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ARIEL BUSSANI
Assistant Communications and International Relations Officer
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International Relations Officer
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EMILIE DIEPHUIS
International Relations Officer
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International Relations Officer
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Education Development Officer
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It is with great pleasure that we present the newest edition of cestories. This final edition of 2024 allows us to reflect on the growth of a team that has dedicated their year to providing the bes study abroad experience possible to many ne groups of students.
This effort would not have been possible without our valued new additions to the team. As you will read further on in this magazine, each new member brings a whole new dimension to CES. Alongside the cherished diversity of our students and courses, we are grateful to welcome staff just as unique: whether it be their cultural background, hobbies, or view on worldly topics.
With confidence I look forward to 2025 and welcoming many more new students. From me, my team and my family to yours: have a CEStastic holiday season!
Ilja Schreinemakers
Interim director of the Center for European Stud ( ) ( )
Meet Ariel Bussani
Ariel is an assistant communications and international relations officer and started at CES in April.
“I first started as a student assistant while finishing up my bachelors here at Maastricht University (UM). Since graduating, I’ve taken on a bigger role within MSS that runs alongside also being a photographer for the main UM channels.
I grew up in Canada, and moved here to Maastricht to complete my BSc in Psychology and Neuroscience at UM. During my studies, I didn’t study abroad as moving here to the Netherlands from North America felt like “abroad” enough for me. After experiencing the chaos of moving into Maastricht, I was totally alright with staying put for 3 years!
"The first place I’ll visit will always be the bookstore or a cozy café."
In my free time, I’m a big homebody and a creative at heart. I love listening to and playing music (I play piano, cello, and drums), reading, baking for my friends, and taking photos.
Growing up in the mountains also gave me a big love for hiking and spending time outside. I’m always up to explore new cities with some jazz in my headphones, but the first place I’ll visit will always be the bookstore or a cozy café.”
My favourite spot in Maastricht is
“Either the Bonnefanten museum or the park benches along the Maas river. I have a big love for art, but never was close to art museums growing up in the Canadian countryside. I spent many afternoons during my bachelors wandering around the Bonnefanten, and always found a lot of comfort in seeing the same paintings over and over.
I also love the park benches along the Maas in Charles Eyck Park Park and like to spend early mornings there, admiring the view of Maastricht with some tea and a book.”
"Everything ordinary about life in a new place becomes something special (...)."
My favourite travel memory is
“My first ever solo trip to Berlin in the middle of February when I was eighteen. It was freezing cold and I got lost trying to find my hostel, but there was something about sitting in squares that I had only ever seen pictures of that felt incredibly rewarding. It felt amazing to finally take a step outside of my comfort zone and get to explore a city that I had always wanted to see. “
I believe in study abroad because
“While the independence can be overwhelming at times, there’s an enormous amount of personal growth that comes through study abroad experiences. You learn more about yourself and what you’re capable of! You’ll live out days that will become stories to tell years down the road, and meet strangers that will become lifelong friends. Everything ordinary about life in a new place becomes something special, and that’s why I really love studying abroad.”
Antonio joined the CES team as an international relations officer in April.
“I come from the beautiful city of San Luis Potosí in Mexico. I lived many years in Mexico City and over the years I studied and worked in Australia, New Zealand, Belgium and the Netherlands as well. I studied Journalism but moved on to Linguistics inspired by my experiences travelling. I love learning new languages and immersing myself in new cultures.
I mostly like to spend my free time with my family at home, cooking, or working in the garden. I also love biking and hiking through the beautiful surroundings of Maastricht, and I am fascinated by the amount of hidden gems in the area.
"Mexico will always be my first home but Maastricht and Limburg have surely become my home away from home."
Whenever possible, I like to explore other places in Europe too or go back to Mexico in order to visit relatives and eat some authentic Mexican food. Mexico will always be my first home but Maastricht and Limburg have surely become my home away from home.”
My favourite spot in Maastricht is...
“Centre Céramique, the public library. It’s a place with a very relaxing atmosphere where I often spend time with my family. There are spots for kids, spots to study and work, the building is beautiful, and the coffee is great.”
"It’s nice to be taken by surprise every now and then."
My travel advice:
“Dare to travel without a plan. The best experiences I have had while travelling came unexpectedly. Sometimes I hitchhiked without a specific destination in mind or took a train to a random city just for the sake of it. No bookings, no travel guides. Of course, you have to be smart about it: keep your loved ones informed and use your common sense. In a time when smartphones can show and give you information about every possible corner of the world, it’s nice to be taken by surprise every now and then.”
I
believe in study abroad because...
“I firmly believe that study abroad because makes you grow. When studying abroad you often find yourself in situations that challenge you, like speaking a different language, finding your way in a new city or meeting people who think different. You will discover new ways of doing things and reconfigure ideas that seemed set in stone. You will realize that others can learn from you too. This ongoing exchange will enrich you and you will surely go back home a new person.”
Meet Emilie Diephuis
Last June, Emilie started as an international relations officer at CES.
“I studied Language and Culture Studies at Utrecht University before completing my master's degree in Management of Cultural Diversity at Tilburg University. During my studies, I had the incredible opportunity to broaden my horizons on exchange at Paris Diderot. My time in Paris was so great, that after a few years I went back to work here. Last June I arrived back in Maastricht and started this new job at CES.
Outside of work, I'm finding the right balance between staying active and relaxing. I love exploring cities and going for dinner and drinks. Yoga has been a grounding practice for me. I often wish I had practiced ballet as a child, so last September, I joined a ballet class for adults/dummies. Another fun fact about me: I have a huge sweet tooth and need something sweet after every meal.
"I have a huge sweet tooth and need something sweet after every meal."
Whether I am diving into a new yoga pose or savouring a delicious pastry, I mostly enjoy spending time with my friends and family.
Lucky for me I have many friends that live abroad, so it is easy to travel around and to explore new cities.”
My favourite spot in Maastricht is
“La Pepita! It is a cosy spot in Sint Pieter with a great terrace, perfect for lunch. They make homemade sandwiches and (vega) dishes. Also, they have a shop where you can buy cheeses, wine, local products, and my favorite homemade jam.”
My favourite travel memory is
“Spending three months exploring Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam with my best friend. We shared many special moments that not only enriched our individual experiences but also strengthened our friendship. If you have the chance, I highly recommend planning a longer trip with your closest friends. Travelling together allows you to spend quality time and create unique memories. Being chased by wild dogs, freezing in ice cold river water or enjoying an incredible mango smoothie these are moments you will cherish forever.”
"You can never eat too many ‘pain au chocolat’."
I believe in study abroad because...
“Studying abroad broadens your horizons and creates lifelong memories. By stepping out of your comfort zone, you foster personal growth and independence. Looking back on my own exchange experience, I remember several important moments/life lessons. One being the realisation that you can never eat too many pain au chocolat’.
Moreover, interacting with people from around the world makes you more open minded. This growth turns students into global citizens, preparing them for a diverse and connected world. And hopefully this way, making the world a tiny bit more welcoming for everyone.”
Meet Josh Tendai
Josh joined the CES team as an international relations officer in October.
“I was born in Zimbabwe, did my early schooling in South Africa, then moved to the Netherlands for my master’s in Development Studies, followed by a second master’s in Sustainability in Japan.
As for hobbies, I love long-distance travel (usually visiting museums), listening to history podcasts and I’m currently teaching myself perfumery, which has been a fun (and very fragrant) challenge!”
"I’m currently teaching myself perfumery, which has been a fun challenge."
My favourite spot in Maastricht is...
“The Bonnefanten museum. It has a brilliantly curated permanent collection and the modern art is moving. Plus, I love the restoration work done by SRAL (‘Stichting Restauratie Atelier Limburg’).”
My travel advice:
“Always know where your passport is.”
“Download Google Maps offline.”
“Know how to get home or to a safe space.”
"The world is bigger than your neighbourhood."
I believe in study abroad because
“The world is bigger than your neighbourhood. Studying abroad allows you a chance to grow and reinvent yourself! You will always have an opportunity to try something new.”
Meet Mohammad Khalaf
Last July, Mohammad started as an education development officer at CES.
“I am a Dutch citizen of Palestinian origin. I am a certified English/Arabic sworn translator and hold a master’s degree in media studies from Maastricht University, a master’s degree in English translation, and a bachelor’s degree in English/Arabic translation and interpretation from Damascus University in Syria.
I have worked in the field of education for over a decade at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), where I also fulfilled the positions of deputy public information officer, translator, and interpreter for the UNRWA’s front office.
"I have worked in the field of education for over a decade (...)."
In the Netherlands, I worked at Maastricht University/United Nations University MERIT as an academic researcher focusing on migration studies. I was also involved in teaching at University College Maastricht and Zuyd University for Applied Sciences.
In my free time, I love reading Arabic literature, charcoal drawing and listening to jazz music.”
My favourite spot in Maastricht is
“The terraces along the Maas river a beautiful variety of café’s and restaurants to relax and enjoy with family and friends.”
"Studying abroad can enrich one ’ s cultural awareness and openmindedness!"
My travel advice:
“Italy's and Spain's coastlines have always been my favourite destinations for vacations. The Mediterranean speaks to my heart!
When I tour cities and new locations I always prefer to visit places locals go to and recommend. I believe I can dive deeper into the culture of a place when I take part in what locals enjoy rather than taking photos at tourist attractions.
I also enjoy trying new dishes and food creations from all over the world but again, I search for non-touristic restaurants so I can really enjoy local and traditional food.“
I believe in study abroad because
“It can enrich one’s cultural awareness and openmindedness! It is your chance to pop out of your cultural and social bubble and discover other cultures, ways of thinking, lifestyles, and a lot more!”
For this edition:
Text
Photography
Ideas & input
Design & layout
Ilja Schreinemakers, Ariel Bussani, Antonio Sanchez Ibarra, Emilie Diephuis, Josh Tendai and Mohammad Khalaf
Ariel Bussani, Antonio Sanchez Ibarra, Emilie Diephuis, Josh Tendai and Mohammad Khalaf
Naomi Nijssen
Naomi Nijssen
CENTER FOR EUROPEAN STUDIES
Bonnefantenstraat 2, 6211 KL Maastricht +31 43 388 5282 | ces.info@maastrichtuniversity.nl
