09/06/2026
A big part of what makes any study programme unique is the character of its students. We often get asked, “what kind of person does European Studies?” and it’s not a simple answer, because, on the one hand, our student body is very, very diverse, but on the other, we have noticed that our students have a lot in common. One of the most important characteristics that ES students share is that they care about stuff. They’re the type of student who engages with the world around them and gets involved, instead of sitting on the sidelines.
Dilyora, a second-year ES student, is a great example. Right now, she’s gearing up to do a 50 km walk as part of the annual Night of the Refugee on 20 June. Several ES students and graduates have walked this walk over the years, to raise awareness about global humanitarian issues and to raise money for projects run by the Dutch Refugee Foundation. Dilyora is participating for the second time and doing the full 50.
Part of the motivation is personal. “I’m doing it because, as a resettled political refugee, I have firsthand experience of what it is like to live without your basic needs being met and to live in another country without legal rights, stability, or opportunities,” she says. “What helped my family during those times were volunteers. That is why I try to help others as much as possible.”
But there are even more reasons to get involved, she says. “It’s a great opportunity for networking. Last year I met people who work for different organizations connected to human rights, migration, and political parties.”
It’s a big distance but Dilyora says it’s do-able, even without training. “You just need to get enough sleep beforehand and wear comfy sneakers,” she says.
If you want to support Dilyora and her cause, you can find a link in our bio. Maybe check it out if you can. And if you want to know about how European Studies trains students to work on issues affecting refugees and human rights, among other things, hit the other links in our bio for more information.
