Preservation & Presentation of the Moving Image
Rey-Philip Genaldo from the USA
American Studies
Why American Studies?
My focus in English Literature was Contemporary American Literature. While studying Contemporary American Literature, I realized that what interested me just as much as the literature was the historical context and cultural atmosphere from which the literature was born. After receiving my BA, I decided that I needed to broaden my horizons. So, I chose the interdisciplinary route of American Studies for my MA.
From 2003-2004, I participated in the CSUF Study Abroad program (IP). I spent one year studying English Literature in Sheffield, UK. Studying abroad changed me in ways that I can’t even begin to explain. Sounds corny, sure, but back then I had no way of articulating how profoundly the Study Abroad Program affected me and I still have no way of articulating it now. After graduating from California State University of Fullerton, I travelled to Amsterdam to visit a friend doing her MA in the UvA. I immediately fell in love with the city, its bikes, its atmosphere, everything. I guess, in a way, I was also looking for a way out of California again. The timing was right and studying at the UvA just felt like a good thing to do.
About the programme
The classes are a bit too big, but I don’t think the American Studies department had much control over that. I don’t think they anticipated or even could have anticipated their success and popularity with international students. Each professor has a different style of teaching, each has his own quirks, and for that each is interesting. Considering how young this programme is, it is strong and continues to grow exponentially.
About the Universiteit van Amsterdam
I came from a University that had a centralized campus isolated from the city. I liked the decentralized nature of the UvA. I also immediately liked where I live, in the Jordaan: it’s a peaceful, beautiful area right in the middle of Amsterdam. I am satisfied and overall happy with the UvA. In the end, I think it’s the people—the faculty, professors, and students—that make this experience in Amsterdam completely worth it.
About the city and the Netherlands
What I love about Amsterdam is its culture, city structure, atmosphere, the outdoor markets. Riding a bike makes me feel like a kid again, being able to sit along the canals for a coffee never ceases to amaze me. I spend most of my travel time wandering around the city, though. It’s a truly beautiful city to walk in.
You do experience some kind of culture shock though. I admire international students: their strength and courage, their ability to adapt to difficult situations.
I recommend this MA programme to any student because
international student life can be, at times, extremely difficult, but the payoff in the long run is worth it. The only way to make it through an experience like this is by being adaptable, open-minded, patient with yourself and with others, and modest, humble, willing to take the good with the bad. The only way a tree survives in the wind is by bending. And Amsterdam can be oh so windy sometimes.