The International Communication major is an applied study. We apply all the knowledge and skills we learn in the theory classes in projects that we do. Companies are looking for professionals with practical experience and we get to work with real clients to get this experience. You get insight into the professional field and an idea of what future working life could look like. We cover so many areas, including business and cultural aspects. 

The international aspect of the IC major means that we’re not only studying in English, but also in an international environment – studying with people who have different cultural backgrounds. I have learned a lot working in international projects groups. During the study you will see that when working with people from different backgrounds things don’t always go your way, you need to make compromises. By working in international teams you will become culturally sensitive.

What I really like about the IC programme is the problem-based learning. Every block we work in international teams on a project in the field of communication, such as event management, internal communication and crisis communication. We learn strategies and concepts that a communication practitioner uses in the professional world. This practical aspect of the study makes us better prepared for an internship and graduation assignment and gives us the opportunity to distinguish ourselves on the job market.

Within the first year most students face the challenge of learning how to function in an international environment. Although this can be challenging in the beginning, the intercultural competence classes help us to understand how we can overcome our cultural differences. In the end, this leads to a unique atmosphere of compassion and understanding among the classmates.

What I really like about the International Communication programme is that I have class with students from many different countries. We are taught how to deal with cultural differences, which is very useful because we often work in intercultural project groups. Studying in such an international environment is a great attribute to my personal and future development.

International Communication is not only about learning to communicate with people with different cultural backgrounds. We also have classes in for instance economics and marketing, as well as developing research and media skills. Each study period revolves around a specific theme and all classes and projects in that period are linked to it.

For my third year, I will study abroad for one semester. The School of Communication & Media has over fifty partner universities to choose from! I will also do an internship as a marketing expert. This is a really great opportunity for me to obtain valuable work experience and I am hoping it results in a job offer after I receive my bachelor diploma.

Though honours students have to do additional assignments, the programme is not about high grades; it is about sharing ideas, gaining deeper and wider knowledge and being socially active. Honours participants need to communicate more with fellow students and Hanze staff and be up to date with world affairs. The programme teaches you how to manage your time and set priorities. As a result, the workload is challenging but manageable and partly depends on how far a person wants to get involved.

My personal reasons for joining the honours programme were to gain more knowledge, ideas and experience, to cooperate with motivated students and, of course, the honours diploma is also a plus. I would advise students to think carefully before applying to the honours programme, because it is time consuming and a person has to be really into it to succeed. On the other hand, I think it is worth the effort and you will definitely learn a lot and meet talented people on the way.