Alumni dreams #263

Fleur de Thouars always knew she had an interest in international relations, but she wanted to keep her studies broad. This curiosity led her to choose the BA International Studies program, where she explored not only international politics but also culture, sociolinguistics, and macroeconomics.

Though she did not initially have a specific region in mind, she was drawn to Latin America, motivated by a desire to learn Spanish and immerse herself in a region that intrigued her. Looking back, she remains confident in her choice, as it shaped both her academic and professional journey.

For her thesis, Fleur focused on LGBTQI+ rights in Uruguay, a country that stood out for its progressive stance compared to its neighbors. She sought to understand the cultural factors that contributed to Uruguay’s early acceptance of homosexuality, a topic that combined her interests in social justice and Latin American studies.

Beyond her coursework, Fleur excelled in various aspects of her academic journey. She was part of the winning group for that year’s PRINS assignment for the Rainforest Alliance, demonstrating her ability to apply interdisciplinary knowledge to real-world challenges. Additionally, she spent a semester in Guadalajara, Mexico, an experience that deeply enriched her understanding of the region. While there, she studied Mexican art history and the country’s relations with the U.S. and Canada, all while significantly improving her Spanish. This exchange semester was a turning point, sparking a lasting connection with Mexico that influenced both her master’s research and her professional career.

After graduating in 2019, Fleur took a gap year and traveled to Lima, Peru, for a volunteering position with a women’s rights NGO. However, her time there was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in the Netherlands, she began an internship at Mensen met een Missie, an international development NGO. This experience solidified her passion for international development, leading her to pursue an MSc in International Development Studies.

Following her master’s, Fleur faced the challenge of breaking into the competitive field of international development. She began working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, initially handling embassy communications. This exposure led her to apply for the Rijkstraineeship, a prestigious government traineeship, which she successfully joined. Now in her second year, she works at the Dutch embassy in Mexico City, focusing on human rights. She plans to continue her career in government, specializing in international affairs.

Reflecting on her journey, Fleur encourages students to follow their passions and seek internships or part-time jobs to gain practical experience. Her own path proves that by combining academic interests with hands-on experiences, one can carve out a meaningful and fulfilling career.

Fleur’s dedication to international relations and human rights is truly inspiring, and we applaud her impressive career trajectory—keep up the great work!