Alumni dreams #152

Eileen Staudt had long been searching for an interdisciplinary and international program, and BA International Studies was the perfect fit. In her home country, Germany, she found no comparable program that combined economics, cultural studies, history, politics, and language learning in such a comprehensive way. Additionally, the opportunity to study in English and go on exchange made BA IS even more appealing. Eileen chose East Asia as her study region, eager to deepen her knowledge of Mandarin after a high school exchange in China. This choice later led her to an exchange semester at the National University of Singapore (NUS), which further broadened her academic interests.

Her thesis, “Atomic Wonderland? The Significance of American Nuclear Diplomacy and Cold War Culture on the Making of a Japanese Nuclear Powerhouse – A Constructivist View of the Atom as a White Hope in Postwar Japan,” examined Japan’s postwar nuclear developments. She explored how American influence and Cold War culture shaped the Japanese government’s decision to establish nuclear power plants and how the public, despite Japan’s history as a nuclear victim, came to accept nuclear energy.

Eileen’s time at BA IS was enriched by several achievements. Her exchange at NUS sparked an interest in Southeast Asia, leading her to take courses on energy, nature, and society, as well as a field trip to Morocco through the Honours College. She also participated in the Prins project, working with Rabobank on decarbonizing agricultural supply chains, which exposed her to topics like carbon markets and green finance. These experiences allowed her to explore diverse academic fields and gain valuable insights beyond her core curriculum.

Among the most important skills she gained during BA IS were critical writing, time management, and intercultural competence. The international study environment and her exchange semester helped her adapt to different learning settings, and her Mandarin proficiency improved significantly.

After graduating, Eileen immediately pursued a Master’s in Global Politics and Communication at the University of Helsinki, specializing in Global Political Economy. Inspired by the BA IS courses, she sought to deepen her knowledge in economics-related topics. During her Master’s, she undertook a research internship in Bangkok, reinforcing her interest in Southeast Asia, and later secured a traineeship at the Viikki Tropical Resources Institute. She now works there as a research assistant, focusing on capacity-building projects in higher education within tropical forestry, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Looking back, Eileen recognizes how pivotal her regional choice in BA IS was for shaping her future. She encourages students to carefully consider their study region, as it can open many doors—academically and professionally. She also highly recommends going on exchange, pursuing internships, and, for those who are motivated, joining the Honours College.

A truly inspiring journey, Eileen—well done!

Alumni dreams #255

Þorbjörg Arna Sigrúnardóttir Jónasdóttir graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies in 2023, with a specialization in East Asia. Her passion for international affairs was sparked at a young age and further solidified during her time at United World College Red Cross Nordic, an international boarding school. Initially considering studying in Australia due to family ties, her plans shifted during a graduation trip to Zimbabwe. There, she met a university counselor who recommended Leiden University and the Netherlands for her field of interest. Taking this advice, she applied and found it to be the perfect fit.

Her decision to focus on East Asia stemmed from a growing fascination with South Korean, Chinese, and Japanese pop culture during her boarding school years. Recognizing the region's economic and cultural influence, she saw immense potential in studying its dynamics in depth.

During her undergraduate studies, Þorbjörg achieved significant milestones. She successfully completed the Honors in Governance and Global Affairs, which provided her with a broader and more nuanced understanding of international affairs. She particularly enjoyed courses on negotiations, transnational organized crime, and the international implications of tax law. Additionally, her exchange semester in Hong Kong was an invaluable experience that allowed her to immerse herself in the region she had been studying.

Reflecting on her BA IS experience, she highlights the exceptional quality of education and the structured approach to learning. The training in essay writing greatly benefited her in her master’s studies, providing a strong foundation for academic writing. Discussion seminars also played a crucial role in refining her critical thinking skills, as they encouraged engagement with complex texts and debates among peers.

Following graduation, Þorbjörg returned to Iceland to pursue a Master’s in International Affairs while working for the City of Reykjavík. Initially, she served as a Project Manager at the Department of Education and Youth, organizing a Nordic youth conference addressing themes such as Youth Participation, Mental Health, Education, Sustainability, and Diversity. After a year, she was promoted to Project Manager of International Relations and Grants within the same department.

In addition to her professional career, she received a scholarship to be a visiting researcher at the Nordic Africa Institute in Uppsala, Sweden, where she conducted research for her master's thesis on the influence of U.S. evangelical Christian groups on anti-gay legislation in Uganda. She also became a Steering Group member of the Nordic Youth Network Against Hate Speech and founded Mundus, a student association for graduate students at the University of Iceland.

For prospective and current BA IS students, Þorbjörg highly recommends the program for its unique combination of regional specialization and language learning, as well as the opportunity to study in The Hague—home to many international institutions. Beyond academics, she praises the city for its vibrant atmosphere, access to nature, and connectivity to other parts of the Netherlands. She confidently asserts that BA IS is an excellent choice for anyone considering a global career or further academic pursuits.

Well done, Þorbjörg! We can't wait to see where you go next.

Alumni dreams #257

For Shane Geenen, the appeal of the BA International Studies program was its globally oriented yet flexible nature. He appreciated the program’s structure, which allowed him to explore different disciplines before specializing in a specific region. When the time came to choose, he opted for East Asia, driven by his interest in Korean popular culture.

His thesis, The Transition of BTS’ Marketing and Messaging: From Korea to the World, was an exploration of the psychological and societal elements embedded in the lyrics and music videos of BTS, one of Korea’s most influential music groups. Shane analyzed how the group’s messaging evolved from a domestic audience to a global phenomenon, uncovering the deeper meaning behind what many might see as simple pop music.

Looking back at his time in BA IS, Shane considers making it through the program itself one of his greatest achievements. Studying from 2019 to 2023, he faced the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, which transformed his academic experience. Despite the challenges of remote learning, he remained resilient and adapted. He acknowledges that all students who endured that period deserve recognition for their perseverance.

Among the most valuable takeaways from BA IS, Shane highlights the program’s ability to open his eyes to new disciplines. He found that subjects he initially had little interest in—such as economics or politics—became fascinating when studied through the lens of a specific region. Additionally, the diverse community of students provided him with unique perspectives that shaped his personal and academic growth. The program, he notes, is not just about the coursework but also about the people you meet and the insights you gain from them.

After graduating, Shane took some time to relax, having been in school continuously since the age of three. However, he quickly realized he wanted to return to a structured routine and began job hunting. Within a month, he secured a position as a Civil Affairs employee for the Municipality of Rotterdam. Born and raised in the city, he felt a strong connection to his work, enjoying the opportunity to contribute to society by being a main point of contact for citizens. Looking ahead, Shane is considering a career in embassy work, and he believes that his experience in Civil Affairs will provide a strong foundation for that path.

For current and prospective BA IS students, Shane offers encouragement. While the program may seem daunting at first, he assures students that it provides immense rewards and countless opportunities. He urges them to embrace the experience fully, reminding them that these years will be some of the most transformative of their lives. "Above all," he says, "enjoy yourselves! These are truly some of the best years of your life!"

We could not agree more Shane, we can’t wait to see where you go next! 

Alumni dreams #265

Bob Geels chose BA IS because he believes that politics and economics cannot be fully understood without considering culture and history. He was drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, which allowed him to study all four of these fields in depth, providing a holistic understanding of global affairs.

For his thesis, Bob wrote The Evolution of Chinese Propaganda Strategy in Taiwan: A Comparative Analysis, exploring the changes in China's propaganda approach toward Taiwan over time. His research examined cross-strait relations through the lenses of culture, history, politics, and economics, showcasing the interdisciplinary strength of BA IS.

One of Bob’s most memorable experiences during his BA was his exchange at National Taiwan University, where he significantly improved his Chinese and gained firsthand experience in the region he was studying. He also found PRINS to be an incredibly valuable course, as it provided him with practical skills and professional experience while being an enjoyable challenge.

BA IS helped Bob refine his academic and career interests, leading him to focus on global political economy and China-Taiwan relations. The flexibility of the program allowed him to start with broad interests and gradually specialize in the topics that resonated most with him.

After graduating in 2023, Bob took a gap year, during which he received a scholarship to study Chinese in Taipei for six months. He then completed an internship as a policy researcher for a political party. These experiences reinforced his interest in international relations and policymaking, leading him to pursue an MSc in Global Politics at the London School of Economics.

Currently, Bob is enhancing his skills through coursework in quantitative analysis, recognizing the importance of data-driven insights in geopolitics. He is also applying for jobs in London and has received an offer to join Rothschild & Co’s geopolitics advisory department.

For current and prospective BA IS students, Bob’s advice is simple: go to campus and build friendships that will last a lifetime. While enjoying the university experience is important, he also recommends planning ahead. Taking advantage of internships, scholarships, and study opportunities early on can open doors for exciting prospects after graduation.

We look forward to see where you will go next Bob!

Alumni dreams #269

Claudia Leopardi started the BA International Studies for its interdisciplinary approach, which allowed her to explore political, economic, and cultural topics from various perspectives. She was particularly drawn to the BA IS program’s flexibility, which enabled her to focus on East Asia—an area she felt she knew the least about.

Claudia became particularly interested in the region's digital governance landscape and its history, areas she was eager to explore further.

For her thesis, Claudia chose the topic “Regulating Cyberspace: Lessig’s Theory Applied to the People’s Republic of China.” Her research centered on how Lawrence Lessig's theory of Internet regulation, which emphasizes the interplay of law, norms, market forces, and architecture, applies to the governance of cyberspace in China. She examined China’s regulatory framework, its control mechanisms, and the broader implications these have on digital freedom and state power.

During her time at Leiden University, Claudia also volunteered for UNICEF, an experience that added to her personal growth. Additionally, she formed many life-lasting friendships, which have been an important part of her university experience.

Claudia highlights several key skills she developed during her studies. These include strong research and writing skills, a solid understanding of global governance structures, networking opportunities with peers and professors, and the development of critical and analytical thinking. She also became passionate about her foreign language (Mandarin), further enriching her academic experience.

After graduating from BA IS, Claudia pursued a Master’s in Public Policy of Digital Technologies at Sciences Po Paris. She also gained practical experience through internships, including one at the RIPE NCC, focusing on Internet Governance and digital policy.

Currently, Claudia is working in the digital sector, specifically in Internet Governance. She is an intern in the Global Stakeholder Engagement team at ICANN, the nonprofit global organization responsible for administering the Internet's addressing systems. She is passionate about bridging the gap between policy and technology, ensuring that various stakeholder groups can collaborate to create impactful and feasible policies.

Claudia's advice to current and prospective BA IS students is to make the most of the opportunities available. She encourages students to network, seek internships, engage with professors, and explore different fields of study. She emphasizes the importance of having fun, making meaningful friendships, and taking the time to build an academic passion. Furthermore, she reassures students that it's okay to take your time to figure things out and that, if needed, taking an extra year to broaden your studies can be a valuable choice.

As Claudia reflects on her own journey, she shares, "The more you study and discover, the more chances you have to find a sector that interests you."

We cannot agree more Claudia, and we are inspired to see where you will go next!

Alumni dreams #271

Joost Kamp chose this BA to deepen his understanding of the world, particularly regions that were less familiar to him. He specialized in East Asia, a region of significant global influence, and was drawn to the opportunity to learn a regional language. He believed that language skills were crucial to truly understanding and engaging with a region, making the choice to study East Asia even more compelling.

For his thesis, Joost explored the resurgence of Cantopop in Hong Kong, a genre of Cantonese pop music, in his work titled “The resurgence of Cantopop in Hong Kong in face of the biliterate and trilingual language policy.” He investigated the relationship between the decline of Cantonese in Hong Kong and the simultaneous rise in the popularity of Cantopop. He viewed the music as a form of protest, symbolizing resistance to the erosion of the Cantonese language under the influence of Hong Kong's biliterate and trilingual language policies.

During his time at BA IS, Joost also contributed to BAISmag, writing a short series about inequality in the Netherlands, which he found both enjoyable and educational. This experience helped him develop his writing skills while exploring important social issues.

One of the most valuable skills Joost took away from BA IS was the ability to quickly familiarize himself with new topics and critically analyze them. This skill has proven to be extremely beneficial in both his further studies and professional life, allowing him to approach complex subjects with a critical eye.

After graduating, Joost continued his academic journey at Leiden University, pursuing a Master’s degree in Asian Studies: Politics, Society, and Economy of Asia. He chose this path to continue exploring the topics that piqued his interest during his time in the BA IS program.

Currently, Joost is completing a Risk Insurance traineeship, specializing in marine insurance, where he works on both the insurance broker and insurance company sides. What fascinates him most about this field is how global events, such as wars or sanctions, can have a profound impact on worldwide logistics.

His background in BA IS and his master's degree in Asian Studies have equipped him with the skills to understand the global context and how these factors influence industries like logistics and insurance.

Joost’s advice to current and prospective BA IS students is simple yet powerful: “Keep following your passion and (research) interests, and the rest will follow.”

Thank you for that advice Joost, and good luck in your career journey!