Student review [#18098] for European Studies
at University of Groningen - RUG

The programme of European Languages and Cultures at the University of Groningen is an interdisciplinary programme, which offers a diverse and dynamic learning environment. It is possible to choose among different majors (Linguistics, Literature and Culture, and Politics) and even combine two of them. For my degree, I chose Politics as major and Literature and Culture as minor. In my experience, these two subjects complemented one another and I was able to receive a suitable preparation for my current Masters, namely Euroculture. The focus of my courses was on contemporary Europe and how it functions politically as well as how it is shaped culturally. On the political side, I studied a lot of theories, as well as contemporary phenomenons, such as populism and migration. On the cultural side, I studied the implications and effects of cultural representations of contemporary society, as well as theories that served as a tool to analyse current cultural practices.
Additionally, due to the interdisciplinarity of the programme, the job opportunities are diverse, both in the public and in the private sector. I am currently looking for a traineeship at the EU.
The environment at the University is international, professors are very available and there are job opportunities too for students who are studying there. For example, I am currently working as a student assistant, by assisting in language classes of my native language, Italian.
Despite living in uncertain circumstances due to the pandemic, the University has provided students with support, the staff has been very available and understanding, the buildings are still open (with respect of the due measures) and, although differently, the experience has remained positively challenging and engaging.