High teaching quality is the main priority of the International Studies bachelor. This is why we have a unique system of evaluating the tutorials as they are running, the so-called midterm evaluations, in addition to the regular course evaluations at the end of the semester. As the tutorial system is one of the corner stones of the programme, tutorials are thoroughly prepared before the start of the semester by lecturers, tutors, and support staff together to guarantee quality.

It’s with relief but also confidence and some pride that we can close off the 2020-2021 academic year. Relief that we made it, confidence that we can handle just about anything, and pride in the enormous commitment from everybody – students and staff – to keep the International Studies show on the road.

The goal of alumnus International Studies Dennis Jansen (24) is to make the voice of young people heard in the climate debate. In November he is going to el-Sheikh in Egypt, where the Climate Change Conference is being held.

What does the Dutch Ministry of Defence do to fight climate change? And what is Alumna Charlotte van Gemeren’s Role in this? We spoke with Charlotte (class of 2016) and asked her about what’s it like to do a traineeship for the Dutch Government (and how to get in), the lessons learned at International Studies and her advice to make the most out of your student time.

Gijs Zebregts had just graduated from International Studies when he was stricken with acute leukaemia. A stem cell donor brought relief. Now he is going to cycle from Florence to Rotterdam to raise money and awareness for the donor bank.

Academic and personal challenges were met, new insights were gained, valuable skills were acquired and friendships were formed: this year’s edition of PRINS was an experience that everybody involved will remember for a long time. All of this and more came up during the closing ceremony of the International Studies PRINS consultancy course for third-year students.

In your third year at International Studies, you have various options to choose from to fill your Elective credits (30 EC). You can choose between a minor, an internship, or studying abroad. We have listed some typical characteristics of each option in order to kick-start your decision making process.

In their first semester, International Studies students choose one of the 8 areas that the programme offers, with an accompanying language. Which factors play a role in their decision? A student survey amongst first year students in April 2022 gave interesting insights into the mechanisms at play.

Leiden bachelor's student of International Studies Thomas wrote a text that was read out this year in the UN Security Council by the Netherlands representative. How did he manage that?

On this page you find practical information regarding teaching in the BA International Studies.