Students on IR

Students about their studies in International Relations

Valentina Frezzella (MA 2021)

"For me, the IB Master's 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 tailored individually, so that I have been able to set my priorities in recent years in a way that suits me and my professional career best.

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 had 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 analyze 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."

Max Lukas Müller (MA 2019)

"After completing my Bachelor's degree in Politics, I looked for a Master's degree program that would at best continue the international focus I had already set for my Bachelor's degree. 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 profound 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 bridging courses and harmonization. In any case, you should bring a certain willingness to work or develop it during your studies, because the workload is really quite something - especially when it comes to the exam phase. Performance, however, is also rewarded in the end and all requirements are fair in any case. In return you get 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 introduction week and the whole class 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 degree 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 broad 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 and every 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 in IR 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!"

Marilen Martin (BA 2018)

"As I didn't want to just study law, political science or business administration, I came across the International Relations degree program in Dresden. Because IR in Dresden has a bit of everything and also offers language training. From economics lectures in the large lecture hall to small lectures with other IB students only, you get a broad insight - both into different scientific ways of thinking and into different degree programs. Although I've only been in Dresden for three months, thanks to the notorious IB family, you quickly settle in and find yourself between Russian vocabulary, supply and demand diagrams, paragraphs in the Basic Law and definitions of Adorno in the middle of interdisciplinary studies. And luckily I'm not alone, because IB is full of interesting people who have traveled to so many different places and experienced so many different things that there's always plenty to talk about. That's why I can say that I don't regret my decision to come to Dresden. On the contrary, I'm very happy with it."

Vivienne Kobel (BA 2017)

"Why do you want to study International Relations (IB)? This was probably the question I asked myself most often after graduating from high school - and my answer always was: To understand the world, or to get (at least) 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 recently completed Erasmus stay, I am firmly convinced that studying the three equally important core areas of international economics, international politics and international law with the claim of interdisciplinarity is the right way to do this.

IR 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, IR 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: IR is above all the people, the dynamic, colorful, warm-hearted IR family, in which everyone has a place and is free to leave it and look for a new one, or to be a little bit everywhere. For me, IR 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. IR 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 IR 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 IR; 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 IR 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 IR 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 IR 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 IR 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."

Ira Hennig (BA 2015)

"I'm originally from Ukraine and am currently studying for a Bachelor's degree in International Relations in Dresden. As this degree program is interdisciplinary, it offers a unique opportunity to learn to look at topics from a political, economic and legal perspective from the very beginning. In my opinion, the degree program does not only thrive on its interdisciplinarity and diversity, but rather on its committed and demanding students. There is an incredibly positive and motivating atmosphere on the IR course."

Fabian Gödelitz (BA 2016)

"For me, IR 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 with 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 on my own, 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 IR community is my family and I am infinitely grateful to be a part of it."

Jan-Phillip Graf (BA 2015)

"When watching the typical daily news, you quickly realize that international politics does not adhere to the boundaries of traditional academic disciplines. The International Relations degree program at TU Dresden offers a successful interdisciplinary approach that promotes and demands multi-perspectivity. In addition to a basic methodological education in the fields of political science, economics and law, there is a wide range of specialization options. The fear of only being taught superficial basics is unfounded. Hardly any other regular law or politics degree program gives you the opportunity to study the international system (e.g. topics such as "international law" or "international politics") as extensively as IR. Additional foreign language training and a compulsory semester abroad form a further "international" element.

Not only the pleasant study environment offered by TU Dresden and the ZIS, but also the committed and highly motivated fellow students contribute significantly to the success of this concept. Mutual support becomes a matter of course and friendships for life are formed during the course."

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 give it a try. 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 Verein 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 IR Association is the perfect contact. Further impressions, unique stories and snapshots of everything that makes IR in Dresden unique can be found on the website as well as on the IR Association's Facebook and Instagram pages.