This year the programme board is joined by two new students, second-year student Svetlana Panova and third-year student Lotte Hasekamp. Below are their introductions. We look forward to welcoming their contributions!
New BA International Studies Chair, Dr. Joost Augusteijn looks ahead to a period marked by renewal - a restructured programme, new challenges in staffing and the shared task of maintaining quality with fewer hands.
On Friday 29 August 2025, 370 students received their Bachelor's degree in International Studies. The diplomas were awarded in the historic setting of the Pieterskerk in Leiden. Family members, friends, and staff gathered to celebrate this joyous occasion with the graduates in a packed Pieterskerk.
This year marked the celebration of Leiden University’s 450th anniversary, and on February 7, the BAIS Alumni Association, in collaboration with BASIS The Hague, proudly hosted a special BAIS Alumni Reunion to honour the #450 Dies Natalis.
Ana Oleart came to The Hague from Barcelona to study for her bachelor's degree in International Studies. After completing no fewer than two master's degrees at Leiden University, she now works in the HR department of a large hotel chain.
During his bachelor's programme in International Studies, Tom de Groot became fascinated by the theme of peace and security. Now he designs and moderates training courses to help professionals develop further in this field.
What's life like after International Studies? An interesting question for many current students of International Studies, and one that you can answer! We would love to feature your story on our Instagram Account. Get in touch with us!
What is more important: nature or nurture? Scientists have been grappling with this puzzle for over a century. Recently, a different take on this important puzzle has been offered by investigators. Are we what our genes dictate us to be, or are we what our environment offers us, in order to become who we are? The debate has been conducted in the form of opposite schools of thought. You either belong in the camp of nature or nurture. With the advent of increasingly sophisticated DNA techniques, nature appeared to be winning.
As Prof. dr. Isabelle Duyvesteyn concludes three dynamic years as Chair of the International Studies programme, she takes a moment to reflect on the journey—one marked by collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to students. Read the full farewell message and look back on a term of leadership, growth, and gratitude.
In April, the BA IS Latin America section hosted a thought-provoking panel on the mounting challenges to democracy in the region. International Studies teacher Juliët Tinebra provides a concise recap of the event and its key takeaways.
