We have created a new online tool to help you work out your future plans, and you can register for the International Studies study information course on Brightspace now!

Choosing an area and a language is a very important moment for students in their first year of International Studies. The Programme Board of International Studies was curious to learn more about what influences students’ decisions in this regard. We also wanted to find out if there is more the programme can do to assist. That is why we asked our first-year students about their choice through a survey. An impressive total of 217 students responded (many thanks to all!). Below you will find an overview of the results.

325 students received their Bachelor’s Diploma of International Studies on 30 August 2019. The students received their diplomas in the historic Pieterskerk in Leiden, in front of a large audience of family and friends. With more than 1100 people present, including 325 graduates, this was the largest graduation ceremony of the programme since its founding in 2012

On 1 September 2023, 280 students received their Bachelor Diploma of International Studies. The students were awarded their diplomas in the historic Pieterskerk in Leiden: the UNESCO world heritage site, where the university was originally founded in 1575. A large audience of about 700 people consisting of friends, family, and staff members gathered to celebrate the graduates’ achievements in a joyful atmosphere.

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 article we talked to Salman Tahir. He shares his intercultural experiences at the Hansen Summer Institute on Leadership and International Cooperation

Each year a lot of effort is being put into getting you to fill out the National Student Survey (NSE). In the past you were offered apples, biscuits and this year it includes a donation to charity and if you are lucky a coffee card. You may wonder why that is.

Are you excited about International Studies and would you like to share your knowledge and experiences with prospective students? Would you like to participate in Open Days and other events? If so, you might have what it takes to be a student ambassador for the BA programme International Studies in The Hague!

What does life look like after International Studies? For Chris Colijn who graduated in 2018, it involves working on his Master’s in Russian and Eurasian Studies, in combination with a bustling traineeship for “Raam of Rusland”, a think tank, focusing on Russian and Ukrainian politics, economy and culture. How does he do it? In this interview, he elaborates.

Are you a social media whiz with a passion for building communities? We’re looking for a student assistant in social media and community building to manage the International Studies Instagram account and help us build a strong community of students and staff!