Alumni dreams #278

Marell chose International Studies after spending a year as a high school exchange student in South Korea in 2018–2019. That experience confirmed two things for her: she wanted to study abroad, and she wanted to continue learning about Asia and the Korean language. During her time in Korea, she also realised that she hoped her future career would allow her to combine representing her home country, Estonia, with building connections to Asian nations. When she found a programme that brought together international disciplines with an in-depth regional focus on Asia, it immediately felt like the right place for her.

For her bachelor’s thesis, Marell explored South Korean democratic identity through protest photography. Her thesis, titled The Visual Evolution of South Korean Democratic Identity: From Gwangju’s Minjung to Candlelight’s Simin, focused on photographs from two pivotal moments in South Korean history: the 1980 Gwangju Uprising and the 2016–2017 Candlelight Protests. Through these images, she analysed how South Korean democratic identity evolved from a collective, resistance-based minjung identity to a more individual simin identity, marked by more organised, visible, and institutionalised forms of civic participation. Her research showed how protest photography does not only record historical events, but also helps shape collective memory across generations.

During her studies, Marell also became a Resident Assistant in her DUWO dormitory, an experience that helped her develop skills in event planning, communication, and problem-solving. She was often one of the first people new students met when moving to The Hague, and she found it fulfilling to welcome them during what was often their first experience living abroad and independently. Together with other Resident Assistants, she organised common room events that helped students make friends and feel more at home. The role also gave her the opportunity to follow trainings in areas such as first aid, mental health, and student support.

One of the most valuable things Marell took away from BA IS was the programme’s multidisciplinary focus. It gave her a strong foundation in many different fields connected to international studies, while also allowing her to combine regional expertise with language learning. For her, this combination was especially valuable, as it is rare to find a programme in Europe that offers both. She also developed important academic skills, particularly in studying, writing, and language learning, while gaining a broader understanding of her regional area.

After graduating in 2025, Marell moved to Sweden to pursue a Master’s in Asian Studies at Lund University. Having set herself the childhood goal of living in as many countries as possible, moving to a new country felt like a natural next step. Her Master’s allows her to explore Asian politics and economics in greater depth, building on the foundation she gained during BA IS. Alongside her studies, she became Vice-President of the East Asian Student Association, where she learned more about leadership, teamwork, and event organisation.

Marell is also continuing to gain experience connected to her future goals. She has taught Korean online, remained active in the Estonian Student Youth Network, and will complete an internship this summer at the Asia Bureau of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This marks an important step toward her dream career in diplomacy.

To current and prospective BA IS students, Marell’s advice is to keep an open mind toward all the fields the programme introduces, as you never know what may become useful later. She also encourages students to enjoy student life, try out different associations, and make the most of the international community around them.

We are cheering you on as you continue this exciting journey, Marell!