Alumni dreams #249

María chose International Studies because it provided the perfect opportunity to explore and refine her academic interests while learning a new language—a challenge she had always enjoyed. She selected East Asia as her study region, with a focus on Japanese, seeking to immerse herself in something completely different from her previous studies. The complexity of the language was part of the appeal, as it required dedication and effort, making the learning process both rewarding and stimulating. However, she acknowledges that she would have been equally happy choosing any other region and language, as the program’s diversity intrigued her.

For her bachelor’s thesis, María analyzed the issue of Japanese Abandoned Chemical Weapons in China and their impact on bilateral relations over the past decade. Her research delved into how post-war victimhood narratives and war crime denial within the Japanese political mainstream have shaped diplomatic tensions. The project allowed her to explore historical memory, international security, and political rhetoric—key themes that deepened her interest in global affairs.

During her time in the program, María took on additional academic challenges, including a minor in Global Affairs. This experience solidified her passion for international relations, politics, security, and diplomacy. She especially appreciated the opportunity to learn from professionals actively working in the field. Another pivotal experience was her short internship at the Bolivian embassy in the Netherlands, where she had the incredible opportunity to attend the 104th Executive Council Sessions of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Although the experience felt intimidating at first, she found it deeply inspiring and formative, reinforcing her ambition to pursue a career in international relations.

Beyond academics, María cherishes the friendships she formed during her studies, valuing the strong sense of community she found in the program. She highly recommends engaging with BASIS events, particularly the regional ones, as they provided a fun and meaningful way to take a break from studying while fostering connections with like-minded peers. The most valuable skill she took away from International Studies was open-mindedness. While she had always believed in the importance of listening to different perspectives, experiencing it firsthand in such an international environment was a transformative experience. She appreciated how the program encouraged discussions where students could express their views freely, without fear of judgment.

After completing her bachelor’s degree, María chose to continue her academic journey by enrolling in Leiden University’s MA in International Relations, specializing in Global Conflict in the Modern Era. She felt it was important to further develop her knowledge before stepping into the professional world, and she finds the program fascinating and enriching. However, she admits that immediately writing another thesis is a daunting challenge!

As for the future, María remains undecided—there are so many exciting possibilities that she sometimes wishes she could pursue them all at once.

We look forward to seeing where you go next, María!

Alumni dreams #254

Carlos Sánchez-Pobre Izquierdo chose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with a focus on East Asia due to his desire for a program that combined general courses in international relations, political economy, macroeconomics, and cultural studies with a specialization in a specific region. His interest in East Asia stemmed from a formative year-long exchange in China at the age of fifteen, an experience that opened his eyes to the complexities of international relations and sparked a deep fascination with the cultures of the region.

During his undergraduate studies, Carlos explored the dynamics of global affairs through his thesis, titled “Non-traditional Security: Convergence and Constraints in EU-China Relations.” His research delved into the factors that drive and hinder EU-China cooperation on non-traditional security issues. By analyzing cybersecurity and climate and energy security, he identified key aspects such as overlapping threat perceptions, complex interdependence, and economic interests as crucial elements influencing collaboration between these two global actors.

Beyond his thesis, Carlos distinguished himself through notable academic achievements. He successfully completed the Bachelor’s Honours Programme in Sustainability, further solidifying his expertise in sustainable development and environmental policy. Additionally, he participated in an exchange program at Kyoto University in Japan, where he applied the Japanese language skills he had been developing through his area studies courses. These experiences enriched his academic journey and provided him with a broader understanding of international and regional issues.

Reflecting on his time in BA IS, Carlos highlights the essential skills and experiences he gained. One of the most valuable takeaways was his advanced research and academic writing abilities, which became evident when he pursued his master’s degree and found himself ahead of his peers in these areas.

Another significant advantage was his proficiency in an area language, which he successfully consolidated at an intermediate level through his studies and exchange experience.

Immediately after graduating, Carlos embarked on a master’s degree in Transnational Governance at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence. His decision to join this program was driven by a desire to shift his professional focus toward the European Union and policymaking, particularly in foreign policy. The program equips students with policy writing and analysis skills, as well as foundational knowledge in law, economics, and data analysis to enable them to make meaningful, evidence-based contributions in their respective fields. Furthermore, it offers a curricular internship at various influential international organizations, providing practical experience and networking opportunities.

For prospective and current BA IS students, Carlos emphasizes the program’s strong foundation in research and writing, as well as its comprehensive approach to regional specialization, including language acquisition. Beyond academics, he encourages students to take full advantage of the opportunities available, meet interesting and dynamic people, and immerse themselves in the experiences the program and the city have to offer.

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