Viki Answers Questions from Alumni

December 11, 2024

All UWCM alumni were invited to submit their questions for Viki Stiebert, our new Head of College, who joined UWCM in August 2024. We appreciate the thoughtful questions and invite you to read her answers below. 

What inspired you to join the UWC movement? 

I have been in education for a long time and most of it, I’ve mostly worked with privileged people. UWC doesn’t just have diversity in terms of which countries people come from. For example, Vienna International School where I used to work, also had over 100 nationalities. UWCM however, also has socio-economic diversity and provides opportunities to people who might otherwise never have them. These scholarships not only transform the lives of the recipients but also enrich the learning experience of the entire community. Many recipients later return to their home countries, creating meaningful impact there as well. Apart from that, UWCM is a through-school, offering both primary and secondary education. The values we strive for as a UWC are just as relevant for our kindergarten, primary, and MYP students. This is all captured in the school’s mission to use education as a force for peace and a sustainable future. For all. The diversity and plurality of voices is what we aim for—and it’s what makes my heart sing! 

What do you wish to contribute to the UWC movement as a Head of College? 

First, I’m focusing on strengthening the processes we already have in place, things like recruitment, safeguarding, and many other foundational aspects of any school. My wish has always been to give students as many opportunities as possible. At UWCM, we have a special opportunity to create a safe and inclusive space for both residential and kindergarten to year thirteen day students. Supporting this with excellent staff, necessary resources, and what I call a “learning architecture”, a well-designed curriculum, is critical. This is an exciting time in education, where brain research and technology can be leveraged to improve what happens in lessons. My goal is to bring these innovations to the forefront to deliver cutting-edge education. 

What should be the defining feature of UWC Maastricht, and what are you planning to do to advance it? 

That’s not just my decision; it is a community decision. That’s why I started my time at UWCM by listening to as many voices as possible. I’m now working to channel this input into a systemic approach that will shape the school’s plan for the coming years. This is something the board hired me to do, but it’s also vital for us to reflect on who we are, what we value, and how to translate that into our curriculum. Additionally, I’m collaborating with other UWC schools to further define what sets the UWC movement apart educationally.  

Is there any aspect of UWCM that you value the most so far? 

I’ve attended many wonderful events. Vulnus was one of them, I loved seeing staff and students sharing confidently and passionately by speaking out in an open forum. Another one was the Kaleidoscope show, giving the stage to both primary and secondary students and offering them a place to showcase their talents. 

And an absolute highlight has been hosting student dinners at my place! One was filled with political discussions, and the other with joy and karaoke. I also attended the Yalda celebrations with the Persian community, where personal stories from Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Iran were shared and it was an incredibly heartfelt event! Overall, I admire the confidence our students have to step forward and say, “Let’s do this.” It’s truly inspiring. There are so many aspects of UWCM that make it an exciting place to be! 

What’s something you’ve been working on that you’re excited to share, but haven’t had the chance to talk much about? 

Policies might seem like dry bits of paper, but they’re crucial for ensuring a school runs smoothly and guarantees psychological safety. Policies set the stage for students to thrive, and I take great joy in creating structures that empower young people to succeed. While it might sound mundane, it’s the backbone of a school. I think recent safeguarding matters also underline the importance of this. At the same time, having your policies in place isn’t enough to create a safe environment for all. It requires also a shared commitment to upholding them, fostering mutual respect and ensuring ongoing education and awareness throughout the community. My job is to create an environment where students are set up for success, no matter in what way—and that brings me immense joy. 

How do you like living in Maastricht? What do you do to relax after a stressful day? What brings you joy? 

It’s a fantastic city—small but with plenty happening to keep it interesting. I haven’t had the chance to visit the galleries and museums yet, but the town really resonates with me. I enjoy yoga at a nearby studio, though I haven’t been able to go as often lately and really miss it. I also love reading; currently, I’m reading a novel for relaxation, and a book called Atomic Habits for professional development. Socializing is another joy—my husband is an excellent cook, and we’ve hosted many visitors since moving here. I’m also planning a big trip for my 60th birthday to Kashmir, a place with deep family connections. Hearing stories from our students has inspired me to explore other regions too, such as Iran and Tajikistan. 

What are your ideas about the role of alumni in shaping the college community? 

Time, talent, and treasure—that’s a good summary of what alumni can contribute. At the end of the day, alumni are proof of what UWC accomplishes. Service and giving back are core to the UWC ethos, and alumni are uniquely positioned to inspire our students because they’ve walked the same path. Alumni visits, talks, and interactions with students and teachers are incredibly valuable. “Treasure” can feel like an awkward topic, but if everyone contributes a little, we can provide opportunities for others to join the UWCM community. I’m working on fostering a culture of philanthropy. Giving back is part of the UWC spirit, and it’s wonderful to see alumni embody this when they return to campus. 

We, alumni, often look towards you, Viki, to see how you can make our lives easier. What is something we as alumni can do to make your life easier? 

It’s a wonderful question. The world will always have its share of challenges, but what’s important is standing up and voicing your opinions. We’re not educating people to be sheep; we’re educating critical thinkers. If alumni take this responsibility forward, something I hope they have also learned at UWCM, then I believe we’ve done our job well.