"My name is Megan Maartens and I am a second-year bachelor American Studies student. Before I started American Studies, I took a gap year during which I worked as student-assistant at the Amsterdam University of Applied sciences, took the pre-course for the school of music in Amsterdam, and traveled through New Zealand for three months. After half a year I was eager to study again, so I decided to move to Groningen and study American Studies. Even though I decided not to go to the school of music, singing and writing songs is still my passion.
Why American Studies
The United States have always been a part of my life because a large part of my family lives there. The first time I went to the U.S., I was impressed by how different its culture was from the Netherlands. As I grew older and went there more regularly, I started noticing the cultural differences. My social media was flooded with news about cultural events but also social issues. I had no idea how to process this information until I found American Studies. The study teaches me how current social problems came to be, but also how that particular U.S. culture has emerged in the first place. One other aspect I really enjoy is that we are well taught in academic writing, which, in combination with the other knowledge I acquire during this study, will greatly improve my perspective on the world."
Hi! My name is Chloë. By the time you can find this little piece on the student ambassadors page I am twenty-two years old and a second-year BA American Studies student. I grew up in Germany and the Netherlands, and I am currently living in Groningen. Next to my studies I spend time in the Crossfit gym, I go for walks and runs, and I have an additional job. I also love to read books and watch movies/tv shows, and live life to the fullest with my best friends and family.
Why American Studies?
Before applying for American Studies at the UG, I attempted studying International Studies in The Hague and European Law in Maastricht. However, neither were the perfect fit and so I dropped out. I knew I wanted to study something with a certain international aspect, since international communities, politics, economics, history, cultures, etc. really interest me. The BA American Studies consists of this aspect and all these territories, and combined with the fact that program is really small (everyone knows everyone, teachers included, and you'll easily become friends with your fellow students), yet very highly regarded, made me apply. Students develop academic/research skills to an incredible extent, which is of course super handy for your future career. Besides, we have a very active study association (EPU) that organizes a ton of great events. In addition, joining (one of) their commissions provides you with amazing experiences and memories.
Why Groningen?
My family originates from the northern part of the Netherlands, and therefore Groningen is familiar terrain to me. I also adore the liveliness of Groningen. I know they call New York the city that never sleeps, but honestly, Groningen lives up to the name too!
Future
To be fair, I do not know where my life will lead me after the BA American Studies. I am thinking about applying for a MA (Master) in Germany, but I might also go for an MA in the Netherlands (or both? who knows?). I might also take an entirely different turn and apply for something completely different. The latter does not take away the fact that I love the program of American Studies, but I just do not know yet what kind of a career I want for the rest of my life. Therefore, I may attempt another route.
Golden Tip
Completing the BA American Studies (or any studies for that matter) is not that hard and so much fun if you work properly for it. You will have enough free time left to join EPU, have a job, do sports or other hobbies, and live the ultimate student life to the fullest.
Hi! My name is Kelly van Hienen and I am in my third year of the Bachelor American Studies. I tried out a few different studies before I found my way to American Studies and, to this day, I am happy that I made the decision to go to the RUG as I feel very content here; both in the program and in Groningen. Next to my studies, I play lacrosse and I am also in the board of the association, I listen to music (a lot) and I love to watch series.
Why American Studies?
Ever since I was a kid, everything about the United States amazed me. I could not stop talking about the events happening there, which annoyed my mom a lot. The reason I chose American Studies was because I have many interests that usually do not match up in one study program. However, American Studies is interdisciplinary as it not only takes on history, but there are also classes on culture, media and politics. All this knowledge is used simultaneously when we have to write essays, which you will also learn how to do in the academic writing class. Just to give some examples, I wrote an essay on race in U.S. women's lacrosse and I wrote one on disability representation in an American TV show.
The convincing factor for me was getting the chance to pursue so many of my interests in this program and being able to talk a lot about the United States.
