Kirsten Soer was the RIAS intern from January to March 2025. She is currently finishing her master’s thesis on the transnational dimensions of the antiwar and anti-base movements in Okinawa during the Vietnam War. In the fall, she will move across the Atlantic to pursue her doctoral degree in US history, focusing on US-East Asia relations in the Cold War era.
“I had a wonderful time working at the RIAS. Some days were easier than others, but I loved the variety of tasks assigned to me, which ranged from running the website and social media to managing the library and assisting visiting researchers. I especially liked the latter task, as it both forced and enabled me to quickly get to know the archive and help others do the same. I also enjoyed working with the microform machines and joining in on weekly meetings. All of these tasks have equipped me with valuable skills that will suit me well in my future career, academic or otherwise.
Although I wasn’t involved in organizing any major RIAS events, as these usually take place in the spring or fall, I still managed to acquire a lot of fond memories. The best thing about working at a small research institute such as the RIAS is that you really are an important part of the team and get to know everyone quickly. It was great to start my internship at the same time as the current PhD students, Femke and Bálint. I also enjoyed the numerous great conversations I had with other staff members and with the many visiting students and researchers I have met. It was truly a privilege to welcome dozens of them in the span of a mere three months.
In short, the RIAS is a wonderful place for anyone with an interest in academia, whether you want to become a professional historian or not. These three winter months in the cold and quiet but beautiful Middelburg were some of the nicest and most enjoyable of my academic career. A big thank you to everyone here for making my last semester in the Netherlands truly unforgettable!”
