Abigail Evans

At the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. May 2018

How did you hear about EURUS?

I heard about EURUS through my undergraduate research. For my program, I was required to write an Honours Research Essay, and I had an interest in writing on the EU’s security policy. I ended up working with one of the EURUS professors on the project and he recommended that I apply.

What are some reasons you chose to do your MA at EURUS?

I had an excellent experience working with the professors in the department. There were also amazing opportunities, such as the EU Study Tour that the department runs. There is also an excellent variety of research opportunities in EURUS, so the ability to tailor my research to my interests really appealed to me.

What is your main area of focus in your MA?

My main area of focus is EU security, specifically researching counter-terrorism in the European Union.

What do you enjoy about EURUS?

The professors are really great to work with and are very approachable! EURUS also fosters a great feeling of community. The program isn’t that big so it’s easy to get to know people. There are also excellent research opportunities in the program. The professors always have various ongoing research projects, and there are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved.

What is something valuable the program has helped you with?

The program helped me gain more work experience. EURUS offers an internship program, and through that I was able to intern at the Embassy of Ireland. There are also opportunities to intern abroad through the EU Study Tour.

What abroad programs or classes, co-op positions, or internships have you have done since joining EURUS?

I took the internship course offered through EURUS, and I had amazing opportunities in my internship at the Embassy of Ireland. I got to take part in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with the Embassy and was able to experience what working in Embassy is actually like.

I also took advantage of the EU Study Tour. During the tour, you get to travel to Brussels, Luxembourg, Frankfurt and Strasbourg to visit the major EU institutions and speak to officials that work there. It provided such a valuable insight as to how the EU works rather than just reading about it from a textbook. The internships available as part of the program were also a great way to gain additional work experience. Each person’s internship was able to cater to their interests in some way, while also providing valuable and transferable work experience.

Has EURUS helped your career development?

EURUS has definitely helped with my career development. Through EURUS I have been able to hone my research skills and gain valuable work experience.