Mirthe van der Duijn Schouten

Mirthe van Duijn Schouten knielend met hond in gras.
The teachers are very passionate about their field of expertise, which makes us students enthusiast as well!
Name
Mirthe van der Duijn Schouten
Programme
Conflict, Territories and Identities
Study start date
Previous education
Liberal Arts and Sciences, Tilburg University

Mirthe van der Duijn Schouten is a Master's student Conflict, Territories and Identities.

'What I like most about this program is the relevance of what we learn. By studying this field, you contribute to knowledge in humanitarian aid. Another aspect that I consider to be really valuable is that you can choose elective courses. This is a great opportunity to dive deeper into something outside your regular courses, which is useful for your thesis or future career. These courses can be challenging since you might come from a different academic background (if you follow for example a Human Rights course).

I really enjoy the atmosphere in class. There is always a fellow student to help you out with your questions or problems. We often go for drinks after class and have a lot of fun, which is important as well!
Our professors teach really well, are eager to answer all your questions and stimulate us to have interesting discussions. They are also very passionate about their field of expertise, which makes us, students, enthusiast as well!

A one-year masterprogram feels too short. It is a lot to fit into one year. Therefore, I chose to extend my studies half a year. This makes it easier to find an internship and reduces the pressure of the masterthesis a little.

I am starting an internship in May, shortly put about the policy of the Dutch Protestant Church in Israel-Palestina. The topic of my thesis is different, I'm writing about the child protection system of Dutch faith-based organisations.

Conflict resolution is complex and also quite risk-prone. Therefore it is important to understand the conflict dynamics and the structure in place, as well as the harmful effects of aid and its political dimension. Regarding my future plans, I aspire to work as a child protection officer or lobbyist in a NGO.'