<p>I'm going into my last year of my undergrad and am looking for some way- any way- to get out of the mid-South for awhile. I know I want to go to grad school eventually, but I also want to travel abroad, and incorporating the two would be just fantastic. I recently discovered that the University of Leiden in the Netherlands offers a bunch of master's degrees taught in EnglishL</p>
<p>Is anyone familiar with the university or the town? If I decided to go onto to a PhD, do you think my Leiden MA would get "respect" at American universities? I don't know exactly what program I would enroll in, but right now I'm thinking it might be in History or Philosophy/Religion. </p>
<p>As much as I want to get out of the States for awhile, I'm not just looking for a European vacation. I want to actually have something to show for my time (and money!)</p>
<p>Hi! I’m in an MA(Res) programme in Leiden right now. :)</p>
<p>University of Leiden has a very good reputation, and has consistently been ranked among the top 100 by both the ARWU and Times ranking systems (whatever that means). It’s a very decent university, anyway. Moreover, there is a high percentage of international students and the atmosphere is really awesome: Dutch students are very approachable, fluent in English and friendly to internationals. There are many international and English speaking societies as well. The town is great: it’s not too big, but has many nice little pubs, shops and restaurants, and it is not far from Amsterdam (and the public transport system makes travelling very easy). </p>
<p>MA in the Netherlands is somewhat different than in the US. The programmes are shorter (usually one year), more specialised and much less solely intended for those who wish to pursue a career in academics. In the Netherlands basically every student who successfully completes an undergrad will proceed to MA level, because the job market in the Netherlands is not very welcoming to those who only possess a BA or BSc degree. I would strongly recommend the research programmes Leiden offers, because the additional year is really helpful and these programmes are quite selective, so you will be in a class with people who are as academically motivated as you are. I cannot predict how a Dutch MA degree would be received in the US in general. I am certain that pursuing a PhD in the US with a Dutch MA degree is completely possible. I even know some people who did. </p>
<p>In short: come to Leiden. You will love it.</p>
<p>If you have any other questions, send me a PM. :)</p>