Development Studies

Name: Ugochi Osuoji from Nigeria

Major: Economics of Development (ECD)

What is your background?

I've got a background in Economics (B.Sc) and have been working as lecturer/ researcher for three years and still counting.

Why did you choose ISS?

I chose ISS because of its international reputation and its expertise in relevant research in the area of development studies, in addition, its location in The Hague, gives me the opportunity to build my capacity and have practical experiences as a volunteer or intern in the variety of NGOs situated here.

How will the programme help you in the future?

Considering the love and interest I have for doing the right things and making a difference in our world today, it will enable me to have a deeper and better understanding of the world and its change processes and to develop a set of practical skills to empower lives and address development issues.

Would you recommend ISS to others?

For sure, in fact I already have learnt quite some life valuable lessons here...

Name: Darlington Ikechukwu Uzor from Nigeria

Major: Social Justice Perspective (SJP)

What is your background

I have a Bachelor of Arts in History and International Relations and I am a youth worker and development enthusiast with over 5 years’ experience in peace building, youth work, volunteering, advocacy training and driving campaigns against female genital mutilation, early child marriage, and public policy advocacy to promote youth participation in democratic and governance processes in Nigeria. Currently, working as a Program Coordinator at Hold My Hands Women & Youth Development Foundation and Program Officer campaign at YIAGA African Initiative.

Why did you choose ISS?

When I was applying for my MA program, I was very intentional in choosing the right school and country that will give me the best education in Development field, enabling environment, diversity and global network of like minded young leaders.

I got another scholarship offers but I choose ISS because of the following reasons below:

• Strong Global Network of Alumni
• Enabling environment located in the heart of Hague
• Other Networking opportunities
• Diversity at the ISS is second to none
• More than 80% of people in the Netherlands speak English
• Internship and volunteering opportunities with top NGOs in the world

How will this Programme help you in the future?

As a youth worker, my expectation from this program is to gain more practical and theoretical experience in development, improve my skills and broaden my understanding and knowledge on civil society management, strategic planning and implementation, and project management. I will further develop my leadership abilities and explore European best-practices, perspectives and experiences on Development issues and even from peers from other countries. I am convinced that taking part in this program offered by ISS, with its interdisciplinary approach, meets my expectations. Upon completion of my master’s degree, it’s my desire to work with the United Nations organizations and other relevant non-governmental and civil society organizations in Africa to improve youth development policies, and contribute in promoting peace, social justice and human rights across Africa.

Would you recommend ISS/the Netherlands to others?

Like I say earlier diversity and the programs offered at ISS and its interdisciplinary approach is second to none. Thus, if you are looking for a master’s program in Development Studies in Europe, ISS is a place for you to acquire the latest skills you need to excel in development, humanitarian, civil society and public service. Finally, I have good news for you, one you don’t need admission fee to apply for any master program at ISS, secondly, you don’t need language certificate if your first-degree program is in English.

Good luck with your application!.

Name: Karen Vanesa Marriner Castro from Colombia

Major: Governance and Development Policy (GDP)

Why did you choose this major?

I choose the Governance and Development Policy (GDP) major because it gave me the possibility to understand multi-stakeholder processes from a governance perspective. I had worked in NGO´s and in the public sector and sometimes the reality makes diffuse the theoretical approaches, for me was an opportunity to go back to the theoretical approach and evaluate my work.

Escogí el majo de Governance and Development Policy porque me daba la oportunidad de valuar y entender las actitudes e intereses de los diferentes stakeholders que intervienen en los procesos. La perspectiva de gobernanza te permite crear una visión global de las políticas y de sus efectos.

How will this major help you in the future (career wise)?

I would like to keep working in NGO´s and in local level institutions and now I feel like I have more tools and knowledge to improve the processes and make things better.

Me gustaría continuar trabajando para una ONG ó para el sector público en el nivel local. Siento que después de la Maestría tendré más y mejores herramientas para mejorar los procesos y aportar mi grano de arena en la construcción de mí país.

What aspect of your major do you really like?

I really like the fact that the major not only focus in the traditional stakeholders, like the government and the organized society, but also in the private sector and the different interactions between them.

Lo que más me gusto del major es que tiene un enfoque en donde no solo entendemos el comportamiento de los actores públicos, sino, además, del sector privado y su rol dentro del desarrollo local.

Why did you choose ISS?

Because as an international institute I have the opportunity to interact with people from all around the world. It is true that the academic level of ISS is excellent, but beyond that it provides you with an environment in which you are always learning something, not only from your professors but also from your peers. It's amazing, the cultural and academic knowledge that you can find at ISS. 

Escogí ISS porque el nivel académico del instituto es excelente, los profesores y las líneas de investigación que tienen se caracterizan por ser de un muy buen nivel. Empero, más allá de las oportunidades académicas que el ISS te da, tienes la posibilidad de compartir con personas de todas partes del mundo. ¡Es increíble el potencial académico y cultural que encuentras en ISS!

The lecturer’s teaching methods:

It's a combination between traditional lectures and workshops. So, you can practice the things that you are learning. The exercises are real cases.

Es una combinación entre clases magustrales y talleres. En los talleres pones en práctica los conocimientos que estás adquiriendo y además, los ejercicios son tan reales, que a veces puedes sentirte como el Presidente un país.

Would you recommend ISS to your peers?

Definitely, ISS is an amazing opportunity. You will grow professional and personal. The quality of the professors, the classes, the different options and your colleagues make from ISS a unique academic experience.

ISS es una oportunidad única. Estar en una institución académica de gran nivel te permitirá crecer en el campo profesional.

The cultural diversity of ISS:

You will study with people from all around the world. ISS is a door to the world, every day you learn something new from a different culture. At the end, you will end with a multicultural family and you definitely change the perspective of the world and leave behind silly stereotypes.

Name: Risa Miseki

Major: Social Policy for Development (SPD)

Why did you choose this major?

I was eager to learn about children issues in the development filed from the perspective of social policy. And, I found professors at ISS who was researching within this field.

How will this major help you in the future (career wise)?

The major will allow me to look at developing social policy in a critical manner and will directly enhance my knowledge and ideas. 

What aspect of your major do you really like?

I really enjoy the variety of teaching methods. It is not all about being in the classroom, but there are many practical aspects to it as well. For example, we have visited many different organisations in the Netherlands to learn about specific things.

Why did you choose ISS?

I chose ISS because of the professors who were researching in the area of children and youth studies in development sector. In addition, the majority of ISS alumni are now very prominent in their career advancement.

The cultural diversity of ISS?

This is the most favorite part of my time at ISS. Our classmate comes from Latin America, Asia, Europe and Africa, and all over the world.