- Benjamin Nicholls
- BA Dutch
- Graduated: 2004
- Author
Why did you choose to study Dutch Studies in general and at UCL in specific
I wanted to learn Dutch properly because my mum is half Dutch and I still have regular contact with my family in the Netherlands. I chose UCL because I wanted to see what it was like living in London.
What did you like most about your degree programme?
The year abroad. It was great to live in the fantastic city of Antwerpen.
What was it like being a student at the Dutch department?
Being a student in the Dutch Department is to be part of a truly gezellige sfeer. Because it is a small department, it is easy to meet and get to know other students and the lecturers. I felt that there was a comfortable balance between respect and familiarity in the relationship between the professors, lecturers and students.
How has your degree been of benefit to you since you took your degree?
4Quite simply it has meant that I can have conversations with the youngest and eldest generations in my family who either cannot speak English or have not yet learnt it. For that reason alone (as well as others), my degree was worth every minute and every penny.
Anything else you want to add about your experience at UCL or your career since leaving UCL?
It was during my time at the Dutch Department that I began to research my family tree. This has led to me writing and publishing two novels on that subject, with more to come as part of a series. I am grateful to the Tessa de Loo who was the Writer-in-Residence at the Dutch Department in my first year for reading some of my work and offering me advice and encouragement.
