Nice to meet you all. My name is Maureen Manders, I am 25 years old and I come from the Netherlands. I graduated from art school in the summer of 2024, and in April 2025 I completed my Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand to become a certified yoga teacher. After this intensive training, I continued traveling in Asia for another five months.
I have always felt that a traditional corporate job is not the right path for me. Over the past few years I got to know myself well and discovered that I thrive in dynamic, creative, and people-centered environments where there is space for initiative, flexibility, and personal expression. I consider myself curious and find it important to question both society and my own norms and values sometimes. I strongly believe in expanding your perspective by learning from (and surrounding yourself with) other cultures. Over the past few years, I have been involved in various voluntary and hosting-related jobs worldwide. These experiences challenged me, supported my growth, and showed how diverse and rich life can be when we remain open and curious. Truly getting to know yourself is essential. Not only to build a deeper connection with yourself, but also with the world around you. Personal development has therefore always been a read thread in my life. I consciously step outside my comfort zone and try to learn as much as possible along the way. This mindset shapes both my personal journey and professional path as a yoga teacher and young entrepreneur, where mindfulness, connection, and self-awareness are key.
I first heard about the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program last year through someone who mentioned it to me. Initially, I was mainly interested in offering yoga and meditation. However, as I learned more about the program, I became increasingly inspired by its broader entrepreneurial and creative possibilities. I have always been interested in entrepreneurship. Not purely from a business perspective, but in creating something meaningful that aligns with my values. I am especially drawn to projects related to wellbeing, community, sustainability, and personal development. Through Erasmus, I discovered Cactus Coliving in the Canary Islands, a beautiful place where people live and work together in a collaborative environment.
The program feels like an invitation to develop my professional side internationally. It offers me the chance to broaden my horizons, position myself more clearly in the market, and gain insight into a real business that is already successfully operating.
The EYE program offers me a valuable opportunity to grow on multiple levels. By working closely with an experienced entrepreneur and her team, I am learning how a successful business functions from the inside, while expanding my international network and building a foundation for my own future business. It not only inspires me, but also challenges me to think bigger and more creatively. At the same time, I can practice and share my yoga and mindfulness teachings through daily classes and activities for the colivers. This combination of entrepreneurship, personal development, and community makes the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs Program a truly meaningful and enriching experience. One I see as a big and powerful step forward in my journey.
