The first cycle of studies for the joint master’s degree “European Languages, Cultures and Societies in Contact,” established by the EC2U Alliance, has officially concluded. This week, the thesis defense of Benedetta Procura was held – the first to take place at the Pavia campus – following those of her classmates Antonella Orologiaio, Cecilia Piunti, Agnese d’Angelo, Zoé Moujeard, and Sofia Kruglikova, held in previous months.
The six students began their academic journey in 2022 at the Department of Humanities. Four of them completed their studies in Turku (Finland), one in Salamanca (Spain), and one in Pavia, with theses defended in German, French, Spanish, and Italian. All graduated with honors. The degree was recognized in all the countries chosen to complete their academic path.
The joint master’s degree established by the EC2U Alliance is a first step toward the European Degree, an initiative promoted by the European Commission in March 2024. The aim is to establish a new joint program between universities from different EU countries, with a degree that will be automatically recognized across Europe. In this regard, in January, the University of Pavia will host a conference with internationally recognized speakers to provide an updated overview of the topic and highlight its importance in the fields of Education and Research.
A degree that opens doors to the world
Inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4, “Quality Education” part of the 2030 Agenda, the European Languages, Cultures and Societies in Contact master’s program is coordinated by Professor Elisabetta Jezek and hosted by the Department of Humanities in collaboration with the Departments of Political and Social Sciences, Industrial and Information Engineering, and Mathematics.
The programme gives students a deep understanding of the linguistic and sociocultural landscape of Europe, employing advanced academic research methodologies. In addition to achieving excellent results, students gain a unique experience within the European educational landscape. Each semester, they have the opportunity to study at a different partner university in the EC2U network, among Pavia, Coimbra, Iași, Jena, Poitiers, Salamanca, and Turku.
Beyond learning European languages, the programme stands out for its “tailored” curriculum, allowing students to select courses from options provided by each partner university. These mobilities are supported by Erasmus+ scholarships and EC2U Alliance funding.
“Seeing the world through new eyes”
«This experience has transformed me deeply,» says Antonella, one of the first graduates in European Languages. «My two years as an EC2U student exceeded all expectations: it was a continuous learning process inside and outside the classroom, a constant challenge to test myself and build confidence by overcoming obstacles».
Her journey started in Pavia and continued to Poitiers, Salamanca, and Turku, offering «a new perspective on study and research approaches» and «essential language skills for analyzing socio-political processes». Changing cities, languages, and classmates means «challenging stereotypes and prejudices, paying attention to the words we use to describe the world, and learning to see it with new eyes. I’ve seen the best of Italy flourish within me through encounters and exchanges with diverse languages, societies, and cultures». Antonella highlights the value of initiatives that directly involve citizens, turning them into “diplomatic tools” capable of fostering dialogue between peoples. «Diplomacy happens daily, whether in shared Erasmus apartments or when a foreigner joins an Italian-speaking class».
Logistical and bureaucratic challenges added to the experience, «making it even more formative by strengthening determination, resilience, and awareness that interpersonal and intercultural relationships, along with mutual support, are an endless source of strength and beauty».
“Longing to leave again”
«If I had to describe this experience in one word, it would be fernweh,» says Agnese. «It’s a German term for longing: not for home, but for elsewhere». Agnese studied in Turku (Finland) and Jena (Germany) before returning to Finland to present her experimental thesis on German language learning disorders. Her research was conducted in Italy with a class of high school students over six months.
«This was an unparalleled experience that allowed me to grow academically and personally, opening my mind and unlocking future opportunities. I learned to adapt, which is wonderful – she says – it means being able to reshape yourself according to life’s circumstances». Agnese is now beginning a PhD in Zurich, focusing on multilingualism and communication.
“Seizing every opportunity”
Benedetta’s graduation officially concludes the first cycle of the EC2U Joint Master’s Program in European Languages, Cultures and Societies in Contact. Her journey took her from Salamanca to Pavia, where she presented her thesis on the impact of parenting support policies in a major retail company.
Her interest in gender studies began during her undergraduate years and guided her choice of the EC2U joint master for its interdisciplinary nature. «It was an adventure,» she explains, «certainly complex in terms of organization, but this program provided a crucial foundation for developing a broader perspective on the world». If she had to sum up the experience in one word, it would be “locura”. «In Spanish, it means ‘madness,’ but in the most positive sense. It’s about living life fully and seizing every opportunity».
In the future, Benedetta hopes to work in the non-profit sector, focusing on sustainability projects. Alternatively, she envisions a career in human resources, concentrating on training and corporate welfare.