Our Alumni share their programme experiences

Elene Kobaidze
Master 2021-2023
Retention Programs & Replacement RRP Executive, Philip Morris International - Georgia

Participating in the CIFE - Executive Master in EU Studies program has proven to be a very demanding and remarkable experience in my journey. After completing a bachelor’s degree in social and political science, I developed a strong interest in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the functioning of the European Union. This particular program appealed to me due to its unique opportunity to integrate work experience with academic studies.
 
I highly recommend the CIFE Executive Master in EU studies to individuals who are interested in the operational mechanisms of the European Union. The program's strength lies in its interdisciplinary approach, effectively covering each aspect of European integration.
 
I especially liked the combination of distance learning with weekend workshops held in various European cities within the program. The workshops provided an exceptional chance to acquaint myself with individuals in the field. I am confident, I have formed long-lasting friendships and valuable professional connections through this experience.

Maiju Wilhelm
Master 2020-2022
Advisor for Order, Health and Regulatory Policy at Landkreistag Baden-Württemberg - Germany

In 2020 - in the middle of the pandemic - I started the Master programme. At first, everything took place in digital format, which went without a problem due to the digital orientation of the part-time programme. But then it was a pleasure to hold workshops in presence and to meet everyone in person too.

At CIFE, you are lucky that you can get support at every stage of your studies and that the organisers are always kind and approachable. There is a very familiar cohesion with the experts and professors and you can talk to them easily, especially during the presence workshops. The lectures were also tailored to the needs and wishes of the students, resulting in the most instructive study experience possible.

During my studies, I was not only able to gain a lot of knowledge about the European Union and advance professionally and academically, but I was also able to grow personally due to the international atmosphere of the fellow students, the organisers and the professors. As such, I can recommend the Executive Master in EU Studies to all professionals.

Greis Çomo
Master 2020-2022
Head of Economic, Financial, Industrial and Entrepreneurial Law Unit, General Directorate of Codification and Harmonisation of Legislation, Ministry of Justice - Albania

Since finishing my studies in the law field, I’ve always thought of expanding my knowledge of the EU, in the fields of economics and political science for example. CIFE’s Executive Master in EU Studies was designed for individuals who have a full-time job and are interested in advancing their careers further.

These 2 years have also been quite challenging because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but meeting with other fellow students from different countries and of different ages helped me develop social skills and confidence in communication, which was quite enriching.  

With CIFE’s Executive Master in EU Studies, I was able to develop skills needed for my job, especially since Albania is currently negotiating with the European Commission with the aim of joining the EU. I am very happy with the choice that I made and I would invite anyone who is interested to apply to such an interesting and comprehensive programme.

Cristina Tutu
Master 2020-2022
International Cooperation Coordinator at NGO Justice for Minors - Romania

CIFE’s Executive Master in EU Studies is an invaluable life experience. It means learning about the EU from eminent experts and high-level professionals, gathering with like-minded fellows and brilliant students and travelling to some of the most beautiful cities in Europe. We created long-lasting friendships, learnt new skills and created positive memories.

I feel that I made the best choice when I applied for the Executive Master in EU Studies and I would recommend it to anyone who wishes to expand his/her access to various opportunities for a career as a Policy Officer in European and International Organisations through valuable knowledge and connecting with top professors and advisors.

Finally, the entire experience with CIFE was empowering, it has boosted my confidence and provided me with a sense of achievement. I am now following CIFE’s activities online and can’t wait for CIFE Alumni meetings!

Srecko Latal
Master 2019–2021
Journalist, Balkan Investigative Reporting Network BIRN - Bosnia and Herzegovina

I decided to find a masters’ program that would help me compare my practical knowledge with theory, and advance my understanding of the EU-related issues. I am still not sure whether the COVID-19 pandemic helped or hindered my studies, but what I know for sure is that my group has sorely missed scheduled seminars in Barcelona, Brussels and Vienna, which eventually had to be switched to online platforms. I do hope that this issue will not affect new CIFE students in this and following years, since the three seminars that we attended in person were probably the best part of the program. After all, the best way we can learn about things is not from books or documents, but through personal experiences. Therefore, I can testify that the CIFE Masters Program has definitely made me richer, not only with the new knowledge of EU affairs, but even more so through direct experience of the EU rules, regulations, cultures and habits, as well as through new contacts I have established with my professors and co-students.

Jillian Harpur
Master 2019–2021
Administrative Officer at Data Protection Commission Ireland

I thoroughly enjoyed the two years as part of the Executive Masters Programme in EU Studies. This programme allowed me to expand my knowledge in areas of EU law, economics, and political science. It provided me with the opportunity to study a diverse range of topics within these three subjects, such as the inner workings of the EU, its institutions and bodies, the laws that govern the EU as well as the political and economic aspects to the Union, learning from and discussing with academics and experts in these various fields on issues and topics that are relevant to today’s world.

I was able to meet with people from all different backgrounds and professions, allowing me to learn of all the different cultures within as well as outside of the European Union. On top of this the blended learning aspect of the programme, both in person and online seminars, allowed me to continue in my own professional development. Although this was hampered by the Coronavirus pandemic, the CIFE staff were able to quickly adjust the programme to limit as much as possible any disruption to our learning.

I would highly recommend this programme to anyone looking to gain an understanding or increase their knowledge on the European Union. The staff are incredibly helpful and facilitating. I am happy to be a member of the CIFE alumni and grateful to the programme for allowing me to meet new friends and gain a better understanding of the EU.

Luis C. Melero
Master 2019–2021
Labour Counsellor at the Spanish Embassy in Switzerland

My experience during this last two-years of Executive Master in EU Studies exceeded all my expectations. Not only was the content well structured and interesting, but the pace of study was also accessible for everyone that seeks to combine work, domestic life and studies.
I managed to engage in deep conversations with both colleagues and experts, real-time discussions that enlarged my knowledge and made me grow professionally. I am very proud to also keep some good contacts in my personal agenda.

The Covid19 pandemic was a big issue and it had a great impact on our studies. Nevertheless, the CIFE Staff was always very clear and sincere regarding the difficulties to convey some of the live workshops in different European cities. They also react very quickly to this complex environment and succeeded to shift into “online workshops” that were very interesting and productive.

I would undoubtedly recommend this Master to all who may be interested in deepen their knowledge of the EU. Different learning paths allow students to follow an academic or professional track in three main fields: EU Law, Economics or Political Science. This diversity brings great flexibility to the whole master and helps a lot to find the best particular way to each student.

Last, but not least, I am very honoured to be a new member of the CIFE family. Being able to have a beer with EU experts that have become real friends is more than just studying. Is all about brotherhood and friendship. And the CIFE Team fosters this in every single session.

Markéta Jirkovská
Master 2019–2021
Translator at the European Commission - Luxembourg

The CIFE Executive Master in EU Studies enabled me to broaden my knowledge of the EU law, economy and policies and to gain an in-depth understanding of the functioning of the EU institutions and bodies, which has been extremely useful for my day-to-day work.
I really appreciated the flexibility of the programme: the online learning combined with face-to-face weekend workshops allowed me to study, get to know and exchange with people with diverse backgrounds and discover several European cities, all while pursuing a full-time job.

The professors – renowned academics and practitioners in their fields – were always keen to share their expertise and practical insights from their work. The CIFE support staff was always very helpful and skilfully managed to adapt the programme to the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The experience I gained during the two years of the Executive Master has been a real asset for me, and I would recommend the programme to anyone who wishes to learn more about the EU.

Roman Friedrich
Master 2018–2020
University assistant at the Department of Constitutional and Administrative Law (University of Vienna) and legislative assistant for an Austrian MP - Vienna

A post-graduate programme featuring elements of both law and political science has a hard time impressing someone already trained and practicing in both fields, like me. Still, CIFE's Executive Master on EU Studies easily succeeded in making me connect the dots in fields I already knew well. The secret is a combination of very well-versed lecturers, ranging from highly-established academics to practicioners working on the pulse of Brussels.  I should also note that I benefitted greatly from the third big area covered, economics, which was well-taught and contributed to the full picture the programme sets out to deliver.

However, while all of this reflects well on the programme, the real reason to apply is what you will get in addition: perfectly-organized workshops taking place in Europe's most vibrant cities, experienced along with classmates of whom most will remain part of your professional network and many will become friends.

Voltiza Prendi
Master 2018–2020
Executive Director at AMAD - Albanian Movement for Achieving Development & Professor at University Aleksander Moisiu Durrës in Albania

I expanded my knowledge through the unforgettable experience made possible by EU Studies Executive Master. Traveling around Europe while studying meanwhile gaining several new skills and professional abilities, feeding my other passion, the study of human communication, was the fun part I really enjoyed. Being a program consisting of students from all around the globe enriched my knowledge in culture, politics, history, human nature and especially the power of communication beyond barriers of physical and mental borders. That’s why I’m grateful to CIFE for being a fundamental rock in my professional and personal journey.
Today I have new friends around the globe and I achieved my goal of being a professor at a public university, an achievement reached partially due to the certificate I got from this program.

Serdilan Dinc
Master 2018–2020
U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Turkey - Istanbul, Turkey

First of all, you will benefit a lot from a blended learning program. You will have sufficient time to research and study while you are at home, and then you will be traveling to some beautiful European capital cities such as Berlin, Rome, and Brussels to meet with your classmates every three months. Workshops are perfectly designed for your learning and socializing with your friends, professors, and national decision-makers at the same time. Your program managers will be assisting you at every stage to provide highly pleasant and fun workshops during those two years, as well as following up with your commitment to the online program by providing encouraging reminders for the deadlines of your papers, projects, and forum participation. By the end of the program, you will be amazed at how much you have learned about the functioning of the EU institutions, politics, law, and economy. Even after you graduate, you will continue to be a part of the alumni network which is full of amazing professionals from all over the world.

Gentian Xhaxhiu
Master 2018–2020
Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA) - Montenegro

Attending the CIFE Executive Master Programme has been one of the most challenging and exciting experiences of my academic path. The Programme allowed me to fulfill the ambition of getting to study, research and work with top qualified professors from across the Europe as well as to exchange and network with excellent fellow students from around the world, from USA to Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia.

There are a few experiences in life which you can be described as transformative, and I can consider this Executive Master as such. It changed my understanding of European Union, its global role and modus operandi, helped me make projections for the future connected to the forthcoming relations between the Western Balkans and EU. It also helped me have different viewpoint on other cultures, it changed things for good and inspired me to come back in the Balkans with renewed ideas and energies and with a bunch of photos as great memories!

CIFE Executive Master Program on EU Studies is a two-way experience of academic and professional exchange where you enter as a young professional and by dedication, multicultural experience, interaction with top researchers and tailor-made education, you exit a motivated executive ready to deal with complex community challenges.

Khadija Huseynova
Master 2018–2020
Events and Public Affairs Specialist, ADA University - Baku, Azerbaijan

Never in my life did I imagine that Executive Master in EU Studies would be such an enormous breakthrough in my educational path. Once I started this program, a new world opened up to me. My groupmates and me delved into the EU from multidisciplinary approach and went on just a tremendous academic journey full of benefits in a multicultural environment: profound all-round knowledge about the EU, workshops and interesting discussions with prominent professors and experts in the field, a lot of visits to the European and national institutions, friendly and supportive staff and memorable fun time spent with groupmates.

The exciting feature of this program is that each time we travelled to a new European country and this gave us a unique opportunity to get a better insight into the EU and explore different cultures. Although the curriculum is quite intensive and challenging, it is still so rewarding. The blended format of the program increases the effectiveness of studies and minimizes the time away from work.

You get prepared for job opportunities in international organizations, European institutions, NGOs, as well as multinational companies and the private sector. I highly recommend this program to everyone who is curious about the EU and desires to study while pursuing their career.

Sevda Amirova
Master 2018–2020
EU Delegation to Azerbaijan - Baku, Azerbaijan

If you are passionate about learning Europe in its depth, love traveling, excited to be in a multicultural environment, and you prefer flexibility, then definitely I would recommend CIFE Executive Master in EU studies. This programme having a large spectrum of topics gave me the rich knowledge of all aspects of the EU that helped me to combine academic knowledge and practical tools. The knowledge and experience I received has been tremendously helpful in a competitive job market.
For me these two years were hardworking, exciting, cheerful, dynamic and full of wonderful memories.
I am thankful for the CIFE family for being the best team of professionals, always ready to help, being positive and making sure that you got everything you need. Moreover, in this program I met wonderful people and friends for lifetime.

Frederic Fender
Master 2017–2019
European Central Bank - Frankfurt am Main, Germany

I can only recommend the CIFE Executive Master in EU studies to everyone who is interested in a deeper understanding of how the EU works. The big strength of the programme is its interdisciplinary approach which reflects well the multiple dimensions of European integration. The curriculum enabled me to better understand how history and the theoretical debates about the EU as a unique form of political organisation shape the practical functioning of the EU institutions and their responses to the political challenges of the day. At the same time I also acquired valuable practical skills that are relevant for my day-to-day work.
I appreciated very much how the programme combined the flexibility offered by distance learning with weekend workshops in different European cities. Getting to know my fellow students as well as the professors and CIFE staff in these workshops was a very positive experience and I learned a lot from the encounters with experts from EU institutions, national governments and NGOs.

Migena “Megghi” Pengili
Master 2016–2018
Independent Researcher in Political & International Security Studies - Padova, Italy

No single academic discipline is able to provide knowledge, understanding and explanation of what is the European Union and how does it work in practice. Thus, the singularity and complexity of the subject requires a thorough and multidisciplinary platform comprising a rich plethora of fields as politics, economics, environment, civil society, law, foreign policy, international organisations etc. The Executive Master in EU Studies is not only this comprehensive platform, but it is also an experience by offering the unique and valuable possibility to network with professionals from various countries that no matter their differences they were able to think independently together.

Armela Katerina Tzotzi
Master 2016–2018
Research Assistant, Université de Montréal - Canada

Being a CIFE alumna has been one of the most enriching experiences in my life, both on academic and on personal level. From the very beginning you are feeling most welcome and you always know that the CIFE team will do their best to support you. It is a multi-disciplinary program run by experts who are enthusiastic and ready to share with you the latest developments on EU and global affairs.

Discussions, simulations and debates throughout the program gave me an excellent opportunity to put my knowledge into practice. The highlight of the program was the redaction of my master thesis, which enabled me to approach my topic from the perspective of law, economics and politics under the constant supervision of my professors. It was a unique two-year experience that expanded my horizons and equipped me with valuable knowledge that I can apply in my domain.

Keep it up, CIFE!

Syuzan Marukhyan
Master 2016–2018
ARISC Armenia Branch Director (American Research Institute of the South Caucasus) & Communications and Social Marketing Expert for UFSD (Urban Foundation for Sustainable Development) - Armenia

The Executive Masters with CIFE was an excellent opportunity for me to broaden my knowledge in European Studies, and particularly on the EU Law. It gave me a chance to research one of the topics of my interest deeply, simultaneously helping to see the European/International Affairs from different angles and different perspectives. It was not only a course about Europe; it was a course that let one feel Europe. I liked the programme flexibility, the course material, and particularly the outstanding professors – real European Knowledge Architects that were brilliant in their particular fields.  

In addition to theoretical knowledge, we had the opportunity for practicing and learning different modern skills. I also enjoyed a lot the discussions in our group that was comprised of people from different countries, with different interests and different educational backgrounds. My former work experience in the European Institutions was enhanced with more profound knowledge due to CIFE. I would particularly like to highlight the professionalism and outstanding attitude of the Programme Staff, which was extremely helpful for us, as we all were studying and working simultaneously. I plan to pursue my studies further, as CIFE was a new breath for me, and reminded me of the famous saying by Confucius, “Education breeds confidence, confidence breeds hope, and hope breeds peace.”

Rovena Muzhaqi
Master 2015–2017
Consultant for ORT Innovation - Paris, France

Pursuing the Master in EU studies was an exciting experience that tailored in a perfect blend the online and face to face learning. The large spectrum of topics covered in the master curricula furnishes you with knowledge on the legal dimension of the EU, its standing in the global arena as an economic and normative power as well as very up to date topics such as the sustainable development, BREXIT and recent migration flow. 

The team of professors assembles excellence, maturity and a positive energy to be always there for you through face to face, online and webinars. The diversity of the professional background and the variety of cultures within the group contributed to learning to a large extent by one another.

Sascha Oliver Schott
Master 2014–2016
Section Manager, Third Country Operators, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) - Germany

Working with an EU agency with an industry background, my primary objective was a better understanding of the functioning of the EU, including the competences, roles and interaction of its main actors. The second aspect was compatibility with my full-time work. The Master programme delivered on both! I found the curriculum ambitious, diverse and interesting. The knowledge I obtained is invaluable and highly relevant to my day-to-day work. What is more, the varying study locations catered for diversity and cultural insights. Finally, the exchanges amongst truly international participants from a range of both EU and non-EU states promoted the sharing and understanding of different perspectives. Well done, CIFE!

Cecilia Ingulstad
Master 2014–2016
Senior adviser, Attorney General's Office - Norway

I chose the CIFE Master because I wanted to broaden my knowledge on European law.
On finishing, I must say that this program has given me much more than a theoretical understanding of institutional and material EU law. It has given me the possibility to debate legal questions with lawyers from a variety of European countries and these discussions have given me valuable insights and much inspiration.
I particularly enjoyed the possibility to test my knowledge in a simulated court ruling (moot court) during our seminar in Berlin. Furthermore, I am very grateful for the liberty we enjoyed when choosing the subject for our Master thesis. For my part the thesis has allowed me to research issues that are of great value to my career. The high quality of the program and the interdisciplinary approach means that this program has much to offer anyone interested in European issues.
I therefore highly recommend this Master.

Moisés Jomarrón de la Cerda
Master 2014–2016
Since 2017, Development Manager at the European Council of Foreign Relations (ECFR), before, Account Executive, LNE Group - Germany

CIFE Master programme in EU Studies represented a great opportunity to improve and enlarge my
knowledge and professional skills about the European Union. The interdisciplinary approach provides participants with a unique set of tools to tackle real-world challenges.
Moreover, it fosters the development of more holistic and efficient solutions for those dealing with the complexity of the EU institutions and policies. In my case, completing the programme opened the doors to new and attractive job opportunities and significantly improved my career perspectives. The quality of the curriculum is very well completed by the expertise and professionalism of the faculty and team.

Carla Cairós Da Silva
Master 2014-2016
Strategy Consultant

The Master in EU studies offers a unique opportunity to full time professionals wishing to expand their knowledge without giving up their everyday jobs.

I was first interested on this Master due to its interdisciplinary approach towards the European Union, which upon complexion I can corroborate is a truly stimulating way of learning about a complex institution from three different angles and see how they, sometimes, overlap.

However after two years I believe the biggest asset of the master is its human component. To begin with, the quality of the teachers is splendid, renowned experts on their fields who not only taught us valuable lessons but also engaged us in insightful debates where we deepen our knowledge while expanding our ideas. Second, the rest of the students, professionals from different geographical and academic backgrounds that over the two years the programme lasted inspired and enlightened me with their views and thoughts.

Finally, the CIFE team is simply exceptional; working hard to integrate students’ needs into the programme, always asking for our opinions and input and making us feel like they truly care about us getting the best possible experience.

Lachin Bakgalova
Master 2014–2016
General Lawyer, State Insurance Organisation of Turkmenistan

It is impossible to express in a few sentences what I gained during the studies in the Master in EU Studies Online. I acquired a huge amount of knowledge and experience which can make use not only in professional life.

The history of the European Union and the European integration have left the most indelible impressions.
I thank CIFE´s professors, experts who tried to give a complex idea of the European integration process in its historical interaction and modern variety. Interrelationship between experts and students was systematic, efficient and available.

I thank students with whom I was given a lucky chance to get acquainted. CIFE is an arena where are students from the different countries with the different political systems, culture and traditions speaking various languages of the world. In such variety of views Master programme tried to unite us in a single whole on the basis of mutual adaptation to each other.

I thank the CIFE  team responsible for the organization of the Master in EU Studies, who creates internal unity, solidarity among CIFE´s students taking responsibility for progress and failures in joint activity. It is, in a sense, the process of integration too.

Filloreta Gashi
Master 2013–2015
Political Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs in the Republic of Kosovo

The Master in EU Studies Online is the best place to prepare for a starting career on the European Union level.
It gave me the necessary insights on the European Union process. Today, as a Political Advisor to the Interior Minister, I always use the knowledge gained for working in the complex political environment. I am very thankful to the CIFE Team especially to Helgard Fröhlich. I would recommend this programme to everybody who is willing to develop their knowledge on political, economical and social developments all over the world and the role of the European Union on the global level.

Albina Yakubova
Master 2012–2014
Programme Management Officer, Transnational Threats Department, Borders, Security and Management Unit, OSCE Secretariat

Having worked for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for over ten years, I wanted to reinforce my Master’s in Criminal Law with a second one on European Law. I was motivated, in particular, by the desire to learn about the European legal framework related to free movement of goods and how this impacted drug control and crime prevention.  The programme enriched me with much more than I sought. I can now claim thorough understanding and deep knowledge on the EU, with its structures, its legal system, and how it functions. This newly acquired knowledge also helps in my work now in the OSCE.  I am very happy with my decision to join the online Master’s  programme on EU Studies and would recommend it to anyone.

Sibel Yikilmaz
Master 2012–2014
EU Project Coordinator, Turkiye Teknik Elemanlar Vakfi

I want to thank CIFE for giving me such an opportunity. With the Master in EU Studies Online Program, I have found an opportunity both increasing my knowledge in International Relations and Political Science and also meet friends from different cultures. We have become like a family within two years. Although we have different languages, different cultures and different religions or beliefs, we have acted like children living in the same family when we have come together. We understand each other better. Our assumptions and stereotypes have changed. Also our views for others and other cultures have changed positively.

CIFE has a good team. They are very friendly and helpful towards students. Especially our program director’s positive approach has affected me. For all matters that I have needed during the program, they did not withhold assistance. Their behaviors have been very friendly and warmly. In this sense I am very thankful to the CIFE Team.  

I have spent an enjoyable two years. This program is a good opportunity for working people. This program is interactive, online and face to face. I am proud to become one of the alumni of CIFE.

Michaela Roth
Master 2011–2013
Spokesperson, Deutscher Sparkassen- und Giroverband (DSGV)

What an amazing opportunity.
Where else would working professionals have the chance to study constitutional law, political science and economics under Europe's most prestigious professors, and simultaneously build up a network of EU-oriented specialists?
For me this course has been a real asset.

Nermin Dizdarevic
Master 2009–2011
Cross-border cooperation, EU Public Affairs at Parkstad-Limburg city-region - The Netherlands

Both in my role as policy officer at the Dutch Embassies in Vienna and Bern, and as project manager on regional cross- border cooperation in the Dutch, German and Belgian area: the European Online Academy gave me the necessary insights on the European Union process. With ever growing EU activities “European Studies” increasingly becomes a valuable discipline to explore for many professionals. As such, EOA offers a pleasant set of weekend workshops, distance learning, and a great European atmosphere!

Gökçen Sahin
Master 2008–2010
General Manager / Managing Director of Halic Leasing - Turkey

Meeting with different cultures in different European cities and universities, and at the same time studying online are the attractive points of the programme. The academicians are all experts and you can easily interact, discuss and share your opinions with them on the online platform. I would recommend this programme to everybody who wants to understand and develop their own opinions regarding the current political, economical, and social developments all over the world, and the place of the European Union in the global village.

Etleva Hysenllari
Master EOA 2008/10
Delegation of the European Union to Albania

The EOA has exceeded my expectations in many ways. The academic standards set for this Master Programme are very high. The staff participating in this programme are composed of the most prominent academics in the field of European Integration. For this reason, I feel privileged at having had the possibility to receive the best education on European Integration issues and for being part of the CIFE – EOA Programme. Participation in the EOA has opened up a new window of opportunity for me: I have had the pleasure of meeting a lot of nice people with different professional backgrounds and nationalities. What I found very interesting and which I remember with pleasure were our post workshop discussions, i. e. “briefings” on the European Integration reforms and the latest political and economic developments going on back in their home countries. We have also established a friendship bond with each other. I would recommend this programme to everyone wishing to know more about the EU, candidate countries and its people. All in all we are not so different.

Dr. Jan Geiss
EOA 2004-2005
Secretary General of the European Forum for Renewable Energy Sources (EUFORES)

The European Online Academy is a great preparation for a starting career on the European Union level for active professionals. Today, as Secretary General of EUFORES – a European Parliamentary network on renewable energy – I always use the knowledge gained through EOA for working in the complex political environment in and around Brussels.