Leiden University. The University to discover.

Faculty of Humanities

International Studies Bachelor of Arts

2

internationalstudies.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.

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 • Master’s programmes 17• Career information 19

Best of both cities 20• Leiden 21• The Hague 21• Contact us 23

3

Intro

Study

Future

The city

Photo’s: 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

4

International 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

5

Study 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 It’s 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

tomorrow’s class academic English.

I’m confi dent I’ll 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:- Thailand’s GNI was exceeded by General

Motors’ sales revenue - Bolivia’s 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 world’s 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 1990’s, 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

• Japan’s nuclear crisis

• deforestation of the Amazon region

• Europe’s 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 Bachelor’s 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 University’s 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 area’s 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 Bachelor’s 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 other’s 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 Bachelor’s

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

it’s 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 university’s café in The Hague

09.00 Lively discussion in this morning’s

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. It’s due next week, I’ll

prepare the next version.

15.00 Language course Indonesian. By

now, these classes are taught in

Indonesian.

17.00 Dinner at one of The Hague’s

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. Let’s look

more closely at two examples:

Middle East – History

1. The new World order

2. Authoritarian reformers in the

Interbellum

3. Women’s 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. Intifada’s 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 São 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 University’s Humanities Faculty

among the best in the world and at the top in

continental Europe.

17Study More about the programme

Master’s programmes The Faculty of Humanities offers a full range

of English-language Master’s 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 Master’s 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 Master’s

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 Master’s degree abroad. I compared British, German and Dutch universities and chose Leiden

University. Leiden’s 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 Master’s in Leiden in September.

I enjoy living in Leiden a lot. It’s 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 world’s population is growing rapidly, but the urban population is growing even faster. New urbanisation is largely concentrated in the developing countries. - 50% of the world’s 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.

You will go to classes in The Hague, the political capital and international City of Peace

and Justice.

20

Best of both cities: Leiden

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 University’s 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

cafés 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 city’s

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 stone’s 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 cafés 230 700Nationalities 90 160Study associations 45 18Museums 12 12Cinemas 3 5

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, studielijn@leidenuniv.nl).

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 haven’t 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.

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 bais.info@leiden.edu

Telephone +31 (071) 527 11 11 JJ

JJJJJJJJJJJJ

internationalstudies.leiden.edu

1 political café at our The Hague’s 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 person’s 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