Stefan Pool, Dutch student

The administration of my former programme at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA)merged with the ISHSS to offer a cooperative programme in Cultural and Social Training and Social Policy. This meant that students who successfully finished the preparatory minor and a programme at the HvA could start a new programme at the ISHSS. It was a great opportunity that I accepted.

What are your experiences as a student at the ISHSS and at the University of Amsterdam?

My programme - Social Policy and Social Work in Urban Areas - is still fairly new. My fellow students and I provided feedback to the programme manager to make improvements for future students. The academic climate is different from that at the HvA. Practice is emphasised at the HvA, theory is emphasised at the UvA. This required a different approach to digesting all the information presented in the courses. Academic reading and writing also required some getting used to. The staff and facilities at the ISHSS are very good. A positive aspect of studying at the ISHSS is that you get to meet people from all over the world. Since I haven't had much experience, it helped that the UvA offers good facilities in nice locations and buildings.

What are your experiences as a student in Amsterdam?

Great city! I've been living here all my life and I'll probably die here as well! Life as a student is great! It's a lot of hard work, but you work on a topic that interests you, you have the opportunity to meet a whole range of people and the time to get to know them. Furthermore, the nature of academic work allows for flexibility in planning it to suit you. So, even though you have to work hard, you're free to find your own way of getting the job finished.

What would you recommend to a student interested in studying here?

Social Policy is a very broad programme, which could both be a benefit and a disadvantage for students. For example, if a student has a general idea of what he/she wants to do and it doesn't turn out as expected, the broad character of the programme allows for alternative professions in the same field without the need for new schooling. However, if a student hasn't got a clue of what he/she wants to do, the broadness can cause students to swim aimlessly without making any real progress. I'd therefore advise students to at least decide on a concrete direction that can be used as a guide through the programme.

What is your academic background?

I do not have an academic background as such. I started the Social Policy Master after finishing Cultural and Social Training at the HvA.

Bowen Paulle, lecturer

My experience as a lecturer at the ISHSS has led me to conclude that the ISHSS hosts a great mix of wonderful students. Now that I am lecturing at the ISHSS, I think I should have started teaching here years ago! What I like about teaching in an international classroom setting is the different histories that the students and teachers bring with them.This is a huge part of what makes it work. As for the ISHSS staff and facilities, I've found them to be first class. My recommendation to the ISHSS is to stay as it is and continue to pursue the same course!

Siemen Spinder, lecturer

The title and content of the Master's programme in Social Policy and Social Work in Urban Areas attracts highly motivated students. To work with students who have such a positive attitude gives great satisfaction. During classes, students give well-prepared presentations on interesting topics, concerning, in my case, youth problems and youth politics from an international perspective. The variety of student backgrounds guarantees dynamic and worthwhile discussions. At the ISHSS, all the tools and audio-visual aids you need as a teacher are on hand. When organising a lecture, I always get the support I need from the friendly ISHSS staff and other personnel.