Alumni dreams #194

After graduating from the BA International Studies David van der Veen went on to do a Master's at Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam and volunteer work at COC an LGBTQ+ nonprofit organisation in Amsterdam.

At Erasmus, he studied sociology which he combined with volunteer work. David wrote his thesis on racism in the gay community, interviewing through the extensive network built while volunteering. Time at COC Amsterdam allowed him to connect with like-minded LGBTQ+ people, with focus on LGBTQ+ empowerment through anti-racist work.

The BA International Studies program equipped him with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue his passion of emancipating the queer community. Through exposure to queer literature in the program, he was inspired to further embark on this journey.

Although writing a Master thesis during Corona was difficult, he was able to contact and talk with fellow students from both Leiden and Erasmus. We helped each other through difficult times. "It is in times like these that we have to support and find support from each other."

Inspiring David! May you, especially in present times, continue fruitfully on this path of significant societal work!

Alumni dreams #209

Teodora Stirbat graduated specialising in East Asia. During her semester abroad in Japan she was inspired by the land of rising robotics and became passionate of robots revolutionizing social care. Her Bachelor thesis on Socially Assistive Robots was published here: https://lnkd.in/e5Xs5TS

Another pivotal experience was participating in the PRINS consultancy project assisting the Netherlands Commission for Unesco in drafting a global code of ethics for artificial intelligence. That was the spark that guided her career path and, after graduating from the Masters of Political Science specializing in International Organizations at Leiden, she started her adventure as a Schuman Trainee at the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Age at the European Parliament.

Thanks to the versatility of the BA she was able to explore less conventional routes and find her unexpected passion. She is most grateful for her PRINS project and her team Machina Moralis for an amazing practical experience in the field of Ethics and Artificial Intelligence. She is open to connect with any future graduates and detail her path until now.

Alumni dreams #261

Inez Prosee was eager to study the complexities of the international political landscape but wanted a program that went beyond just politics. The BA International Studies program provided the perfect mix of economics, politics, and social studies, allowing her to explore multiple disciplines before narrowing her focus. She ultimately chose to specialize in East Asia, drawn to the region’s growing global influence and economic significance.

Her passion for Japanese culture and its innovative industries further motivated her to study the Japanese language.
For her thesis, A Stranger at Home: Returnees’ Readjustment to Japan and Society’s Perception of Returnees in the 2000s, Inez explored return migration and cultural identity. Using Japan’s kikokushijo (returnee children) as a case study, she examined how societal perceptions shape the reintegration process and how globalization impacts cultural identity development. Her research provided valuable insights into the complexities of migration and readjustment.

One of the highlights of her BA IS experience was her exchange semester at Akita International University in Japan. This opportunity deepened her understanding of East Asian culture and allowed her to experience firsthand the dynamics she had studied in class.

She strongly encourages students to take advantage of exchange opportunities, as they offer invaluable academic and personal growth. Through BA IS, Inez developed critical skills, including cultural sensitivity and the ability to analyze global issues from multiple perspectives. She believes this skill set is essential in today’s world, where political, economic, and environmental challenges are deeply interconnected.

After graduating in 2019, Inez took a gap year to travel and volunteer with WWOOF in New Zealand. Inspired by her exchange experience in Japan, she embraced the opportunity to explore the world before committing to her next academic step.

It was during this time, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began, that she decided to pursue a master's in sustainability. She went on to complete an MSc in Sustainability Science, Policy, and Society at Maastricht University.

Today, Inez works as an Energy & Sustainability Advisor at Antea Group Netherlands and serves as the Associate Director of the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER). She specializes in corporate carbon footprinting and sustainability strategies, helping businesses navigate environmental challenges. She firmly believes that sustainability is not just an option but a necessity for businesses, and she is dedicated to guiding organizations toward more responsible practices.

Looking back, Inez sees BA IS as a strong foundation for anyone interested in politics, economics, and social studies. While some programs may be more specialized, BA IS offers the broad, interdisciplinary knowledge that prepares students for diverse career paths.

Her journey highlights the value of combining global awareness with practical action, and we celebrate her dedication to building a more sustainable future—keep inspiring others!

Alumni dreams #262

Jin Seong has always been passionate about different cultures, politics, and history, which led her to pursue a degree in International Studies. After taking an area studies course in her first semester, she chose to specialize in East Asia. She was particularly intrigued by how the West perceives the East and wanted to explore her own region through a fresh and critical lens.

For her thesis, Jin explored the relationship between economic challenges and national identity, focusing on South Korea. Her research examined how youth unemployment in the country is tied to the cultural emphasis on overeducation—an issue widely debated in South Korean society. Her work shed light on the intersection of economic policy, education, and cultural expectations.

Beyond academics, Jin actively participated in various student associations, including ESN The Hague, TEDx Leiden University, and BASIS. These experiences provided her with hands-on work experience and networking opportunities, which she found invaluable in preparing for her professional career.

One of the most important takeaways from BA IS, according to Jin, was developing strong critical thinking and research skills. Engaging in meaningful debates and discussions with peers from different backgrounds further enhanced her ability to communicate across cultures—an essential skill in today’s interconnected world.

After graduating in 2019, Jin decided to gain practical work experience. She initially worked for a company before securing an internship at an international organization. This experience reaffirmed her desire to work in a field where she could make a tangible impact.

Currently, Jin works for a non-profit organization focused on decarbonization and climate action. Her role involves collaborating with external partners and refining the organization's strategic approach to tackling climate-related challenges. She is passionate about sustainability and is dedicated to contributing to a more environmentally responsible future.

To current and prospective BA IS students, Jin strongly encourages getting involved in student organizations and taking full advantage of The Hague’s vibrant international landscape. With its numerous think tanks, NGOs, and international institutions, the city provides endless opportunities for networking and professional growth.

Jin’s dedication to sustainability and international collaboration is truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to make in the world!

Alumni dreams #272

Apolline chose BA IS for its unique opportunity to study in English while specializing in a world region. She focused on East Asia, building on her high school Mandarin studies and her interest in technology, society, and power.

Her thesis, "Securitization, Political Discourses and Islamist Terrorism: A Comparative Case Study between China and France," analyzed how both governments used political discourse to justify exceptional security measures post-9/11.

Beyond academics, Apolline took part in the Honours College and engaged in various volunteer roles. She worked as a translator for human rights defenders, taught English through Learning Enterprises, and managed social media for a local NGO. These experiences enriched her learning and helped her build a strong CV.

BA IS provided her with critical thinking and writing skills, as well as the flexibility to tailor her curriculum. She also pursued a minor in Intelligence Studies, which deepened her interest in security and paved the way for her career.

After graduating, she interned at the Clingendael Institute and Europol, gaining experience in climate security, data protection, and law enforcement. She then pursued an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in Intelligence, Security, and Strategic Studies, specializing in security and technology.
While completing her master’s, she worked as a Cybersecurity and Strategic Intelligence Consultant at Forward Global, where she managed projects and studies in cybersecurity, security and defence for private and public clients, including EU institutions.

In April, she will start as a Policy Researcher in Cyber and Emerging Tech at Virtual Routes, a nonprofit focusing on the impact of digital technologies on global affairs.

Apolline encourages BA IS students to explore opportunities beyond coursework, whether through student organizations, volunteering, or additional courses. However, she also reassures students who need to work alongside studies that success comes in many forms—every experience, even non-academic jobs, builds valuable skills.

Her journey highlights how BA IS provides a strong foundation for interdisciplinary learning and professional growth.

We applaud your path Apolline, and wish you the best of luck in your future career!