In the heart of a 120-hectare park stands a palace—part of a campus where 130 students embark on a life-changing journey of learning. This enchanted realm is the College of Europe in Natolin (Poland), a post-graduate institute of European studies with a story as rich as the classes it teaches. 

The Natolin campus was created in 1992, during the reintegration of the European continent after the fall of the Iron Curtain. This campus, which some students affectionately refer to as “a magical forest,” sets the stage for a unique academic experience.

The College of Europe (CoE) in Natolin offers one programme – the advanced Master of Arts in European Interdisciplinary Studies. Students with backgrounds spanning law, economics, political and social sciences, history, journalism, and foreign languages converge to study the complexities of the European Union.

Voices from the Campus

Selma Essafi, a Tunisian student, reflects on the program’s interdisciplinary nature, stating, “Interdisciplinary studies allow a discovery of the intersection of topics, subjects, covering the complex reality of the EU.” For Selma, the College is a space for self-discovery, intellectual growth, and charting a path for a better future.

Feres Oueslati, a Tunisian student, brings an interdisciplinary background, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Master’s in Political Science and Democratic Governance. Reflecting on his decision to join the CoE, Feres shares, “This programme, with its diverse courses focusing on the EU’s neighbourhood, European Integration, and both internal and external dimensions of European affairs, not only resonates most with a Tunisian and Mediterranean student but also stands out as an empowering tool.”

Sabrina Boukhorssa, from Algeria, brings a wealth of field experience in the development sector. She states, “I knew the field, but I wanted to go to a higher policy level: understand how policies are made and how to express myself about them. The CoE is the place for that.” Sabrina seeks to elevate her understanding of EU foreign policy, bridging the gap between practical knowledge and theoretical depth.

Nour Ben Mefteh, a Tunisian law student and the first Tunisian and second Arab elected as a student representative at the College, sees this program as a natural continuation of her interests. With a background in law, she champions interdisciplinary studies that were not readily available in her home country. 

Fostering personal growth: a journey beyond academia 

The CoE in Natolin has a clear commitment to academic excellence. According to Feres, the quality of education stands among the best globally and is a testament to the exceptional standards of the students within this dynamic community. He explains, “A collaborative environment composed of high-level peers is what anyone needs to excel.” 

At the College, the academic journey is challenging and stimulating, characterised by a rapid pace. In addition, students have the unique opportunity to curate their educational path, tailoring the interdisciplinary degree to align with their needs and interests. 

The College boasts a faculty of renowned professors, with a mix of academic excellence and practical field experience, blending theory with real-world applications. Praising the professors for their excellence, Sabrina notes, “The professors are truly outstanding, and they bring their touch and experience to the courses.”

Initially a business student, Selma was drawn to history classes—an unexpected academic highlight. Reflecting on this, she shares, “I never studied history at university before, and it just made me think about how important the history of a country is.” Selma’s realisation extended beyond the classroom as the students embarked on their first study trip to the south of Poland, a region rich in history, mainly related to World War II. “We went to so many museums and castles; it was so enriching,” she recounts.

Nour spoke about the eye-opening experience of discovering cultural similarities during the trip. “We have so much in common with Central and Eastern Europe. We’re so focused on Western Europe that we don’t even see it, but I think we’re more culturally close to this side of the map.” Selma echoed this sentiment, emphasising the shared challenges between Poland and Tunisia. “This is why we should think about solutions together,” she suggests. 

On personal growth, Nour expresses how a few months at the CoE equate to significant personal development. “A week at the CoE is equal to a month in terms of growth,” she states. Nour also shares the joy of experiencing snow for the first time, highlighting the blend of personal growth and novel, fun experiences that the College offers.

The College: alive, vibrant, and diverse

Amidst the rich history and academic excellence, the CoE in Natolin pulsates with life, vibrancy, and diversity. Most students are multilingual, with proficiency in English and French as a prerequisite. As Sabrina says, “Nearly all of us speak more; English is my fifth language, for instance!”

Every year, the College holds cultural days, where students celebrate the richness of their cultures, traditions, and cuisines. The students featured in our story went beyond national borders to unite in organising a special “North African Day.” Together, they showcased the lively cultures of their countries, uniting beyond nationalities to celebrate their common North African identity.

The College’s tight-knit community creates a unique environment where human connections flourish. Within the cocoon of the beautiful campus, students learn together and engage in activities, from spirited debates to shared meals and even collaborative performances. “There’s a special closeness that develops,” Sabrina muses. The campus experience, she emphasises, is unparalleled and irreplaceable. “Human bonds are the most precious.”

Echoing the sentiment, Feres warmly describes the unique sense of community in the small campus. He emphasises that what truly sets the College apart is the critical thinking nurtured among the students. In his words, “What makes the College special is the constant cultivation of critical thinking among students. Here, positive critique is a way of life, providing endless opportunities for developing a profound understanding of the European sphere and beyond.”

In addition, Selma values the international facet of her education, understanding its significance in a globalised world. “Even if some problems seem country-specific, we can only solve them globally since everything is intrinsically linked, like global warming, for example.” For Selma, institutions like the CoE play a vital role in bringing future leaders together, bridging perspectives and ideas, and addressing the interconnected challenges that the world faces. 

Sabrina also highlights this, stating “The human bonds we are building now will continue after we return to our countries and work in decision-making positions,” she says. Nour echoes this sentiment, explaining, “Alumni of the College are everywhere, and they can help you. The degree of the College has a big weight in terms of the job market.” The College, therefore, becomes not just a place of learning but a nurturing ground for lifelong connections and personal growth. It is also a gateway to a future where the bonds forged within its walls continue to shape decision-makers and leaders across the globe.

The scholarship: a gateway to transformation

In pursuing academic excellence and global collaboration, the CoE extends a hand through scholarships. For university graduates from European Neighbourhood Policy countries, these scholarships ensure that financial constraints do not hinder the pursuit of knowledge.

These comprehensive scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, meals, and travel costs. Approximately 70% of students at the College are scholarship recipients, proof of the institution’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Selma, a scholarship recipient, underscores its transformative impact, stating, “I couldn’t, and probably most students from my country couldn’t afford the College without it, so it’s a game-changer.” The scholarship thus becomes a catalyst for dreams and aspirations that may have otherwise remained out of reach.

Sabrina expresses a profound sense of gratitude and awareness of the immediate and lasting impact. “I feel very lucky to be here. It’s very rare to know when you’re doing something that it has an impact now, and not just in the long term. This is one of those moments where I know the things I’m learning and the people I am engaging with will have an impact now and also in the future.”

The CoE at Natolin is more than just an academic institution; it is a place for transformation, a melting pot of diverse cultures, and a breeding ground for future leaders. The picturesque Natolin campus, steeped in history and wrapped in the embrace of nature, serves as the backdrop for this intense interdisciplinary learning. From the cultural exchange during cultural days to the rich experiences on study trips, the College fosters an environment where human bonds are forged, ideas are shared, and perspectives are broadened. The scholarships, a cornerstone of the College’s mission, are a powerful enabler, breaking down financial barriers and opening doors for aspiring minds from diverse backgrounds.