This was ISP 2024 in New York

From October 28 to November 4, 2024, a group of 24 VSAE students studying Econometrics & Actuarial Sciences embarked on a trip to New York City as part of the International Study Project (ISP). The goal of the trip was to gain a better understanding of career opportunities abroad while also experiencing the vibrant city life and culture. We were fortunate enough to visit top companies, prestigious universities, and iconic locations in the city, all of which helped us see New York in a completely new light.

Day 1: Getting to Know the City

We decided to kick off the trip by exploring New York City in a more hands-on and personal way. Instead of relying on external tours, we mapped out a walking route through the financial district. Given our committee's familiarity with the area, we took charge of the tour ourselves. This allowed us to share stories and highlight places that were most relevant to our studies in Econometrics and Actuarial Sciences, making the experience feel more personal and tailored. 

After the tour, we headed toward the Staten Island Ferry, offering students the option to hop on. To our surprise, every single person decided to go! The ride gave us great views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline, and it was a fun and relaxing way to spend the afternoon. We ended the day with a group photo at Times Square; an iconic spot that felt like a perfect way to capture the trip.

University Visits: Exploring Prestigious Institutions

A key part of the trip was visiting top universities to get a feel for studying in New York. Our first stop was New York University (NYU) on Wednesday. We started at the Elmer Holmes Bobst Library, which is an impressive building, and then walked around some of NYU’s most famous spots, like Washington Square Park and Washington Mews, a cute street filled with little houses that capture New York’s cultural diversity. The best part was getting to talk to a representative from the Data Science department, who answered all our questions about the programs at NYU.

The next day, we visited Columbia University, where we had a slightly different experience due to security restrictions caused by recent protests. Despite the setbacks, we had an amazing tour and got to explore one of the most famous campuses in the world. The beauty of the campus and the history behind it left a lasting impression on all of us.

In-House Days: Behind the Scenes at Flow Traders and ING

As part of our trip, we had the chance to visit two sponsoring companies, which gave us a real taste of what it’s like to work at global companies like Flow Traders and ING. On the second day, we spent the morning at Flow Traders, one of the largest market makers in the Netherlands, based near Bryant Park. We were welcomed by Kaitlyn Detrinis, who gave us a warm introduction and treated us to classic American bagels. The best part of the visit was the market-making game where we were split into teams to compete in a simulated trading scenario. It was a fun way to put our skills to the test, and the winning teams got awesome goodie bags as prizes.

We also had the chance to meet Bas Tammens, the COO of Flow Traders, who shared his journey with us and even talked about how the ISP program started. It was inspiring to hear his story, especially since he had been in our shoes as a student in the same program.

Later in the week, we visited ING, another major sponsor, just before our Columbia University visit. ING’s office is also near Bryant Park, and we met two trainees who had done a rotation program at ING and were now working in the New York office. They shared their personal stories and explained the opportunities available for students who might be interested in doing a rotation year in New York. It was an eye-opening experience, and many students stayed after the presentation to ask more questions about how they could get involved with ING.

Cultural Exploration: Experiencing the City

Of course, we didn’t just focus on academics and work. We made sure to explore the city and enjoy some fun activities. After our visit to Flow Traders, we took some time to reflect at the 9/11 Memorial. Some students stayed there for hours, deeply affected by the site, while others took time to discuss the importance of what we were witnessing.

Afterward, we visited the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). While some students weren’t sure about modern art, many were pleasantly surprised by how captivating the exhibits were, and some ended up spending hours there, totally absorbed in the art. It was one of those experiences where you go in not expecting much and leave with a completely new perspective.

Another highlight of the trip was the Brooklyn Nets basketball game, where we got a taste of New York’s sports culture. We also enjoyed some great meals together, shared laughs, and took time to bond. On the last day, we visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), which was the perfect way to end our trip. Before entering the museum, we had a relaxing lunch in Central Park, ordering pizza for the whole group. The MET was massive, and almost everyone stayed until closing, completely immersed in the exhibits.

Halloween at Columbia and Reflections

On Halloween, we took a group picture at Columbia University, marking a fun and festive moment of the trip. On the last night, the committee enjoyed a nice dinner with the participants, reflecting on everything we had seen and done. 

Looking Back

Looking back on the trip, I feel grateful for the opportunity to get to know my fellow students better and learn from their experiences. As a student of Econometrics at the University of Amsterdam, it was inspiring to spend time with other high-performing students and hear about their career aspirations. The trip also gave me a better idea of what I want to do in the future. The visits to the universities really helped me think about my own plans for studying abroad, and I now feel more confident in considering my options outside of Europe.

A Big Thank You

In conclusion, the ISP trip to New York was an incredible experience that I’ll always remember. It wasn’t just about the university visits and company tours; it was about the friendships we formed, the things we learned, and the experiences that will stay with us for years to come. A huge thank you to the Amsterdam University Fund for making this trip possible. We hope to continue organizing these trips in the future and give more students the chance to have experiences like this.