EOA Alumni 2007/08

"At the beginning of the Certificate-year I actually did not know what to expect but hoped for a chance to broaden and structure my knowledge on European Integration, EU institutions, law and so on. Looking back now, I realise that these expectations were not only met concerning excellent studying conditions but in fact I became part of a little community of people who believe in the chance European Integration offers and want to work on it. Our different cultural backgrounds provided for fascinating insights in discussions on topical EU related issues, democracy and our societies. In fact the  multi-faceted conglomerate taught me a lot and complemented the course contents very effectively. Besides we spread a web of friendship all across Europe to an extent I could not have hoped for.On a technical note I want to add that the mixture of online studying and presence workshops really does the job. One is never left alone, experts are always at the ready to help out with questions and the next face-to-face encounter provides fresh momentum for digging deeper."

Marion Obermayr, EU Information Service of the Austrian government, Austria

"When I considered the EOA I was looking for a program that would have prepared me to apply for a position in the Institutions of the European Union fitting in my busy job's schedule.

The EOA gave me the opportunity to fulfill both the necessity of keep working and the desire of studying and understand the European integration's process from a more academic point of view. Furthermore my educational background and work experience in computer science was not considered a barrier or a limit to attend the course. I personally consider it an added value.

The expectations at the beginning were high even if I was skeptical about the e-learning methodology compared to the traditional face to face lessons. I've found the trade-off between workshops and online learning well balanced and organized to permit a successful study experience. English is the official language of all courses. One year of experience working in an English-speaking country was very helpful to follow the lecturers, to study, take the exams and the final simulation game. I would add that being forced to study in English is itself  helpful in order to improve your language skills and ability.

The course program is organized in a very good way giving you the basic knowledge of the Eu institutions at the beginning in order to build your personal interests and skills later. Lecturers and professors are well known in the academic world, and well prepared in the subjects they teach. They believe in the program they are proposing, giving suggestions, comments and providing updated materials and documentation. The course is serious and demanding in terms of work load and knowledge to acquire in order pass the exams. Honestly this is what make the program valuable and what is making me considering to attend the master program proposed by the EOA.

 Last but not least I have to spend some words about the human experience I enjoyed joining the Academy. I've found the managers very committed, organized and available to try to solve all the students' problems putting you in the conditions of doing your best to attend the courses. In addition the multicultural environment was invaluable: you don't just make new friendships but you also create good professional networking and opportunities for your future career. In this sense the participation to this course surely helped me in being accepted as intern at the European Commission. ("The EOA rocks!")"

Davide Prandi, Software Developer & Designer, AP-Networks LLC, Bethesda, MD, US

"I would like to thank you all for organizing the EOA course and giving us the opportunity to learn so much about European Integration in the most convenient way for working people.

You have also rightly acknowledged the importance of face to face communication and allowed us to learn more but also to form wonderful friendships!

I believe that it is going to be very important learning and socializing experience for all of us!"

Jelena Covic, Croatia

“Dear EOA team, dear friends.

We dont want to unify countries, do we? We want to unify human beings ! And that is exactly what happened during this one year course! I got friends all over Europe and not only. I got different perspectives on what friendship can mean. I got closer to EU, actually I got the meaning of what an European citizen can mean. And that is what I am and I am proud of it! Nothing seems so far and untouchable anymore. Thanks EOA, thank you all!

 Melania Istrate, Project Manager, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Romania

"The phenomenon of globalization - including the integration and the adaptation of Communities and peoples to this sphere of influence - is always fascinating for every free person who wants to express himself as a world’s citizen. It is even more interesting to understand opportunities and challenges which accompany the construction of the aforementioned Communities when explanations are brought to you by imminent professors (expert) competent in each of the specific domains of integration processes. All this in an original atmosphere created by students with different behaviors, faiths and interests and coming from varied horizons. EOA, for me, is all this and even more: a real pleasure to study. I had the chance to savor this pleasure; this only life experience. "

Legrand Dongmo Wamba, Youth and Action Counseller, Cameroon