Afbeelding
“I just knew NHL Stenden’s European Studies programme was the right fit for me, especially when I heard about the Brussels study trip in year two and the exchange in year three. Most of the lecturers work in the professional field, so they know exactly what’s needed for our future careers. And the curriculum is constantly updated to keep up with EU developments. I also like that we work on real projects for real clients, like the local authority in Leeuwarden or the province of Friesland. But what really stands out for me is the personal and supportive learning environment where everyone knows everyone – you’re not just another face in the crowd.”
Brussels bound
“I found my internship through a vacancy that a friend shared with me. I sent in a letter of motivation and landed an interview. Just a few hours later, I got the exciting news that I’d been selected. I was going up against people with more professional and academic experience, and even though I didn’t think I’d get it, I got picked as I really clicked with the team. So, don’t let the competition put you off!”
“My internship was at the EU office of the Cities Northern Netherlands in Brussels, which represents the cities of Leeuwarden, Emmen, Assen, and Groningen in the EU. I helped organise events and working visits, maintained the website and social media, analysed European programmes, and did administrative tasks. On my second day, I met the mayor of Leeuwarden, Sybrand Buma, and Diederik Samsom, former member of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands. I had no idea they were visiting! It was such an unforgettable experience.”
Interning and learning
“I loved my time in Brussels because my colleagues treated me like a valuable team member from day one. They gave me a lot of responsibility and freedom to do things my way, which I appreciated. One of the main things I learned was how Brussels operates, being the home of EU institutions. It was a fantastic opportunity to see it all up close.”
“I definitely think doing an internship is important. It helps you develop professional skills, figure out your interests, and explore options for after you graduate. I discovered my strengths and areas of improvement, which has given me a clearer idea of my career path. Plus, it looks great on your CV. Because European Studies is so broad, my internship has made me want to specialise, so doing a master’s is the next step in my journey.”
Find out more about European Studies on the programme website.