My name is Letícia Chandler, and I’m from Rio, Brazil. I hold a Master’s degree in Customer Behavior and a Bachelor’s in Marketing from ESPM. I’m thrilled to share how my experience at VU Amsterdam’s Summer School kick-started my international career!
In 2021, I joined VU Amsterdam’s Summer School, which was held online due to the pandemic. At the time, I had just completed my Bachelor’s in Marketing and was pursuing my Master’s in Consumer Behavior. Despite the challenges of a virtual format, VU created an exceptional and immersive experience. Taking the course was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made—it not only deepened my knowledge of Anthropology but also became the spark that made my international career take off.
Fast forward to today: I’ve been living in Belgium for two years, thriving in my field, and even learning Dutch! I’m absolutely certain that VU Summer School, along with receiving the Academic Excellence Scholarship, was a key moment in my journey. My experience at VU not only transformed me professionally but also changed me as a person.
The Summer School team was incredibly supportive, ensuring we had the best possible experience. They offered up-to-date resources and creative activities that made us feel connected to Amsterdam, even from home. One of the highlights was engaging with students from all over the world—Belgium, Turkey, India, and beyond—exchanging ideas, participating in virtual tours, and bonding over fun activities. For a curious, culture-loving person like me, it was a dream come true.
I chose the course “Hands-On Anthropology and Ethnographic Storytelling” to dive deeper into a subject that had fascinated me during college. I couldn’t be happier with my decision! The course was incredibly practical, helping me refine my creative and observational writing skills through meaningful personal experiences and reflections. Throughout the program, we explored essential Anthropology concepts, connected with inspiring professionals, and developed unique sensory and storytelling techniques.
Professor Younes, our instructor, was truly exceptional—knowledgeable, approachable, and incredibly supportive. His guidance far exceeded my expectations. The experience was unforgettable and left me with tools I’ll carry for life. I recommend this course to anyone curious about the world and eager to experiment with anthropology and creative writing.
I will forever be proud to be part of the VU Amsterdam family! If you have any questions or would like to connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out: leticiadesouzapacheco@gmail.com.
