NAHSS: A Memorable Journey
By Joris Köster | Delegate NAHSS 2024
Participating in the Netherlands Asia Honours Summer School (NAHSS) has been an extraordinary experience that I will remember for a lifetime. When I first decided to apply, I realised that my knowledge about Asia was very limited. I had never visited any Asian country, nor had I been deeply exposed to Asian culture. This sparked my curiosity. The opportunity to travel to a new country, explore cultural differences and similarities, and engage in academic and professional discussions alongside fellow students from diverse backgrounds convinced me that this was the perfect chance to broaden my horizons.
The delegation
The programme began with a get-together of all 70 participants, who came from interdisciplinary backgrounds across the Netherlands. It was an exciting way to connect with people who shared a passion for learning. I met my project group and even learned my first words of Mandarin during this initial session. Over the next month, we worked on our project, attended several masterclasses, and visited companies in the Netherlands. These activities not only provided valuable learning experiences but also helped me form meaningful connections with other participants. By the time we were ready to travel, I already felt a strong sense of connection, and the trip felt like a big, adventurous class excursion with like-minded individuals.
One of my favourite aspects of the program was meeting so many interesting people, each with their own inspiring story. The entire group was driven by curiosity and ambition, creating an environment that was intellectually stimulating and supportive. Our shared enthusiasm made the experience even more enriching.
For the consulting project, I had the unique opportunity to work with Huawei on developing a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy for the Netherlands. This hands-on experience was invaluable, allowing me to apply academic theories to real-world challenges and collaborate with a global corporation on a project with tangible impact
In one sentence or less?
In the end, NAHSS provided not only academic and professional growth but also unforgettable personal experiences. It opened my eyes to a world of opportunities and gave me a deeper understanding of both Asian culture and the global business landscape.
Joris Köster
