For over a decade, the annual Welcome Reception organised jointly with the City of Fiesole, has been the highlight of the EUI September Programme, with a variety of activities taking place across the Institute to greet academic newcomers to the EUI community.
During the event, incoming researchers, fellows, and master students had the opportunity to meet each other and discover the beautiful surroundings in the Florentine hills. "I am very impressed with Florence and I am looking forward to being here," commented Hercilio Rafael, a fellow from the Young African Leaders Programme at the EUI School of Transnational Governance.
As per tradition, the Welcome Reception held at the Roman Theatre of Fiesole is an occasion to acquaint the newcomers with the Institute, as well as with the local community and its cultural surroundings. "It’s important to stress that civic culture is very strong in this region," shared EUI President Renaud Dehousse in welcoming the newcomers.
This year, over 300 participants from the EUI attended the event. Joining this convivial gathering were also students from Georgetown University.
Alessandro Marinaro, first-year researcher at the EUI Department of Law had "great first impressions when arriving at the EUI." In sharing his expectations during his time at the EUI, Marinaro added, "I'm looking forward to learning from people around me and enjoying Florence."
Throughout the event, the newcomers had the opportunity to take part in a range of cultural activities including guided tours of the archaeological area and museum, organised by the City of Fiesole, and a captivating musical performance by the Giuseppe Verdi Philharmonic Society. This was followed by a toast and a tasting of local cuisine provided by restaurants in the area.
"In the future when you will think about your experience at the EUI, you will certainly remember your work," stated EUI President Professor Renaud Dehousse in his welcome address. "But you will also remember the many nice things that come from the warm welcome at the Institute."
The Mayor of Fiesole, Anna Ravoni, greeted the newcomers with a warm welcome and an open invitation to take advantage of the different community activities, "I wish that your time in Fiesole will be memorable, thanks to the people of Fiesole, and the beauty of the landscapes and art, that make Fiesole a place where everyone can feel at home."
David Meier, first-year researcher at the EUI Department of Economics is eager to discover the multi-faceted research environment at the EUI. "From the first week, the programme is above the level I have previously experienced," he said. "This is the reason why I came to the EUI."
"I am looking forward to achieving all of my goals and objectives here," added Malvina Condratiuc, a first-year Policy Leader Fellow at the EUI School of Transnational Governance.
During the 2023-2024 academic year, the EUI welcomed 115 researchers in the four departments, including LLM and MRes students, 128 new fellows, and 46 new master students.