The Happiness Experiment

Co-designed and facilitated an honors course on cultivating personal and collective well-being at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Project overview

In a world of growing stress and pressure, the pursuit of happiness is more important than ever. This university-level course introduces students to the science and practice of happiness from a multidisciplinary perspective, helping them explore ways to foster well-being in both personal and collective contexts.

Key Activities

  • Co-designed with Jaro Pichel an innovative course for VU and UVA honors students, creating cutting-edge content.

  • Organized and managed the course schedule, ensuring smooth coordination across sessions.

  • Facilitated interactive learning experiences, fostering collaboration and personal reflection.

  • Coordinated with community partners and guest speakers to bring real-world insights into the classroom.

Outcomes

  • Increased student awareness and understanding of well-being science and its practical applications.

  • Developed a supportive learning community where students shared personal insights and experiences.

  • Strengthened connections between academic theory and real-life applications, with positive feedback from both students and guest speakers.

Tools & Techniques

  • Multidisciplinary teaching approach combining psychology, education, and social sciences.

  • Interactive learning activities promoting reflection and group engagement.

The success of this course offers opportunities for expansion, including integrating similar well-being-focused curricula across other university programs.

Next Steps and Future Vision