The Research Master International Development Studies at the University of Amsterdam invites four students from SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) to be part of a course called Re-Imagining Development. This hybrid exchange opportunity (partially online/partially in-person) is being funded by an Erasmus+ grant.

We are looking for 4-6 motivated graduate students in the research phase of their program, from the Faculties of Integrated Development Studies, Planning and Land Management, or Public Policy and Governance to be part of the hybrid exchange. From February to May 2025, the 4-6 students will join the course online, both in plenary sessions and smaller tutorial sessions. From May 6-May 16, the 4-6 students will come to Amsterdam to participate in daily workshops, classes and other learning activities as part of the course.

The course, Re-Imagining Development, aims to explore how collaborative work between students, teaching staff and societal partners can be enhanced to generate new knowledge, approaches, methodologies and practices within the field of International Development Studies. Through the Erasmus+ grant, we have the opportunity to bring students together from different parts of the world to work on this first-hand. For a more in-depth description of the course, please see below (page 3-7).

Participation expectations:

The 4-6 students from SDD-UBIDS will be partnered with 4-6 students from the RMIDS programme, who are also following the Re-Imagining Development course. Together, starting in late February 2025, the groups will get to know each other online by sharing experiences with and ideas about the meaning and practice of International Development Studies. Beginning late March, under the guidance of the course lecturer, the groups will begin to think about a joint project that they can start in the online format, and continue during the 10-day workshop in May. We encourage the students to explore topics meaningful to them. Examples of this could range from analyzing policies on topics interesting to all students, to developing a joint research project, to starting up an organization. There are a wide range of possibilities! The limitations are that it be feasible in the time allowed, and that it draws on the resources, knowledge and experiences of both groups of students.

By participating in this collaborative project, you will:

  • Spend 10 days in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, participating in workshops and classes with other students. This is fully funded by the Erasmus+ grant.
  • Spend several months from February until the end of the academic year in online sessions.
  • Gain full access to all digital library services at the University of Amsterdam during the project.
  • Permanently join our UvA International Development Studies Alumni LinkedIn page.
  • Upon completion, you will receive a Certificate from the University of Amsterdam confirming your successful participation and official recognition on your diploma.

How to apply:

  • This exchange opportunity is open to graduate students (MPhil and PhD) in their research phase from the Faculties of Integrated Development Studies, Planning and Land Management, or Public Policy and Governance.
  • To apply, please complete this Google Form: Application University of Dombo Students for Erasmus+ Exchange with the University of Amsterdam – Google Forms
  • Application deadline: Friday, November 8 at 23:59.
  • From the online applications, a small number of students will be invited for a short online interview. You will be informed of this no later Thursday, November 14.
  • Final decisions will be announced on Friday, November 22. All accepted students should begin their visa application process immediately.
  • For questions regarding the project contents, please contact Courtney Vegelin at c.l.vegelin@uva.nl
  • For questions regarding details in relation to your own academic programme, please contact: Millicent A. Akaateba at makaateba@ubids.edu.gh