Testimonials
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."
Jim Slemmer is a student
"I did one year of Art History before starting the Celtic Languages and Culture programme; it was in that year that I got my first serious taste of Irish history and culture. After two lectures on Christendom in Ireland, the Book of Kells and the typical Celtic designs in art – I was in love."
"The impression that I got from the website and matching days was that it was a closely knit programme where everyone shared mainly – but not always – the same interests. So I expected a lot of the programme to be like the classes in Ancient Greek and Latin that I took in secondary school. And that proved to be true."
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Close ties
"Before, I was afraid that it would be hard to build a good relationship with the lecturers and other students, because we wouldn’t have many contact hours. Nothing could have been further from the truth! Both students and lecturers are hugely approachable: everyone is always ready and willing to help you with whatever questions you may have. There are WhatsApp groups where everyone regularly asks questions, and if you really get stuck on something, there’s always someone who will offer to meet up sometime to study together or to give some extra lessons. You are never left to fend on your own, which is a great feeling.
Satisfaction
"Have I ever regretted my choice of studies? Yeah, when it’s ten o’clock in the evening and I’m still struggling to translate a piece of Middle Irish poetry. But I always manage to get through it. It gives a great sense of satisfaction to be able to translate and understand an 800-year-old text – what an amazing feeling that is. This study programme was really the right choice for me: spot on intellectually, socially and emotionally."