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Leiden University. The University to discover.
Faculty of Humanities
International Studies Bachelor of Arts
-
2internationalstudies.leiden.edu
Leiden UniversityStimulating programmes, international contacts and personal mentoring in a lively
student city. This is what Leiden University can offer you. You will be taught by
lecturers who draw their inspiration from pioneering research and compelling social
issues. You will learn to unravel complex issues and to create innovative solutions. In
short, Leiden University will challenge you to develop your talents to the utmost. By
the end of your study period you will have acquired the skills and knowledge needed
to play an inspiring leadership role in the Netherlands or internationally.
Visit us!
Orientation Day: 10 March 2012
Study Festival: 22 October 2011
Open Days: end November 2011 and end
April 2012
Last Minute Leiden: 22 June 2012
At internationalstudies.leiden.edu you will fi nd further information about all our
information activities, including the exact dates.
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Studying International Studies at Leiden University
Table of Contents
Introducing International Studies 4 Study in short 5 Student profi le 5 Why International Studies 6 Requirements 7
Interdisciplinary, comparative area studies degree 8 Areas and languages 9 First year programme 10 Second/third year programme 11 International aspects 13
The start of a great career 16 Masters programmes 17 Career information 19
Best of both cities 20 Leiden 21 The Hague 21 Contact us 23
3
Intro
Study
Future
The city
Photos: UFB Photo & Digital, Marc
de Haan, John Brussel, Den Haag
Marketing.
This brochure has been compiled
with the utmost care; nevertheless it is
possible that information has changed
by now and the information in this
brochure is not binding. The most up
to date information can be found at
www.internationalstudies.leiden.edu
August 2011
-
4International Studies:
4
We are going to create a real international classroom, to the extent that no one nationality
will dominate. Not only are the students international, but the lecturers are, too.
Richard Griffi ths, director International Studies
-
5Study in short We live in a rapidly changing world where
developments and events have ramifi cations
that stretch far beyond national and regional
borders. In this globalising world, regions and
countries will increasingly have to cooperate
on a global level. However, each region has its
own background, its own unique history and
culture. When operating in a global environ-
ment, it is essential to understand and appre-
ciate these political, economic, historical and
cultural differences.
International Studies aims to study the relati-
ons between these regions and its impact on
the world. The BA in International Studies
will encourage the emergence of a new gene-
ration of undergraduates better equipped to
understand, and to contribute to, the world
in which we live.
Discover the World
Student profi le If you want to start International Studies, you
need to have an open mind and respect for
different political views and cultural approa-
ches. You also have an interest in exploring
foreign cultures in a contemporary context
- not in isolation but in an international
setting.
Since we have an international student po-
pulation, our students feel relaxed in foreign
cultures and enjoy to study in an internatio-
nal environment. Besides this, you also have
a clear and wide interest in world history,
international relations, different cultures and
languages. Profi ciency in English is a require-
ment, since all classes are taught in English.
The Bachelor International Studies degree teaches you to put the
world in perspective by studying a world region. Do you have an open
mind and are you interested in languages and area studies? Then
International Studies just might be the right study for you.
5
International Studies is registered as Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges, BA International Studies (code 50429). You need this information for your application.
Tip Learning Dutch
Intro International Studies in short
If you are interested in the language and culture of the country you will be living in for three years, why not study its language? Our Academic Language Centre provides Dutch courses for foreign students. These courses focus on all language skills: speaking, writing, listening and reading. The courses are practi-cal and are aimed at using the language on a daily basis. Learning Dutch will help you get a better understanding of the culture of the Netherlands.
-
Why International Studies?
Fascinated by foreign countries but want to
know more? Addicted to international news
and events but feel a need for deeper under-
standing? The new International Studies de-
gree offers you a unique combination of area
studies, placed in an international setting and
provides the opportunity to learn a foreign
language. After a semester of broad intro-
duction, you choose from one of nine world
areas in which to specialise. You analyse the
area of choice from cultural, economic, histo-
rical and political perspectives and compare
them within an international perspective.
This degree is unique in the Netherlands.
International Our complete study programme is taught
in English. You become a part of a gen-
uine international classroom with fellow
students from all over the world. Not only
our students are international, so are our
lecturers. You go to classes in The Hague, the
international city of Peace and Justice. Our
classes are a unique combination of current
affairs, language acquisition and a focus on
the acquired knowledge in academic festivals
instead of only examinations.
Top Faculty of Humanities You receive a degree of the Faculty of Huma-
nities, one of the top faculties in continental
Europe. The faculty has a longstanding
expertise in fi elds including philosophy, reli-
gious studies, history, art history, literature,
linguistics and area studies, covering practi-
cally the entire world.
6
Typical D
ay
of
08.00 I wake up and jump on my bike. At Leiden Central Station I take a
quick stop for a Starbucks coffee,
my favourite.
08.30 Just in time to catch the train to The Hague, just a 12 minute ride.
In the meanwhile I scan the free
news paper for news we can use in
class today.
09.00 I arrive at Confi guring the World class together with my fellow
students, some of them live in The
Hague.
11.00 Time for Global History class. Globalisation appears to be nothing
new.
15.00 Tutorial with fellow students pre-paring our paper on the Clash of
Civilizations.
20.00 Its my turn to make dinner for me and my friends. Shall I make a
pasta dish or Dutch pancakes?
22.00 Rehearse my presentation in tomorrows class academic English.
Im confi dent Ill do well.
23.30 Time to sleep. Or maybe just another quick drink with my
friends?
St A fi rst year student
Globalisation of the world economy is not new, but is continually advancing. The interests of transnational companies reach beyond national loyalties and outreach that of many countries. Some curious facts (from 2006) on Gross National Incomes (GNI) and corporate wealth:- Thailands GNI was exceeded by General
Motors sales revenue - Bolivias GNI was exceeded by British
Airways sales revenue- The sales revenue of Wal-Mart stores was
close to the Gross National Income (GNI) of Indonesia, the worlds third most populous country, and exceeded the combined GNI of the poorest 49 states.
Why does this matter?
Source: The State of the World Atlas, eighth edition, Myriad Editions, 2008.
- 43% of people in the world live in establis-hed democracies
- Until the 1990s, most Central and South American countries experienced extended periods of military rule and civil war
- Of the 20 states at the top of the UN Human Development Index, all are established democracies
- Of the 20 states at the bottom of the UN Human Development Index, only two are established democracies.
How can this happen?
Source: The State of the World Atlas, eighth edition, Myriad Editions, 2008.
Globalisation
Democracy
-
International Studies offers you the knowledge to discover the world. For example, you learn to study
the cause and effect of:
the Euro crisis
Arab spring: the 2010-2011 Middle East and North Africa protests
the death of Osama Bin Laden
Japans nuclear crisis
deforestation of the Amazon region
Europes dependence of Eurasian oil and gas supplies
the infl uence of the US presidential elections on the rest of the world
.
Discover the world
7
Admission requirements
Dutch students You will be admitted to the Bachelors pro-
gramme in International Studies if you are in
the possession of:
- A VWO diploma or equivalent and
profi ciency in English, with no further
requirements of your subject cluster
- A fi rst-year or fi nal diploma from a higher
professional (HBO) institution
- A fi rst-year or fi nal diploma from a
university programme
Dutch applicants with a VWO-diploma are
automatically admitted to the programme.
Non-Dutch students Leiden University determines admission
based on educational background/diplomas
and language requirements. Non-native
speakers of English must have a reasonable
level of profi ciency in English. International
applicants are requested to submit an English
profi ciency test with their application, howe-
ver exemptions can be made. Scores from the
following tests are accepted: IELTS, TOEFL
and Cambridge Certifi cate of Profi ciency
in English. Admission to the programme is
organised by the Universitys Admissions Of-
fi ce. After offi cial notifi cation of admission,
this offi ce will help you in obtaining living
accommodation and visa (if applicable).
Go to internationalstudies.leiden.edu for full
information on the application procedure,
(language) requirements and approved
school qualifi cations.
Leiden study systemStudying calls for a lot of adjustment. This is
why we offer you intensive personal super-
vision.
In the fi rst year you will study as part of a
small group of students in a tutor group. This
small-group environment will enable you to
practise your academic skills, from making a
presentation to compiling a literature list. You
will be assigned a personal mentor, generally
the lecturer of your tutor group. You will
have regular interviews with your mentor to
discuss the planning and progress of your
studies, and he or she will monitor your pro-
gress throughout the study programme. The
Intro International Studies in short
department also has a study adviser whom
you can contact if you have any study-related
questions or problems.
In the course of your fi rst year you will re-
ceive offi cial advice on your study on three
occasions: in January, in the spring and
after any exams and re-sits in August. You
will be given a postponed positive recom-
mendation if you have obtained at least 40
of the 60 study points needed. Provided you
meet this requirement, you may conti-
nue your studies at Leiden University. In
making this recommendation, we naturally
take into account any relevant personal
circumstances.
Even after your fi rst year, you continue to
receive support in the form of monito-
ring of your study progress. You will, for
instance, make a study plan together with
your study adviser, detailing the subjects
you still have to take, any electives you are
intending to follow and any other plans you
may have, such as studying abroad. This
shows you whether you have planned too
many or too few subjects, and whether you
are still on schedule.
-
Study a region of the world
Leiden has a lot of knowledge about regions and languages available! Nearly every
continent will be discussed here.
Marianne Wiesebron, lecturer International Studies
8
-
from different angles
Areas and languages In the course of the programme, you focus
on a particular world area and study its
cultural, political, economical and historical
aspects, and put all of this in a global context.
Language acquisition of (at least) one of
the areas main languages is essential to the
degree, as a tool of communication and to
study the area from within. You learn to study
regions in their own right and within a global
and comparative perspective.
The fi rst semester is common for all students,
and after this you will choose an area for
further specialisation, and a corresponding
language for study.
The study programme guarantees the key
languages for each area (indicated in normal
type), but will offer more (indicated in ita-
lics) if there is suffi cient demand. Moreover,
if possible, students may attend language
classes with other students at the Leiden
campus.
Interdisciplinary comparative area studies The academic programme is designed around
three elements:
Core courses that introduce disciplinary
concepts and analyse the international set-
ting
Area courses that analyse the situation in
a selected region from a disciplinary, and
increasingly interdisciplinary, perspective
Language courses that prepare students for
access to the cultural context in the relevant
language.
The core concepts, ideas and methods are ta-
ken from four broad disciplinary approaches:
History - mostly modern history
Cultural Studies - modern cultural pheno-
mena in their societal settings
Economics - and the concepts from Inter-
national Political Economy
Political Science - and Sociology and An-
thropology
The Bachelor International Studies degree has a three year
study programme. The degree is taught and examined entirely
in English. International Studies degree offers a unique combination
of comparative area studies and foreign language acquisition.
9Study More about the programme
Area Foreign Language East Asia Chinese, Japanese
(Korean)
Latin America Spanish (Portuguese)
Middle East Arabic (Persian,
Turkish)
North America French, Spanish
Russia and Eurasia Russian
South Asia Hindi
Southern Africa Afrikaans (Swahili)
South-East Asia Indonesian, Spanish
Western Europe Dutch, French,
Spanish (Italian,
Portuguese)
-
First year: fi rst semester The fi rst semester is common for all students,
and after this you will choose an area for
further specialisation and a corresponding
language for study. During the fi rst semester,
students take the following courses:
Confi guring the WorldThe world is an exciting and diverse place and
no two areas are ever the same. But even within
areas, there are differences between regions and
between groups of citizens. These differences
are often described on the basis of numerical
measurements, usually aggregated at some
higher level. But even if the numbers carry the
same name and classifi cation, what do they
actually measure and are they strictly compa-
rable? This course examines various aspects of
the world through the medium of global data
bases and encourages students to (critically)
compare experiences in an attractive and com-
prehensible format. As the course develops, we
10
The structure of the Bachelors programme
will use some statistical techniques to combine
and manipulate the data sets, in order to see
if there are causal links between the different
phenomena examined and to suggest directi-
ons in which that causation may run.
Global HistoryThis course traces the development and
interaction between cultures over a period of
seven centuries, highlighting the stories and
themes in world history that tied cultures and
regions together, and in some cases, drove
them apart. To some extent it suggests that the
phenomenon of globalisation is not unique to
the most recent past and - in contrast to some
hyperglobalist rhetoric - it will suggest that
the effects were often far from benign.
Introduction to Area StudiesAll scholarly work in the social sciences and
humanities necessarily focuses on one or
more socio-historic areas. However, it is also
important for scholars to be self-refl exive
about the importance of their own position
in a particular place and tradition: no re-
search is done in an ideal, value-free vacuum.
Even the most conventional, mainstream
disciplines are rooted in particular (often Eu-
ropean) experiences. The course encourages
students to consider the status of knowledge
produced in different fi elds and places, and
to think creatively about how these might be
related to one another in constructive ways.
Introduction to Areas This course will introduce students to some
of the problems facing various areas and the
challenge in studying them. Lectures will be
supported and accompanied by various mu-
sic, fi lm, television and other media examples.
Introduction to Academic EnglishThe academic English course is aimed at
improving academic writing and presenting
skills in English. In the academic writing tu-
torials the focus will be on structure, clarity,
coherence and cohesion as well as referen-
cing, and how to avoid plagiarism. Where ne-
cessary, the tutor will go into the fi ner points
of English grammar. Students will also learn
to set up an academic presentation. Topics
such as presentation structure and signpos-
ting, the use of presenter tools and, where
necessary, pronunciation will be dealt with.
During the course students will peer-review
each others written and oral work, and they
will receive thorough feedback from their
course tutor. The ultimate aim of the course
is to make students self-suffi cient in writing
and presenting in English.
Y3-sem ii
Y3-sem i
Y2-sem ii
Y2-sem i
Y1-sem ii
Y1-sem i
ThesisSeminar
AdvancedTheory
Elective
Discretionary space
Thesis
Elective
Politics
Philosophyof Science
WorldHistory
Inter-nationalCulturalStudies
Inter-national
Economics
Economics
ConfiguringThe World
Introductionto Area studiesand the Areas
AcademicEnglish
CulturalStudies
Economics
Inter-nationalPolitics
History Foreign Language
Foreign LanguageCulture
Politics Elective ForeignLanguage
BA International Studies per semester
-
11
First year: second semesterOnce the second semester starts, the core
disciplines, the areas and the foreign language
training start to interact. You choose an area
for further specialisation and a correspon-
ding language for study.
The second semester starts with area courses
for history, focusing mainly on post-war
developments. These courses build on the
world history course in the fi rst semester.
At the same time, the core courses begin to
address the concepts, theories and methods
involved in both economics and in cultural
studies. Another core course in this semester
is Philosophy of Science, which addresses
broader questions on the nature of know-
ledge and the means for testing it in different
cultural settings. Finally, students embark on
their language training.
Second and third year programme The second year of the study programme
consists of area courses on the area of your
choice - studying political, economical and
cultural approaches - core courses and langu-
age training. During your third and fi nal year
you do research and write your Bachelors
thesis. In the sixth and fi nal semester students
take part in one of the thesis seminars, which
bring students with closely aligned thesis
topics together. You will be required to place
the thesis in an international comparative
context.
Nowhere in the world will you fi nd such an outstanding Faculty of Humanities as in Leiden. All the dif-
ferent area studies are represented here, but up to now all these areas were very separate and you studied
one area or the other, and not specifi cally in an international context. We are now going to tackle this
differently. What we offer in this degree programme is the perspective of international comparison in a
fully interdisciplinary framework. Such an approach is not offered anywhere else. We are going to create
a real international classroom, to the extent that no one nationality will dominate. This will mean that
you always have the opportunity for critical refl ection, and you will also learn to make comparisons on
the basis of more than just your own experiences. In the beginning, it is perhaps quite rigidly organised.
We did this on purpose. Comparison between disciplines such as history and politics is really important
in this degree programme. If students put together their own programmes, they will miss the oppor-
tunity to compare and to learn from their fellow students. Not only are the students international, but
the lecturers are, too. I am British but have been living in the Netherlands for a long time now. I think
its fantastic here and Leiden really is a wonderful town. Well-motivated students and a high level of
education. And so many great museums. I am practically addicted to my museum card!
Prof.dr. Richard Griffi ths, Director International Studies
There is also room for an elective, minor
programme, additional language training or
an internship or academic course abroad in
the fi nal year. You can fi nd the full academic
programme on our website
internationalstudies.leiden.edu.
Study More about the programme
-
12
Typical D
ay
of
08.30 Breakfast with my fellow students at universitys caf in The Hague
09.00 Lively discussion in this mornings Comparative Politics class focusing
on the current situation in the
relationship between India and
China.
11.00 Ethnicity, diversity, migration of South East Asia class.
13.00 Discussion during lunch on our paper on modern Indonesian
History. Its due next week, Ill
prepare the next version.
15.00 Language course Indonesian. By now, these classes are taught in
Indonesian.
17.00 Dinner at one of The Hagues terraces near the Dutch Parliament
building.
19.00 Rowing practice in Leiden at my student association.
21.00 Practice my pronunciation with native speakers of the large
Indonesian community in The
Hague.
23.00 Work on my blog and read up on Facebook. And then some sleep.
St A second year student with
South East Asia as region of interest
Course examples
Starting your second semester you choose an area for further specialisation. In your second
and third year you study its historical, political, cultural and economic perspectives. Lets look
more closely at two examples:
Middle East History
1. The new World order
2. Authoritarian reformers in the
Interbellum
3. Womens Rights
4. World War II and the struggle for
independence
5. New Players: the cold war
6. Oil Politics
7. Egyptian leadership: pan-arabism and
islam
8. Zionism and the Israeli-Palestinian
confl ict
9. Intifadas and the peace process
10. The Islamic Revolution in Iran
11. Islam and Secularism: the Turkish State
12. Political Islam and the Arab Spring
Latin America Politics
1. The colonial experience
2. Decolonisation and state formation
3. Socio-economic foundations of politics
4. The tradition of authoritarianism: a
comparative overview
5. 1980s: from dictatorship to democracy?
6. Political dynamics: democracy and
populism a comparative analysis
7. Political institutions: presidents and
parliaments a comparative analysis
8. Political economy: democracy and
poverty a comparative analysis
9. Regional cooperation
10. A geo-strategic backyard: Relations with
the United States
11. Current issues and future challenges
-
13
International aspects On more than one level International Studies
is an internationally oriented Bachelor
degree.
The study programme is taught and exa-
mined in English, which attracts foreign
students. You will therefore be part of a tight
group of international students. The study
programme is also fi lled with international
aspects. We regularly invite guest speakers
from international organisations in the
Netherlands and abroad, but also think of
international fi lms during your area courses
or going on organised tours to international
organisations in the Netherlands. In the fi nal
year of your degree, you have the opportunity
to travel abroad by doing or an internship or
an academic course at a partner university
outside of the Netherlands.
Study More about the programme
-
14
Facilities and Student Support ServicesLeiden University offers a wide range of
facilities to support you in your study, but also
to make your time as a student as enjoyable as
possible. The University has one central library,
and many faculties and departments also have
their own dedicated libraries. Computer rooms
are available at the faculties, the University Li-
brary and Plexus Student Centre. Students can
also bring their own laptop to most computer
rooms where wireless internet is available. Fur-
thermore, the University offers a sports centre,
a language centre, a student careers centre, and
many other amenities.
As a student of Leiden University, you will also
have access to various support services specially
designed to assist students. Some of the servi-
ces, such as the International Student Adviser,
offer support particularly aimed at interna-
tional students. At the faculties, you can, for
example, receive support from co-ordinators
and study advisers. Special assistance is also of-
fered for student with a disability. You can fi nd
information on all the facilities and support
services available at: www.leiden.edu/students.
-
15
Study and Student AssociationsStudy associations are for students from a
particular degree course; they focus on the
academic aspects of student life and organize
course-related activities, such as lectures,
seminars, fi eld trips or excursions.
The main focus of student associations is on
social events such as drinks, sports activities,
lectures, camp weeks, etc. Many of the asso-
ciations offer you the opportunity to develop
your organisational skills to complement
your academic curriculum and to extend
your social network.
There are Dutch-oriented student associa-
tions, some of which offer also short-term
membership for international students.
The fi ve main ones are Augustinus, Catena,
Minerva, Quintus and SSR. As well as these
associations, there are also religious student
associations active in Leiden including Chris-
tian, Islamic and Jewish organisations. Some
student associations focus on specifi c cultural
activities. One of these, Prometheus, focuses
on cultural activities ranging from lectures
and music to theatre and movies. For more
information about student life, please visit
www.leiden.edu/students.
International Studies brings together the expertise of the Faculty of Humanities in one degree
programme. There is a huge amount of regional and language knowledge present in this depart-
ment! Almost all continents are covered, and that is unique not only in the Netherlands but also
when compared with universities around the world. I believe that such a degree programme could
only get off the ground in Leiden. However, besides study possibilities this town has much more
to offer internationally-oriented students, such as numerous museums and international student
associations, for example. Leiden is a small city, which makes it easy to get around. When I have
guests from Latin America they are always surprised but delighted not to need a car here. In a city
such as So Paulo, where I spent a large part of my childhood, you cannot go anywhere on foot or
by bike. Other backgrounds and other environments lead to very diverse perspectives. Our stu-
dents are able to experience this for themselves, as they can spend a semester in their area. We will
compare the different regions because, although there are many differences in the world, there are
also comparable developments in each period. This is what we are going to deal with in this degree
programme, and as a lecturer I am defi nitely looking forward to it.
dr. Marianne Wiesebron, Lecturer International Studies
Study More about the programme
There is one main international student as-sociation active in Leiden: the International Student Network. www.isn-leiden.nlThere are a further two internationally orien-tated organisations: SIB & AEGEE Leiden.
Tip International
-
16
Leiden University - Faculty of Humanities The BA International Studies degree is of-
fered by a top international faculty in a top
international university. Leiden University
is the oldest and possibly most renowned
of the universities in the Netherlands and
is a member of Europaeum (a group of ten
leading international universities) and the
League of European Research Universities.
Leiden University performs well in QS World
University rankings. In 2010 it was ranked
82nd in the world and 15th in continental
Europe. The Humanities Faculty fared better
still, ranked 38th in the World and 8th in
Continental Europe. The 2011 QS World
University Rankings for Arts & Humanities
place Leiden Universitys Humanities Faculty
among the best in the world and at the top in
continental Europe.
-
17Study More about the programme
Masters programmes The Faculty of Humanities offers a full range
of English-language Masters degrees, some
of which are unique in the Netherlands.
Many of these will be open to graduates in
International Studies, but some may have
additional or supplementary requirements
that may be met by choosing a specifi c minor
during the third year of the BA programme.
Examples of Masters programmes at the
Faculty of Humanities:
Dutch Studies (Master of Arts)
European Union Studies (Master of Arts)
Latin America Studies (Master of Arts)
Russian Studies (Master of Arts)
African Studies (two year Research Master)
For a full overview of all Masters
programmes at Leiden University, please visit
www.mastersinleiden.nl.
In my home country Azerbaijan I was active in an international students association, focusing on the-
mes such as integration, human rights and European values. After fi nishing my BA at home, I decided
to do a Masters degree abroad. I compared British, German and Dutch universities and chose Leiden
University. Leidens faculty of Humanities is an internationally acclaimed faculty. There is a high level
of academic teaching. I joined a group of over 80 international students from more than 20 countries
such as China and the USA when starting my Masters in Leiden in September.
I enjoy living in Leiden a lot. Its a cosy monumental city with many parks. I especially like the fact
that you can get everywhere on your bike. I am not a big fan of long travels on public transport. Often
on weekends, me and my friends go for a bike tour through Leiden and have a picnic in the botanical
garden.
Prof. Griffi ths, founder and director of BA International Studies was an important factor in opting for
Leiden, for me and most of my fellow students. He and his team are dedicated to their students. Their
approach of personal attention and a close community of students has great appeal.
Aysel Gojayeva (21), Master student European Union Studies
The worlds population is growing rapidly, but the urban population is growing even faster. New urbanisation is largely concentrated in the developing countries. - 50% of the worlds people live in cities- The number of urban dwellers in Asia will
increase to 1.084 million people by 2030- In the United States of America at least
40% of people live in cities of over 1 million inhabitants
- There were 1.4 billion more urban dwellers in 2005 than in 1980.
This trend is continuing. How will we cope?
Source: The State of the World Atlas, eighth edition, Myriad Editions, 2008.
Urbanisation
-
18
The start of a great career in
With a combination of general and regional knowledge and skills, our students will be an
interesting prospect in journalism, the diplomatic services and also in business.
Frank Pieke, Lecturer International Studies
-
In this degree programme you do not just learn to look at the world from a general perspective. In the
second semester you choose which specifi c area you wish to focus on. Then you will go more deeply
into the language and culture. What kinds of issues will be covered? The really big issues in the world:
safety, environment and migration, you name it. The degree programme is of a very international
nature, which will enable you to develop highly important skills such as discussing and writing papers in
English. You will also fi nd yourself among international students. This means that at an early stage you
will learn to appreciate how big and culturally rich the world is. With such a combination of general and
regional knowledge and skills, our students will be an interesting prospect in journalism and the diplo-
matic services but also in business. Our students really will be prepared for an international career. The
general aim is that you will spread your wings after graduating. Or rather during the degree programme,
because in the third year there will be a whole wealth of internship opportunities. Of course, it is always
a matter of waiting to see where students on a new degree programme end up. However, I fi rmly believe
they will play a role in bridging the gap between world cultures.
Prof.dr. Frank Pieke, Lecturer International Studies
19Future Career information
the Netherlands or abroad
Career opportunitiesInternational Studies graduates possess inter-
cultural competences and relevant language
skills, which have strong employer appeal
in an increasingly globalised world. The ex-
pertise you can offer is vitally important in a
wide range of employment sectors including
government, business and commerce, diplo-
macy, communications and the media.
Job opportunities may arise as policy offi cer
international relations at national govern-
ment level or non-governmental organisati-
on, manager in a multinational fi rm or inter-
national trade company, diplomat, journalist
or editor at a newspaper or broadcasting
service, independent consultant on diversity
matters, employee at a museum or publishing
company, adviser on cultural relations or as
international trade offi cer. You also might
move on to academic teaching and research.
As an International Studies graduate you will not only have vocational and
technical skills, but also affi nity with the cultural values of your international
co-workers. This will give you a fl ying start in a great career in business,
science and government organisations in this ever more globalising world.
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You will go to classes in The Hague, the political capital and international City of Peace
and Justice.
20
Best of both cities: Leiden
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21Best of both cities Leiden and The Hague
and The Hague
Student citiesLeiden simply oozes history: the historic Ci-
tadel (Burcht), beautiful classical architecture,
including the Universitys own buildings, and
the many canals give the city its own distinct
atmosphere. The Hague is the epitome of
a large and cosmpolitan city: it is home to
many major businesses and institutions, and
boasts a diverse range of cultures. With their
vibrant city centres, both Leiden and The
Hague are true student cities. You are always
sure to meet a familiar face en route between
the library and lectures. Student activities are
generally focused around the city centre, and
most places can be reached within ten mi-
nutes by bicycle. There are a host of friendly
cafs and reasonably priced restaurants, as
well as a wealth of art and culture.
LeidenWhen starting your BA International Studies,
you can also spend your time in Leiden. Its
restored historic city centre with all of its
monuments, ancient alleyways and canals is
an especially pleasant place to study. Leiden
Study hard, but take the time to relax, too: in Leiden and The Hague there
are ample opportunities for both. Take in the sun on one of the citys
many terraces or overlooking the canals, learn a new sport at the sports
club, or join in one of the activities organised by the student associations.
SportsAre you a sporting type? If so, Leiden is the
ideal place for you. There are dozens of dif-
ferent sports on offer at the University Sport
Centre, ranging from zumba to rugby and
from tennis to volleyball. You can also join
one of the many sports clubs, work out in the
student fi tness centre in Plexus, or just have a
kick-about with a ball in Van der Werff park.
city centre and its railway station is only ten
minutes by train from the centre of The Hague.
Studying in The HagueYou will go to classes in The Hague, the Dutch
political capital and international city of peace
and justice. Leiden University has a campus
in the middle of The Hague city centre, close
to the Dutch parliament buildings, the Royal
Palace, embassies and ministries.
Besides this, it is a stones throw away from mu-
seums - such as the world famous Mauritshuis
- and restaurants and terraces of Het Plein. The
Hague is also the city of the Peace Palace, home
to the international court of justice, and the
International Criminal Court (ICC).
Leiden The HagueStudents 19.000 30.000Restaurants and cafs 230 700Nationalities 90 160Study associations 45 18Museums 12 12Cinemas 3 5
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22
At internationalstudies.leiden.edu you will fi nd
further information about all our infor-
mation activities, including the exact dates.
If you want more information Internatio-
nal Studies or are interested in getting to
know more about the department or study
programme, you are welcome to visit us, or
check out the website. You can also ask for
details of the activities or order prospectuses
for the different programmes via the Studielijn
(+31 (071) 527 11 11, [email protected]).
Orientation Day: 10 March 2012 This is the main event if you are just starting
to think about your study options. You can
take a free study options test, attend presenta-
tions about your particular areas of interest,
and discover how you can make the right
choice for your future.
Study Festival: 22 October 2011 If you already have an idea about what you
are interested in, the Study Festival is your
opportunity to explore all the Leiden study
programmes by visiting their stands and
attending the presentations by the different
departments.
Open Days: November 2011 and April 2012 Find out more about the study programmes
that interest you. You can visit lecture rooms,
attend a try-out lecture and ask students and
lecturers any your questions you might have.
Last Minute Leiden: 22 June 2012 If you want to start a study in September
2012, but you havent yet reached a fi rm
decision, you can come to Last Minute Lei-
den for handy tips about how to choose the
programme that best suits you.
Join us at International Studies
At internationalstudies.leiden.edu you will fi nd further
information about all our information activities,
including the exact dates.
To help you choose the right study pro-gramme, we have given every information activity a symbol so that you know which phase the information is intended for:
If you are just starting to choose your programme.
If you already know which fi elds you are interested in and want to explore the pos-sibilities within specifi c fi elds.
If you want to fi nd out about one or more study programmes.
If you want to confi rm your choice or enroll in a programme.
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23Best of both cities Contact us
For additional information and questions please contact:youtube.com/universiteitleiden
Join us on Facebook
Fanpage International Studies
Join us on Twitter
@Int_Studies
Website internationalstudies.leiden.edu
E-mail [email protected]
Telephone +31 (071) 527 11 11 JJ
JJJJJJJJJJJJ
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internationalstudies.leiden.edu
1 political caf at our The Hagues class room facilities
9 world areas to choose from after your fi rst semester
12 minutes by train from Leiden to The Hague
24 hours of classes each week in your fi rst year
35 countries have ever had a woman head of government
68 is the world average life expectancy
100 is the number of nationalities registered at Leiden University
250 meters from class room facilities to Dutch Parliament buildings
5000 liters of water it takes daily to produce a persons food
6800 languages are spoken over the world, dialects not included
18.778 students currently studying at Leiden University
6.92 billion is the total estimated number of living people on Earth
International Studies at Leiden University