What's in it for you:
• Collaboration with fellow students from different years and different fields of study.
• Significant expansion of your network. Together, you will look for interesting partners, both within and outside VU Amsterdam, and work on your networking skills, maintain relationships with stakeholders, and pitch creative ideas in a professional context.
• Build your C.V. by developing skills that contribute to your personal and professional growth.
• Your team is supported by researchers (ambassadors) who share their knowledge, expertise, and professional networks.
• Receive 6 extracurricular ECTS credits if you meet certain requirements. In some cases, you can earn 6 intracurricular ECTS credits. See frequently asked questions.
• A training programme that teaches you to formulate objectives and priorities, establish and honour collaboration agreements, and make adjustments based on progress and results.
• Your team is guided by the Demonstrator Lab, where you meet other Dream Teams and seek answers to practical questions.
•A lot of new friends!
Why does taking part offer a unique opportunity?
You’ll operate in a self-managing, interdisciplinary team in which you’ll tackle a specific social issue and work towards a concrete end result. This includes, for example, writing a business plan, setting up or maintaining a website, attracting sponsors and making contact with companies and institutions. You’ll be supervised by VU ambassadors and the Demonstrator Lab, and you’ll receive an integrated training programme. This allows you to put your (theoretical) knowledge into practice, working with students from various disciplines.
How does the recruitment and selection process work?
Registration for 2023 is closed.
Do you have a question for one of the Dream Teams? An idea on how you can contribute? Do you want to join one of the teams next year, or just want to stay informed? We'd love to hear from you! Send an email to dreamteams@vu.nl and we will contact you.
Do the Dream Teams receive study credits?
You’re eligible for 6 extracurricular ECTS if you write a report about your Dream Team. The report must contain a number of elements, which you can ask the ambassador or a member of the supervisory team about in advance.
In some cases, it’s possible to earn 6 intracurricular ECTS because the credits can be integrated into an existing programme component – for example, a practical internship or elective. It’s up to the programme whether or not to offer this.
How much time does it take to participate?
You’ll spend an average of 6-10 hours a week on Dream Team activities. In consultation with the team, you’re free to spend more or less time on the assignment, but it’s not the intention that you stop in the meantime.
What are the selection criteria? Do I need good grades?
Selection is primarily based on your motivation. Knowledge and expertise relating to the topic of the Dream Team are also considered. Furthermore, we aim to bring students from different study programmes together in a team. Do you have contagious enthusiasm and an enterprising attitude? If so, this could work to your advantage! Grades and study progress may also be taken into account in the selection process (as a secondary factor).
What’s the duration of a Dream Team?
A Dream Team is active for one academic year. In September, we ask for a bit of extra time to orient the new team and to give the programme a good start.
Does a Dream Team have funding at their disposal?
Yes, every Dream Team receives seed capital. We also expect you to look for sponsors and financiers yourself, which is part of the learning process.
Does it matter which study programme I’m doing?
No, whichever study programme you’re following, you can make a meaningful contribution from any discipline.
What’s the working language of the team?
Dutch or English – you decide among yourselves.
Where do the Dream Teams carry out their activities?
The Dream Teams have their own shared space in the W&N building.
Where can I go with further questions?
Email your questions to dreamteams@vu.nl
