Our couch is open to you
Sometimes it can feel pressuring to have to feel good all the time, and we want you to know that it is okay to not be okay all the time! The most important part is to stay true to yourself. Most of us have experience with studying abroad, and all of us sometimes struggle with university, life or the balance between the two. Therefore, we want to let you know that we are here for you!
It doesn’t matter if you’re feeling homesick, not ready to leave, struggling with university or any other problem, our (figural) couch is open to you!
Fleur Hessing
Hola!
My name is Fleur, I’m 22 years old and I’m currently doing my Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning. I love going for a coffee at any time of the day and I have a weirdly good caffeine tolerance.
When I’m not studying or working on ESN, I’m doing all sorts of partner dances from Argentine tango to salsa. Sometimes I can really enjoy being alone and then I write my next novel or watch a movie. I also love to drink maté or eat some good açaí (I’ve found a place for that!).
I’m always available for a walk (with a cup of coffee of course) or any other activity!
Jessica Qiu
Hey there!
I am Jessica and in a few words, I would say that I’m a person with lots of interests and different backgrounds. As such, I am always open to new conversations with people and I can also relate with many experiences of international students (as I am one myself).
If you feel like having a chat with someone to discuss about anything similar (be it something personal, the politics of the world or your passion for dogs), I would be really happy to chat with you around a cup of tea.
Alex Drapers
Hello, I’m Alex Drapers, a 21-year-old student pursuing a degree in accountancy at the University of Amsterdam (UVA). I grew up in Hong Kong and have a mixed Dutch and Chinese background, attending an international school prior to moving to the Netherlands 3 years ago.
My passion for cultural exchange led me on an unforgettable adventure when I embarked on an exchange program at the University of Toronto. Following my exchange, I wanted to replicate the amazing experience I had there at my home university which prompted me to become the treasurer and partnerships coordinator for ESN Amsterdam, where I’m deeply involved in the international student community.
Currently, I’m exploring the exciting world of aviation as I work toward obtaining my private pilot license in Hilversum. Outside of my academic and aviation pursuits, I’m someone who enjoys a good night out, savoring the vibrant nightlife and exploring new places. On quieter days, you’ll find me playing table tennis, board games or planning my next travel adventure. Exploring new cultures, cuisines, and meeting people from around the world is a source of immense joy for me.I’m always up for making new connections, sharing stories, or even a friendly game of table tennis. If you share any of these interests or just want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to connecting with like-minded individuals and forging new friendships along the way.
Andrea Stricker
Hey!
I’m Andrea, ESN Amsterdam’s Activities Coordinator. As such, I’m the one organizing all the sports, international culture and travel-related activities.
In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities, travelling, going to museums and spending a lot of time with friends.
Being an international student myself, I totally understand how coming to a new country to study has its challenges and that it might be hard for some of you to really feel at home here in Amsterdam.
So if you wanna come by and chat, I’m all ears!
Asiah Capponi
Hello!
My name is Asiah! I was born in Verona, Italy and I lived there most of my life.
I went to the US for an exchange year in high school and then I moved to Amsterdam for university. I graduated from my Bachelor in Communication Science at UVA last year and I’m not doing my Master in Persuasive Communication. Last year I went on a semester abroad in San Francisco.
In my free time I like to read romance book, do cheerleading, crochet and hang out with my friends.
I’m always down for a coffee!
Last year I went on a semester abroad in San Francisco and I had an amazing time!
The most difficult part for me was leaving, I found very challenging leaving behind the people and the places I got to know and being back home was hard.
If you want to talk about this or your other fears, don’t hesitate to contact me!
Laurens van Wijk
Hi!
My name Laurens. I’m from The Netherlands. I study Data Science at the University of Amsterdam. I went on exchange in Copenhagen and had a great experience.
In my freetime I like to hangout with friends and go to football games of FC Utrecht. UUUU!
