# Student Experiences

**Source**: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/summer-school/student-experiences/student-testimonials/student-experiences.html
**Parent**: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/summer-school/uva-summer-school.html

Our summer alumni are the best ambassadors of our programmes: they experienced the magic of the summer first hand, and helped make past years an enormous success! Read some of their experiences here.

Hussain on the Circular City Programme

''This experience has not only initiated a long-term commitment to advancing circular solutions at both local and regional levels—it has also **transformed the way I think**. **Circular City is more than a course**; it is a **mindset shift**—encouraging innovative problem-solving, systems thinking, and the pursuit of practical, sustainable alternatives for complex urban challenges''.\
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Read the full story [here](https://www.uva.nl/en/education/summer-school/student-experiences/student-testimonials/circular-city-programme-by-hussain.html).

[The Circular City Programme](https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/summer-courses/the-circular-city-towards-a-sustainable-urban-ecosystem/the-circular-city-towards-a-sustainable-urban-ecosystem.html)
[Birds: Our Shared History, Habitats and Future Programme](https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/summer-courses/birds/birds.html)
[Our Systemic Relation to Nature: Restoring a Balance Lost in History Peogramme](https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/summer-courses/systemic-relation-to-nature/systemic-relation-to-nature.html)

Nathan on the Psychedelic Universe Programme

''It was extremely helpful to gain new perspectives from the disciplines of cultural studies, history, neuroscience, history of medicine, film studies, and more.'' Read the full story [here](https://www.uva.nl/en/education/summer-school/student-experiences/student-testimonials/nathan-on-the-psychedelic-universe-programme.html).

[The Psychedelic Universe Programme](https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/summer-courses/the-psychedelic-universe/the-psychedelic-universe.html)

Kristen on Sexuality Programme

''This programme inspired me in so many ways, but mainly I walked away knowing that integrating international perspectives into my professional and personal life is crucial''. Read the full story [here](https://www.uva.nl/en/education/summer-school/student-experiences/student-testimonials/kristen-gmerek-on-sexuality-part-1.html).

[Summer Institute on Sexuality, Culture and Society](https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/summer-courses/sexuality-culture-and-society/sexuality-culture-and-society.html)

Patrizia on Mental Health, Youth and Society Programme

''What I learned during the course, even if I was already familiar with some of the topics, helped me broaden my horizons and gain new perspectives''. Read the full story [here](https://www.uva.nl/en/education/summer-school/student-experiences/student-testimonials/patrizia-borrelli-on-mental-health-youth-and-society-programme.html).

[Mental Health, Youth and Society](https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/summer-courses/mental-health-youth-and-society/mental-health-youth-and-society.html)
[Mental Health and the Workplace](https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/summer-courses/mental-health-and-the-workplace/mental-health-and-the-workplace.html)

Photo: Ilsoo van Dijk

Chrissie from Canada on the Urban Studies Programme

"This programme has met and surpassed all my expectations, from delivering insightful information within the lectures, to the multiple excursions we embarked on." Read the full story [here](https://www.uva.nl/en/education/summer-school/student-experiences/student-testimonials/urban-studies-planning-and-living-in-cities-by-chrissie.html).

[Urban Studies: Planning and Living in Cities](https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/summer-courses/planning-and-living-in-cities/planning-and-living-in-cities.html)

Sarah from Hong Kong on Mindfulness Programme

" Now back at work, I've already applied some of the strategies I learned." Reaf the full story [here](https://www.uva.nl/en/education/summer-school/student-experiences/student-testimonials/mindfulness-porgramme-by-sarah-from-hon-kong.html).

[Mindfulness and Compassion-based Interventions](https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/summer-courses/a-peaceful-mind/a-peaceful-mind.html)

Circular City programme Prohgramme by Samantha from Sweden

"It was inspiring to be able to spend so much time working in and exploring the city from the sustainable urban lens.'' Read the full story [here](https://www.uva.nl/en/education/summer-school/student-experiences/student-testimonials/circular-city-programme-by-samantha-from-sweden.html).

[The Circular City: Towards a Sustainable Urban Ecosystem](https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/summer-courses/the-circular-city-towards-a-sustainable-urban-ecosystem/the-circular-city-towards-a-sustainable-urban-ecosystem.html)

Ichiro from Japan on Pre-University Programme: Key Topics in Political Science

Ichiro recommends the programme to anyone interested in gaining a broad introduction to the world of politics. Read the full story [here](https://www.uva.nl/en/education/summer-school/student-experiences/student-testimonials/ichiro-pre-university-honours-programme-key-topics-in-political-science-winter-school.html).

[Pre-University Honours Programme: Politics & Identity](https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/pre-university-summer-courses/politics--identity/political-science.html)

Photo: Ilsoo van Dijk

Migration and Integration Programme by Dhiramedhist from Thailand

"Applying to this summer programme has been one of my best decisions. Throughout those 3 weeks I gained extensive insight into a wide variety of topics as well as a clearer vision of my commitment to serve refugees in my home country. Read the full story [here](https://www.uva.nl/en/education/summer-school/student-experiences/student-testimonials/migration-and-integration-programme-by-dhiramedhist.html).

[Migration & Integration: Refugees, Rights and Realities](https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/winter-courses/migration-and-integration-refugees-rights-and-realities/migration-and-integration-refugees-rights-and-realities.html)