What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you (in relation to your previous education)?
International Relations was not necessarily my first choice, but after lots of contemplation I chose this specialisation anyways. Looking back, I am really happy with my choice. International Relations provides you with a lot of different perspectives and focuses on different aspects of international politics; cooperation, conflict, capitalism, colonialism, crises, etc. There are so many topics that are being discussed from different angles, encouraging students to also form their own opinion and position. It challenges you to think critically, which is a skill that is very convenient to have once you start writing more papers and doing presentations.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
Personally, the atmosphere in class has always been really pleasant. Either during lectures or seminars, both students and teachers have been very accommodating to one another and communication flows very easily. Even during group projects everything has run smoothly, which is a first for me. There is no apparent hierarchy between students and teachers and asking questions is therefore more easily encouraged. In my experience, it has been quite a nonjudgmental space; making coming to university much more enjoyable.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
For me, after 4 years of studying, it has become more difficult to find the motivation to start reading the literature for the classes. Once you get started, it's fine, but the motivation to read for class (so not for my own research papers) has, in my case, somewhat dwindled. However, the fact that I am a quick reader and like most topics helps me a little.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
I am planning on extending my Master's for a bit since I am intending to do an internship after the summer break. However, I am currently starting to write my thesis and so far these are some topics that are going to be incorporated into my thesis: the relation of popular culture and international relations, youth engagement, soft power, normative power, cultural diplomacy, and middle power diplomacy. The thesis writing process has just started a week and a half ago, so I am hoping to narrow it down a bit more in the upcoming weeks.
Why do you think is it important that there are people out there with this degree? What are your plans once have received your Master's degree?
When looking back at everything we have discussed in classes so far, I can't help but see how relevant some topics are currently. During class, we have talked a lot about the (possible) shift in global hegemony and how the USA is losing its power territory to China and Russia, which is a discussion that I reckon will still be extremely relevant in 10 years. Even though International Relations is quite a broad Master's degree, it really provides you with a certain outlook on the world and international politics that I find would be difficult to get somewhere else. It has been really hard for me to decide what I want to do after my Master's, but for now the plan is to hopefully find a good PhD position and be able to teach International Relations at university.