Margarita Kolokasidou

About Margarita

Hi! My name is Margarita, I’m nineteen years old, and I am mixed; half Cypriot and half Russian. Currently, I’m a first-year European Languages and Cultures BA Student. My major language is Russian, and I have not chosen a profile yet, as I am still a first-year. In my free time, I enjoy social dancing, cooking, debating, and going out with my friends. Aside from my academic activities, I am an active member of a student dance association for ballroom and salsa.

Why European Languages and Cultures?

After spending a year studying International and European Law, I realised that what I enjoyed the most in my degree was the cultural and linguistic dimension of my studies, for example, the different interpretation methods used in article application, and the impact cultural shifts had on the formation of the law. After thoroughly researching the degrees the university offered, I concluded that the ELC programme fit my interests best.

I chose this degree because I have always been interested in languages, and I wanted a programme through which I could develop my skills, while learning about topics like history, cultures, and politics. What really helped me make this decision was researching the program structure along with the master's options this degree offers, and talking to other students. The flexibility to combine a language with the option of customising my courses as I see fit convinced me that this was the right choice for me.

Why Groningen?

I always considered the Netherlands a great option for my studies due to the high-quality education and wide range of English-taught programmes offered at Dutch universities. I already had a connection to Groningen due to my sister, who completed her master’s studies here. I would use my visits as an opportunity to explore different universities, but the one that won my heart was Groningen.

It is such a beautiful city, with a warm atmosphere and a lively spirit. Thanks to the high number of students with diverse backgrounds and interests, Groningen has a community that embraces anyone who arrives. My personal favorite part of this community is the dancing scene. Did you know that there are at least 2 dance socials happening in the city weekly?

Future

I am still deciding between the language and society, and the politics and society profiles, as both seem incredibly interesting. What I really appreciate about this degree is its flexibility. It allows me to explore different paths and change the direction of my studies relatively easily compared to more traditional degrees. I am considering fields like legal translation, as it would combine my background in law with my passion for languages. As someone who values many options, I find the wide range of master’s options available after completing ELC very reassuring.

Tip

Make sure to utilise the resources given by the university when deciding which degree to follow, and try to visualise a future in which you follow the degree you are considering. Are you happy? Do you lead the lifestyle that you feel suits you best?