Jessie Pietens, The Netherlands

Why Groningen?

After I had done two years of a teaching degree in Leeuwarden, I decided I wanted to deepen my knowledge of history and literature and wanted to do so back home in Groningen, as I had heard amazing things about the teachers and classes there. In addition to Groningen being my home town, I really liked how it was small and calm, yet international and full of possibilities. The people are kind and grounded, there are lots of green places and there are beautiful (historical) sights around every corner when you walk through the city centre. I knew Groningen had a very active student culture and so I decided that all of this – combined with all the good things I had heard about the university and its staff – would be the perfect fit for me.

Why the University of Groningen?

I had heard much about the quality of the staff and the courses. I was curious to find out for myself just how good the university was and I was not disappointed. The staff was inspiring and went through great lengths to help you with whatever issue you had. Additionally, I was offered great supervision and feedback and was taught by leading experts in the fields I was interested in. This great first impression made me stay for my masters. My research master offered intense supervision by high quality researchers and a unique interdisciplinary approach, a tailor made programme and the opportunity to work on (international) research projects. I was again overwhelmed by all the University of Groningen had to offer – both in the sense of academia, but also in student wellbeing and socialisation - and I was always grateful to come back to the city that grounded and humbled me after so many great international experiences.

Biography

I am Jessie, a history- and literature buff born and raised in Groningen. I started my University of Groningen journey doing a BA in History and part of the BA in English Language and Culture. I continued taking an interdisciplinary approach during my research master in Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies, from which I graduated cum laude in January of 2021. I specialised in the late medieval and early modern history of England, Scotland and the Low Countries with a particular interest for subjects such as gender, monarchies, authority and conflict, marginalised groups and – as an avid reader myself - the history of literature, reading and the book. I got to work with experts in the field and have met so many inspiring people along the way, to whom I will be forever grateful. My time at the university of Groningen has made me who I am today and my studies here have granted me the opportunity to have many amazing experiences. Although my dream job is in heritage and research, the UG has prepared me well for anything that might come my way in the future.

If you have any questions about the application procedure, studying and living in Groningen or anything else, please feel free to contact me. I am happy to help!