Esmée Bloemendal
"The courses are challenging, but at the same time give you the opportunity to delve deeper into your topic of interest."
The Master International Relations offers six different tracks, and I chose East Asian Studies. This means that my Master is focused on International Relations in East Asia, but also that we look at East Asia from an Asian perspective instead of a Western perspective. I find it very interesting and I am enthusiastic about my Master: it is challenging and it forces you to look critically toward your own perspective. We examine East Asia from various angles: the historical, economical, political and social aspects that make this region so unique are all highlighted... Also, the courses are a preparation for your thesis, which I find really helpful.
Within the Master’s programme, there is a lot of freedom of choice: in the second semester we have the option to study abroad in East Asia, to do an internship or to follow another research seminar. You are supposed to work hard for the Master: besides taking part in the intensive classes, it takes a lot of time to prepare the seminars and study the theories of International Relations as well. Nonetheless, I do not find the study load is too heavy: due to good time management it is possible to do something extra besides the study.I have chosen for the University of Groningen because their Master’s programme allows me to expand my knowledge about the Asian region in general, in addition to my knowledge about China. Also, I am really interested in International Relations, so for me this programme brings together the best of both worlds. I am originally not from Groningen, but I feel at home here. It is a friendly, cozy city, “gezellig” as we call it in Dutch. The city centre is small, which allows you to bike around and get to know the city very easily. I am very happy to study here, and I would definitely recommend the Master if you are interested in International Relations and East Asia!
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