Testimonials

Programme

American Studies

Study end date

01 June 2018

Lotte Scharn was a Bachelor’s student in American Studies at Radboud University.

Why did you choose to work in this field?

I am a creative person who loves writing and creating new things.

What did you learn during your studies that you now use in your work?

Writing, writing, writing. But I also learned a lot about culture and politics, which helped me understand my clients and their target audience better.

How did you experience this programme at Radboud University? In your opinion, what made this programme special?

My programme was very small and intimate, which made for great discussions during seminars. I learned a lot from my peers! My programme was also very up-to-date when it came to everything that went on in the world. We even had a course about Donald Trump’s presidency.

What would you recommend to future students when they go to choose a study?

I’d dare to say that in the end, it doesn’t really matter which programme you choose, as long as you do something that interests you. Studying makes you a more rounded person as a whole, regardless of the programme you choose. So, do something that you love and don’t worry too much about the future. I truly believe you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be one way or the other.

Programme

American Studies

David is studying American Studies at Radboud University.

When David tells people he is studying American Studies, he is often asked, "Will you then become the new Maarten van Rossem?" David can laugh about it. As a third-year American Studies student at Radboud University in Nijmegen, he knows better. He chose the study precisely for its diversity, both in the study programme and in future opportunities. Besides studying, David also has a busy student life in Nijmegen, and this academic year, he is doing a board year at the USA Nijmegen Study Association. David's degree choice and active role in the study association have already given him many memorable moments.

But most of all, I want to be in Nijmegen

David doubted his choice of study for a long time. Although he initially wanted to study law, visiting an open day made him realise that he would rather do something that combines language, culture, history, and politics. This led David to the Bachelor's programme in American Studies in Nijmegen, where he has lived in his room for about two years. The subjects in the degree's first year fit well with his interests. David took courses on American literature and culture but also learned about linguistics and the history of American politics. David says: "I'm now in my third year, and you still take a lot of second-year courses with which you can specialise in, for example, digital studies, film studies, or you can go further into language studies if your interests lie more there." David chose to major in politics and culture. It is typical to also write a thesis in the third year. However, David will do that next year as he will first go to America and study at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill for another semester. According to David, this opportunity is "a nice addition to the regular study programme."

A small-scale study

The fact that the study is small is an advantage for David: "I couldn't see myself sitting in those big lecture halls like in law school. There are about twenty students in the seminars, but in some subjects, many students from other studies attend. For example, there are students from journalism, philosophy, and art and cultural studies in the lectures. As a result, different perspectives come together, and you meet many new people." The fact that American Studies attracts students from different disciplines shows that the programme has a broad orientation. According to David, there is also a lot of freedom in what you want to learn. Of course, a good foundation is needed, but students are given the opportunity to apply their own interests during assignments or writing essays.

A board year at USA Nijmegen Study Association

The small-scale nature of the study ensures that everyone knows each other well and also interacts a lot outside lectures. The USA Nijmegen Study Association plays an active role in this. David explains: "In my first year, the board of the study association was very active. They really encouraged us to become members of the study association, come to activities and maybe even do a board year." David took that encouragement very seriously and is currently the secretary on the board of the study association. But what exactly does a board year at the USA Nijmegen Study Association look like? For David, the emphasis is on activities and involvement: "We really organise a lot. We have formal study-related activities, such as StuCo sessions, during which we provide proper tools to prepare for exams. But we also organise many informal activities, such as drinks and (themed) parties, and we always watch the Superbowl together, for example."

Making the right study choice

Are you in doubt about studying American Studies? If so, according to David, it is important to have broad interests. "You can really like American Studies in its entirety, but you should be especially interested in its cultural, political, and historical aspects." Students should not worry about the entry-level either, as this is built up. David says: "I was used to British English myself, but I learnt an American-English accent so fast. You are primed to speak American English within as little as a month. I was even a bit shocked at how fast I developed."

David wants to emphasise to future students the importance of choosing a study they enjoy. "People often assume that it is important to choose a study that is useful or with which you can potentially earn a lot of money. In the end, that won't make you happy, so above all, choose a direction you really enjoy."

The new Maarten van Rossem

Future prospects with American Studies are diverse. Alumni work in politics, journalism, and education or go on to work for American companies such as Walt Disney, among others. Especially within the latter field, American Studies alumni are in high demand due to their extensive knowledge about the country. Yet there are some incorrect stereotypes. For instance, David is often asked, "What can you do with American Studies? Do you want to become a teacher or the new Maarten van Rossem?" David can laugh at that. He himself would like to go into the foreign affairs side. "I find the direction of diplomacy super interesting. I would love to do something abroad and make a difference for the Netherlands there."