Preservation & Presentation of the Moving Image
Joao Martins from Portugal
American Studies
Why American Studies?
The American Studies programme is somewhat related to my degree from Portugal. After my studies I worked for a couple of years. I was looking for an MA programme with a strong emphasis on international relations, American history and American media. One of my professors from Coimbra recommended this programme to me. After my MA in American Studies I may want to pursue a PhD in Media.
About the programme
I like my programme because the mandatory courses interest me. The professors are very accessible. In class you are expected to be part of the discussions.
It is good to realize, though, that there is a specific focus to the program. Within American Studies, politics, foreign policy, and the American presence (political and cultural) are stressed. You do not have the time, really, to take additional courses, although there are enough interesting courses offered by the faculty.
About the Universiteit van Amsterdam
Unfortunately the libraries of the faculty are closed on weekends.
In addition, I find that the focus of the library system is in line with the focus of the program, but it is sometimes harder to find material on topics not being taught. It also seems that in recent years the digital library has been favoured over the buying of books.
About the city and the Netherlands
I already lived here in Amsterdam for a year before the programme started. At first, living here was a bit complicated because you do not know the language. But people here in the city centre are very willing to exercise their English. In Amsterdam there is a lot to do, many cultural activities, which is the main attraction of the city. Sometimes they even have festivals where you can enter for free. Also, you are in the centre of Europe, so you can move around, go visit other countries.
Something I still can’t grasp though is eating “haring”.