Would you like to become an expert in the culture(s), languages and politics of Europe?
The degree programme in European Languages and Cultures (in Dutch: ETC, Europese Talen en Culturen) is designed to meet the growing need for academic trained experts with:
By studying the key linguistic, political, cultural and social topics of contemporary Europe, you will learn to understand the mutual relationship, differences and similarities among national and regional cultures. In doing so, you will be able to understand future challenges and inform advanced decision-making in cultural, political and educational institutions.
Interested? Visit our Open Day!
The programme has a flexible structure. You will specialize in
one of the profiles:
* European Language
and Society
* European Culture
and Literature
* European Politics
and Society
During your third year, you can study abroad.The second and third years will comprise subject-related course units taught in your chosen language. In addition, you can choose to specialize further by means of a Minor, elective courses and/or a short placement. Your Bachelor's degree is finalized with a thesis.
Studying the BA European Languages and Cultures in times of Corona
The COVID-19 crisis is a time of uncertainty. Nobody can predict how the situation will develop in the academic year 2020/21, and many universities have already decided to continue distance learning after the summer break. Does it make sense to enrol in the European Languages and Cultures programme at the University of Groningen in these times?
The short answer is: Yes, absolutely!
Important information for prospective students starting a BA or MA in September 2020
The BA European Languages and Cultures is excellently prepared to work under the current circumstances:
* Times of crises are one of the main areas of expertise in the research within this programme. If you want to understand the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on Europe, this programme will provide excellent opportunities (ELC-Lecture Series “Cultures of the Crisis”: https://www.rug.nl/research/research-let/onderzoek-per-vakgebied/europese-talen-en-culturen/live-lectures-cultures-of-the-crisis-corona-and-beyond)
* The programme is among the world leaders in E-learning teaching and research. You will be one of the first students to use cutting-edge virtual environments in online and offline courses (Perusall-video: https://youtu.be/bxEfWdfxj28, Flipped Classroom: https://youtu.be/qHI91h3-kpE
* You have all the advantages of an online university as long as distance learning measures are necessary, and you will be able to participate in a lively academic environment as soon as contact hours are possible (Welcome to Groningen: https://youtu.be/zVzI7z3-Lu4).
* The University of Groningen Library offers a very large amount of E-resources that will help you to start your own research online.
* European Languages and Cultures is a research-based programme that promotes student-paced learning and trains advanced humanities and technological skills.
Read moreThe 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
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
Read moreI've chosen my programme for the interdisciplinary knowledge and research potential in European literature, linguistics and politics
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
Read moreI chose the English-taught track so I could keep improving my English, while also learning a new language
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.
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.
One of my favourite courses is Studying Europe, in which you research Europe as a whole. European identity and history were the main themes. Another topic which is also important at present: where lies the future of the European Union? Will the main language still be English even without the UK as a member state? Next year, I am going to take a course in European politics and after that, I would like to study in France, because a language is learnt best among native speakers.
One of my favourite courses is Studying Europe
Read moreThere's plenty to get involved in!
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!
Read moreIt's like looking at a foggy mirror
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.
Read moreWat me aantrok aan dit programma is de variëteit; hoe je de studie invult ligt bij jezelf
Hoi! Mijn naam is Hans de Jong en ik ben 18 jaar oud. Ik ben eerstejaarsstudent bij de studie Europese Talen en Culturen. Als majortaal studeer ik Engels, daarnaast ben ik van plan Spaans als tweede taal te kiezen. Ik ben nog niet zeker over mijn profielkeuze, aangezien we nog in een proefsemester zitten van de profielen. Op het moment gaat mijn voorkeur uit naar het profiel Taal en Maatschappij. Buiten school houd ik me bezig met alles wat met taal te maken heeft. Ook lees ik veel en surf vaak rond op het internet.
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, was de keuze gemakkelijk. 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.
Lees meer over Hans de Jong en waarom hij gekozen heeft ETC in Groningen te studeren!
Read moreAfter my graduation, I was certain that I wanted to study something that involves history, politics and languages. The study European Languages and Cultures offers me all of these aspects
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.
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.
Read
more about Nina Hamann and why she chose to study European
Languages and Cultures in Groningen!
Questions?
Send Nina an e-mail!
Are you at secondary school and want to know what studying at university is like? The European Languages and Cultures programme is offering a web class! This online course from the University of Groningen is specially designed for secondary school students.
Are you interested? Please register here.
