Yes, she was going to make the deadline of 1 June, she said confidently in April. But by now, Nour Rigo, third-year Global Studies student, knows that finishing her thesis will take longer. “I don’t want to rush it.” But it will “definitely” be on her supervisors’ desk by 17 August.
Trade in gum
The delay is entirely down to the research she carried out with some of her fellow students for the peace organisation PAX. She found working for a “real” organisation very interesting. “Their project on Sudan is about, among other things, the extraction of gum arabic, a natural gum harvested from the sap of acacia trees.” It’s an emulsifier, used in numerous products, from mascara to liquorice, beer, paint and medicine, and Sudan is major supplier: 80 per cent of worldwide demand. The trade in this gum, including to Europe, indirectly finances the bloody war that has been raging in Sudan since 2023. “We researched what PAX can do to raise awareness of this inhumane situation with a wider audience.”
Travelling alone
Her attention has since refocused on her thesis about ‘Migration policy in the EU: the difference between theory and practice’. “I still have a few things to finish up. I’m going to graduate on time.” She really wants that, too, as after a lot of internal debate – a gap year or a Master’s, and if so, which one? – she has made a decision. From September to December, she will be travelling around South America. Alone. Just as she travelled around Thailand alone last summer and enjoyed it immensely. Peru, Bolivia, Colombia and Patagonia are on her list. “I have the time for it now. I don’t imagine you can do that once you’re actually studying for a Master’s. Not to mention that it’s nice to take a break and not study. When I return, I will be able to get back to it fully refreshed.” She plans to earn the money she needs for the trip over the summer, working in a restaurant in Zichen-Zussen-Bolder where she has been working weekend shifts for years.
Belgium or Italy?
In February 2027, Rigo will also begin a Master’s in International Relations. “Thanks to my thesis and the project at PAX, I know that is where my interest lies.” Whether she will choose Antwerp to study, or would rather go to Bologna or Trieste (she is a quarter Italian), is still uncertain. “I will decide before I leave.” Reflecting on the year: “This year has flown by, Global Studies was a good choice. This Bachelor’s degree suited me.”