International Relations, the Netherlands: Student Profile

Bulgarian national Marina Simeonova Aleksandrova has applied to the University of Groningen in the Netherlands to study an MA in International Relations and Organization.

What motivated her decision to do an MA? “It seems to me that there’s something missing to the puzzle,” she replies, “a BA is not enough; adding an MA is like putting the cherry on the cake.

"Besides, I’d like to deepen my knowledge in international organizations and especially international organizations’ role in international security matters, so that I have better opportunities to work exactly in that sphere later on.”

In what capacity precisely does she see herself working in said sphere?

Her ambitions are rather lofty: “I see myself working at the Security Council of the UN - a notable example of intergovernmental organization, contributing to the promotion and enforcement of the UN ideals and philosophy, because the United Nations is much more than a peacekeeper and forum for conflict resolution: the organization and its family of agencies are engaged in a vast array of work that touches every aspect of people's lives around the world.”

In order to achieve her ambitious goals, Marina has chosen to study for an MA in International Relations and Organization at the University in Groningen, in the Netherlands, to add to her BA in the same subject from the University of Sofia in her home country of Bulgaria.

Studying internationally has always been an ambition of hers for many reasons, not least so that she can experience the world. “If you simply travel abroad, be it by yourself or through a travel agency, you can’t really feel or understand the ‘spirit’ of place.

"Work or study is the way to do it, because that way you really get chance to get know a place.”

On that subject, we wondered what it was that made her choose The Netherlands in particular – was it the only country on her shortlist?

Her choice was made, it seems, in a fittingly diplomatic style: “I did consider studying in many other countries. I was thinking of USA or England, but because of financial matters I gave up that idea,” she explains.

“I was thinking of Finland, Sweden or Austria because the tuition fees are very low there and the education they offer is legitimate, but the climate is severe during the winter time. So finally I found all I needed in The Netherlands: moderate climate, low tuition fees for EU citizens, beautiful countryside, fun, people who appreciate and practice sport a lot and, most importantly, high-level education.”

“I chose the University of the Groningen,” she continues “because it offers quality research and education and it'll provide me with the needed skills and knowledge for my future career in international relations.

"The research seminars that it offers are at a very high level and also the specialization areas of IRIO are in concord with exactly what interests me most – namely International security and global government.”

The university also, she adds, offers some of the best sports facilities in the country, which is very important to her.

Ranked 115 in the 2011/12 QS World University Rankings, she found the institution with the help of an agency, advising other students that employing the services of an agent is recommendable if they are not already somewhat familiar with the country in which they are thinking of studying. However, she adds that, administrative issues aside, application was not an overly trying process.

She will be funding her studies with money she saved while working in the US for the Ocean City Beach Patrol. However she is slightly apprehensive that money may be tight, particularly given a recently passed law which prevents Bulgarians working in The Netherlands while they’re studying.

She is not, however, worried about overcoming the language barrier – particularly given that her course will be in English, a language in which she is fluent. “I also speak a bit of French and a bit of German, so I have the ability to learn languages fast. I’m sure I’ll learn Dutch in three to four months.”

Finally, what is it that she is most excited about?

“I’m excited about meeting students from all over the world, getting to know the Dutch way of life, to see beautiful fields strewn with tulips, ride a bike to school. I want to explore The Netherlands with a bike."