Thousands of kilometres from home but I never felt alone

"Before starting Managing Projects for Sustainable Development (MPSD), I was already excited about the semester. I had never been to Nepal before, but previous students spoke so enthusiastically about the country and the experience that I couldn't wait to go. 

My name is Lonneke Oostmeijer, and I am from the Netherlands. I study Global Project and Change Management at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences. Looking back, I can honestly say that this was one of the most memorable experiences of my studies."

Creating Impact with the Local Community 

"During my stay in Nepal, I worked closely with the Shikharapur Community Learning Centre (SCLC), an organization that provides different forms of education, including a public school, agricultural training programmes, entrepreneurship courses, and an open school initiative. 

Together with my team, I focused on identifying local challenges that influenced SCLC's training programmes and exploring ways to improve their relevance and effectiveness. We conducted interviews, distributed surveys, and organized co-creation sessions with students and staff members. Based on our findings, we developed an advisory report with recommendations for future improvements. 

One of our key findings was that students preferred practical teaching methods over theoretical ones. We had the opportunity to test this ourselves by organizing a hands-on assignment with around 40 students. Seeing them collaborate, present their ideas, and engage so enthusiastically made the project especially meaningful. It is still one of my favourite memories from the semester."

Life in Nepal

"A typical week consisted of meetings, research activities, and collaboration with local stakeholders. Most mornings and early afternoons were spent at the SCLC office. 

After work, we explored local markets, tried Nepalese food, and spent time with fellow students and people from the local community. On weekends, we travelled to different parts of Nepal, experiencing breathtaking mountain landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural traditions that were completely different from those back home. 

One experience I will never forget started with a simple hike. Along the way, we met two monks who offered to show us around. They took us to caves used for prayer, guided us through a monastery, and ended the day by sharing tea with us. It was completely unexpected and showed me the kindness of the people in Nepal and the value of saying yes to new experiences. 

The combination of meaningful project work and cultural experiences made the semester truly unforgettable."
 

Growing Beyond My Comfort Zone

"Living and working in Nepal challenged me in many ways. I had to adapt to a different culture, a different way of working, and a completely unfamiliar environment. At times that could be overwhelming, but it was also what made the experience so valuable. 

Throughout the semester, I strengthened my communication skills, became more adaptable, and learned how to conduct research in a multilingual environment. One of the biggest lessons I learned was how important it is to balance time for yourself with time spent exploring and connecting with others. Living abroad taught me to slow down occasionally, appreciate where I was, and be fully present in the moment. 

By approaching new situations with an open mind, I learned not only about another culture but also about myself."

Support Along the Way

"Although we were thousands of kilometres away from home, we never felt like we were on our own. 

We had regular meetings with our coach and could easily contact our coordinator whenever we had questions. The feedback sessions were especially valuable. Since you work intensively with the same team for several months, taking time to reflect on collaboration and communication helps ensure everyone feels heard and supported."

Advice for Future Students

"If I could give one piece of advice to future MPSD students, it would be to say yes to something that feels a little outside your comfort zone. 

You never know where the semester might take you. One day you could be conducting interviews for your project, and a few days later you might find yourself drinking tea with monks after a hike. 

That is exactly what makes this semester so special."