Alumni dreams #275

Julius Res’s path to BA IS was anything but conventional. Initially, he pursued Medicine, but after facing academic challenges, he found himself searching for a new direction just weeks before the academic year began. With a deep interest in international politics and culture, he turned to BA IS, drawn to its broad, interdisciplinary scope.

Choosing a study region, however, was less straightforward. It was during a presentation day that he discovered South & Southeast Asia (SSEA). Learning about the region’s vast cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity—as well as the fact that it is home to nearly a third of the world’s population—convinced him that this was the right choice.

For his thesis, Julius explored the complex relationship between China and Southeast Asian nations in his research, "Caught Between Conflict and Economic Ties: How Southeast Asian Countries Profit from Chinese Investments While Being in a Border Dispute with China." He examined how these countries navigate economic dependence on China while simultaneously engaging in territorial disputes over the South China Sea. The coexistence of cooperation and conflict in this dynamic region fascinated him.

His BAI S journey was not without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic struck during his first year, making studying feel distant and impersonal. Despite this, Julius remained engaged, even serving as a mentor for first-year students—most of whom he only met online. While not the experience he had envisioned, he persevered and successfully completed his degree.

Reflecting on his time in BA IS, Julius highlights the academic writing and research skills he developed, particularly through exploring different countries in various coursework. He also fondly recalls his Hindi language classes, which became one of the most enjoyable aspects of his studies. Learning the language alongside Indian cultural insights made it feel more alive and meaningful.

After BA IS, Julius sought to continue his education. Inspired by his Erasmus semester in Mannheim, he enrolled in the Netherlands-Germany Studies master’s program, a joint initiative between Radboud University and the University of Münster. Now in the final phase of his master’s, he is preparing to write his thesis, likely focusing on international politics, and is exploring career opportunities in this field.

For those considering BA IS, Julius offers reassurance: while the program’s broad scope might seem daunting at first, it provides an excellent foundation without being overwhelming.

His advice to current students? Challenge yourself. Whether by exploring diverse topics in coursework, pushing your academic boundaries, or choosing a more difficult language to study—growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Julius’s story is a reminder that sometimes the best paths are the unexpected ones, and with perseverance and curiosity, any challenge can lead to new and exciting opportunities!