. If you get the chance: go for it! It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Financial Consultant at MERLN

Visited the ISIM Business School in Nice, France (May 2025)

"My name is Luc Voncken, Financial Consultant at UM. I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the international staff week hosted by ISIM Business School in Nice, France. I chose this location not only for its beautiful setting, but also for the chance to connect with professionals from across Europe in a dynamic academic environment. My goal was to be more open to unknown cultures and connect with people.

Throughout the week, I participated in a variety of workshops, discussions, and cultural exchange activities. It was a valuable opportunity to engage with colleagues from different countries, share professional practices, and learn about the ways their work is approached across borders.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning to be more outgoing and open when engaging with people from different cultures. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible and gave me a greater appreciation for diversity in education, finance, and communication styles.

What inspired me most was the sense of connection that quickly formed among the participants. Despite our different backgrounds, we were united by a shared passion for learning, collaboration, and of course good food. It showed me how enriching international exchange can be professionally and personally.

My advice to colleagues thinking about applying is simple: take the time to do it! The Erasmus+ mobility programme is a unique and enriching experience for people of all ages. It’s an incredible opportunity to grow, build connections, and learn from a wide range of cultures. Don’t miss out!"

Policy Advisor Research FSE

Went to Universität Bremen (May 2025)

"I was excited about the Erasmus+ program because I wanted to learn more about how foreign universities dealt with, among other things: promoting Open Science; supervising PhD candidates; and registering research output.

What gave my visit an unexpected twist was the fact that in Bremen there were no policy advisors for research (not at the Faculty level, nor at the Central level), which meant that many matters (such as, for example, a procedure for assessing knowledge security) were still in their infancy. I was truly of added value to them by sharing how we approach these issues and which systems we use. I may even have inspired them to consider creating a position for research policy officers.

In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed the city of Bremen and its German beer gardens. I would recommend such an exchange to anyone."

Editor at MUO/Marketing & Communications
Went to Universitat de Barcelona (February 2025)

"Being bilingual is so integral to UM that most of us never stop to think about it, but to me, as someone who writes and translates, it is an endless source of fascination (and occasionally grief). I applied for an ERASMUS+ staff mobility grant to study how the Universitat de Barcelona handles being bilingual. From understanding the history of the university’s institutional language, Catalan, and its relation with Spanish, to the current political situation, it was fascinating to see how they strike a balance between regional identity and a global outlook. I had in-depth meetings with people in charge of marketing, communication and recruitment, but also those ingeniously promoting and facilitating Catalan classes for international and Spanish-speaking members of UB’s community. It was an intense, enjoyable, and very inspiring learning experience made possible by the generosity and professional enthusiasm of my hosts and this grant."

P&O Advisor Maastricht University Office
Visited NTNU Trondheim (October 2024)

"I was enthusiastic about the Erasmus+ programme because I enjoy learning outside my familiar environment. I strongly believe that a different setting and culture enrich my knowledge and help me maintain a ‘beginner’s mindset’. In addition, it was an excellent opportunity to gain relevant HR knowledge, which benefits both my career and Maastricht University.

It was highly motivating to acquire so much new knowledge and to share my own expertise. Back in the Netherlands, I look at familiar processes with a fresh perspective and I am eager to apply and further develop the knowledge I gained within Maastricht University. I also hope to inspire other colleagues and embrace international community building. Through connections with universities abroad, we can broaden our understanding of Europe.

All in all, I am extremely grateful for this unforgettable experience!"

Programme Manager Diversity & Inclusivity
Went to Trinity College Dublin (August 2024)

"I wanted to learn more about how Disability Inclusion and Equality for employees and students with disabilities, chronic conditions, or neurodivergence is organised and embedded within another English-speaking university. As part of the exchange of best practices, I spoke with many different people about their roles within the Trinity disAbility Service. They shared their work with great enthusiasm and passion.

I experienced and saw that it is possible to create a highly accessible working environment for employees with disabilities when you are truly willing to dedicate the necessary time and space to it. I would like to contribute to positive change within Maastricht University and use the knowledge gained at Trinity College Dublin to help develop and implement policies and action plans.

The application process required more work than I had initially expected, but I found the support provided by the UM Erasmus+ team very valuable and pleasant. Do not let the preparation work discourage you! The visit, the experiences gained, and the outcomes are more than worth the effort!"

Head of Education Affairs at FHML
Went to Dorset College Dublin (August 2024)

"I decided to apply for the Erasmus+ programme at Dorset College because I wanted to deepen my knowledge and skills in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is a rapidly developing field with a significant impact, and therefore I want to stay up to date with the latest developments so that I can apply this knowledge effectively in my work.

I chose a Staff Week programme because it gave me the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge within a short period of time. The programme consisted of a combination of lectures, hands-on workshops, and group discussions. In addition, there were opportunities to collaborate with other professionals and exchange ideas about the practical application of AI.

I intend to use the knowledge I gained within my department, so that together with my colleagues we can integrate this technology effectively into our processes and services."

Communication Officer at FHML
Went to Università di Firenze (June–July 2024)

"The Erasmus+ Staff Mobility programme gave me the opportunity to join the Summer School on Affective Neuroscience, which I organise from Maastricht together with a colleague in Florence. This allowed me to experience on site whether there are significant cultural differences that need to be taken into account when organising a course abroad.

I noticed that in countries like this, ‘language is still very much an issue’: especially support staff often speak little to no English. This experience enabled me to make several improvements to the course, which I now understand better because I was able to be present myself.

The application procedure is quite elaborate for professional support staff (OBP), as some of the questions are difficult to answer if you are not a member of academic staff (WP). A tip: go through the application form together with an academic colleague who has more experience with applying for grants."

Student Affairs Officer at FHML
Went to Universitat Politècnica de València (May–June 2024)

"The Erasmus+ programme at Universitat Politècnica de València seemed like a unique opportunity to further develop my skills in the areas of Finance, Control, IT, and HR.

The programme was a five-day international Staff Training Week aimed at improving the professional skills of administrative staff. I did not really know what to expect beforehand, but the week exceeded all my expectations. Of course, I learned many new things, such as an introduction to the Spanish language, but what inspired me most was the social aspect: getting to know many colleagues from other universities and exchanging experiences with them.

In total, there were no fewer than 329 colleagues from 41 different countries! Even outside the official programme, I often met up with colleagues to share a meal and continue our conversations.

I am extremely grateful for this opportunity!"