Study abroad

Thanks to the Erasmus+ programme, students can spend a study or research period at a foreign university or research centre, to take classes and exams, carry out part of the research work for their final thesis, or complete the internship. Attending courses and taking exams at a foreign university is not only a life-shaping experience and an opportunity to learn the local language, but also a chance for students to experience a different teaching system and develop a more flexible approach to their studies, which they could later apply in their future career. By carrying out research activities or an internship abroad, students often gain access to resources that otherwise would not be available to them (for example, large equipment). They also have a chance to conduct applied research in specific fields, and to interact with wider research groups. Thanks to inter-institutional agreements, the Master's degree programme currently offers mobility opportunities for study (and in some cases research) at partner universities in France, Germany, Greece, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey. In any case, the University is open to sign new agreements for study, research or internship purposes with any other university or research centre with which professors teaching in the Department already have an ongoing scientific collaboration, or wish to establish one. For any of these opportunities, and in general to carry out research abroad, students have to identify a Department professor willing to act as their supervisor or scientific coordinator of the project. Erasmus+ scholarships for study allow students to take exams and do research at foreign universities, while Erasmus+ Placement scholarships are only for internship and research activities. There are separate application processes for the two types of scholarships, with different paperwork requirements. All activities to be carried out abroad, whether study or research, must be approved by the relevant tutors (professors) at the home and host universities and specified in the learning agreement. This document, together with the transcript of records for any exam taken abroad and/or research reports, is essential for ensuring the recognition of such activities by the home university. Besides the Erasmus+ programme, the University offers Master's students the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to write their thesis abroad. Applications open twice a year and upcoming graduates can participate in the selection by submitting a detailed thesis project together with their supervisor.