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Study story: Nathan Davis Dempsey
In August 2022, Irishman Nathan Davis Dempsey obtained a Master’s degree in International Business – Sustainable Finance at UM, made...Read more
The Candriam Scholarship is for students who would like to pursue a one-year master’s program at the School of Business and Economics (SBE) of Maastricht University. This scholarship is offered by Candriam, a well-known asset manager that places great value on sustainability. Maastricht University believes that quality education should be accessible to everyone – regardless of where you’re from or how you identify. Thanks to scholarships like this, students from all over the world are given the chance to grow into the researchers, doctors, and leaders of tomorrow. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must hold the nationality of an EU/EEA country, Switzerland, or Suriname. They must also be a first-generation student (FGS), which means being the first in their family to attend higher education. Klára Nowak met all the requirements and seized the opportunity.
Is it special for Klára to study here in Maastricht? You could definitely say that. She is the first in her family to go to university – and to do so abroad as well. That’s a double milestone and even more reason for her mother, Czech friends and family to be proud. Her mother is by far her biggest supporter and has always encouraged Klára to do her best and eventually pursue higher education. Klára’s mother was young when she gave birth to her and never had the opportunity to study herself. “I think a large part of my ambition comes from the fact that my mother wants me to have what she didn’t.” Some people in her immediate circle were surprised by this international step and didn’t fully understand it. But Klára is unstoppable and deeply motivated to set a good example for her home country. Every time she returns home during the holidays, everyone is very curious and eager to hear about her experiences in Maastricht. She is already looking forward to going back home this summer.
Klára initially began studying law in Maastricht, but that turned out not to be the right fit for her. Meanwhile, she met more and more people studying International Business, and her interest and enthusiasm grew. So, she made the switch – and it turned out to be a perfect match. According to Klára, Maastricht is incredibly welcoming and friendly to international students, which made her experience here very enjoyable. She didn’t expect to feel at home so quickly, but from day one, beautiful friendships started to form. After enrolling in her new study program, Klára received an email with information about the Candriam scholarship. The timing was perfect, as she met all the criteria exactly – another perfect match. It also took some pressure off her shoulders. Not long before, she had paused her studies to work and save money for her education.
Although she’s enjoying her time in Maastricht, Klára did have to get used to the Dutch “food culture” – or rather, the lack of it. She laughs: “By now, I’ve come to appreciate the sandwiches and bread rolls here.” But back home, meals are usually more elaborate and also moments to gather around the table – even at lunchtime. Here, food tends to be simpler and more “on the go,” which is very efficient, especially during study hours or between classes and lectures.
“I think a large part of my ambition comes from the fact that my mother wants me to have what she didn’t.”
Klára recently started taking a Dutch course – it’s certainly not an easy language to learn, but the teacher keeps the lessons engaging and fun. It shows how serious she is about her studies in the Netherlands. She considers learning Dutch essential alongside her fluent English. It also highlights her ambitions. She is currently especially interested in the investment-related subjects within her program, with the aim of raising awareness among women in her home country about the opportunities in this field. She still sees many women in the Czech Republic who – whether consciously or not – choose traditional gender roles that leave them financially dependent. It is truly inspiring to hear how passionate and driven Klára is, and we look forward to following her (international) journey in the future. This is exactly what the Candriam scholarship is meant for.
