Alumni dreams #244

During his final year of high school, Thomas explored various study options, mostly focusing on natural sciences, as that was his academic track. However, when he came across the International Studies program, it immediately caught his attention. After attending the open day, he felt an instant connection with both the program’s content and the other students. Following his gut feeling, Thomas chose this path, which turned out to be the perfect decision! He decided to focus on Europe, as he wanted to continue learning French and deepen his understanding of the European Union.

For his thesis, Thomas explored “The Influence of the German Media on the Public Energiewende Debate through Framing and Narratives.” Inspired by his minor in Sustainable Development, he examined how media narratives shaped the public discussion around Germany’s energy transition.

One of his most rewarding experiences was conducting fieldwork in the Philippines, where Thomas researched how agricultural insurance could help alleviate poverty in rural communities affected by natural disasters. This allowed him to apply the interdisciplinary skills he had gained through International Studies.

The most valuable aspect of the program for him was the diversity of perspectives shared by students and teachers, which taught Thomas to see the world through different lenses and strengthened his critical thinking skills.

After graduating, Thomas pursued a master's in Governance of Sustainability, completed an internship at the Dutch Embassy in Helsinki, and now works as a renewable energy advisor at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. He feels fulfilled contributing to the energy transition and witnessing progress firsthand.

He offers some advice to current students: enjoy your time in The Hague! The friendships and connections you make are just as important as your academic achievements. Follow your own path and stay motivated.

We cannot agree more Thomas, and it’s great to see you put your efforts into making the world a better place to live in!

Alumni dreams #260

Juan Francisco Minetto was drawn to the BA International Studies program because of its interdisciplinary approach, combining economics, politics, and culture. His passion for European integration and good governance made Europe the natural choice for his regional focus. He admired the European Union’s achievements in fostering cooperation and transparency, which aligned with his academic and professional aspirations.

For his thesis, Juan tackled a complex and timely topic: the differing responses of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to the 2001 Argentine Crisis and the 2010 Greek Crisis. Titled Understanding the Inequality of Treatment of the IMF: What Explains the Different Responses of the IMF to the Argentine and Greek Crises?, his research explored economic analysis errors, the influence of major global actors like the U.S. and the EU, and the IMF’s reputational concerns. He took great pride in the depth of his analysis and the knowledge he gained throughout the writing process.

During his time in BA IS, Juan developed valuable skills that would serve him well in his career. He honed his ability to conduct rigorous research and write analytically, essential tools for working in policy and governance. Additionally, he learned to speak French, further broadening his international competencies.

After graduating in 2019, Juan returned to Argentina and began working for Nuestra Mendoza, a civil society organization focused on good governance and transparency. His commitment to these values led him to a position at the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C., where he currently works in the Department for Effective Public Management. His role involves implementing projects related to civil identity, a key aspect of good governance and public administration.

While working at OAS, Juan decided to further strengthen his policymaking expertise by pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at Georgetown University. He recognized that deepening his knowledge in this field would allow him to grow professionally and contribute even more effectively to his work in public management.

Reflecting on his journey, Juan encourages current and prospective BA IS students to engage in student life and join organizations, something he regrets not doing more of during his time at university. His career path is a testament to the impact of passion and dedication in the field of governance and international affairs.

We applaud Juan’s achievements and his dedication to transparency and accountability—keep up the great work!

Alumni dreams #276

During her final year of high school, Christine Heck felt that she didn’t know enough about the world and wanted to deepen her understanding of global politics, history, and culture. When she discovered the BA International Studies program, the idea of studying alongside more than 70 nationalities immediately appealed to her. She chose the Europe/EU region—though she was also tempted by Latin America—and later completed an internship at a German political foundation in Santiago de Chile, giving her the best of both worlds.

For her thesis, “ERASMUS – A Tool for Europeanization?”, Christine explored how cross-border academic exchange shapes both European and national identities. Her research argued that cultural exchange does not weaken national identity; instead, it often strengthens it by allowing individuals to better understand their own perspectives. In today’s political climate, marked by rising far-right sentiment and hostility toward minorities, she believes programs like ERASMUS are more essential than ever.

Throughout her time in International Studies, Christine refined her academic English, broadened her worldview through intercultural exchange, and even learned a third language—one she later used professionally during her internship. What she values most are the critical thinking skills she developed, especially the ability to recognize personal biases and remain open to differing viewpoints during discussions.

After graduating in 2019, Christine took a gap year to explore her interests and worked at the German political news station Phoenix to test whether journalism could be her path. Ultimately, she decided to pursue an MSc in Crisis and Security Management at Leiden University, drawn back by the positive experiences of her bachelor years—even amid the challenges of COVID-19 and virtual classrooms.

Within a year of completing her master’s, Christine began working as a public sector consultant in the Defense and Security field at Deloitte Consulting in Germany. In this role, she continues to expand her expertise and contribute to topics that have real societal impact, supported by the global network of one of the “Big Four.”

Christine encourages current students to stay motivated—even when certain topics feel challenging—as each course broadens their understanding of global affairs. And for those considering the program, she wholeheartedly recommends it, especially for its diverse community and The Hague’s unique international environment.