Bob: eerstejaars International Studies

“I was looking for an English-language bachelor’s, because I am interested in studying abroad later on in my academic career. During a Student for a Day event in The Hague I had the chance to get a taste of International Studies and I really liked it. I felt this was the programme for me. And I was right, so far my study has been even more enjoyable than I expected it to be. I particularly like the opportunity to focus on a region outside of Europe. The Eurocentric perspective of some other studies does not appeal to me very much and here I get to explore East Asia, while also learning Mandarin. Every day I am looking forward to the lectures and workshops of that day.

My favourite subjects are Sociolinguistics and Mandarin. Language-wise I am quite ambitious. I already speak five languages and am able to read two languages. Mandarin is a new language to add to my repertoire. I feel that speaking a foreign languages helps you to step out of your individual bubble. Being able to speak someone else’s mother tongue is a sign of respect, and it also helps you communicate with people who may have views that are different from your own.

Although during this past year, as a result of the Covid pandemic, a major part of the programme was organised online, I made a bunch of friends from all over the world, including Serbia, the Czech Republic, Peru and Italy. We compare experiences, cultures and languages and have a good time together. This international atmosphere really is one of the things that makes this programme so special. It definitely contributes to the whole learning experience in International Studies.”

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