European Languages and Cultures

Hello! My name is Alina Staniloiu and I am an international student from Romania. Currently, I am in my second year of European Languages and Cultures, with European Language and Society as my major profile. Additionally, I am studying two foreign languages, Spanish as major language and French as minor language.

I am also a student of the Honours College programme and the vice-chair of the seventh faction of Letteren Vooruit, a party that represents the students of the Faculty of Arts within the Faculty Council. When it comes to my free time, I love to spend time with my friends, and when I am not with them, you can find me biking around the city.

Why European Languages and Cultures?

Ever since I was in primary school, I was inclined towards the linguistic sphere, at first, being more interested in the structural aspects of languages. Later on, I discovered the beauty of the social part which fascinated me even more. As time passed by, I realized that I wanted to follow a path that involved the study of languages and their interplay with our society. Therefore, this study was the perfect match for me. Not only do I love its focus on my main area of interest, but also its broadness which can give me access to other domains, such as politics and literature. From my point of view, this BA programme does not limit your opportunities after graduation, but rather opens multiple doors for you, which is what we are all looking for.

Read about Alina and why she chose to studie European Language and Culture in Groningen!

Questions? Send Alina an e-mail!

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.

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. I've chosen my programme for the interdisciplinary knowledge and research potential in European literature, linguistics and politics, as well as for the fact that I was going to learn a new language as part of my bachelor.

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

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.

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.

Hoi! Mijn naam is Hans de Jong en ik ben 20 jaar oud. Ik ben derdejaarsstudent bij de studie Europese Talen en Culturen. Als majortaal studeer ik Engels en daarnaast heb ik Spaans gestudeerd als tweede taal. Voor mijn profiel heb ik Taal en Maatschappij gekozen. Aangezien ik in mijn derde jaar zit, volg ik nu een minor in Internationale Betrekkingen, wat me tot zover erg bevalt. Buiten school houd ik me veel bezig met talen en ben vaak buiten in de natuur.

Waarom Europese Talen en Culturen?

Ik heb Europese Talen gekozen omdat ik zeer geïnteresseerd ben in talen, met name de Europese talen. Ik heb een lange tijd Engels willen studeren, maar ik was nog niet zeker over mijn keuze. Toen ik eenmaal deze studie had gevonden, stond mijn keuze al snel vast. Wat me aantrok aan dit programma is de variëteit; hoe je de studie invult ligt bij jezelf. Naast je hoofdtaal, in mijn geval Engels, kan je ook je eigen profiel(en) en/of tweede taal kiezen. Er is keuze uit drie profielen: Taal en Maatschappij, Cultuur en Literatuur en Politiek en Maatschappij. Van deze profielen heb ik Taal en Maatschappij gekozen, aangezien taal mijn hoofdinteresse is en goed aansluit bij de andere vakken. Binnen Europese Talen en Culturen is het echter ook mogelijk geheel andere keuzes te maken: it’s all up to you.

Sinds de middelbare school heb ik zelf ook Spaans geleerd. ETC gaf me de gelegenheid om mijn Spaans uit te breiden én mijn hoofdtaal te studeren, Engels.

Lees meer over Hans de Jong en waarom hij gekozen heeft ETC in Groningen te studeren!

Vragen? Stuur Hans een e-mail!

My name is Nina Hamann and I am in my second year of studying European Languages and Cultures. My profile is European Politics and Society and my major language is English. I am also taking Russian as a second language. Besides my studies, I like to go to the gym, read, and meet friends.

Why European Languages and Cultures?

After my graduation, I was certain that I wanted to study something that involves history, politics and languages. ELC offers me all of these aspects. I also really like the broadness of the programme, which makes me feel secure about my future opportunities.