This is further enriched by the inclusion of a mandatory language course and, most notably, a required mobility abroad of at least six months, which equips students with invaluable hands-on experience. With the support of eleven partner universities—including Belgrade, Skopje, Bologna, Ljubljana, Novi Sad, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Regensburg, Cluj-Napoca, London, and Vienna—MASEES offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with diverse academic perspectives, conduct insightful fieldwork, and cultivate meaningful connections.
With a background in History, I chose the “Law and Politics” track to link my understanding of the past with the political challenges of the present. As part of the program, I am gaining insights into compelling issues such as the rule of law, democratic backsliding, and the broader debate on EU enlargement—all central to the curriculum. Considering I was always passionate about Serbian culture, literature and history, I had little hesitation in selecting Belgrade as my mobility destination, a choice I recently extended to include the second semester. Coming from outside the region (Italy), I am finding particularly empowering to participate in the Serbian language course which is offered almost daily by the Faculty of Philology. This course has been incredibly beneficial, as speaking the language has greatly enhanced the scope of my daily interactions and deepened my understanding of the local context. Additionally, the knowledge of Serbian language will be especially beneficial to my MA thesis project, as I prepare to conduct on-site interviews in the coming months.
My time in Serbia, unfolding during a period of significant upheaval, has also allowed me to engage directly with the themes and challenges shaping contemporary Serbian society. Immersed in the vibrant local student community, I have gained insights into the hopes, feelings, and expectations of the people—nuances that may otherwise be difficult for outsiders to fully grasp. This immersive experience is what makes MASEES a truly unique program. On a personal level, my time in Serbia has deepened my awareness and engagement with the region, motivating me to extend my commitment beyond academia and into my professional future. Complementing my studies with an internship at the European Policy Centre (CEP) has been particularly inspiring, other than instructive. It has provided me with opportunities to exchange opinions with experts and stakeholders thus developing a first-hand understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie along the path to EU accession for the Western Balkans. These insights will be particularly valuable as I begin drafting my MA thesis, which focuses on the political influence on public administration in Montenegro and the institutional legacies of dominant party rule. Throughout the preparative stages of my dissertation, the Centre for Southeast European Studies has provided me with invaluable guidance, assisting me in establishing valuable contacts in Belgrade and Podgorica.
Beyond academia, the lively and diverse community of students and academics I encountered at MASEES has played a pivotal role in my personal growth in the last years. Being part of a network of like-minded individuals and friends has offered invaluable guidance and support throughout this two-year journey. It has also fostered a dynamic exchange of perspectives and ideas that will remain with me long after the program concludes. For anyone passionate about gaining a deeper understanding of Southeast Europe and contributing meaningfully to its future, I wholeheartedly encourage applying to this truly transformative program.
