International Bachelor Arts and Culture Studies

“The IBACS programme instantly drew my attention with the wide coverage of courses, as my plan was not to become a specialized or professional artist.”

Hui Shan Zhou
Student International Bachelor Arts and Culture

Read Hui Shan Zhou's story

“As it is an international course, I learn new perspectives on the world every day. IBACS is an open community where I get to enjoy the experience of studying abroad, while still studying in my home country.”

Eeske Kuipers
Student International Bachelor Arts and Culture Studies

When deciding on where to go after high school I looked at which experiences of high school I had enjoyed most. These were my art, art history, and Spanish classes, as well as the trips abroad. Slightly scared to admit it, I knew my future would lie in the art world. Creating, designing, and drawing had always been my passion, so initially I turned to the art academy. I was convinced that studying at a university was not for me. I was very wrong!

Double Degree in Arts and Science (RASL)

As much as I loved to work with my hands, I was missing more of a challenge in the theoretical aspect. Through researching my options, I learned of the RASL double degree, where I could combine both the practical and the theoretical aspect of studying art. IBACS turned out to be the perfect solution. As it teaches me about the whole world that exists around the production and the consumption of art. Studying art from the historical, economic and sociological perspective helps me understand the industry and teaches me how to find my own path in it.

An open community

What I enjoy most about IBACS is the great atmosphere between both students, tutors and lecturers. As it is an international course, I learn new perspectives on the world every day. In an open commu¬nity where I get to enjoy the experience of studying abroad, while still studying in my home country. Additionally, Rotterdam offers a great amount of cultural activities and I have recognised many of the examples from class within one bike ride through the city.

“For me, IBACS is freedom, creativity, passion. Here, you never cease to dive into art in all its forms and manifestations. From art throughout the centuries to art in economics, each new course has something to surprise you with, and this is the best part of IBACS”

Julia Baraban
Student International Bachelor Arts and Culture Studies

My journey to IBACS has been a long one. But it all comes down to this – I have traveled from Canada to the Netherlands for this programme because I knew that it would give me precisely the thing I was searching for – the ability to express myself.

Freedom, Creativity, Passion

For me, IBACS is freedom, creativity and passion. Here, you never cease to dive into art in all its forms and manifestations. From art throughout the centuries to art in economics, each new course has something to surprise you with, and this is the best part of IBACS – it always keeps you striving for more knowledge.

Pursue Your Interests

I have welcomed IBACS into my life with an open mind and heart, so I didn’t encounter any struggles with it in my first year. However, the only thing I have to say is – be brave enough to pursue your interests. Arts and Culture programme gives you the means, you only have to use them. Communicate with your fellow students, strike up discussions with professors, choose essay topics that really speak out to you. Remember, you are the only person who decides what your university experience will be like!

Cultuur en management combineren
Toen ik koos voor de bachelor International Bachelor Arts and Culture Studies (IBACS) aan de Erasmus Universiteit, wilde ik mijn creatieve achtergrond verbinden met kennis over hoe cultuur georganiseerd wordt. Na opleidingen aan de Koninklijke Academie van Beeldende Kunsten en het Cibap lag mijn focus eerst op ontwerpen en creatie. Maar al snel groeide mijn interesse in hoe de culturele sector werkt en wordt aangestuurd. IBACS bood precies de juiste omgeving om dat verder te ontdekken.

Kunst en samenleving
Wat ik het meest waardeer aan de studie is de brede blik op cultuur. Je bekijkt culturele instellingen vanuit economische, sociologische, communicatieve en beleidsmatige invalshoeken. Je leert hoe cultuur wereldwijd vorm krijgt en hoe het verbonden is met maatschappelijke thema’s. Daardoor zie je kunst en cultuur als iets dat niet alleen creatief is, maar ook impact maakt.

Van creatief naar strategisch denken
De overstap van een praktijkgerichte kunstopleiding naar een analytische, op management gerichte studie was soms pittig. Maar juist daardoor heb ik geleerd om breder te denken – kritisch, strategisch en met oog voor hoe de sector werkt.

IBACS laat zien dat cultuur managen meer is dan alleen organiseren. Het gaat om kansen creëren, kunst toegankelijk maken en relevant houden.

Na een tussenjaar wist ik vooral dat ik iets met cultuur wilde doen. Daarom koos ik voor International Bachelor Arts & Culture Studies (IBACS) aan de Erasmus Universiteit. Je leert hoe cultuur werkt. Je bekijkt cultuur vanuit sociologie, economie, beleid en communicatie, terwijl je zowel academische als praktische vaardigheden ontwikkelt.

De internationale sfeer, de kans op uitwisseling (zoals mijn semester in Tokio) en de stad Rotterdam maken het extra waardevol.

Na mijn studie kon ik direct aan de slag bij het International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). Daar schrijf ik subsidieaanvragen en werk ik aan cultuurprojecten. Alles wat ik bij IBACS leerde, pas ik nu dagelijks toe.

Mijn tips: doe vrijwilligerswerk, haal het meeste uit je stage en ontdek wat Rotterdam te bieden heeft.