Shaping your own degree with YUFE
Mikail Yildiz studies European Law at Maastricht University and he's very enthusiastic about Young Universities for the Future of Europe. He reflects on the benefits of taking courses all over Europe and on how YUFE has enabled him to develop career skills. Interested in the YUFE Student Journey? Visit the Online Open Day for the YUFE Student Journey on 28 March.
As one of the first participants in the YUFE student journey, Mikail has already been on exchange to Italy and taken courses at different European universities – and he is not done yet. “I am still finding new things I can do thanks to YUFE – which is pretty amazing.” According to Mikail, picking his own courses is one of the biggest benefits of the programme: “I shaped my bachelor’s programme by combining courses from other universities with those from Maastricht. Taking multidisciplinary courses all over Europe was a unique experience.”
Going out of your way to learn more
According to Mikail, the YUFE programme is valuable for both bachelor’s and master’s students. “Every university is organised differently, which means you learn how to learn in very different environments.” Additionally, his current experiences will help him after he has finished his studies. “Future employers respect it when you go out of your way to learn more. The lessons in cultural diversity and the cross-border courses are an important addition to my resume.”
Throughout his YUFE student journey, Mikail has already taken several courses. And he’s planning to participate in other activities as well. “I want to partake in activities for my professional development and I’m applying to volunteer for Oxfam as part of the YUFE star programme.” The flexibility of the programme allows him to participate in other programmes and activities while continuing his studies in Maastricht.
Mikail Yildiz
Ciao Roma!
It's not surprising that Mikail is eager to add international experiences to his studies. He was raised in Belgium, born to a Turkish father and an Italian mother. “I was used to spending time with people with different nationalities, from a variety of cultural backgrounds, but this is not the standard for everyone. Later on, I’d like to work in an international context, so any experience I can gather along the way is a bonus.”
Thanks to YUFE, he has already seized the opportunity to learn both Turkish and Italian. “Going to Rome on a physical exchange gave me a broader perspective on European Law. The language course I took added to the experience. It enabled me to speak with the locals, which I really enjoyed.”
This is what I need
All of this started with a newsletter from Maastricht University, which let students know about the YUFE student journey. This opportunity caught his attention and led him to the website. “After browsing the website, I decided it was something I really wanted to do. The subsequent application procedure was clear and simple.”
After his application, he was pleasantly surprised by how well things were organised: “It’s really easy to register for courses: YUFE confirms that you’ve enlisted successfully just hours after you apply. Plus, whenever I need something, it’s very easy to get in touch with YUFE.”
Read everything about the YUFE programme and how you can apply. Seize the opportunity!
Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE), the UM-led European University, puts students at the centre and invites them to co-create their curriculum and have a truly international study experience.
The YUFE programme allows students to go on an educational adventure, make unforgettable memories and gain valuable knowledge.
Also read
-
DATASET researchers from Maastricht University (BISCI) and Fontys applied the Digital Readiness Scan developed by Logistiek Digitaal to several regional logistics service providers, scientifically validated the underlying methodology, and analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of this tool.
-
Download our Annual Report from 2023.
-
On 12 June 2024, Dr Domenico Carolei, Lecturer in Public International Law and Public Law at the University of Stirling, gave a talk entitled 'Charting NGO Accountability: Identifying alternative accountability routes'.
