Students on IR

Students about their studies in International Relations

Jessica Kaune (BA 2022)

When I was at school, I never knew what I wanted to do when I grew up. When I heard about the IB degree program after graduating from high school, I was immediately interested as it combines several of my areas of interest. The semester abroad also appealed to me. I am currently about to complete my Bachelor's degree and am very happy to have chosen IB!

In terms of content, I found the international law and political science content particularly interesting. From the third semester onwards, you can choose seminars in which you can specialize in specific (usually also current) topics. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree program is sometimes challenging because you have to learn different methods. At the same time, however, this is exactly what makes the degree program so special and enables a deeper understanding of international contexts.

The advantages of the IB degree program are not only the diverse content, but above all everything that happens around the official studies. Thanks to the semester abroad, the compulsory internship, the diverse engagement opportunities and the many evening events on offer (such as panel discussions in the Frauenkirche), I was able to get to know many new places, people and subject areas and acquire many soft skills.

What is particularly great, however, is the solidarity within the IB family. We always help each other out with problems and questions, and you can even make contact with IB alumnae via the mentoring program. I will always have particularly positive memories of the events organized by the IB Association, such as the Freshers' Weeks and the Christmas parties!

I can only encourage everyone to apply. It's worth it!

Valentina Frezzella (MA 2021)

"For me, the IB Master's degree with the core areas of international politics and international law combines exactly my interests after my Bachelor's degree at the Federal Foreign Office. The study program can be individually tailored, so that I have been able to set my priorities in recent years in the way that best suits me and my professional career.

Due to the sometimes heavy work and study load, I have learned to set sensible priorities without putting too much pressure on myself. I was also able to take a lot away from the courses, which means I feel well equipped to assert myself and work in an international environment.

A highlight of my IB studies was my Erasmus stay in Bologna, from which I returned to Dresden with many new friendships, improved language skills and yet another different perspective on world affairs. I can definitely recommend the IB Master's degree if you are looking for an exchange with people who think critically, are prepared to spend an hour or two in the library and have the desire to work on an international level."

Paul Saupe (MA 2021)

"Growing economic inequality, unchecked species extinction, global warming - in the 21st century we are facing challenges on an unprecedented scale that can only be solved through international cooperation. Since I always wanted to learn how to deal with the causes and possible solutions of global problems in a scientifically sound way, I applied for the Master's degree in International Relations at TU Dresden.

In my specialization "Global Political Economy", we analyse issues from an interdisciplinary economic and political science perspective. Legal aspects also play a role. Depending on our individual interests, we can choose from a wide range of courses. Whether studying together in the SLUB, on a study trip to Wroclaw or discussing with fellow students in the bars of Neustadt: for me, IB in Dresden is a way of life.

What I appreciate most is being surrounded by smart people all the time and constantly getting to know new perspectives. Especially in the elective seminars, there is plenty of room for informed discussions and learning from each other. Many of us are also involved in university politics or non-profit organizations alongside our studies. There are also countless opportunities to study abroad for a semester or complete internships in international organizations. For example, I have already completed an internship with the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Cameroon and with a member of the European Parliament in Dresden."

Johannes Köhr (MA 2021)

After my Bachelor's degree in International Business Administration, I was looking for a change of direction and came across the Master's in International Relations at TU Dresden while searching for a suitable Master's program. The great advantage of the IB Master's program is its interdisciplinary nature. Thanks to my previous knowledge in economics and my great interest in political topics, I was able to successfully apply for the specialization 'Global Political Economy'. Due to the structure of the degree program, I was able to compensate for deficits in the field of politics at the beginning of my studies, while my fellow students dealt more intensively with the basics of economics. In this way, the students are brought up to the same level of knowledge and can then expand their specialist knowledge together.

What I like best about the IB Master's program is that students from different backgrounds come together. This creates a lively and differentiated discussion culture in which different political views and attitudes come together and current world events are discussed. In addition, various courses offer the opportunity to further specialize thematically and pursue one's own interests. At the same time, the small and informal degree program with around 25 students ensures that students get to know each other well, master the challenges of a Master's degree together and support and help each other with difficult questions and topics.

In addition to the pure teaching content, the IB degree program also offers the perfect framework conditions for exploring the world at the same time. Students can benefit from the many collaborations between TU Dresden and the Center for International Studies (ZIS) with partner universities around the world. For example, I decided to spend an unforgettable semester abroad in Kyoto, Japan. After my semester abroad, I still had enough time to travel around the Asian continent during the semester break. Internships can also be completed at home and abroad during the study period. In addition to practical experience, these internships are also a good opportunity to explore other cities and countries and to familiarize yourself with the various professional fields after graduation.

Max Lukas Müller (MA 2019)

"After completing my Bachelor's degree in Politics, I was looking for a Master's degree program that would continue the international focus I had already set for my Bachelor's degree as well as possible. I very quickly came across the IB degree program at TU Dresden and can now say in my second semester: it was absolutely the right decision!

First of all, the subject matter: I myself am studying in the International Order specialization (International Politics and International Law). The degree program offers a very deep and comprehensive education. I already had experience in the legal field through my minor subject. But even if you don't have that, you will be brought up to the same level through bridge courses and harmonization. In any case, you should bring a certain willingness to work with you or develop it during your studies, because the workload is not from bad parents - especially when it comes to the exam phase. But performance is also rewarded in the end and all requirements are fair in any case. You are also offered first-class courses in terms of content!

Regarding the social aspect: due to the small cohorts, we practically got to know everyone on the first day and everyone got on well straight away. This then developed over the course of the induction week and the whole cohort immediately became close. I recommend everyone to go on the "study trip" to Wroclaw and to take up all the offers made to you by the IB association. We are now practically our own little cosmos and there is also good contact with the other Master's students and the Bachelor's students! After the first semester, you can already say that you've made friends for life here!"

Frederic Simon (MA 2019)

"By deciding to do a Master's after a year of working life, I did everything right with TU Dresden and the International Relations degree program.
In my specialization in International Order (International Politics and International Law), international law problems and challenges are combined with political issues. The interdisciplinary orientation prepares us for work in international organizations, non-governmental organizations or in other political and legal fields. The professional expertise of the lecturers and the personal support at ZIS deserve special mention.

In addition to the subject-specific aspect, which is very important for the degree program, the teamwork in a degree program with a wide variety of personalities is particularly noteworthy. Everyone in our year knows that you can rely on the others. After a short time, we have become a large group of friends in which everyone is helped, whether with problems at university or in other areas of life!"

Thea Gaus (MA 2019)

"Since the winter semester 2019, I have been studying International Relations in the Master's program with a focus on Global Political Economy (International Economics and International Politics). I like the fact that the lectures and seminars don't just deal with current topics from a purely political or economic science perspective, but in a truly interdisciplinary way. As a result, you learn to take a comprehensive perspective and are broadly positioned after graduation.
However, you also have the opportunity to set your own priorities when choosing courses. The flexible design of the course of study through creditable internships and semesters abroad also supports everyone in their individual path.

The cohesion within the IB community should also not be underestimated. The positive environment with intelligent and critically thinking people really enriches each individual. For me, the decision to go to Dresden was definitely the right one."

Thomas Börner (MA 2018)

"I decided to study for a Master's degree at the IB because I want to know how the world works and which key points are decisive for the most important decisions. In the Global Political Economy specialization, we are given the tools to learn how the economy and politics are intertwined. In our seminars, the focus is not only on imparting knowledge, but also on direct exchange with other students and teaching staff. The small groups create a special atmosphere for mastering everyday challenges together. This fosters a strong sense of team spirit that makes the time in the baroque ambience of Dresden fly by. Thanks to the commitment of the IB Association, a small IB family is growing up, which is also networked across the year groups. Absolutely the right choice of study for me!"

Vivienne Kobel (BA 2017)

"Why do you want to study International Relations (IB)? I probably asked myself this question most often after graduating from high school - and my answer was always: to understand the world, or at least to get a little closer to this goal. To understand complex, global interrelationships and problem areas and to find solutions to them. Even now, after my fifth semester and just completed Erasmus stay, I am firmly convinced that studying the three equally important core areas of international business, politics and international law with the claim of interdisciplinarity is the right way to do this.

IB in Dresden creates this very special all-round view of current topics and global systems, enables and challenges a wide variety of perspectives, whose own concepts and approaches may sometimes create tension; but it is precisely from this that very exciting conclusions and new thoughts can always be drawn! For me, IB means that there is always room in discussions for the critical, the unconventional and constant, constructive questioning and rethinking. That we are all, in one way or another, united by the motivation to find the screws in the (international) system that need to be turned in order to bring about changes that enable a fairer, more sustainable life. Because: IB is above all the people, the dynamic, colorful, warm-hearted IB family, in which everyone has a place, is free to leave it and look for a new one, or to be a little bit everywhere. For me, IB is a "we" because we all have a lot in common, but also because we do a lot of different things and are all very different. And that's exactly right. IB is inspiration, friendship, support, respect, learning new things, letting yourself be surprised, large shelves with lots of space for perspectives and rooms in the library of thoughts, philosophizing together, a love of travel, shared and personal stories - and home.
Today, looking back on the last semester in Dresden, my question to myself could be: Would you study IB again? I wouldn't have to think twice. My answer would be clear and from the bottom of my grateful heart: yes, anytime."

Charlotte Junge (BA 2016)

"I am completely satisfied with my choice to study IB; I couldn't imagine studying anything else. The combination of economics, law and political science means it never gets boring and you get to know a wide range of methods, faculties, professors and other students. The hard core is, of course, the IB family, a small, colorful bunch of committed and extremely sociable people with whom you can also make friends outside the library. The high-performing, ambitious environment is challenging, although it never degenerates into competition, but motivates you to give your best in a positive sense. If you ever need help, you can definitely rely on the cohesion of the IB students, who not only send joint hashtags into the digital world from the very beginning, but also support each other lovingly."

Frederik Abel (MA 2016)

"I have been studying International Relations with a focus on Global Political Economy (International Economics and International Politics) since the winter semester 2016/17. When choosing my Master's degree, I decided to study at IB in Dresden mainly because of the interdisciplinary and international nature of the program. Economics and politics are closely interlinked, with lectures and seminars covering the latest topics in both areas.

I like the composition and diversity of the IB students. They are "internationals" or have already gained a lot of experience abroad. For presentations, you work in a team with bright minds from a wide range of disciplines, from law and business studies to political science. All in all, the perfect mix."

Fabian Gödelitz (BA 2016)

"For me, IB is about understanding the world. Understanding how the international machinery works, in which economics, law and politics intertwine and recognizing which levers need to be turned and how in order to bring about change. The interdisciplinary approach of the course enables me to grasp topics from different perspectives and thus in all their complexity. The knowledge and skills I gain here open up endless opportunities for me to work in different areas of the international system and help create a fairer and better future for all. This is the goal of most of us here and one that connects us to each other, far beyond our studies. With this common goal in mind, we also develop great social projects beyond the university and here I immediately find enthusiasm for new ideas and people with whom I can implement them.

Knowing that I'm not studying alone, but with friends who inspire and support me, has made it incredibly easy for me to find my new home in Dresden. We travel together, go to the theater, cook, party, discuss and learn from each other. The IB community is my family and I am infinitely grateful to be a part of it."

Dimitria Nogueira de Freitas (MA 2016)

"My name is Dimitria and I am studying International Relations in the Master's program with a specialization in Global Political Economy (International Economics and International Politics). After my dual Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, I wanted to think outside the box and immerse myself further in politics. In my opinion, many of today's international issues require an economic as well as a political perspective. Although I quickly learned that interdisciplinarity is not as easy as you think, the TU is definitely the right place to try it out. Since everyone has a different background, you can learn a lot from your fellow students and be challenged in your own perspective on things. That's what I like best about studying here so far."

IB Association e.V.

For anyone who wants to know more: The main platform for everything concerning the (not only subject-related aspects) of student life, the IB Association is the perfect contact. Further impressions, unique stories and snapshots of everything that makes IB in Dresden unique can be found on the website as well as on the IB Association's Facebook and Instagram pages.