Erasmus+ Doctoral Studies: Experience at Sapienza University

What Opportunities Do Doctoral Studies Bring: An Exceptional Research Experience at Sapienza University in Rome

This spring, the School of Advanced Social Studies (SASS/FUDŠ), as part of my doctoral studies, enabled me to undertake a several-month doctoral mobility at the prestigious Sapienza University of Rome. It is one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1303, and today the largest university in Europe with more than 110,000 students. Sapienza is considered one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in Italy and is regularly ranked among the top universities in Europe.

Throughout its rich history, the university has educated and hosted numerous distinguished figures from politics, science, art, and culture, including Nobel laureates, Academy Award winners, and recipients of the highest international honors. Even during my mobility, the university was a venue for numerous important events, conferences, academic presentations, and high-profile visits. Among others, it was visited by the President of the Italian Republic and university alumnus, Sergio Mattarella, as well as Pope Leo XIV. Such an environment offers students direct contact with the global academic elite—an invaluable stepping stone for a successful international career.

Research Success, Independent Lectures, and International Networking

During my stay, I was affiliated with the Faculty of Political Science, which offers study programs in both Italian and English. Shortly after my arrival, I met with my host mentor, with whom I designed an ambitious mobility program. In addition to my core activity—conducting extensive research among students in Italy—the program included participating in academic conferences, preparing scholarly articles, and giving lectures.

Regarding the main research project, I prepared a research proposal during my stay, which we then successfully carried out together with my new international colleagues. As part of the research, we collected responses from more than 200 students. Their views will be analyzed in detail and presented at upcoming conferences and in scientific publications, yielding direct practical knowledge and top-tier research results.

During my mobility, I participated in professional conferences in various roles: as a panel discussant, author and presenter of a research paper, and an active attendee. I was also given the exceptional opportunity to deliver an independent lecture on the connection between international relations and political psychology to master’s students in international relations.

The Inspiring Influence of the Eternal City and Gratitude to the FUDŠ Team

All of these academic activities were extremely valuable experiences that brought me new knowledge, reaffirmed my passion for further research, and allowed me to establish key professional connections for long-term international collaboration.

Due to the scope and ambition of the set goals, work had to begin immediately upon arrival, with activities filling almost the entire duration of the stay. As a result, it took a lot of energy and enthusiasm to also find time to explore the countless breathtaking sights of the Eternal City. Rome, with its extraordinary historical and cultural heritage, has profoundly shaped European and global development, and its influence is still felt today in many fields—from law, medicine, and architecture to language, religion, and the broader social structure of the modern world. With my stay at Sapienza University, the city gained a deeper personal dimension for me, one that will strongly and positively shape my future personal growth and academic journey.

In closing, I would like to emphasize that during my doctoral studies, I participated in several Erasmus+ mobilities, all of which provided me with invaluable experience. I extend my sincere gratitude to the School of Advanced Social Studies (FUDŠ) for making this possible, to the committee members who approved the mobilities, and to the university staff who support student mobility programs. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and support were crucial to the successful execution of all my exchanges, which I will remember with great warmth and appreciation.

Miha Adanin-Oven, Doctoral Student at SASS/FUDŠ

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