Vikolainen decided to apply to the European Studies double diploma program because, as an international figure herself, the joint program of the UT and the University of Münster was very appealing to her. It requires extensive traveling between the campuses and offers the chance to grasp the culture on both sides of the border. It also helps her to understand the complex entity of the European Union in an atmosphere that is diverse in many ways. Students come from all over Europe and learning is encouraged from different perspectives. `It is nice to learn about the European Union from the multiple points of view of different disciplines,' she explains, `It is intellectually fulfilling, too.' Coming from a management background at the International Graduate School of Management at the St Petersburg State Technical University, she adds, `I have to admit, the level of education is more demanding here.'
The European Studies program was launched in September 2001, with the aim of promoting a `borderless Europe' and enhancing international mobility, using the slogan of `Europe Across Borders.' The UT's Centre of European Studies, an institution that specializes in different aspects of European integration, coordinates the program. There are about 15 participants this year, who attend European law, economy, and international relations courses, in addition to writing a thesis.
The program has not only helped Vikolainen to realize her potential with its intensive workload - `Writing six papers in two and a half months was an unforgettable experience,' she admits - but also has broadened her horizons, since the program is international in all aspects. Currently, she is working at Witteveen+ Bos in a project concerning urban development in Central Eastern European States under the framework of European Union cohesion policy. Related to this research, her master's thesis, which she will defend in July, deals with European Union Regional Policy focusing on urban development.
Her positive impression of the UT reflects her ideas about the Dutch people and life in the Netherlands as well. Vikolainen feels good about living here because of the Dutch people: `The Dutch are easier to get along with than the other Europeans I've met. They are positive and usually optimistic. Although sometimes they are a bit straightforward, this is a sign of honesty.' In addition, her studies of the Dutch language at the ROC also contribute to her positive opinion on Dutch culture and people, `The teachers were very supportive and they did everything possible to integrate a newcomer into Dutch society.' Her efforts to integrate into the Dutch culture continue with the NT-2 level language lessons she is taking at the UT campus. Apart from learning the language, Vikolainen enjoys spending time with her friends, reading and practicing the language with her boyfriend's family, who enjoy the international spirit she brings with her.
Favorites:
Hometown: St. Petersburg, Russia
Languages spoken: Russian, English and Dutch
Favorite book: The Master and the Margarita by Michael Bulgakov
Favorite group: Smashing Pumpkins
Favorite sport: liter-bal, a traditional Russian sport
Favorite place in NL: Maastricht
Miss most about home: Family, friends and cultural activities
Best part about NL: More opportunities to find my way and be independent
Worst part about NL: Lack of decent health and beauty services
Vera Vikolainen
