Kenzo Eulink was the RIAS Academic Intern form January to March 2026. He is currently completing his Research Master’s in History at the University of Amsterdam and working on his thesis.
My tenure at the RIAS turned out to be an highly formative experience. The internship showed me the inner workings of an academic institute and what it means to play a supportive role within such an environment. As the RIAS is engaged in a host of initiatives – ranging from being an archive and a library to a graduate school and a venue for academic lectures and conferences – I gained insight into multiple facets of academic life.
As such, I gained valuable experience across all of these areas. Particularly interesting was assisting researchers with their inquiries during their visits to the RIAS. Reading their research proposals and assessing which collections would be most relevant was not only fascinating but also highly beneficial to my academic development. Given that I am pursuing a career in academia and research, learning how to navigate archival collections will greatly strengthen my profile.
Being involved in the organization of academic events was another rewarding aspect of the internship. During my time at the RIAS, I helped with promoting events such as the Blue History Network Graduate Forum, the European Forum on US History, and the RIAS–Posthumus PhD Workshop, while also assisting with and participating in the Workshop: Teaching Risk in the Anthropocene 2026.
In brief, the RIAS provides an excellent opportunity for any student interested in academic institutions to further develop their skills. I would like to thank the entire staff at the RIAS for making my stay in Middelburg both beyond pleasant and deeply meaningful.
