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Communication (International Communication Major)






International / Schools / What lecturers have to say

What lecturers have to say

Antonia Hein, MSc
Third-year internship coordinator, lecturer marketing & finances
'Students are challenged to think critically.'   

Trienke Drijfhout, M.A.
Lecturer International Marketing and Communication
'Develop a new perspective of the world and global issues.'   

Fiona van Gelder, M.A.
Lecturer English for communication professionals
'We have students from all over the world.'   

Teaching at the International Communication major is a real challenge, but a rewarding one. I teach English for communication professionals, which is taught throughout the bachelor programme. As a communication professional working internationally you should of course be fluent in English, both in your speaking and writing. In this course students improve these skills by writing and reading different types of texts and by doing professional presentations.

Why is this a challenge? Well, we have students from all over the world. They have all learned English somehow, but all in a different way, and as a teacher it is a real challenge to teach such a mixed group. However, this diversity makes International Communication so special of course. I myself was raised with two different cultures and languages (English and Dutch), so to me this intercultural environment really feels like home.

I also see that the students create their own international culture, so despite all the cultural differences International Communication students also have many things in common. For example, International Communication students tend to be very motivated and eager to learn. So for me as a teacher it's very rewarding.


 

Alex F. Schouten, Hon. Prof, Ldo
Senior lecturer research methods
'Research helps you to glue the pieces of the puzzle together.'   

Research plays an integral role in the International Communication major. If you have researched the problem and have analysed the situation with the evidence at hand, 70 percent of the work is done. As a communication professional you will have to be able to identify problems or changes in the business environment, examine the situation and develop an appropriate solution. You will have to be able to back up your arguments with strong evidence to convince an organisation that your actions are justified.

In year one of the IC major you will be exposed to a number of techniques to develop your critical thinking and to show you the importance of evidence-based practice. In year two you will work for a client and you must solve a communication problem. The emphasis is placed on how to define the main problem to be analysed. After completing the three research modules you will be able to examine an issue from multiple viewpoints and translate your findings into an effective solution. In the fragmented world of information it’s important that you are able to see the greater whole. Research helps you to glue the pieces of the puzzle together. 

As a research practitioner I have undertaken research in Spain, Brazil, the Netherlands, Mongolia and Kazakhstan (the Silk Road).