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A scholarship from the University Fund: from dreams to reality
Lillianne Evertsz was a student at a Dutch university of applied sciences (hbo) when the opportunity arose to further her...Read more
The Rachel & Alan Wyatt STS Scholarship was established to support students wishing to pursue a master’s degree in Science and Technology Studies (STS) at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS). The scholarship was established by Sally Wyatt, Professor of Digital Cultures at FASoS, in memory of her parents. As they supported her own education in many ways, Professor Wyatt aims to offer young talent facing social and financial challenges who are EU/EEA nationals the opportunity to study and to gain equal opportunities in society. The scholarship can be used for the master’s programmes European Studies on Society, Science and Technology (ESST) and Cultures of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST). And as it happens, German students Emma and Lea fit this profile perfectly.
Emma, 26, from Gelsenkirchen, looks back on a bachelor’s degree in English Studies and Sociology in Düsseldorf. She doesn’t need long to think about the question of what brought her to Maastricht. “I’m always looking for new experiences. In addition, I enjoy being part of an international community. Consequently, the step to study abroad was an easy one.” She started with a pre-master’s at UM and continued with the master’s program in European Studies on Society, Science and Technology.
Lea, 27 and originally from Koblenz, studied Psychology and German Studies during her bachelor’s. Her motto in life is: ‘Become wiser, try to change the world for the better a little, and have fun on the way.’ That mindset brought her to Maastricht, where she is now enrolled in the two-year research master Cultures of Arts, Science and Technology.
Emma vividly remembers the moment she received the email confirming the scholarship. “I was on holiday and had to respond within two days. Luckily, I checked my emails. It felt extra special because my application had initially been rejected, but a place became available later on.”
Both students are extremely grateful for the scholarship. “I really value the freedom it gives me. I can fully focus on my master’s and still have some free time left, which allows me to take creative workshops and work as a mentor for new international students”, Emma explains.
Lea also emphasises how valuable financial security is. She adds that the scholarship has opened many social doors as well: “Emma and I met because we received the same scholarship. Through the scholarship event organised by the University Fund Limburg, I met many more students. You wouldn’t easily make those connections otherwise, especially with students from other faculties. Student associations play an important role in that too, and thankfully, I now have the time to participate.”
Although Emma and Lea haven’t been part of the UM community for very long, they are already very positive about their experiences. “My master’s is very small-scale, with a good student–staff ratio. You build connections quickly. The informal atmosphere is also different from Germany: here, you address lecturers by their first name. That took some getting used to, but I really appreciate it”, says Lea.
Both students praise the hands-on approach to teaching. Not just reading or listening, but actively engaging and seeing the practical relevance of the topics. For example, Lea, who is interested in upcycling, took part in a workshop at the Fashionclash Festival. Emma visited Mosa Meat, where she toured the laboratory and spoke with researchers. Lea adds: “We end most periods with a conference where everyone presents their work. It has really changed the way I look at my own work.”
That Maastricht is known as a vibrant, international student city is fully justified, according to Emma and Lea. “There are, of course, many student associations, but also plenty of cafés, bars, and activities specifically for students. Sometimes there are so many options that I get a bit of FOMO when I want to take a quiet day”, Emma laughs.
On their way to the scholarship event organised by the Fund, Emma and Lea talked about the extraordinary opportunity they had been given, and about their doubts as to whether they truly deserved it. “There are so many talented young people with academic dreams. Why us? But in the end, you receive the scholarship for a reason. You deserve it. Seize the opportunity and enjoy your student years, because they won’t come back”, Lea concludes.
What the future holds for Emma and Lea is still uncertain, perhaps a second master, perhaps an internship. For now, they are simply enjoying the opportunities the scholarship provides and their time in Maastricht.
Would you like to learn more about the Rachel & Alan Wyatt STS Scholarship, or are you curious whether you might be eligible for it?
You can find more information about the scholarship below.
