From the very first day, Amrita Das noticed how openly the master’s programme in English Literature approached literature in all its global diversity: not only British or American literature, but English-language texts from across the world. Amrita: ‘VU Amsterdam offered me something that was not self-evident: the space and the mindset to grow, regardless of my background. I felt seen, heard, and valued.’
‘In one of the seminars, everyone wrote poetry from their own perspective, with personal heritage and stories at the centre. It made me realise that I wasn’t just studying; I was rediscovering my voice. This global approach gives the programme a unique value.’
Critical discussions
What perhaps surprised Amrita most was how actively students are encouraged to participate in critical discussions. ‘My roots lie in India, a strongly patriarchal society, where I was expected to wait until I was spoken to. At first, in class, I barely raised my hand.’ Gradually, she learned to express herself more freely and grew more confident in sharing her (even conflicting) opinions. Alongside her fellow students, who came from diverse countries, the teachers also played a key role. ‘They genuinely take the time to get to know their students, ensuring no one is reduced to a set of marks.’
Seizing the opportunity
Amrita found the master’s quite demanding, but manageable. ‘You receive assignments, there is a substantial amount of reading, classroom work, and plenty of interactive work with your fellow students. The lecturers can guide you and the resources are available, but it’s up to you to seize the opportunity and make the most of it.
Support
The intensive supervision from teachers enabled Amrita to expand her master’s thesis into a PhD project. She received a NWO Mosaic grant, which supports first- and second-generation Dutch researchers with a non-Western migration background in pursuing a PhD, in order to increase the representation of this group in academia.
Work
Amrita now works at VU Amsterdam as a programme manager in the field of pedagogy and communication. She oversees programmes for lecturers from their very first day of teaching up to the moment they join their Senior Teaching Qualification (SKO). She also supports teachers in recognising the diverse ways in which students learn, speak, and think, and seeks ways to create and maintain an inclusive learning environment.
‘VU Amsterdam offered me something that was not self-evident: the space and the mindset to grow, regardless of my background. I felt seen, heard, and valued. Now it’s my turn to give incoming students that same feeling in return.’
Learn more about the master’s programme in English Literature: Writing the 21st Century.
