AID 2025: A Student Experience
By Samir Mammadov
In our previous blog, we have explained what AID is all about. Now that the AID 2025 is over, we have collected student experiences and stories to share with you – from both a participant and a mentor. Curious about how it went? Take a look below!
“At the beginning, it felt a little odd. Suddenly being surrounded by a group of complete strangers. I remember thinking, how am I supposed to connect with all these new people? But that feeling didn’t last long. Once we started with the games and icebreakers, the walls between us slowly disappeared. I became much closer to my group than I expected. I could spend many more days like this.
Looking back, I think the moments of bonding were the most valuable. We were exploring Wageningen during the city tour, cheering each other on during team challenges, or just hanging out in the evenings. Each activity created space to get to know one another in a natural way. The games weren’t just fun; they also helped us learn how to work together and trust each other, though we’d only just met.
For me, some of the highlights were the creativity of the workshops and heartfelt talks I had between everything. Those little moments of connection are what stuck with me the most.I also managed to find other students from my Master’s!
What I’ve really learned is that putting yourself out there, saying yes to new experiences and people, is worth it every single time. AID reminded me that at first, we are all strangers and clueless about everything. But then you build up these beautiful memories, and people are no longer strangers. I walked away not only with great memories, but also with a new confidence in stepping into unfamiliar situations.”
Tim, MSc Food Technology
We also asked the experience of a mentor (or a “parent” as we like to call them) who was taking care of one of the AID 2025 groups.
“It was definitely tiring, but in a good way. Being a mentor gave me the chance to look at AID from a completely different perspective. I could almost see myself in the students who joined this year. The same curiosity, the same questions, even the same excitement I had when I first arrived.
That made me realise how much I’ve grown since then. A year ago, I was in their position, figuring everything out. Now, I’m the one giving guidance, and that shift really put things into perspective for me. It felt good to be able to help and to know that I’ve moved forward.
Overall, AID has been a valuable experience, not just for the students, but for me as well. It’s a reminder of where I started, how far I’ve come, and the importance of giving back to the community that once welcomed me.”
Neha, MSc Environmental Sciences
Have you missed the AID 2025, or did you enjoy it so much that you would like to experience it again? We have some good news for you! Next year, you also have a chance to become an AID parent. Why should you join the AID mentorship? Check out this blog! The calls are open around the end of the academic year, so be on the lookout. And if you have ideas on how to make AID even better, why don’t you join the AID Crew new year? Every year around 200 enthusiastic crew members are working behind the scenes to organize and ensure the smooth running of the AID.
In just over a week, the new academic year will kick off. Wageningen is going to be busier than ever. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the summer and prepare everything you need for a good start!
Cheers,
Samir
