Continuing our Amsterdam International Community School 'Alumni Spotlight' series, today's interview features Matthew Blasman, an International Business Fast Track Honours student at Hogeschool van Utrecht and Ultimate Frisbee player

I joined the AICS in 2014 in Group 4. After almost ten years, I graduated from the Careers Program, which was an essential part of my development. The CP was perfect for me as an individual, forming an incredible stepping stone into my future endeavours.

After graduation, I embarked on a house-renovation volunteer project in Italy. This allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and seek areas of development I never would have dreamed of, whilst experiencing immense pleasure and meeting amazing people along the way.

After this, I was excited to start the International Business course at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam. However, my excitement was met with many disappointments and I realised I still had some untapped potential and needed to seek a bigger challenge so I eventually took the decision to drop out.

The idea of volunteering abroad again came to mind. I settled on beach-cleaning activities in Iceland, where I developed environmental awareness and gained first-hand experience in climate conservation, whilst undergoing significant personal development. It is precisely through such uncomfortable experiences, far outside my comfort zone, where I achieve the greatest development, both as an individual as well as a contributor to society, realising that our actions affect more than just ourselves.

I'm proud to say I am now an honours student at the Hogeschool van Utrecht, challenging myself through the International Business Fast Track course, and happy to be with likeminded, ambitious peers.

I've also re-embarked on my sports journey through Ultimate Frisbee. I participated in the Under 24’s World Championships in Spain, and am looking towards the Global Championships in 2026, hoping to bring home a medal.

Over the past few years I have grown massively as an individual. Through making mistakes, finding the right path again, and always putting my best foot forward, I am very happy within my current situation, and am excited to see what the future will bring.

It is without a doubt the incredible curriculum provided by the AICS that has laid the foundation for me as an individual to achieve such great things. I will always look back on the memories from my time at the AICS with a huge smile on my face, knowing I enjoyed every step of the way.