Recharge, Explore, Enjoy: Wittenborg Staff and Students’ Summer Highlights

12.09.2025

Wittenborg Staff and Students Travel, Explore Nature and Make the Most of Summer

As the last bits of summer start to fade in the Netherlands, Wittenborg welcomes students and staff back for another exciting academic block. The September academic block has just started, with two more blocks scheduled later this year, in October and November respectively.

During the summer break, Wittenborg staff and students made the most of their time to relax, recharge and find inspiration. From international travel to personal projects, their stories highlight the many ways people take a pause and prepare for the new academic year.

Relaxing and Recharging: Nikita Pahwa

For Nikita Pahwa, Assistant Professor of Applied Sciences, the summer was all about self-care, family time and a little travel. “Relaxation for me means cooking Indian food, reading novels that have been collecting dust in my library, relaxing in the pool, and travelling to France for a road trip with my family,” she explained.

The highlight of her summer was a short trip across the border. “We took a short road trip to Dunkirk and Lille, France. The purpose of the trip was to enjoy the scenic views along the road and spend some time outdoors with our toddler, especially at the beach. We also visited Amiens to see the largest Notre Dame in France, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” she shared.

“The long walks along the beach, shopping and a visit to a nice brewery made the trip especially memorable with our toddler! Just to clarify, our toddler didn’t try the beer, but we did ;)” she added.

Back at home, she also enjoyed “lots of mini-pool time with our little one,” which she said helped her unwind. She even found time for a home project: “I also worked on redecorating my house a little.”

Her tips for a relaxing summer are simple:

“Uninstall all social media apps for a week, that feels like true vacation!”

“Swim, read, cook or do what relaxes you and spend quality time with your loved ones.”

Looking ahead, she is enthusiastic about the new academic block: “I am excited about the new OnCampus modules that I will be teaching soon and welcoming new students to Wittenborg.”

Exploring Canada: Ulisses Sawczuk

For Ulisses Sawczuk, a Copywriter and Journalist from Brazil, this summer was a chance to relax, recharge and discover somewhere new. “Relaxing, recharging, meeting some friends and discovering a new part of the world."

Ulisses travelled from his hometown of Londrina, Brazil, to Comox, a town on Vancouver Island. He combined outdoor adventures with quiet moments of reflection. “In addition to spending time with friends and exploring the town, I went camping at a place called Powell River,” he explained.

He also enjoyed the natural beauty of British Columbia: “During my holiday, I was able to explore the native forests, warm summer weather and beaches. I saw wildlife such as seals, otters and humpback whales.”

Ulisses also found time to focus on a literary project. “I often went to the Comox Library to work on a literary project and finished reading a book I had started before my vacation and brought with me to Canada.”

His advice for making the most of a summer break is clear: “Just let your creativity flow and have fun. The key is planning activities you don’t usually get to do while studying or working, whether meeting friends, exploring somewhere new or spending time on a hobby.”

Looking forward, Ulisses said: “Keep pushing forward and successfully wrap up another year. I’m looking forward to 2026, as I have a feeling it’s going to be a great year.”

Staying Active and Creative: Jasmine Shaw

For Jasmine Shaw, a student from South Africa studying MCI Digital and Social Media, summer was about balance, staying healthy, active and earning a little money. Jasmine made the most of the sunny weather with trips to Delft, SAIL Amsterdam and Almere. “I had a few small trips within the Netherlands,” she said.

She kept up her daily wellness habits: “I tried my best to stay within my usual schedule of yoga, daily walks and setting aside time for creativity.” One of her favourite ways to relax was having dinner outdoors: “I love to take a normal meal like dinner, pack it up and bike to the local park and eat it there watching the sunset instead of having it at home. Being out in nature is the most grounding and relaxing thing for me.”

Her tips for a healthy, happy summer include: “Get out in the sun while it lasts!! Walking every day is one of the smallest but most effective lifestyle changes that have helped me get to know my neighbourhood, neighbours and it is incredibly good for your health. Apeldoorn is jam-packed with free musical events and activities during the summer. Music is good for the soul, so take advantage of every free opportunity as a student!”

She also focused on building professional skills. “I tried to continue making content for social media to share what I’m up to with my family back home but also keep my editing and videography skills fresh for when I eventually want to move into the industry. Things like the STUFU studentenfeest were something I really enjoyed capturing and were facilitated by Wittenborg, so I hope to continue to attend school-run events and be part of helping capture the student perspective.”

Looking ahead, Jasmine is excited to start the new academic year: “I am so excited that I have my favourite teacher (Fjorentina) for two of my subjects as I really enjoy her teaching style.”

Balancing Work, Study and Nature: Yanyue Wang

For Yanyue Wang, from China, who is studying Logistics & Trade, summer was a careful balance of travel, work and study. “Travelling, working and studying,” she said.

Her approach was structured: “Setting clear goals, sleeping & waking up early, studying every day.”

She also reconnected with the natural world: “Getting close to nature, hiking and sunbathing.”

Her advice for students is practical: “Don’t waste time on the phone – get out, meet & talk to people, stay happy and healthy.”

Yanyue focused on her academic and career goals over the summer, which were: “Finishing my final thesis and finding an internship. Time in school is always short; learn as much as you can.”

Finding Inspiration in Southern France: Vanessa de Oliveira Menezes

For Vanessa de Oliveira Menezes, Associate Professor of Applied Sciences, summer was an opportunity to slow down. “I spent a week in France simply to rest and find inspiration. As a hospitality lecturer, these moments of travel often bring new insights even if they are not tied to specific goals or tight schedules,” she explained.

Her trip took her across southern France, visiting Toulouse, Carcassonne and Bordeaux. In Toulouse, nicknamed La Ville Rose, she explored its aviation heritage, including the Aeroscopia Museum where she stepped inside iconic aircraft like the Concorde and Airbus A340.

Next, Vanessa visited Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “The medieval citadel, enclosed by impressive walls built in the 13th and 14th centuries, feels like stepping into a fantasy world, almost like walking through a Game of Thrones set. The atmosphere is truly magical.”

Her final stop was Bordeaux, famous for wine and culture. “The city itself has the charm of a smaller Paris, with cosy cafés and fancy restaurants. The city centre is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I visited the Cité du Vin, an interactive museum that showcases the history, diversity and cultural significance of wine in an engaging and immersive way. Definitely worth the visit!”