Student testimonial
Student Dagmar - MSc International Development Studies
Our students come from all over the world: from Bangladesh to Italy and from Ghana to the Netherlands. All these different backgrounds enrich the academic atmosphere at Wageningen University. The mix of languages and cultures is sure to contribute to your experience here. Below you can read some
Studying in an interdisciplinary environment with environmental scientists, agricultural scientists and agro-economists triggers original and inspiring collaborations and discussions.
Economics of Development
“I was immediately intrigued by the data-centered approach of MID. Through my bachelor’s in political science, I knew some basic statistics, however the focus was on policy analysis and understanding complex theory. For my masters, I wanted to obtain more practical skills to analyse contemporary development issues. The Economics of Development track grants plenty of opportunity to develop practical skills in statistics, econometrics, and data-analysis, while still offering much depth in terms of content. Additionally, there is much freedom to choose your own research topics. Personally, I have focused a lot on rural livelihood challenges.”
WASS Graduate Program
“In the first year of MID, I joined the WASS Graduate Program. This Graduate Program provides research-oriented master students with the best possible training and supervision to start a PhD after their masters. The Graduate Program includes a research internship (as opposed to a regular internship), advanced level master courses and a course in PhD proposal writing (instead of Academic Consultancy Training).
At the end of my first year, I did a six-month Research Internship with the Environmental and Economic History chair group at WUR. Here, I conducted econometric research on the effects of adoption and implementation of IMF poverty reduction plans on the debt burden of Sub-Sahara African countries. I learned a lot about the dynamics of government debt in developing countries and the politics of international debt relief. I was very warmly welcomed by the chair group. They invited me to weekly academic seminars about the latest developments in the field, which I still attend.”
Student life in Wageningen
“Student life in Wageningen is what you make of it! There are so many opportunities to join sports teams, study- and student-associations and other student initiatives (from dj-collectives to organic gardening groups). Really, the opportunities are endless! Or, if you are thinking of starting new initiatives, Wageningen is the easiest place to find like-minded people. Because of its relatively small student population, it is easy to spread the word. Last year, I created a book-club with some students. By now, we have expanded to 12 people, and we are currently reading our fifth novel! Your time in Wageningen will be very dynamic and fun.”