Niccolò and Mihaela-Delia are two students who, this academic year, attended remotely a course offered by another 4EU+ university in the framework of the 4EU+ shared courses catalogue. Niccolò attended a Heidelberg University course from Milan, while Mihaela did the reverse: she attended University of Milan’s classes while in Heidelberg. Read below their “double interview” and discover more about the opportunity to get a taste of international education from home!
Sounds interesting? The new shared courses catalogue for the first term of a.y. 2025/26 is about to be published! You can browse the offer of 4EU+ shared courses on the 4EU+ Student Portal here.
Can you tell us something about yourself?
My name is Niccolò Napoli, and I am currently studying international studies and European institutions at the University of Milan. Indeed, I am interested in global affairs and international law. I'm now considering studying for an MA, which would allow me to develop my knowledge of diplomacy, peace negotiations, and the promotion and protection of human rights. After my studies, I would like to pursue a career in international organisations.
How did you learn about the opportunity to attend 4EU+ shared courses? Why did you choose to attend one?
I stumbled upon 4EU+ shared courses through the academic email, which provides huge opportunities to enrich your education. I decided to attend this course to complete my study program and to deepen my interest in new aspects of international law.
Which course did you attend? How was your experience?
I attend the “International Criminal Law” course at Heidelberg University. It was exciting to attend lectures at a prestigious university in Germany and, for the first time, entirely in English. I had a great experience because the professor gave detailed and clear lectures about current situations and cases. In addition, he provided a lot of didactic material to prepare at best for the exam. I also found a well-organised connection system to follow lectures from home.
What was the added value of attending a 4EU+ shared course?
The added value was the opportunity to choose a course from a broad and diverse catalogue composed of some of the top universities across Europe to complete your study program. Moreover, this virtual mobility permitted you to participate without upholding your lifestyle habits.
How did attending a 4EU+ shared course influence your educational path?
Attending a 4EU+ shared course was my first experience of participating in an international opportunity, and it definitely helped me push through my fears and insecurities. Since it has been a successful experience, I feel more confident because it has contributed to expanding my knowledge at both academic and linguistic levels. For this reason, I am sure this experience will be the first of many.
Tell us three words that describe the 4EU+ shared courses opportunity.
Innovative, flexible and inspiring.
My name is Mihaela-Delia Sandu-Popa, and I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in geography at the University of Heidelberg in Germany. As I am still in the early stages of my academic journey, I am engaged with both physical and human geography, with a particular interest in understanding the reciprocal interdependencies between society and the environment in the context of sustainable development. I look forward to shaping my focus further.
I became aware of the 4EU+ shared courses through the official communications from the University of Heidelberg. I opted to participate because these courses provide a valuable opportunity to engage with interdisciplinary perspectives across several European universities, thereby enhancing my academic development and fostering a broader intercultural understanding.
I attended the course "Regional Geography”, offered by the University of Milan through the 4EU+ Alliance’s shared courses catalogue on the Student Portal. It provided a profound enrichment of my knowledge regarding regional development. Through case studies and interdisciplinary discussions, I gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social equity.
Attending a 4EU+ shared course provided a unique learning environment. The experience was highly enriching, as it deepened my knowledge of the subject matter and challenged me to reflect thoroughly on essential topics. Engaging with diverse peers in another European University also enhanced my ability to work across cultures in interdisciplinary settings.
Attending the 4EU+ shared course gave me a valuable taste of international education by allowing me to interact with students and professors from a different country. This experience boosted my confidence in working across cultures and academic systems. I appreciate that shared courses offer a flexible way to experience international education without having to relocate, making global learning more accessible to everyone. Overall, it highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives and collaboration in today’s globalized world.
Enriching, interdisciplinary, equitable.