'Sports taught me that leadership starts with supporting people, not controlling them.'

After studying Electrical Engineering in Greece, this second-year student at decided to follow a different path. Looking for a study that combined movement, psychology and working with people, he found Sport Studies. The practical approach and wide range of opportunities within the programme immediately stood out to him.

Finding the right path
“I originally studied Electrical Engineering in Greece, but after a few years I realized it was not what I was looking for. I started exploring other options and became interested in the Dutch educational system. I considered studies like Social Studies and Philosophy, but sports had always been a very fulfilling part of my life.

When I looked into Sport Studies and saw the different directions within the programme, it immediately felt right. I loved that it combined movement, psychology and the social side of sports. That made it feel like a safe but also exciting choice.”

Learning through practice
“One of the things I appreciate most is how practical the programme is. We do not only focus on theory, but also on applying what we learn in realistic situations. From the first year onward we worked with role plays, presentations, observations, internships and event planning for fellow students and other university students.

All these experiences help us connect with the industry and understand how things work in practice. It makes the learning process much more meaningful because you can immediately see why the theory matters.”

Leadership and reflection
“One of the most impactful subjects for me was leadership and values. Growing up, I mostly experienced leadership as people wanting things done their own way. During the programme I learned about ethical leadership and how leadership is actually about modeling your values and supporting your group.

That completely changed my perspective. I realized that creating a safe and supportive environment helps people grow much more effectively than fear or humiliation ever could.

I also really enjoyed learning about self-regulation and reflection. These subjects helped me better understand my own emotional and physical needs, while also giving me tools to develop healthy habits and improve myself.”

Open and supportive environment
“In the beginning I struggled with the contact between students and lecturers because of cultural differences. In Greece I was used to admiring professors from a distance, which often made it difficult to ask questions or admit mistakes.

Here it is completely different. Lecturers are approachable and supportive, even when you ask something simple or make mistakes. Over time I realized how valuable that is, because growth starts when you feel safe enough to acknowledge your weaknesses and work on them.”

More possibilities than expected
“When I started the programme, I thought I would probably become a coach. Now I see that Sport Studies opens many more doors. It combines sports, psychology, policy, interventions and project work in a way that can genuinely improve people’s lives.

I would recommend this study to curious students who enjoy exploring different perspectives and want to work in a field where sports and human development come together.”’