Hello everyone! My name is Yiju. I’m 21 years old and this year, I’m in my third year of Double Degree in Econometrics and Economics. I’m from South Korea and was brought up there until I was 13 years old, and went to an international school in Bangkok, Thailand. I came to the Netherlands as I came to university, so this is my third year living in Rotterdam.
Why did you choose this study programme?
My experience studying High-Level Mathematics and Economics in the International Baccalaureate program meduring high school made me realize I wish to continue exploring the area of economics with a mathematical approach. While researching for possible study choices all around the world, I was introduced to the area of ‘Econometrics’, and realized I would be able to explore my area of interest extensively.
In addition, since I wished to be able to apply my background knowledge in Business and Economics to my studies, I determined a Double Degree study in Econometrics and Economics would be perfect. And of course, Erasmus University Rotterdam is one of the best and only universities that provide such studies, so I knew I’d be studying in Rotterdam for my Bachelor studies.
What is your favorite subject and/or favorite teacher?
My favorite subject is a first-year Econometrics and Operations Research course, Statistics. In fact, during the course, I thought the content of the course is theoretical and difficult to understand. However, I’ve only come to a realization of how fundamental and important the course was while continuing my second and third-year courses and having been given opportunities to implement the theoretical learning in real-life situations and data. Especially, the course introduces various statistical testing methods. Therefore, I definitely recommend first-year Econometrics students try to thoroughly understand the course.
My favorite professor is Dr. Christiaan Heij, a professor of Introduction to Statistics and Econometrics 1. I remember I was astonished by his straightforward and easy-to-understand explanations to questions and difficult concepts in the very first block of my first year when I was studying Introduction to Statistics. I believe actively following his lectures and tutorials at the beginning of my bachelor studies has not only helped me understand the content better but also provided a guideline for how to learn and study as a university student.
What is the most interesting you learned so far?
The most interesting thing I have learned so far is how Econometrics can be applied in marketing. While working on the team assignment for the Introductory Seminar for Econometrics, I was introduced to a number of regression techniques that can be implemented to more efficiently target customers and was fascinated by it as till then, I was only introduced to various marketing techniques that use non-numerical approaches. It also led to another realization of how Econometrics can be applied in such a wide variety of fields in the world.
What is your favorite study-break spot on campus?
My favorite study-break spot on campus is the Langeveld building. It is the newest building on campus, and the green study environment allows a mini getaway from stressful studies and duties and brings a sense of relaxation. Moreover, as much as it has study spaces, the building has many spots for the students to relax and hang out as well, and that is what I like the most about the building.
What is your best tip for doing fun things in Rotterdam?
A tip for doing fun things in Rotterdam is to not be afraid to explore new things! Here are some recommendations for those new to Rotterdam: go cafe/bar-hopping, enjoy various cuisines, walk or take a scooter along Erasmus bridge, have picnics at parks (Het park for example), cycle around the city, etc…
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