On the 29th of April, Leiden University’s first ever TEDx event took place! This one-day event was organized by a team of passionate (former) International Studies students from different backgrounds, in collaboration with many students and professors from other programs as well.
On the 19th of May, over 200 Leiden University students gathered at the ‘t Goude Hoft in the centre of the Hague for the annual International Studies Charity Ball. The event aimed to raise fund for the Russian charity СПИД.ЦЕНТР (AIDs. Centre). The charities main goal is to provide support services and free testing for people living with HIV in Russia.
During PRINS 2018, thirty teams comprising 426 of Leiden University’s 3rd year International Studies students participated in consultancy projects presented by Starbucks, Google, OECD and Commonland and returning organisations Transparency International and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. What’s in it for the international businesses, governmental and non-governmental organisations that have discovered in PRINS a new resource for their burning issues? Representatives from three of this year’s organisations, OECD, Commonland and Starbucks weighed in on why PRINS is significant for them.
Patrick Love, who acts as Advisor to the Office of the Secretary General OECD, witnessed the team pitches for the organisation’s case on 17 May 2018. OECD operates in 35 nations; its mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.
Annelies Sewell, from the Science and Education department at Commonland, was on hand 17 May 2018 to help jury the pitches of student teams. Commonland is a foundation putting soil remediation science into practical action. Its mission is to create an investable large-scale landscape restoration industry – aligned with international guidelines and policies – in close cooperation with experts and existing initiatives, with an approach based on a sustainable business model: 4 returns, 3 zones, 20 years.
Susanne Folkerts is the Project Manager Sustainability EMEA Supply Chain for Starbucks, a company that likely needs no introduction. Susanne was on hand to judge the PRINS team pitches on the Starbucks case on Wednesday, 16 May 2018.
PRINS 2018 proved once again that for each and every BA International Studies student, as well as each of the commissioning organisations, this consultancy project is a ‘win-win’ proposition. In the end, six of the 30 participating student teams took top honours in this competition, selected by juries comprising Leiden academics and key members of the participating organisations. And the winning teams for cases from Starbucks, Google, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Transparency International have been invited to the organisations, to present their findings to larger audience.
In the 21st century skills articles we highlight tutors’ international and intercultural experiences. Leiden University strives to enable students to develop so called "21st century skills" which are defined as "the ability to work in teams, international and intercultural skills, entrepreneurship, leadership qualities and digital competences" Most of the tutors have acquired these skills during their studies, fieldwork for their masters or PhD and are happy to share their impressions and experiences. For this volume we talked to Lisa Wolring, tutor at International Studies.
As most of you know, we made some important changes to our curriculum last year. It is time for an update on some relevant changes. In this article you will find an overview of the most important changes.
I am happy to introduce this Newsletter specially dedicated to the alumni of our programme. It has again been a good year for International Studies, with a record number of students joining the ranks of the alumni when graduating in August.
