About this episode
Our first student podcast episode was produced by a student-led initiative at KU Leuven, called Una.lliance, the Una Europa Local Student Task Force in Leuven. Three students who are currently enrolled in the Joint Bachelor in European Studies – Michele (second year), Camilla (third year) and Agnieszka (third year) – share their personal opinions on living and studying in Leuven, Belgium.
The Una Europa Joint Bachelor in European Studies (BAES) is is a highly innovative programme in which students explore fundamental aspects and values of the European Union and European states. Students reflect on the role of Europe in the world and master research skills to analyse key issues related to European societies. The BAES programme is built on a multidisciplinary approach and places mobility at its centre, with students studying at up to three Una Europa universities over the duration of their studies.
In this episode, our student speakers share first-hand insights into their experiences, discussing both the perks and challenges of their unique academic programme. What does it mean to move between cities, learning and adapting to new cultures and countries? In their interview with Carolina – who is also a BAES student – Agnieszka, Camilla, and Michele share practical tips on finding housing, making friends, and staying connected while constantly moving. From trying new sports to juggling student jobs, they highlight what Leuven has on offer above and beyond the academic part of student life.
Tune in and learn more about student life in such a unique study programme.
" I wasn’t planning on studying abroad but the Joint Bachelor in European Studies gave me courage to actually try and experience multiple countries and multiple lives. But what was also important for me was the possibility to study political [subjects] and also other more cultural and social subjects and topics in a European context, rather than in the local context of the university where I currently study. "
Agniezka Kuszaj on her motivation to apply for the BAES.
About the Una Europa Podcast Student Special
The Una Europa student podcast is created by students, for our Una Europa student community, as well as anyone interested in what our alliance has to offer students. Each episode is produced by a different team of students, who choose one specific topic of their interest and share their ideas, thoughts and experiences with the listeners. Each episode showcases unique perspectives from students, be it insights into student life on campus, exploring student initiatives and projects, or reflections on higher education in Europe and the world.
Tune in whenever there is a new episode and learn something unique about Una Europa for students.
" For me, it was the first time that I was going to live by myself. That was my biggest challenge. And you have to live with a language that is not your native language – for example I am from Italy and here in Leuven I speak English most of my time. The biggest tip that I can give in order to overcome these challenges is to meet new people so that you can all together help out [each other] and find solutions to our problems. "
Michele Panizza on overcoming challenges.
This episode was developed by the student-led initiative of Una.lliance, KU Leuven’s Local Student Task Force for Una Europa, and recorded in November 2024. For official information on the BAES, please refer to the programme website.
