Ilse - International Development Studies
The perfect opportunity to study with a group of likeminded people from all over the world.
After I finished my Bachelor's in Political Science at Leiden 木瓜福利影视, I was looking for a Master's programme with a focus on developmental issues. This Master's offered not only interdisciplinary courses on topics I found interesting, but also the chance to do research in a developing country. It was the perfect opportunity to study with a group of likeminded people from all over the world and see if working in a developing country was the right choice.
The program itself is quite busy: in 5 to 6 months you have to follow your courses, finish your exams and prepare your research. I went to Uganda to study new corporate land acquisitions. Who bought big pieces of land and how did it affect the local communities? Together with a colleague from my host organization, the Uganda Land Alliance, I spoke to all stakeholders involved in five different areas, from farmer to district officers and CEOs. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
During my stay in Uganda I got an assignment to write an article on health programs in Tanzania and Uganda. It was not a coincidence: during my Pre-Master's I did an internship as a journalist at a Dutch magazine that is specialized in the development sector. It was the final push: journalism it is! When I finished my thesis I applied for the Postdocterale Dagblad Opleiding Journalistiek, a post-academic program that turns academics into journalists. Now I鈥檓 working as a journalist at the Dutch Financial Daily. I still love it: as a journalist I learn every day.