Hi! My name is Glomanu and I'm 19 years old. I was born in Rotterdam, but am originally from Cape Verde. Until now I have lived in four different countries. Besides the two I have already mentioned, I also lived in East-Timor and Portugal! I study International Bachelor Economics and Business Economics (IBEB) at Erasmus School of Economics.
Why did you choose this study programme?
Growing up, I never knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I went from architecture to engineering, until finally in highschool, I took economics and business as some of my International Baccalaureate classes. I enjoyed both tremendously, and was pretty good at them, so IBEB seemed like the perfect option. Not only did it mix two of my favorite subjects, but it also provided an international foundation.
What is your favorite subject and/or favorite teacher?
My favorite teacher is Georg Granic. He is not only one of our mathematics and game theory lecturers, but also our Bachelor Honours Class professor. Through various informal and funny interactions with Georg, we found out that he was a fellow Star Wars fan. We also gave pitches regarding policy changes in the Netherlands and EU, with a prize for those who could implement those policies in the most fun way! Georg does an amazing job at helping us broaden our understanding of economics all while keeping it fun for us as students.
For my favorite subject, I believe it would have to be behavioral economics. It was mind-boggling to understand how we as individuals consider ourselves rational, but end up making irrational decisions. An example is how the course provided insights on why we procrastinate, and even how to avoid doing so. I even try to implement the things I learned in my daily life.
What is the most interesting you learned so far?
One of the topics we covered in international economics this year was how trade between countries impacts all participants. As today’s world is becoming more globalized day by day, it was interesting to see why this is so important, and how an economy and people living in it would be better off, but also who is hurt by these advancements. Thanks to this, a lot of major events on a global scale became more comprehensible when putting yourself in the shoes of different parties.
What is your favorite study-break spot on campus?
Whenever I need a break from studying while on campus, I go to Spar (local supermarket). I can get myself refuelled before class or any extracurriculars. Usually I do so with some food, maybe grab something to drink, either hot chocolate for the cold winter mornings or an energy drink for some of those late night study sessions. A lot of the other students also go there, making it an amazing place to bump into some friends!
What is your best tip for doing fun things in Rotterdam?
Go clubbing! Rotterdam has more than enough parties to attend. Hiphop, techno, house or afrobeats, whatever you prefer. It is also a great opportunity to meet people and make lifelong memories.
For those who aren’t big party animals, another tip would be to join a student or study association. These are amazing for getting yourself in a community setting and there is always more than enough to do. An example is the Association of Students of African Heritage, open to any of those who are interested in African culture or part of the African diaspora.
