SAIS Europe Students Share their Experiences Studying Legal Reform in Montenegro

Since 2003, more than 180 students and scholars from 26 countries have traveled to Igalo, Montenegro to attend the European Union and Legal Reform Summer School, a weeklong post-graduate course organized by the Center for Constitutional Studies and Democratic Development (CCSDD) at SAIS Europe and the Faculty of Law of the University of Belgrade. During the course, held between July 12 to July 17 this year, students attended an innovative series of lectures and roundtable discussions in order to deepen their understanding of the EU’s expansion eastward and all of the subsequent legal and constitutional implications. Three SAIS Europe students shared their experiences below as students in the summer program. 

View from Villa Galeb in Igalo

Learning the Elements Crucial to Cultivating Cooperation in the Western Balkans 

'With the fjord-like Montenegrin Alps towering over the crystal blue Adriatic Sea, surrounded by palm trees and olive groves, it’s no wonder why Josip ‘Tito’ Broz chose Igalo to build his “Galeb” therapeutic and rehabilitation center and villa.  Tito’s new residence came two years after the fourth and final Yugoslav Constitution of 1974, which further expanded the unique Yugoslav economic system of worker self-management and further devolved political autonomy to the constituent republics and provinces.  While Tito and his regime are no longer around, this unique socialist regime has left big footprints, evident by the ubiquitous Yugo-nostalgia in the region. 

As if we found ourselves sent back in time, the diverse group of young Balkan professionals and students participating in the CCSDD Summer School was a salient reminder of how connected the peoples of the region have been throughout history, despite recent political fragmentation.  During the lectures, a special emphasis was placed on the importance of deepening regional cooperation and progressing with the Stabilization and Association Agreements for future EU membership of the Western Balkan countries.  Engagement by former Yugoslav and Albanian participants was the cornerstone of the seminars, along with a special contribution brought by the perspectives of other international students.

Connecting divergent issues like the recent sovereign debt crisis in southern Europe, deficiencies in European policy on human rights, and the need for legal reform, the participants of the CCSDD Summer School all contributed with one common goal in mind:  the development, security, and prosperity of the region in order to realize a unified Europe.

While “patience” is the abraxas of this process, the continuation of summer schools like that hosted annually by the CCSDD is crucial to cultivating empathy, trust, and cooperation in the Western Balkans.'

Christopher T. Barber, MAIA, 

SAIS Europe 2014 - 2016

My Unforgettable First Year at SAIS Europe 

'The European Union and Legal Reform Summer School in Montenegro was the perfect follow-up to my first year at SAIS Europe in Bologna. When I started my courses at SAIS in September 2014, I still needed to clarify my area of study interest. For this reason, I began to take courses in a variety of different fields, ranging from politics, history, economics and law. After some months, I focused my coursework in conflict management, international law and transitional justice. These courses taught at SAIS Europe by Professors Justin Frosini and Winrich Kühne, as well as the CCSDD activities, were crucial elements in influencing my decision to specialize in these areas and take my future career in this direction.

The Summer School in Montenegro was a perfect follow up to my two semesters at SAIS Europe. Topics of study included the legal aspects connected to international affairs, European integration and disintegration, and current topics, such as financial and economic crisis in Greece.  Participants came from different countries with extremely interesting backgrounds.  The rich diversity of participants meant that learning not only occurred in the classroom from faculty but also from the conversations and contributions from peers. 

The location and the extra-curricular activities in Igalo and Herceg Novi during the summer months were perfectly suited to fostering a memorable learning environment. This included visiting the former residence of the former President of Yugoslavia Josip Broz Tito, whose home had only recently opened to the public. 

Summer School in Montenegro was undoubtedly an unforgettable experience and the best way to conclude my first year at SAIS Europe.'

Irene Forzoni MA 

SAIS Europe 2014 - 2015

Creating Invaluable Friendships While Learning about the Future of Europe

'The European Union and Legal Reform Summer School, organized by the Center for Constitutional Studies and Democratic Development (CCSDD), created a unique opportunity to learn about the current status of the European Union (EU) and its potential for enlargement.  The summer school provided a forum to learn from talented professors from top universities in London, Milan, Berlin, and Belgrade.  Students from the Western Balkans and Central Europe contributed to the experience.

Lectures and round-table discussions on the European Economic Crisis and the power of European constitutional courts gave participants new insights on developing issues.  The academic experience was enhanced by the opportunity to see coastal Montenegro with attendees partaking in a boat-trip to a blue grotto, spectacular beaches, and a Cold War era military submarine silo.  The program allowed me to form invaluable friendships and develop a better understanding of how Europeans view the future of the EU and its legal systems. Perfect preparation as I begin my arrival to SAIS Europe this fall.'

Alex Sleisenger, MA 

SAIS Europe, 2015 - 2016 

How to learn more about SAIS

SAIS Europe is getting ready to welcome the Class of 2016. We in Admissions look forward to meeting students, with whom we've been in touch over the last few months.

The race has been long, but fun all along. Our Office remains involved with students while they are at SAIS, but our main responsibility is to ensure SAIS continues to attract the best candidates: we now need to turn our eyes to recruiting the next class.

Students interested in learning more about SAIS and SAIS Europe, will have plenty of opportunities to get to know us up close. 

Over the next few months, we will hold several online and in-person information sessions. Below is a list of some the events we've lined up for the summer and beyond. Much more will be available soon.

ONLINE INFORMATION SESSIONS

The online information sessions are a great way to learn more about us. The first session will be in June. We plan to hold one session per month until December. See the dates below:

- June 29 at 6 pm Italian time (1600 GMT or 1200 EST) - https://connect.johnshopkins.edu/june29/

- July 23 at 4 pm Italian time (1400 GMT or 1000 EST)

- August 26 at 6 pm Italian time (1600 GMT or 1200 EST)

- September 23 at 4 pm Italian time (1400 GMT or 1000 EST)

- October 14 at 6 pm Italian time (1600 GMT or 1200 EST)

- November 26 at 12 pm Italian time (1100 GMT)

- December 10 at 6 pm Italian time (1700 GMT or 1200 EST)

The first few sessions will be generic. As we get closer to the deadline for applications, we will focus on one or two topics at each session. These will range from the application components, to Career Services, Academics and Student Life.

To participate to the session on June 29, click on the link above provided and log-in as a guest. We will provide the other links soon.

OPEN DAY

The Open Day will be on December 7. Attending Open Day is an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand what our program offers. Visitors will be able to speak with faculty, current students and staff. In addition, they will be able to attend classes and seminars held on the day. A registration form and tentative schedule will be available soon.

Amina Abdiuahab

Some questions we are hearing

Over the last few weeks, we have received questions from incoming students. Today, we'll try to answer some of the most frequent queries.

We hope this post helps. However, in case your questions are not answered here, please feel free to comment on this post to ask your questions. Alternatively, get in touch with us. You can reach us via email at sais.eu.admissions@jhu.edu, via Skype (jhubc.admissions) or via the good old telephone +39 051 29 17 811.

ACADEMICS

Q: In my letter of admission, I was asked to take an introductory economics course. I did not sign up to the SAIS Online Principles of Economics (OPE). What should I do?

A: If you were not able to enroll in the OPE, you should look for a university-level course offered by an accredited institution. The course can be on site or online. Before you enroll, be sure to send us the syllabus so that we can make sure you will be studying the right contents.

Q: Can I take economics courses in pre-term instead of taking an introductory economics class this summer?

A: No. Pre-term courses are taught at the intermediate level. The OPE, or equivalent courses, are at the
introductory level. You will need a solid understanding of the principles of micro and macroeconomics to be able to tackle the intermediate-level courses.

Q: Can I take both micro and macroeconomics during pre-term?
A: Microeconomics is the only economics course that will be offered during pre-term 2015 in Bologna.

Q: How do I qualify to take the waiver exams in economics?
A: The purpose of the waiver exams is to allow those who have already taken the required economics courses to take more advanced courses while at SAIS.

To qualify for the waiver, you must have completed a course equivalent to the SAIS economics course and received a grade equivalent to a B- or higher. Look at this page for information on the economics waiver exams.

Q: If I waive out of all the required economics courses, can I take all non-economics courses during my studies?
A: All students pursuing the MA degree, are required to take four economics classes and a quantitative reasoning course. If you are able to waive out of all the required courses, you will need to substitute these courses with other economics courses. There will be lots of courses for you to choose from.

Q: I heard about a pre-calculus tutorial and test. Am I required to take them?
A: Yes. All students are required to follow the tutorial and take the quiz at the end. The purpose of the tutorial is to help you (and us) understand where you stand with your math skills. If you don't pass the test at the end, it'll be an indication that we need to help you with your math skills and we will ask you to follow an on site tutorial with Prof. Erika Meucci.

The tutorial is available online in Blackboard and all incoming students should have received an email with instructions. If you have not received the email, please get in touch with us.

Q: When should I take the pre-calculus tutorial and quiz by?
A: You should complete the quiz before you start economics coursework at SAIS. If you are taking microeconomics in pre-term, you will need to complete the quiz by August 15. If you are not taking micro, you have until September 15.

Q: Should I also complete the calculus tutorial prior to starting economics courses at SAIS?
A: The calculus review and test are not required prior to starting economics classes. However, you will have to do it during the year. If you can, we recommend you do the calculus tutorial and quiz as well because you may have less time during the year.

Q: I have a strong math background, do I need to take the pre-calculus tutorial and test?
A: If you have a strong maths background, you can probably get through pre-calculus quickly. Once you have taken the quiz, we strongly recommend that you dedicate your time to the calculus review and quiz.

Q: I would like to pursue a different concentration than the one I indicated in my application. Can I change concentration?
A: Yes, you will be able to change concentration once you arrive in Bologna. The only concentration you will not be able to change to is International Development (IDEV), which is the only concentration with capped enrollment.

VISA
Q: What kind of visa should I apply for?
A: You should apply for a type D visa for study purposes (visto di tipo D per motivi di studio). This visa, will enable you to stay in Italy for the entire academic year.

Q: How long does it take to obtain a visa?
A: It depends on the workload of the Embassy you will be applying from. You should ensure you complete your application at least four weeks your departure date.

Q: I have been asked by the Italian Embassy to provide proof of health insurance, but I don't have a health insurance plan.
A: All non-European Union citizens are automatically signed up to health insurance plan provided through SAIS.

In the visa request letters you have received, we address health coverage during your stay. However, we know that some Embassies require additional information. If this is the case for you, be sure to get in touch with us.

HEALTH INSURANCE
Q: I have an EU passport, do I need health insurance in Italy?
A: If you are a European Union citizen you should apply for a European health card. Such card, will give you the same access to healthcare as Italians.

Generally, only residents of an EU country are able to apply for a European Health card. If you don't qualify for a European Health card, you will be enrolled in the plan provided by SAIS, unless you have adequate coverage already.


Amina Abdiuahab

Meeting SAISers in Vietnam

One of the things that sets SAIS apart is the close-knit community students become part of when they start their SAIS studies. In the post below, Ben West, an alumnus from the U.S., tell us about the SAIS network in action. 

I am a recent SAIS graduate and earlier this spring I moved to Vietnam’s capital Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).  After only ten days in my new home, I experienced first-hand the power and reach of the SAIS network.

I made contact with the head of the SAIS alumni network in the city, Chuong Tran (DC ’86) who invited me to take a tour of a new development project just north of town. SAIS economics professor and resident Vietnam expert, Jim Riedel, was in town and came along on the tour. Coincidentally, I met a future bolognese, Sarah Piccini, who is currently living in Ho Chi Minh City.

Just like that, the four of us, representing the faculty and three different classes of SAIS came together for a day of “economic tourism” in southern Vietnam.

From Left: Sarah Piccini (BC ’16), Ben West (BC/DC’15), 

Prof. Jim Riedel and Chuong Tran (DC ’86)

The four of us, plus other associates of Chuong, went to Binh Duong province, about a 45-minute drive north of Ho Chi Minh City. The provincial government there is pushing development hard (click here to see a video) and is trying to attract people to the area.

Despite all of its hard work, it was obvious that the area was having trouble attracting residents and I suppose they hoped that we would buy some apartment blocks or something.

During a meeting with some of the developers, Professor Riedel highlighted the fact that the development was completely government funded. Later, over lunch, we discussed the shortfalls of relying too heavily on central coordination for development projects; without outside investors, there was no guarantee that there would be demand for the new residential and commercial properties. The government had provided ample supply, but the demand was lacking. All those pages of supply and demand curves during my years at SAIS came flying at me as we walked through a shopping mall full of stuff but without customers; or as we passed million dollar villas surrounded by empty lots.

 Tran and Riedel at the impressive Binh Duong City Hall

Running in the background of all this, of course, was the fact that it was bringing together us four SAISers: past, present and future. It was great for me to get acquainted with people in my new home (as well as get to see some areas off the beaten path) and I think it helped Sarah, the future SAISer, get an idea of what it meant to be joining this new community before she starts this fall. 

I had seen the SAIS network in action in Bologna and DC, and this certainly isn’t the first time that it’s helped me, but this past month, I felt the huge geographic reach of the SAIS alumni network. 

So, for all of you out there who have already been accepted or are thinking about applying to SAIS, whether in Bologna or DC, look up your local SAIS alumni chapter and go see what they’re up to. You might find yourself off an adventure before you even step foot in the classroom. 

Ben West

BC14/DC15

What will SAIS Europe students do over the summer?

The academic year at SAIS Europe ended last week. Today, students who are completing their studies at SAIS in DC will be attending the graduation ceremony and are about to put their SAIS studies behind them.

Time flies, or so the saying goes; but each year when graduation arrives, we realize that as far as the academic year at SAIS goes - this is not just a saying.

Every year we welcome students in August and wave goodbye to them in May. Saying goodbye is not easy, but we find comfort in the fact that when our students leave us, it will be to embark upon an exciting and rewarding summer followed by another challenging and enriching academic year in DC.

So where will SAIS Europe students be this summer? Fortunately, there is no single answer to this
question. To give you a sense of the diversity of locations and activities, below is a video in which several students tell us what they will be doing over the next few months.

The vast majority of students use the summer vacation to work an internship. These internships take them to various parts of the world. In the video, you'll hear from students going to Indonesia, Peru, Tanzania, UK, France, Belgium, the U.S. and many other places.

The fields in which they’ll be gaining experience are extremely diverse, ranging from renewable energy to corporate responsibility, and from political and economic risk assessment to investment consulting.

Some students use the summer to strengthen their language skills –they know that a very good way to learn a language is to spend time in a country where that language is spoken. In spending the summer abroad, students get the opportunity to learn about a new culture as well as to use the language on a daily basis.

Click on the video below to hear for yourself what exciting things await our students.

If you are reading this post on email, you can see the video here.

Amina Abdiuahab

SAIS revolutionized my way of thinking

The academic year at SAIS Europe will end tomorrow, May 15. Students have been busy doing exams and writing papers before they take off for their summer internships and travel. Below, Carlotta Munini, a first year student from Italy, tells us about her experience at SAIS Europe. 


I started my M.A. degree at SAIS Europe only nine months ago and I would have never thought that my brief time here would have had such a lasting impact on me. As an Italian national and recent college graduate, I wanted to pursue graduate studies at a top ranked academic institution in International Relations.

Today, as I conclude my first year of study in Bologna, I realized that my year at SAIS not only deepened my conceptual understanding of world affairs, but, more importantly, as a life changing
experience, it broadened my global perspective.

I came to SAIS with a degree in Finance and a “Business School” way of thinking.  I initially believed that knowledge of the world could only be acquired from reading Economics textbooks or by solving a mathematical formula. SAIS revolutionized my way of thinking.

While a student in class, I became blown away by how my professors transmitted their passion for the subjects they teach. From them, I learned how important it is to debate issues, to be curious and above all, to question. My combined courses in Energy, American Foreign Policy and Risk illustrated the interconnectedness of today’s world and how important it is to develop an understanding of the “global picture”. (This was quite a learning curve for me, as I was previously used to books filled with numbers!)

Learning about the Cold War’s containment strategies, financing biomass plants and risk in political economies was a day-by-day discovery process for me. Upon reflection, as I attended my last classes at SAIS Europe , I can finally say with confidence that I am better able to interpret and understand world issues and the complexities that lie beneath the surface.

When I began my studies at SAIS, as was one of the younger students, I felt quite intimated by my peers. (With an average class age of 26, the majority of my classmates had CVs with interesting professional experiences.)

As a professional school, SAIS gave me the needed support, coveted advice and provided me with an extensive alumni network to prepare me for the job market. Following an intensive interview process with 15 employers, I was offered two great internships. I chose to spend this summer in London working for a risk advisory firm. Landing this internship was proof that I am now ready to apply theory to practice in the work place.

Final exams have arrived and we are all preparing for our fall transition to Washington DC. As I say goodbye (or arrivederci) to Bologna, I look forward to continuing my journey on the other side of the Atlantic next fall.

Carlotta Munini
(SAIS Europe '15)

Admissions: Open Houses and SAIS Europe's new video

This month, students admitted to SAIS will have a chance to get to know the program up close. SAIS in Bologna and in DC will open their doors to admitted students for the Open House events.

On April 8, we will welcome admitted students at our campus in DC. In addition to the Open House, students admitted to SAIS Europe are invited to attend a cocktail reception with SAIS Europe Director Michael Plummer and Alumni on April 9.

The Open House in Bologna will be on April 13.

Why attend these events?

These events are a great way to get more information on the program and what it offers. We know how important choosing graduate school is and we encourage all those who live close to either of our campuses, to come visit us.

During the day-long events, students will have the opportunity to meet faculty, students and staff. There will be faculty panels as well as panels on student and career services. What’s more, visitors

will have the chance to experience first-hand SAIS’s academic excellence.

Below are the links to register:

- Open House and Cocktail reception in DC
- Open House in Bologna

We know many of our future students live far from our campuses and may not be able to travel long distances. Please know that we stand ready to answer your questions via email (sais.eu.admissions@jhu.edu), the phone (+39 051 29 17 811) or Skype (jhubc.admissions).

What’s more we want to share this new video on SAIS Europe. Enjoy!

Daniela Coleman