Mona Medan(Canada)

Born to Romanian immigrants, Mona grew up in the multicultural melting pot of Toronto, Canada. She attended the University of Toronto, where she graduated in 2015 with an Honours Bachelor degree of Arts, with a specialisation in Italian language and literature and a minor in French studies. During her undergrad, Mona was often engaged in cultural organisations and student-run clubs, keeping ties with her own European roots, while enriching her love for cultural affairs.
Being caught between two continents and speaking four languages, Mona was always interested in European affairs. Following her bachelor’s degree, she worked in Toronto for a couple of years and spent some time travelling. Yet feeling unfulfilled, she recalled her desire to pursue European studies and enrolled in the Euroculture programme in 2018, hoping to begin a new chapter of her life in Europe. Her studies have given her the opportunity to study in Göttingen and Groningen, not to mention having completed two Brussels-based internships in her final year as a result of following the third semester career track – falling in love with the “Capital of Europe” in the process. She now hopes to kickstart a new professional career in a European country.

For me personally, Euroculture was a positive, enlightening experience. In all honesty, I was not sure what to expect from the programme when I first submitted my application, but it ticked all the boxes of my own personal interests. Cultural studies being the framework of the programme, I was constantly challenged to critically think of fundamental values that shape European society and discuss potential solutions. I followed my courses with great enthusiasm, being given the opportunity to debate with my classmates and think outside of the box – and making some great friends along the way. I also learned some fundamental academic and professional competencies, which continue to be relevant outside of the programme.
Moreover, though I was already accustomed to meeting people from various parts of the world, I nonetheless thrived in an environment where intercultural exchange was the norm. For one thing, I would not have learned about the utmost importance of making eye contact while clinking beers had I not met some locals in Göttingen. Jokes aside, I believe my Euroculture studies have been imperative in deepening my understanding of EU and global affairs, and I would not trade the experience for another. Lastly, I do my best in trying to maintain contact with various alumni – of my cohort or otherwise – and being active in the LinkedIn community. It really is beneficial, both personally and professionally speaking, to be part of this network of like-minded individuals – and I am thankful I have the opportunity to reach out to other Euroculturers for assistance or future collaborations.