In just two short weeks from today, January 19th, 2015, I’ll be flying to the Netherlands to make it my new home for one year. After 11 months of working for the Consulate General of the Netherlands in San Francisco, I’ve built a strong network of influencers in the Netherlands which will be very important as I take the leap across the Atlantic Ocean. It was at the Consulate General where I was encouraged to pursue my academic career by my then boss, Ard van der Vorst. With a two year plan in mind, the primary reason for my move to the Netherlands is to attend Leiden University. As chance would have it, I won’t be moving back to my home country alone.
Studying at Universiteit Leiden
As of today I’ve officially been admitted to the International Relations MA in Leiden, home to the oldest university in the Netherlands. Universiteit Leiden has many notable alumni over its existence, including John Quincy Adams, 6th president of the United States; Albert Einstein, renowned physicist; Armin van Buuren, world famous DJ; and many of the Dutch Royal Family, including our King Willem-Alexander.
The program will take place over a period of 11 months, starting the first of February. Under the European Union Studies specialization of the program I will be undertaking a study of not only the inner workings with the EU, but also it’s relation to the world outside of the EU. In a Europe still in recovery from the 2009 Economic Crisis and external conflicts such as Ukraine and ISIS, there will be plenty of policy to discuss.
Work and Trends I’ll Be Watching
Studying won’t be the only work I’m doing. With the advantage of being in the Netherlands, I’ll continue working with my father in the capacity of Laanen the Brand. Moving from Silicon Valley means I’ll be closely watching the startup and innovation scene, and am very excited to discover the community in the Netherlands, but also curious to see where the yet to launch StartupDelta, led by Neelie Kroes, will go. If you have use for someone with experience in Silicon Valley, please contact me!
Good Fortune
Last but most certainly not least, I am very fortunate that I’ll be living in the Hague with long time friend and fellow Eagle Scout, Drew Nollsch. Drew has been hired as an engineer for NATO, and will be flying out to the Netherlands the exact same day as myself. Conveniently, we will be living very close to the Central Train station of the Hague, making all of the Netherlands accessible to us.
I’m incredibly excited for what 2015 will bring in the Netherlands. I’ll be writing at least weekly, to keep you up to date with my latest experiences. I look forward to hearing your feedback. Friends in the states, I will gladly see you for a visit in the Netherlands!
