What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their EUI experience?

 Answer: My first year at the EUI has been a demanding experience full of challenges that pushed me outside of my comfort zone, with the feeling of self-fulfilment that comes after such an intense learning experience. First year courses are designed to provide students with all the necessary tools to initiate a successful career in research with top quality teaching in economics. In this process, the EUI  community is extremely supportive i every step, from the experience of moving to Florence to day-to-day issues after settling. Being such a small community, professors and senior students are very approachable, and most importantly a strong group spirit is fostered among first-year students. All these ingredients make EUI a great place to undertake a Ph.D. in economics. 

 Karina Colombo, EUI Department of Economics researcher, from Uruguay

What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their EUI experience?

 Answer: As you begin your Ph.D. in Economics at EUI, your first year will definitely be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Despite the tight schedule, all courses are helpful in building a well-rounded background in economics and in developing a critical view on methods and questions addressed by research. The small - yet international - department at EUI makes you feel welcome from the first day, and it is always nice, instructive and inspiring to interact with researchers at different stages of the Ph.D. or professors around the campus. 

 Chloe Larkou, EUI Department of Economics researcher, from Cyprus

What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their EUI experience?

Answer: Even though I have been wanting to do a Ph.D. for a long time, I started the first year of this Ph.D. journey with a handful of doubts: will I be good enough? Do I have the potential to learn what it takes to become a good researcher? I still don't have definitive answers to these questions, but I can say that this year has been at the same time challenging and reassuring.

At the Economics department of the EUI, I have had the chance to learn a lot, and I understand that I'll never be done learning: however, with the support of the faculty and fellow Ph.D. researchers, there's nothing you cannot try to achieve. The positive atmosphere around me has changed me in that now I have a much better grasp of my skills and limitations, while at the same time I feel secure enough to proceed in the uncertain but beautiful adventure of doing research. 

Alice Dominici, EUI Department of Economics reseacher, from Italy

Question: What is your fondest memory of your EUI experience?

Answer: A day at the EUI was always well spent. I would begin with a morning workout biking up to Fiesole. I would attend meetings and seminars, before enjoying lunch with a view over Florence under blooming magnolia trees. My afternoon involved research in the library and I would conclude by joining friends in Bar Fiasco.

My EUI experience taught me not only how to find answers but, more importantly, how to ask questions. And, without doubt, it has helped me develop my future career, as I am now a lecturer at Cardiff University. I believe an EUI Ph.D. will open doors for you, within academia, institutions or policy-making, across Europe.

Wojciech Paczos, EUI Department of Economics alumnus from Poland, Now Lecturer, Cardiff University, UK

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Question: How do you look back on your EUI experience?

Answer: My years at the EUI were, by far, the most formative of my career. The EUI’s intellectual and cultural diversity gave me an unparalleled academic experience as I explored historical subjects and methodologies while developing my thesis. I interacted with researchers and professors from different schools of historical study and, often, with different disciplinary and methodological perspectives. This created an intellectual milieu in which I formed lifelong friendships.

The EUI encourages a professional and open approach to your PhD, equipping you with social and cultural skills that I have found useful in my career. It taught me the value of thinking about issues from a global perspective and with long-term strategies in mind. My EUI experience has proven determinative in different ways in my academic career and in my life as a whole.

Alanna O'Malley, EUI Department of History and Civilization alumna from Ireland, Now Professor, Leiden University The Netherlands

What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their EUI experience?

 Answer: The EUI offers researchers a truly unique experience in a multicultural and international community. The enthusiasm and kindness of professors and staff, combined with stimulating seminars and workshops, enables researchers to develop fruitful academic and professional relations. For me, this experience is fundamental. I got my BA and MA in Italy, between the universities of Pisa and Siena, so attending the Ph.D. programme in English was a rather traumatic transition! But it is an obstacle that can easily be overcome because the EUI offers a wide range of activities and solutions that you will never find in any other academic institution. The EUI is a very special place; it is a house of knowledge, where you can prepare the way for your academic career alongside extraordinary colleagues."

Matteo Calcagni, EUI Department of History and Civilization researcher, from Italy

What would you say to a new researcher, about to start their EUI experience?

 Answer: Besides being a place where I could start making the best of my Ph.D. project, the EUI has also allowed me to develop a broad range of skills. The many language courses offered at the Language Center are, in my opinion, the best example of that. When I arrived, I was offered intensive Italian and English courses. This was a very useful experience, but also a lot of fun. Additionally, the Language Center set up a Russian language course, as my project requires good knowledge of this rather complicated language. 

After almost a year at EUI, I do really feel progress. Yes, it does take a bit of dedication next to the hard work on my project, but I have noticed that the effort really has paid off. I can suddenly chat with the Italian staff at the canteen and bar, read Russian without too many problems, and even write better English.

Olav Hofland, EUI Department of History and Civilization researcher, from the Netherlands

Question: How do you look back on your EUI experience?

Answer: For me, there were many reasons to study at the EUI and, above all, it was the unique opportunity to work with top international scholars as colleagues and tutors, and to learn and develop in a truly interdisciplinary way. Your EUI experience can be a perfect platform for an academic career, and it also leads naturally to international organisations. Speaking these days from a recruitment perspective, I value the creativity, flexibility, independence and drive that a PhD at the EUI nurtures and promotes. And, if I could, I would grab the opportunity all over again...!

Richard Burnley, EUI Department of Law alumnus from the UK, Now Director of Legal, European Broadcasting Union, Switzerland

Looking back on the first year of your EUI experience, how has it changed you? 

 Answer: More than anything else, my first year at the EUI has helped me to gain perspective. Cutting-edge seminars and workshops greatly contributed to my understanding of the law  - not as a disconnected set of legal rules, but a discipline that is part of a bigger picture. at the EUI, interdisciplinarity is at its finest. With four neighbouring departments, the faculty closely brings together people from various fields of expertise. I thoroughly enjoyed taking courses in other departments, which allowed me to explore new methodologies and pick up necessary skills. 

Frequent interactions with my supervisor, other professors and fellow researchers supported me in the proces of developing a clearer research focus. The institute's facilties are outstanding and my apperciation of being part of this lively community is an increasing one. 

Eun Hye Kim, EUI Department of Law researcher, from Germany/South Korea

Looking back on the first year of your EUI experience, how has it changed you?

 Answer: When I first joined my cohort in September 2018, I was very impressed by the high academic and intellectual level of my colleagues. Coming from a background very different from Social and Political Sciences, I felt that I couldn't possibly catch up to their level of expertise. Now, I have realized that I have all the potential I need locked inside me, and that being surrounded by such excellent researchers can only help me improve and learn faster. The first year provides a thorough methodological training for disciplinary beginners like me, and the broad course offer and all-year round workshops and conferences allow you to branch out to new fields. Plus there are many bottom-up researchers' groups and initiatives, perfect for extracurricular activities. I am truly privledged to be here, working side by side with the future professors of Europe!

Inés Bolaños Somoano, EUI Department of Political and Social Sciences researcher, from Spain