Alumni dreams #245

Lal Dina Roso’s time in the BA International Studies (BAIS) program was a rich blend of academic exploration and personal growth. Coming from Turkiye with a strong interest in global dynamics, Lal was naturally drawn to the BAIS program, which promised a deep dive into international relations and historical perspectives. Choosing Europe as her study region allowed her to explore familiar histories from new angles, a fitting backdrop for someone whose formative years included engaging in Model United Nations events and excelling in history courses.

For her thesis, titled "Dispatches of History: Unfolding Turkish Narratives on Nazi Germany Through the Typewriters of Tan and Cumhuriyet," Lal conducted a rigorous analysis of how Nazi Germany was framed in Turkish media between 1939 and 1945. Drawing on a variety of historical archives, she utilized Pan and Kosicki’s framing analysis to uncover how the stances of Turkish newspapers reflected broader European dynamics. This research not only deepened her understanding of World War II’s regional impacts but also served as a bridge to her chosen focus on European studies.

During her undergraduate years, Lal also took on a minor in Systems Engineering, Policy Analysis, and Management, as well as an Honors Degree in Science, Society, and Self. These interdisciplinary pursuits reflect her drive to integrate diverse fields into a holistic understanding of complex global issues. She credits BAIS with honing her analytical abilities, teaching her to look beyond the surface and make thoughtful, informed decisions—skills that would soon shape her unexpected career path.

After graduation, Lal’s trajectory took an unconventional turn: she returned to Turkiye and ventured into the art world. Despite initially lacking formal experience in this field, she landed a position as an assistant in an art gallery, where she drew on her international studies background to engage with global clients and understand art’s historical contexts. This role soon evolved as she embraced marketing, exhibition coordination, and sales, all while building connections within the art world. Today, Lal is working with a gallery that collaborates with renowned international galleries and auction houses to elevate Turkish contemporary art on the global stage, with the personal mission of strengthening Turkiye’s art infrastructure.

Lal’s message to current and prospective BAIS students reflects her own journey of self-discovery: embrace the broad scope of the program and trust that your path will unfold. Her story beautifully illustrates how the BAIS program can serve as a foundation for diverse careers, from diplomacy to, unexpectedly, the art world!

Alumni dreams #251

Lora Sydes chose the BA International Studies for its interdisciplinary approach, which allowed her to explore global political, economic, and legal frameworks. Her study region choice was driven by a keen interest in international relations and the European Union’s role in shaping global policies, particularly in energy transition and resource governance.

Her thesis, “Green Goals and Global Consequences: The EU’s Cobalt Supply Chain and its Impact on Artisanal Mining in the DRC,” analyzed how the European Commission addresses the impact of the green energy transition on global cobalt supply chains. She explored critical challenges such as weak enforcement mechanisms, ethical concerns—including child labor—and the need for greater transparency and international collaboration. While the EU’s ambitious energy transition aims to drive sustainability, its ethical and social costs are often outsourced, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Beyond academics, BA IS shaped Lora’s life in unexpected ways—most notably, she met her now-husband during her first year at Leiden University. Five years and three countries later, they are married and living just outside London.

The program provided her with invaluable skills, including strong research and analytical abilities, cross-cultural communication, and the capacity to assess global challenges from multiple perspectives. Her experience working with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs further sharpened her ability to translate theoretical insights into practical policy recommendations.

Inspired by her thesis research, Lora developed a deep interest in corporate responsibility and supply chain ethics. This led her to pursue a Postgraduate Degree in Law at BPP Law School in London after graduating from Leiden University in 2024. Her legal studies allow her to explore regulatory frameworks and corporate accountability in greater depth.

Currently, Lora is focused on corporate litigation and arbitration, drawn to the intersection of law, business, and international affairs. She finds the challenge of navigating complex legal disputes and advocating for ethical corporate practices both intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding. Her ultimate goal is to help businesses operate within ethical and regulatory frameworks while effectively addressing cross-border disputes.

For current and prospective BA IS students, Lora emphasizes the importance of making the most of the program’s interdisciplinary nature. She encourages students to pursue their academic passions, seek practical experiences through internships, and remain open to unexpected opportunities—both in their careers and personal lives.

A fantastic journey, Lora—wishing you continued success!

Alumni dreams #274

Britt van Bommel’s path to BA IS was anything but conventional. Initially, she considered studying Politics or French Language and Literature, but both felt too narrowly focused. It was during the Bachelor’s Open Days at the Pieterskerk that she discovered BA IS—a program that blended politics, language, and interdisciplinary studies. Given her long-standing connection to Leiden and The Hague, the choice felt natural.

Already passionate about French, she selected the French Intermediate track. The only challenge was choosing between the Europe and North America specializations. In the end, her interest in EU institutions led her to specialize in Europe.

For her thesis, Britt combined her passion for language with an investigation into Dutch foreign language education. Her research, "Bonjour, wie geht's?" "Sorry, geen interesse!" Exploring the Influence of the Dutch Foreign Education Policy on the Declining Interest in French and German among Secondary School Students, explored why fewer Dutch students are opting to study French and German. Through surveys and analysis, she identified key factors contributing to this trend and offered recommendations for the future of foreign language education in the Netherlands.

A pivotal moment in Britt’s BA IS journey was her minor in Tweedetaalverwerving (Second Language Acquisition). What began as a way to continue studying French soon sparked a deep interest in how languages are learned and taught. This unexpected discovery ultimately shaped her career path.

Beyond academic knowledge, Britt credits BA IS with sharpening her analytical skills and broadening her cultural understanding. The program’s interdisciplinary approach allowed her to examine issues from multiple perspectives—an invaluable skill in any field.

After graduating in 2024, Britt pursued a dual master’s in Linguistics at the University of Amsterdam: Taalwetenschappen: Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2) en meertaligheid. The program includes a teaching certification component, allowing her to qualify as a Dutch as a Second Language (NT2) teacher.

Currently, Britt is completing her master’s coursework and working as an NT2 teaching intern. She teaches adult learners, particularly those in literacy education, and finds immense fulfillment in helping people integrate into Dutch society through language. Her multidisciplinary BA IS background allows her to connect with her students not just linguistically but culturally as well.

For prospective BA IS students, Britt offers this advice: Stay open to new experiences. You may enter the program with one career path in mind, only to discover an entirely new passion along the way. Take chances, explore different subjects, and embrace unexpected opportunities—because sometimes, the best decisions come from the paths you never planned to take.

We cannot agree more Britt, and we look forward to see where your teaching will take you!