Dream Teams

Frequently asked questions and contact

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Why does taking part offer a unique opportunity?
  You’ll operate in a self-managing, interdisciplinary team in which you’ll tackle a specific social issue and work towards a concrete end result. This includes, for example, writing a business plan, setting up or maintaining a website, attracting sponsors and making contact with companies and institutions. You’ll be supervised by VU ambassadors and the Demonstrator Lab, and you’ll receive an integrated training programme. This allows you to put your (theoretical) knowledge into practice, working with students from various disciplines.

  How does the recruitment and selection process work?
  Apply no later than 16 September 2024 and upload your motivation and CV in which you make clear why you want to participate in a particular Dream Team and what contribution you think you can make. Also include your personal details, current education and year and your preferred Dream Team. Selection interviews will take place after 16 September. Are you selected? Then you will be part of the new Dream Team immediately afterwards and we will get started right away!

  Do you have additional questions? Then send an e-mail to dreamteams@vu.nl and we will contact you.

  Do the Dream Teams receive study credits?  
  You’re eligible for 6 extracurricular ECTS if you write a report about your Dream Team. The report must contain a number of elements, which you can ask the ambassador or a member of the supervisory team about in advance.

  In some cases, it’s possible to earn 6 intracurricular ECTS because the credits can be integrated into an existing programme component – for example, a practical internship or elective. It’s up to the programme whether or not to offer this.

  How much time does it take to participate?
  You’ll spend an average of 6-10 hours a week on Dream Team activities. In consultation with the team, you’re free to spend more or less time on the assignment, but it’s not the intention that you stop in the meantime.

  What are the selection criteria? Do I need good grades?
  Selection is primarily based on your motivation. Knowledge and expertise relating to the topic of the Dream Team are also considered. Furthermore, we aim to bring students from different study programmes together in a team. Do you have contagious enthusiasm and an enterprising attitude? If so, this could work to your advantage! Grades and study progress may also be taken into account in the selection process (as a secondary factor).

  What’s the duration of a Dream Team?
  A Dream Team is active for one academic year. In September, we ask for a bit of extra time to orient the new team and to give the programme a good start.

  Does a Dream Team have funding at their disposal?
  Yes, every Dream Team receives seed capital. We also expect you to look for sponsors and financiers yourself, which is part of the learning process.

  Does it matter which study programme I’m doing? 
  No, whichever study programme you’re following, you can make a meaningful contribution from any discipline.

  What’s the working language of the team?
  Dutch or English – you decide among yourselves.

  Where do the Dream Teams carry out their activities?
  The Dream Teams have their own shared space in the W&N building.

  Where can I go with further questions?  
  Email your questions to dreamteams@vu.nl

• Experiences of previous students

  “I discovered that if you really go for something together, you can achieve a lot. Believing that creates a lot of energy and confidence among your teammates and yourself. I now have the courage to delegate to people instead of thinking ‘I'll do it myself’. Ambassadors, your team made up of students from all kinds of programmes and all different years: everyone helps to share knowledge and experiences, and I learned a lot from that. It also made me more flexible. I now think in terms of solutions instead of problems.”
  Kristel den Engelsman, Fourth-year student of Human Movement Sciences – deputy manager PULSE Racing Dream Team

  “Working within the PULSE Dream Team is a very valuable experience. The translation of theory into practice is educational and also a lot of fun. I’m using my scientific knowledge in a different way, but I’m also learning how to manage and organize a company. PULSE has given me insight into what is possible with my education. I have also learned how important working in a multidisciplinary team can be.”
  Birgit Kaman, MSc Human Movement Sciences and former Dream Team

  “I thought it was a great experience! You learn to work together and give and receive constructive criticism. You’re part of an interesting network and are well supervised by the Demonstrator Lab and two professors. The result? Together with Jellinek and 3D, we organised an information session on drugs and substances. We also came up with a plan to make the stairwell in the Main Building more attractive, so that students and employees take the stairs more often. So ProFit!”
  Anouk Raanhuis, Second-year Bachelor’s student of Health Sciences – chair of the ProFit! Dream Team 2022-2023

• Contact

  Would you like to be part of one of the Dream Teams? Apply no later than 16 September 2024 and upload your motivation and CV! 

  Do you have additional questions? Then send an e-mail to dreamteams@vu.nl and we will contact you.
  

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