We’d like to introduce the new student coordinators to you; Elizabeth den Boer and Annelies de Koning. Where do they come from, what drives them, and with what can they help you? Read it here:

My name is Elizabeth den Boer. I was born in Dordrecht and now live in The Hague.

I have an academic background in Comparative Religion (Leiden University)  and Cultural Anthropology (PhD. from the Radboud University of Nijmegen.

In my research I mainly focused on the function of dreams of the indigenous people of Australia and Suriname, and on contemporary Hinduism in Europe and the Caribbean. I enjoy traveling, one of my favorite destinations is the Himalaya, I love hiking in the mountains, but have no idea what the future of traveling will look like. On a more daily base, I enjoy cooking (I’m vegan), meeting with friends, reading.

I have lived in several countries but settled again in the Netherlands after leaving Suriname and started working for the University of Leiden in 2008, initially as lecturer Comparative Religion and Hinduism, and later as study advisor at the Institute for Religious Studies. In 2013 I joined the BA International Studies as study advisor and now Urban Studies as well.

I enjoy working in an academic environment, particularly the interaction with students. The advantage of working in a smaller program is that it is more personal, so I am looking forward to our return to the Campus and meet students in person again as I do miss you all!

As I am committed to the University of Leiden as my alma mater), co-participation is important to me, so I have been a member of the faculty council of Humanities and am now in my 4rth (and final) year as a member of the University Council. I would advise any committed student and staff member to consider co-participation in one of the staff and student bodies of the university to act as an intermediary between the various departments.

 

I am Annelies de Koning, I’m from Hoorn and I live in Amsterdam now. I did a bachelor’s degree in Human Geography and a master’s in Social History at the University of Amsterdam. In recent years I have worked at the AUAS (Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences) in the field of internationalization. I also have some journalistic experience.

Mid April, so that’s quite recent, I started as a study coordinator for both Urban Studies and International Studies. I started this position working from home and although there are disadvantages, I find it special and fun to notice that both employees and students are very creative and innovative in finding ways as to how to make this work! I am looking forward to the day we can all return to campus however and to meet everyone in real life.

When I’m not working, I enjoy visiting the cinema or a café with friends (glad cinemas and cafes are open again). I also enjoy reading and in recent months I have cycled and walked a lot. Oh and also, I tried to make something of my garden with mixed results. Furthermore, I love travelling, so I am happy that we can start making plans again!

 

For any questions related to your studies and issues interfering with your studies you can contact us: stuco_urbanstudies@hum.leidenuniv.nl