Testimonials

Do you want to know how our current and former students experience the programme? Then check out the interviews and videos with Marit, Marieke, Simon, and Joyce. 

Marit Lestabel (she/her) is a student

"I really love that we still possess the original sources in which these languages were featured, and that they can still be used to teach them to all the students."

Micheál Mac Gearailt (he/him) is a student

"The highlight of studying in Utrecht, quite frankly, is just the degree itself, because I'm able to engage with manuscripts that are sometimes a thousand plus years old, often in the flesh, with experts who know more about them than anyone I've ever met."

Marieke Peters (she/her) works as a market researcher

"After much hesitation about which undergraduate degree to choose, I took a test in which Celtic Languages and Culture ranked highly. Even though I did not know much about the different Celtic languages back then, my love for learning new languages and cultures evoked my curiosity." 

"These languages and this bachelor seemed so special and unique that I registered for a matchings day and enrolled in the programme. Not once have I regretted my decision."  

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Degree of difficulty

"I have to admit that the programme is more challenging than I had anticipated. After all, you start learning one of the toughest languages ever spoken in Europe. Personally, I loved it, but some of my fellow students didn’t enjoy that as much. Fortunately, there is enough guidance to help you out if needed. Despite being challenging, I have always found time to work and engage in fun activities next to my studies, for instance at study association Asterix. Even if I had known of this bachelor’s degree of complexity in advance, I would without a doubt have made the same choice."

Confidence

"By completing this bachelor’s degree, I have become more confident in my abilities. I now know that I am skilled in presenting, writing and learning new, challenging information. After all, if you can learn Old Irish, you can do everything. Right now, I work as a market researcher for universities and post-secondary education institutions. I support them in developing requests to the government to set up new programmes. After this position, I want to embark on another new journey, just like I did with Celtic Languages and Culture, and do something creative."

Simon Noordzij (he/him) is a student

"When I started orienting myself toward post-secondary education, Celtic languages and culture stood out to me. I felt intrigued by the time period, I enjoy learning languages and I knew virtually nothing about the field, so I decided to apply."

"So far, my choice has paid off: as a student in Celtic languages and culture, I notice how much I enjoy recognizing my knowledge in everyday life and discussing this with others."

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Transcribing

"In comparison to cultural studies courses, the Celtic languages courses take up more time, but they are definitely worth it. During the course Medieval Celtic Palaeography, we learned to examine and transcribe manuscripts. If you work hard at your studies, however, I find you have plenty of time for hobbies and fun activities. I, myself, am an active member of study association Asterix, I am part of a chess association and I often go for a run together with a classmate."

Adventure

"Not only does studying Celtic languages and culture teach me more about what I would like to do in the future, it also allows me to learn more about myself. The many fun new people that I have gotten to know through our study association have made me more open towards trying new experiences, such as joining the study trip to Dublin. If you’re surrounded by a group of amazing friends, new activities become much more fun."

Joyce Voorrips (she/her) is a Master's student

"When I was pursuing my degree in Journalism at a university of applied sciences, I realized I was longing for more theoretical depth, particularly in terms of history." 

"The great thing about the Celtic Languages and Culture programme is that I could study history while being part of a relatively small programme with fewer students and, therefore, a more personal touch. Moreover, I really liked the idea of learning new languages, like Old-Irish."

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Exchange

"After two years of working hard, partly during the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to go on exchange to Ireland and study at a university there. That turned out to be a great choice. My experiences as an international student at a foreign university shed new light on my Dutch education and the UU, for example because those teachers interpreted the sources of the Celtic languages in a very different way. I was the only one of my year to set up an exchange, but I would absolutely recommend it!"

Adjusting to the university

"During my time at the university of applied sciences, I hesitated if I could handle studying at a research university like UU, but eventually, I graduated from my programme with good grades. The interesting topics and welcoming ambiance also really helped me feel at home. Now, while pursuing a Master’s degree in Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, I can proudly state that I feel much more confident about myself. I am convinced I have been able to grow this much because I chose a programme because I felt really interested in the presented topics and not because it would prepare me for a highly-paid job."