Melissa Mata

This Summer, I was able to assist COB’s Saturday MBA program through their Study abroad trip as a program assistant. The trip was set for Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven in the Netherlands at the end of May 2022. The SMBA programs’ main focus is “sustainability and innovation through the application of disruptive technologies,” which remained a basis for structuring the itinerary to help reinforce the student's understanding in practical terms.

For instance, the image included features of our group within BlueCity, which aims to support circular startups by providing them with the space and networking connections to help increase their likelihood of creating a successful venture. In addition to supporting sustainably minded startup companies, the space itself is thoughtfully curated with recycled materials that would’ve otherwise gone to waste, further incorporating sustainability into their business structure.

 Among the other companies, our group was able to visit MVRDV, an architecture firm working towards building towards creating “livable cities, in smart, inclusive, and green urban life” in locations throughout the world. We were lucky enough to be able to visit a few locations that they designed, one of which included the 2022 Floriade Expo in Almere. This was a very special occasion as this horticultural expo occurs once every 10 years and features plants from across the world thoughtfully put together by the MVRDV team.

All-in-all, I am very grateful for the opportunity to support the program in the Netherlands and connect with such great students and Faculty on the trip.