THUAS Talks
THUAS Talks is back! Ready to take the stage?
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I wish more people understood this”? Or “I actually have something to say about this”? That’s basically what THUAS Talks is about.
We’re looking for students who are willing to stand on stage for 15 minutes and share something that genuinely matters to them. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be groundbreaking. It just has to be real.
Maybe it’s a personal experience that changed you. Maybe it’s an idea you can’t stop thinking about. Maybe it’s something in tech, society, creativity, growth, or innovation that you believe deserves more attention.
You don’t need to be a professional speaker. If you care about your topic, we’ll help you shape it into a talk that feels like you and that connects with people.
THUAS Talks takes place on April 7, 2026 from 16:00 - 17:00 in the Speakers' Corner.
This event is brought to you in collaboration with Thijmen Puite and Frederique König.
Application
If this sounds even slightly exciting (or slightly scary in a good way), apply before March 31, 2026. Talks will be delivered in English.
Workshop Public Speaking 101
To help you get ready for THUAS Talks, we’re hosting an interactive workshop alongside the main event. In this session, you’ll discover what public speaking is really all about. Does stepping onto the stage still feel like a big leap? No worries: you’ll have the space to practice, explore, and build your confidence.
Guidelines
To make sure all THUAS Talks are inspiring, engaging, and aligned with the values of The Hague University of Applied Sciences, we’ve outlined a few important guidelines. Think of them as shared agreements that help us create a great experience together.
No self-promotion
THUAS Talks is not a platform for marketing. Please don’t use your talk to promote your own company, product, service, or organization. The focus should be on your idea, story, or perspective — not promotion.
Be respectful
We expect all talks to be respectful toward the audience. Avoid offensive language, discriminatory remarks, or any form of hate speech. We aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and welcome.
Practice matters
A strong talk requires preparation. You are expected to rehearse your talk in advance so you can step onto the stage feeling confident and well-prepared. This will help you connect with the audience and deliver your message clearly.
No political agendas
THUAS Talks is not a space to promote or advocate for political parties, ideologies, or movements. We want to keep the focus on ideas that inspire and connect people, rather than divide them.
In exceptional cases
The organization reserves the right not to publish or to stop a talk if the guidelines are not respected. This only applies in extreme situations.
Submit your manuscript in advance
You are required to submit a written manuscript of your talk beforehand. This allows us to review it and ensure it aligns with the event’s values and guidelines.
Previous editions
Couldn't make it to THUAS Talks in person? Don't worry, catch up on all the insightful discussions and inspiring moments by watching the talks here!
Mike Unguryan & Amber van Schaik
The Forgotten Learning Disability
Hi! We're Amber and Mike, third-year European Studies students and we are very excited to do a THUAS Talks. At a young age, we were both diagnosed with dyscalculia, a specific learning difficulty that is still widely misunderstood. Due to this lack of awareness, we've encountered many challenges throughout our education. In our Talk, we want to raise awareness on dyscalculia. Through sharing our personal experiences and the broader issues surrounding this often-overlooked condition, we hope to advocate for better understanding and support.
Ioana Scalat
Love, actually... (yes, like the movie)
Hello everybody! My name is Jo. I am a 4th-year European Studies student looking to share some food for thought about love, because I love, love... and I could talk to you all day about how beautiful and complex love is outside its stereotypical, romantic image. No cliché stories here, just some lines from the diary of a lover girl.
Thijmen Puite
Walk of Shame
I am a bundle of endless energy and talking. And if anything more than that, I am fascincated by stories, and story-telling. I like looking at the things which make us tick, what moves us, and what doesn't. With an insatiable curiosity and inexhaustible enthusiasm, here I am.
The Son of Migrants
Aaron is a European Studies student and passionate activist against injustice, hailing from a Congolese background. He will delve into his personal journey, shedding light on the often overlooked challenges faced by immigrants living in the Netherlands.
Grass Roots
Eliot is an American Finn, studying International Law. His talk covers the dramatic and tragic reality of how the grass on the lawn of a house has been weaponized to discriminate people of color in the United States.
Children of War
Somia is a third year European Studies student, who fled from Afghanistan eight years ago, and has been living in the Netherlands ever since. In her talk Somia describes how the traumas of war are passed down through generations.
The land without an identity
Join Aiden on a journey through Belize's captivating story, colored by his own native experiences. From growing up in a family resort bustling with visitors to studying in The Hague, Aiden paints a vivid picture of Belize's cultural heritage.
Living one drink at a time
Delaney, an American exchange student studying European Studies, shares her personal battle with substance abuse. Her talk is a raw, heartfelt account of her journey, aiming to shed light on the complex realities of addiction among young adults.
Big fish in small pond
Meet Anna, whose journey from the colorful streets of Vietnam to the Netherlands sparks a remarkable adventure. In this talk, Anna dives deep into life's meaning, challenging norms and urging us to embrace the questions that drive us.