Since starting University in 2006, enrolled as a B. European Studies student, continuing my studies at a Masters level had always been at the back of my mind. At the end of my undergraduate degree, I was faced with a choice; whether to continue climbing the educational ladder or take my first steps into the world of work. Coming from a family where finances are not always easily available, the latter always seemed to be the only realistic option in my case. However, my prospects soon changed after I attended an information session by STEPS. STEPS is a scholarship part-financed by the European Union, where students are informed of the benefits associated with continuing one’s studies at a Masters and Doctoral level through this scheme. Through STEPS, students could choose to further their studies locally or abroad, being aided financially along the way through a form of grants, covering expenses such as tuition fees and bench fees, whilst receiving a general maintenance grant, which proves to be of exceptional support at a point where students are no longer supported by the stipend, but have to forge out all expenses (including books) on their own. Such financial support certainly facilitated and gave me the possibility of doing my Masters degree.
The next option was to decide whether to continue my studies locally or abroad. Choosing MEDAC (Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies) proved to be one of the best decisions in my life. I am proud to say, that this academy, situated at the entrance of the University of Malta building, hosts a rich variety of expertise, made up of a number of permanent and visiting lecturers, guest speakers, seminars, conferences and visits. During my year at MEDAC (2009/2010) I had the honour to be part of the late Professor Guido de Marco’s weekly class, where his words of wisdom reflected his vast experience in the world of diplomacy.
Other prominent speakers and lecturers included Speaker of the House of Representatives Michael Frendo, Dr Eberhard Rhein, Lieutenant General David Leaky, Director General of the EU Military Staff, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tonio Borg and Admiral Giampaolo di Paolo, Chairman of NATO Military Committee, amongst others.
Moreover, MEDAC students were invited to a number of conferences and seminars, such as the Euro-Med training seminars, where students had the chance of personally meeting with a number of diplomats.
MEDAC also organised a study trip to Geneva, where we visited a number of International Organisations, along with a trip to the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. MEDAC also offered daily classes in a number of subjects, such as International Relations, International Law, International History, International Economics and Diplomacy.
Additionally, one cannot fail to mention a vital element which made MEDAC such a rich environment – the students. MEDAC 2009/2010 saw a multitude of students coming from different countries. Thus, sharing classes with students of different nationalities – a number of whom were already established diplomats – proved to be a learning experience in its own right.
Having provided an overview of what MEDAC is all about, I cannot end this article without showing my gratitude to all the academic and administrative staff at MEDAC, with special thanks going to Professor Stephen Calleya, Director of MEDAC, and Dr Derek Lutterbeck – Deputy Director of MEDAC, whose insight and support were of utmost importance in his role as supervisor during the writing of my dissertation, entitled ‘The Economic and Social Implications of Irregular Immigration in Malta’. Special thanks also go to the STEPS board of staff, whose support made all this possible.
Thank you MEDAC. Thank you STEPS.
■ Kristina Farrugia