Erasmus+ supports for students and recent graduates to carry out traineeships, as well as training periods for staff working in higher education institutions.

Through Erasmus+, Natolin staff and students alike have benefitted from partnership exchanges with higher education institutions in an Erasmus+ Programme or Partner country, and from traineeships in enterprises, research institutes, laboratories, organizations, or any other relevant workplace located in EU Member States and third countries associated with the Programme.

For more about Erasmus+ traineeships for students, see here.
For more about Erasmus+ staff mobilities, see here.

Testimonies - Staff

"Representing the Languages and Intercultural Dialogue Office at the College of Europe in Natolin, I took part in the Erasmus+ mobility programme at Juraj Dobrila University of Pula from 17 to 19 October 2024. During this period, I met with Dr Irena MIKULACO from the University of Pula and Dr Lana AHLBORN from Goethe University in Frankfurt with the aim to explore innovative methods in foreign language teaching with a particular focus on inter-comprehension strategies. Such exchange fostered collaboration between institutions, enriched teaching practices, and advanced language instruction techniques. My activities included delivering a lecture on non-equivalent linguistic units and participating in seminars on language, translation, and intercultural communication. This experience has expanded my professional expertise and contributed to the modernisation and internationalisation of language programmes at the College of Europe in Natolin. Istria in Croatia, as a region with its heritage emerging at the intersection of Roman and Slavic cultures, is an ideal place for debates on intercultural dialogue."

Prof. Wojciech SOSNOWSKI, Languages and Intercultural Dialogue Office

“An important aspect of my (ER+) mobility was working on issues related to inclusiveness and diversity, as well as reflecting on intercultural relations and their significance in teaching. The contacts established with the Faculty of Polish Studies at Istanbul University proved particularly valuable, opening up new perspectives for academic cooperation.”

Ms Lilla BACHA, Languages and Intercultural Dialogue Office

“The mobility [teaching mobility at the Groningen University] was a valuable experience, both for the professional exchange and the potential for future academic collaborations.”

Ani Issa, Capacity Building Office

“I believe participating in the International Staff Week in Slovenia, under the Erasmus+ staff mobility, was a remarkable experience and clearly had a positive impact on my professional and personal development. It provided very good space for sharing best practices, discussing common challenges from different perspectives with representatives from various European universities. The mobility was also a great opportunity for networking, coming up with ideas for potential future partnerships/cooperation, and could thus contribute to the overall work (mission) of our institute.”  

Ms Nargiz ABDULLAYEVA, Academic Administration Office

“Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations of TSNUK (my institution) has a center of European studies, where I am also involved. We teach a great variety of courses in that field and that was very interesting to get experience from professors of College of Europe and see their vision of specific issues. I will include some of those in my curriculum and will disseminate it to my colleagues in Kyiv. My institution prepares skilled youth that will work with EU (as economists, lawyers, ambassadors, ect). College of Europe in Natolin has a wide number of specialists in sphere of European studies. Acquiring their knowledge is very important and valuable to enhance educational process in Ukraine. From the other side Ukraine might become a member of the EU in the future and mutual dialog here might be interesting for both sides. Therefore, cooperation between TSNUK and College of Europe in Natolin in the future may develop knowledge spillovers in sphere of European studies and representatives of both institutions main benefit from that.”

Prof. Liudmyla Shvorak, Incoming mobility, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
 

Testimonies - Alumni

"Erasmus+ provided me with a valuable opportunity to gain my first professional experience in my passion field, EU journalism. Through this program, I had the privilege of working with a renowned publication, confirming my commitment to pursuing a career in this domain. I highly recommend the Erasmus+ scholarship to every Natolin student aspiring to kickstart their professional journey in the EU bubble.

Navigating a new city abroad can be challenging, especially considering the rising cost of living and diminishing professional opportunities. However, the Erasmus+ scheme significantly eases this transition, making it simpler to explore your potential and develop your skills in the field of your choice. It has been a transformative experience that not only broadened my horizons but also equipped me with the tools needed to thrive in my chosen career path."

Ms Romane ARMANGAU

"The support from Erasmus+ was invaluable in facilitating my entry into the job market after graduating from Natolin. It enabled me to join a public policy consultancy as an intern, where I applied the knowledge of EU digital policy gained during my year at the College of Europe. This experience laid the foundation for my career and ultimately led to a permanent position as a policy analyst."

Ms Anna DENAIS

“The support I received through the Erasmus+ scheme was invaluable in allowing me to experience a new type of work, in a new field, in a new country. I had previously worked in operations and policy making for the UK government, but after the college I began working, with the support of the scheme, as an editor in an EU-focused research institute. I continue to work there part-time, today, and have branched out into writing and commissioning research. The bureaucratic requirements are not onerous, and I encourage everyone who thinks they might benefit from the scheme to apply.”  

Dr Edwin HERCOCK

“The Erasmus+ Traineeship was an insightful and enriching experience that enabled me to effectively launch my career in EU affairs. I consider it the perfect bridge between my studies at the College of Europe in Natolin and my professional journey. This opportunity would not have been possible without the financial support provided by the Erasmus+ Grant. During the traineeship, I had the chance to gain first-hand experience in Brussels by working in a multicultural environment and engaging with a diverse range of people—an invaluable asset. As a result, I acquired practical knowledge in the energy sector, the field in which I intend to pursue my professional path."

Mr Pierre AYMARD

"Erasmus+ supported the beginning of my journey at the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, Italy. On one hand, it allowed me to gain hands-on experience in partnership analysis within a key UN agency—particularly during a pivotal moment for the humanitarian sector. On the other hand, it brought me closer to a personal dream: living in the Eternal City, where the magic of Rome never ceases to inspire."

Mr Feres OUESLATI

"My Erasmus+ traineeship at the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe was a truly enriching experience. It gave me the opportunity to work directly on international cooperation, science diplomacy, and interdisciplinary projects. I contributed to initiatives on disaster risk reduction, science diplomacy, and gender equality across Southeast Europe, where I helped build partnerships, supported communication efforts, engaged in diplomatic activities, and assisted with project coordination and stakeholder outreach. Working in such a dynamic, multicultural environment allowed me to put into practice the interdisciplinary skills I developed at the College of Europe—especially in cross-border collaboration, diplomatic engagement, and contributing to policy development from an international perspective. As a Turkish national, this was my first professional experience abroad. I am deeply grateful to the Erasmus+ program for making it possible, and to the Natolin Erasmus Office for their continuous support. I would highly recommend the Erasmus+ traineeship to anyone at the start of their career who wants to experience how international organizations truly operate and take part in meaningful projects."

Ms Armagan Sena ATASAYAR

“The Erasmus+ traineeship program is a great way for recent graduates to take their first steps into the professional world. What makes it special is that it helps you stay connected to values like inclusion, climate action, and digital skills, topics that are often left behind once you enter the workplace. The program gives you enough structure to feel supported, while also giving you the freedom to explore how you want to contribute.”

Ms Selma ESSAFI
 

"The Erasmus+ scholarship awarded to me by the College of Europe in Natolin at the end of my studies allowed me to launch my career in the EU. It provided me with much needed financial necessities when someone moves to another city but, more importantly, it directly helped me to move to Brussels and achieve my dreams. During these six months I have been able to put into practice everything I have learned in the last five years, I have met amazing people in a multicultural environment characteristic of the EU and I have developed new skills."

Mr Ángel MORENO RUBIO

"Receiving the Erasmus+ scholarship from the College of Europe in Natolin was a transformative step in my career. It not only provided me with world-class education and exposure to European policy networks, but it also opened the door to my dream role at NATO. My internship allowed me to apply the skills I developed at the College of Europe while gaining deeper insights into how strategic communication drives decision-making in today’s dynamic and interconnected world. Overall, this experience not only enhanced my knowledge and skills but also reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career that supports a secure and prosperous Europe.” 

ALONA BONDARENKO 

"My Erasmus+ traineeship as a research assistant at Kadir Has University in Istanbul was a direct continuation of the academic path I began at the College of Europe in Natolin. This role provided a professional setting where I could further the research I started at Natolin, applying interdisciplinary approaches to the specific dynamics of the region. As a student from the Eastern Partnership region, I found the experience to be a meaningful example of the Erasmus+ commitment to inclusion and diversity. It offered a way to connect different educational landscapes through high-level collaboration on Black Sea security and NATO-Türkiye relations. This assistantship transformed my academic background into a professional asset, allowing me to contribute to the university’s research goals while advancing my own career in academia.”

ARZU BUNYAD