Testimonials Erasmus+ Mobility Programme
Curious about what it's like to visit a foreign university through Erasmus+? Over the years, various staff members have had the opportunity to spend a few days immersing themselves in a new academic environment, exchanging knowledge, and building international connections. In these testimonials, they share their experiences: from inspiring encounters with colleagues to new insights they bring back to their own workplace.
Damaris Kentgens
Communications Officer at FHML
Visited Università di Firenze (June-July 2024)
"The Erasmus+ Staff Mobility programme gave me the opportunity to attend the Summer School on Affective Neuroscience, which I organise from Maastricht, together with a colleague in Florence. This allowed me to experience firsthand whether there are significant cultural differences to consider when organising a course abroad. I noticed that in such countries, language is still an issue: especially support staff speaks little to no English. This experience enabled me to implement several improvements to the course, which I now understand better having been there myself. However, the application process is quite cumbersome for support staff, as it includes questions that are difficult to answer if you are not academic staff. A tip: go through the application form together with an academic colleague who has applied for grants before."
Vicky Sterk
P&O Advisor Maastricht University Office
Visited NTNU Trondheim (October 2024)
"I was excited about the Erasmus+ programme because I enjoy learning outside of my familiar context. I am convinced that a different environment and culture enrich my knowledge and help me maintain a ‘beginner’s mind’. Additionally, it was the perfect opportunity to gain relevant HR knowledge, benefiting both my career and UM. It was incredibly motivating to acquire so much new knowledge and share my own expertise. Back in the Netherlands, I look at familiar processes with a fresh perspective and am eager to apply and further develop the knowledge I have gained within UM. I also hope to inspire other colleagues and embrace international community building. By connecting with foreign universities, we expand Europe’s collective knowledge. All in all, I am extremely grateful for this unforgettable experience!"
Netty Bekkers-Vos
Programme Manager Diversity & Inclusivity
Visited Trinity College Dublin (August 2024)
"I wanted to learn more about how Disability Inclusion and Equality for employees and students with a disability, chronic condition, or neurodivergence is organised and embedded at another English-speaking university. As part of the Erasmus+ practice exchange, I spoke with many different people about their roles at Trinity disAbility Service. They passionately and enthusiastically shared insights into their work. I have seen and experienced that it is possible to provide a highly accessible work environment for employees with disabilities if you truly dedicate time and effort to it.
I would like to contribute to positive changes within UM and use the knowledge from Trinity College Dublin to develop and implement policies and action plans. The application process required more work than I had expected, but I found the guidance from the UM Erasmus+ team to be very helpful. Don’t let the preparatory work discourage you! The visit, the experiences, and the outcome are more than worth it!"
Linda Timmermans
Student Affairs Officer at FHML
Visited Universitat Politècnica in València (May-June 2024)
"The Erasmus+ programme at the Universitat Politècnica de València seemed like a unique opportunity to further develop my skills in 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 honestly did not know what to expect, but the week exceeded all my expectations. Of course, I learned a lot, including an introduction to the Spanish language, but what inspired me the most was the social aspect. I got to know many staff members from other universities and exchanged experiences. In total, there were no less than 329 colleagues from 41 different countries! Even outside the official programme, I often met up with colleagues to grab a meal together. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity!"
René Nijssen
Head of Education Affairs at FHML
Visited 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 evolving discipline with a significant impact, and I want to stay up to date with the latest developments so that I can effectively apply this knowledge in my work. I chose a staff week programme because it allowed me to acquire intensive knowledge in a short period. The programme consisted of a combination of lectures, hands-on workshops, and group discussions. Additionally, there were opportunities to collaborate with other professionals and exchange ideas about the practical application of AI. I plan to use the knowledge I gained within my department so that, together with my colleagues, we can effectively integrate the technology into our processes and services."
