European Languages and Cultures

I chose European Languages and Cultures for its rich variety of courses and the possibility to make the programme your own. After covering the basic aspects of each track (linguistics, literature, politics and history) you can specialize in your own areas of interest. Besides having a passion for languages, I am a big literature enthusiast. ELC effortlessly provides me with the opportunity to acquire two languages to a near-native level and study all aspects of their literature.

The self-study approach allows me to learn outside of lectures in a non-library environment. Conferences, language cafés, cultural evenings… there’s plenty to get involved in! The number of contact hours also allows me to get involved in my extracurriculars. As an active member of a dance class and a theatre society, I can categorically state that there is no better way to meet people outside of your programme and to apply your understanding of literature than to create something yourself!

Studying Sweden and Swedish is like looking at a foggy mirror: everything you see is just that bit different from what you are used to, but the differences are so subtle that you also become aware of who you are. Swedish is quite quick to learn, so after a few months on the programme you can even read Swedish novels and essays. Alongside Swedish, I am studying Literature and am on the editorial board of the study association. This gives others a platform for their stories.

What you notice while writing, reading and thinking in another language is how words determine how you think about yourself, the world and what is possible. If you see me pass by, ask about the link between hamburgers and politics: I can explain it! If you study Swedish you will learn how it is possible for studying to be free there, that it was logical for Vikings to sail to Greenland and why girls place burning candles in their hair on Sankta Lucia.

Hi! My name is Valentine, I'm 19 and I come from Amersfoort. I'm currently in the second year of my Bachelor's programme in European Languages and Cultures, and I'm following the English-taught track.

I chose the Language and Society profile, with Spanish as my Major language. Alongside my degree programme, I’m a member of a student volleyball club and I enjoy having fun with my friends.

Why European Languages and Cultures?

I chose this degree programme because I really wanted to study a language, without being limited to just that one language. The European Languages and Cultures programme gave me the opportunity to study one or more languages, while also learning about linguistics, which really interests me. I chose the English-taught track so I could keep improving my English, while also learning a new language.

The University of Groningen (UG) is the ideal university for international students, as everyone is so welcoming and open. Everyone speaks English, so there is no need to speak Dutch, although there are plenty of opportunities to learn the language if you wish

I am so happy that I chose to study European Languages and Cultures, as the programme is very broad, and the options available mean that you are able to shape your own study according to what interests you the most. My language skills have improved greatly, and the chance to study abroad for a semester was fantastic! The staff here always encourages you to try new things and help you to achieve your goals. I feel very lucky to have had such supportive professors during my time studying here, and my confidence has grown hugely throughout my time in Groningen.

Read more about Holly Jane and ask her your question about studying in Groningen

After having spent three years in another Dutch city and one year abroad, I decided to follow a second bachelor. At that time, I was still living away from Groningen and my main decision to study at this university involved a careful examination of the programme I was going to follow and a comparative analysis with other universities that provided a similar package of courses..

The languages that all international students bring with them makes Groningen ‘feel’ like a truly internationalized, open-minded, tolerant and young city. The university has so many different student associations which organize events, parties, guest lectures, proms and competitions, that it is difficult to fit everything that there is in your free time! There is always a diverse choice of activities and I truly believe that any kind of student from any cultural background can and will feel part of the university community and part of Groningen.

Read more about Irina Dragomir and ask her your question about studying in Groningen

About Emilia

My name is Emilia Waterhouse, I am 20 and I study European languages and cultures. I am half German and half English and grew up bilingual. I love languages and travelling, history, fitness and photography. After finishing my A-levels in the UK I took a gap year and travelled in Thailand as a volunteer working with elephants abused during the industrialization and cleaning beaches. I also travelled in Europe and in Canada where I worked in a hostel in Quebec to learn French. I then came to Groningen and studied a year of law before beginning my first year in European languages and cultures.

Why European languages and cultures?

I study European languages and cultures with a major in Spanish. I chose Spanish because I think it’s beautiful, also because it will be very useful as there is an extremely large Spanish-speaking population and because I already speak French and German. I chose to study European languages because Europe is incredibly influential and I believe in the future of Europe. I chose cultures because I am interested in history and differing lifestyles.

Read more about Emilia Waterhouse and why she chose to study European Languages and Cultures in Groningen!

Questions? Send Emilia an e-mail!