International week Health & Social Studies 2025

Many social issues do not stop at international borders. On 5, 6 and 7 February 2025 we organize the 13th edition of the HAN International Week Health & Social Studies. This year's theme is: Beyond Borders. The program consists of lectures, workshops, and exchange sessions. The main program can be followed on campus (Nijmegen) or online on our livestream! Hope to see you!

Zaal iwhss

At HAN, students develop into reflective and socially engaged global citizens. The International Week Health & Social Studies contributes to this mission. Topics such as stress, happiness, refugees, inclusion, crisis aid and the power of music are discussed. You can join in! A large part of the program is only for second-year students, but everyone can follow the main program. On campus or online in the livestream. So do you have an hour to spare this week? Then get inspired in A0.05 at K33 or from behind your laptop.

Some speakers this week:

Wednesday February 5th: 13.00-14.30
 

Emma Register: Doctors without Borders

Emma has been with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) for nearly 3 years, focusing on recruitment. Her role involves recruiting talented medical and paramedical professionals who travel across the globe to deliver life-saving care. Working with MSF has been incredibly rewarding, not just because of the meaningful impact the organisation makes, but also because it provides a unique opportunity to engage with the world on a truly global scale. Every day brings new insights and fulfillment. 

Robin Timmers
Wednesday February 5th: 14.30-16.00
 

Sounds of Change: Music changes the world

Sander van Goor and Lucas Dols from Sounds of Change talk about their experiences working with music in conflict affected areas in the world. With the method they developed for Sounds of Change, they train other care providers to use the power of music as a means to establish connection, bring out creativity and to stimulate opportunities for healing and personal development. This of course includes many practical examples of making music with the audience.
soundsofchange.org

Sounds of Change
Thursday February 6th: 09.00-10.30
 

Asha Dijkstra: My Story

Asha Dijkstra was adopted from India. As a young girl, she was not able to grow up with her biological parents. Themes such as identity, inclusion, and gender equality are deeply intertwined with her personal story, supported by research. Asha now works as a Senior Strategic Policy Advisor for ROC Nijmegen and contributes as an expert by experience to discussions on adoption policy. Additionally, she runs her own foundation, the Aara Foundation.
aarafoundation.com

 

 

 

International Week Health and Social Studies 2025 Asha Dijkstra
Friday February 7th: 09.00-09.30
 

Marcela Andrade del Corro: The importance of play

Play is one fundamental pillars for children’s development that secures mental functioning, learning, social connection and a healthy personality. However, in recent research it has evidence the decrease of play and raise of issues such as psychopathologies. How can students and professionals tackle this and incorporate play into our practice? This lecture will offer a review of the basis of play in child development and the role of the practitioner facilitating this not only for children and young people but also for adults. This space will welcome students and professionals from diverse disciplines such as arts therapies, social work, psychomotor, and pedagogy. Marcela can be asked questions from 10.00-10.30h, after the presentation of Liliana.

 

International Week health and social studies talkshow
Friday February 7th: 13.00-14.30
 

Kilian Wawoe: Happiness & Stress

Why are some people happier than others? What causes some individuals to experience more stress? In this lecture on the psychology of happiness and stress, you will discover the key psychological factors that contribute to well-being and emotional resilience. Topics such as the impact of positive emotions, relationships, and purpose on happiness will be discussed. Additionally, the lecture will cover how stress develops and its effects on our mental and physical health.By the end of the session, you will have practical insights and tools to enhance your own happiness and better manage stress in your daily life.
kilianwawoe.nl

 

Killian Wawoe spreker op international week 2025
Check it out
 

Program and livestream

View the full program and the livestream via the International Week website. You can respond to the lectures in the livestream via the chat. Registration is not required. The language of the week is English. We hope to see you!

International week health