Are you looking to:

• explore today's most pressing global challenges in both academic and practical ways? 
• better understand the international developments shaping society, work, and your future field? 
• connect with students from different backgrounds who are interested in sustainability, social impact, and global cooperation? 
• strengthen your profile by adding an international and global perspective to your main studies? 

Beyond Borders is a minor that helps you make sense of these developments and learn how to work with them. You explore global issues through hands-on projects, an international or local internship, and a study trip to an European capital. 

Content

Interactive learning
You work together with students from various study programs and international backgrounds: in previous years, our students have come from countries such as Japan, Ghana, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Classes include workshops, guest lectures, and group projects that bring theory to life. 

Challenge-based learning
You and your team take on a real-life issue and design a solution that can be applied in practice. 

Study trip
You visit a European city rich in history and international influence. You plan the trip together with your fellow minor students, making the trip engaging, creative, and collaborative. 

Internship
You choose a placement that fits your interests, your study background, and the kind of impact you want to explore. The possibilities are broad. Some examples from previous minor cohorts include: 

International internships: 

• Greece
  Because We Carry – supporting refugee mothers with children on Lesvos 
• Ecuador
  A Mano Manaba Foundation – empowering children in rural communities through education and creative activities 
• Germany
  Youth Court Cologne – assisting with youth justice and social support 
• Across the Netherlands, students have interned at organizations such as: 

• • Detective squad in Rotterdam South
  • Refugee and asylum seeker centers
  • Utrecht University Green Office (sustainability projects) 
  • Cross Your Borders educational programs in schools
  • Local sustainability projects, e.g. community gardens 
  • Food banks and neighborhood support projects 
  • Organizations supporting elderly and disabled communities 
  • And many more… 

Additional costs:
Estimated 350 EUR for the international study trip (EU destination).

Financial support
You can contact the HU Erasmus+ team (erasmus@hu.nl) to check whether you qualify for financial support abroad through an Erasmus+ grant. 

If you are a student from a university other than HU, contact the international office at your institution to inquire about short-term Erasmus+ mobility grants. 

During the minor, you will:

• explore the meaning of global citizenship in personal and professional contexts 
• understand how globalization, nationalism, technology, media, and religion shape society 
• study inequality and human rights through real case studies 
• learn to apply the UN SDGs in real-world situations 
• join a study trip to a European city (previously Berlin) to explore real-world examples of global citizenship. 
• complete a 7-week internship of approximately two days/week 
• reflect on your growth during the minor and relate your experiences to your future career. 

 This minor is part of the Green Office's Sustainable Minors initiative. 

A minimum English proficiency level of B1 (CEFR) is required to participate in this minor.

All course materials will be provided through the Canvas learning environment.
There are no mandatory books that students need to purchase for this minor.

For full-time students: Thursday (9.30 - 17.00 hrs) and Friday (9.00 - 13.00 hrs). 

For part-time students: Thursday 9.30 - 17.00 hrs. 

With the exception of the first teaching period of the academic year (starting September), the lesson and test schedules are always posted on Mijn Rooster four weeks before the start of each teaching period. The schedule for the first teaching period of the academic year can be found on the site three weeks before the start. The most up-to-date schedule is always visible on Mijn Rooster. 

At HU, full-time education may be scheduled between 08:30 and 19:00. 

Below is a clear overview of all course units: 

Module Course 
A The world around you Introduction to global citizenship and your personal role in it Presentation 
B Learning to live together A historical perspective on global citizenship and its main themes Research project, including excursion 
C Global inequality Major global challenges viewed through a human rights lens Biographical article + SDG video 
D Internship / traineeship 7-week placement, approximately 2 days per week Portfolio 
E Personal-professional development Reflect on your growth and future professional direction with a biography Biography + interview 
F Global challenges Challenge-based learning group project Group presentation + design of a prototype 

The minor is offered twice per academic year, beginning in Block A and in Block C.

Signed learning agreements for minors in period AB or Lint period can be uploaded up to and including 3 July 2026 in Osiris Application, see the instructions on the learning agreement or check our site. Learning agreements that are received after 3 July will not be processed.  

Signed learning agreements for minors in the CD period can be uploaded up to and including 4 December 2026 in Osiris Application, see the instructions on the learning agreement or check our site. Learning agreements that are received after 4 December will not be processed.