After Studying

What would you say is the most important thing you learned during AFEPA?

One of the key things I gained from my time at AFEPA is the ability to view the agri-food industry from a global perspective. While my bachelor's degree provided me with solid knowledge of the agricultural sector, AFEPA expanded my understanding to a worldwide scale. During my time in Italy and Belgium, the professors not only showed the unique characteristics of each country but also emphasized the broader trends shaping the industry globally.

What was the best part of your AFEPA experience?

The best part of my AFEPA experience was the opportunity to connect with international students from diverse backgrounds while studying at three different universities. This allowed me to learn from a variety of professors, each offering unique perspectives on the agri-food sector, food policies and econometrics. Living in two different countries gave me the chance to immerse myself in new cultures and languages; I became fluent in Italian and greatly improved my understanding of French. Beyond academics, I formed long-lasting friendships and built worldwide connections, making the experience both professionally and personally enriching.

What would you say to anyone interested in applying for the AFEPA program?

To anyone interested in applying for the AFEPA program, I would say it is a life-changing experience that is definitely worth pursuing. While it is a challenging journey, with the coursework and the demands of living in different countries, don’t be afraid to take the leap. There is always support available from previous coordinators and previous alumni who are more than willing to help. The incredible experiences, both academic and personal, that await you during your AFEPA journey are unmatched, and you will come out with a wealth of knowledge, new friendships, and a broader perspective on the world.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned during AFEPA?

We have the obvious, such as the quality of the courses, teaching, and the opportunities that come with being an "AFEPIAN”. More specifically, for me, the AFEPA experience gives you a unique chance to gain perspective on yourself, different cultures, countries, and a variety of mindsets. Most students come from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of personal and professional experiences. This diversity allows each of us to contribute our own perspectives while also expanding them by learning from others. It may sound somewhat trivial at first, but through the intake of individuals with such diversity, it is truly something different. 

What was the best part of your AFEPA experience?

That's an easy one! You get to experience at least two different countries with contrasting cultures, and a chance to travel all around Europe. You will be welcomed by wonderful colleagues, accomplished professors in the field, and, last but not least, fantastic support from the coordinators! The milieu of the programme is friendly and flexible, and the staff will go out of their way to help you find solutions to any issues that may (and likely will) arise. This is combined with a commitment to producing serious, well-grounded academic work, a great balance!

Personally, I am incredibly grateful for the flexibility the teachers and administration showed me during challenging times—it truly lifted my spirits. I would also like to highlight the valuable network that will be available to you. With colleagues from all over the world, your professional network will expand far beyond what you would typically find in a standard master’s programme. Take it from someone who finds networking extremely dull and tedious. Lastly, I found the summer schools particularly enjoyable, as the atmosphere is relaxed and it is really nice to see everyone (again)!

What would you say to anyone interested in applying for the AFEPA program?

Are you interested in agriculture, food, or environmental policy, or maybe a combination? Then the AFEPA programme is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in your field-specific interests. Throughout, it will equip you to successfully pursue a professional career after graduation. If you're ready to step outside your comfort zone and embark on a journey unlike anything you would experience at home, you will be rewarded with tremendous growth and fortunately for you, you have discovered the right programme. 

Take the time, invest in yourself and the possibility to expand your horizons and get two degrees  in the span of one. Learn how to navigate different academic and national cultures and gain what Adam calls “the global perspective”.  Take this seriously, as it will enrich your path moving forward and be a valued strength as you take the steps into your professional career.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned during AFEPA?

To be open to new ideas, and to have a global mindset! This program provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only study in a new setting abroad but to also be fully immersed in new cultures and to be surrounded by peers from all over the world. Everyone was here to study agriculture economics but with such a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, we all gained new insights into how various topics succeeded in other settings.

What was the best part of your AFEPA experience?

The people! From the beginning, I got the impression that everyone involved in the AFEPA program truly wanted to be there. Whether it be students, coordinators, or professors from the various universities, it was easy to tell that everyone enjoyed their experiences, the content, and the colleagues. Thanks to AFEPA have built lifelong friendships and connections all over the world!

What would you say to anyone interested in applying for the AFEPA program?

If you have a passion or desire to learn more about agriculture, and specifically the economics behind agriculture and food policy, definitely apply! With a well-structured curriculum, wonderfully supportive coordinators and professors, and a truly global student peer group, you are guaranteed to learn and grow as an individual and have a lot of fun along the way!

What would you say is the most important thing you learned during AFEPA?

In two years, I learned a lot about agricultural and environmental economics, Europe, and different cultures, but the most important during the program was to learn who I really want to be. After two bachelors, I still was unsure what I wanted to do in the future and who I wanted to be. AFEPA offered a wide selection of the most interesting courses in my field, where I developed important skills for my professional career. Coordinators and professors are supportive, helpful, and guides in every decision. Currently, I am starting my Ph.D. and before I never thought that I would do it, but never say never.

What was the best part of your AFEPA experience?

I enjoyed every moment of the program, except for exam periods :)

Experience in two different universities has many advantages such as a wider selection of courses, professors, and resources. Two different cities – different students, cultures, and more opportunities to develop as a person. Two years in two universities and two summer schools. Summer schools are a funny experience that combine everything: lectures, proposal and thesis presentations, excursions, and students who already finished and who are still hardly working on their theses but this never stopped us from partying and enjoying new people, location, and summer. I met new friends among students and professors with whom I made this journey and I plan to never break the ties with them. One part of the Erasmus program is discovering new places, which I did a lot and enjoyed a lot. I had trips with program mates, my old friends in Europe, and solo trips. It is an unforgettable experience.

What would you say to anyone interested in applying for the AFEPA program?

I got offers from several programs and I never regret that I chose AFEPA.

Check the requirements, and compatibility with your preferences, and apply! Be prepared for economics and administrative bureaucracy but everything will pass. Do not be afraid and if you still have questions, just contact coordinators, or alumni, or current students. The first ones will help you definitely.

Don’t miss the deadline!

Being part of the AFEPA program has been an extraordinary, enriching and fulfilling experience. It opened doors to a world of opportunities, allowing me to study abroad and receive education from some of Europe’s top and prestigious universities. I am sincerely grateful to Erasmus Mundus for making this possible through their scholarship investment. Being able to travel around Europe was an added bonus.

One of the most exciting aspects of this journey has been getting exposed to incredible diversity of perspectives and cultures. Learning alongside students coming from different parts of the world has been a joy; having broadened my horizons and expanded my understanding about the world.

The approachability and helpfulness of our professors has been a distinct highlight of the AFEPA program. They prefer to be addressed by their names. Their unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental making my AFEPA journey smooth and reward. I extend my heartfelt thanks to my coordinators, Professor Frederic at UCL and Professor Ruben at SLU, as well as my dedicated thesis supervisor for their invaluable assistance.

In addition, AFEPA has been instrumental in my academic and career growth. It equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. Finding an employment after graduation has been a testament to the program’s commitment to ensuring its graduates that are job-market ready.

Beyond academics, AFEPA has given me something truly priceless – lifelong friendships. The sense of support and friendship within the AFEPA community made this into an unforgettable adventure. I cherish all the fun memories we have created together, and I am immensely grateful for the friends who have become like a family.

Indeed, my AFEPA journey comprises invaluable experiences, ranging from academic to personal, that have enriched my life in immeasurable ways.

What would you say is the most important thing you lea rned during AFEPA?

For me, the most valuable aspect of the AFEPA programme has been learning how to apply advanced technical skills, from econometrics to economic modelling to experimental economics, to complex, real-world challenges relating to food security and sustainable development. There is more and more recognition of agriculture’s central role in meeting the needs of future generations, and AFEPA gives you the tools which are crucial for many careers, especially policy analysis and impact evaluation.

What was the best part of your AFEPA experience?

I have two ‘best parts’! Firstly, the in-person summer school in Bonn was fantastic, being able to meet altogether from across the four universities for the first time after the pandemic. AFEPA students come from every continent and so we were able to learn so much from each others’ research and personal experiences. It also included evening activities and a trip to the Ahrweiler wine region. Secondly, AFEPA has some great internship partnerships! Through AFEPA, I completed a 6 month- internship at ADE, an evaluation consultancy, and am currently undertaking an internship at the OECD Development Centre where I am working on a project on food technologies in middle-sized cities in the global South. In both experiences, I have been entrusted to contribute the qualitative and quantitative skills acquired during the programme but also received invaluable support and guidance from experts in the field.

What would you say to anyone interested in applying for the AFEPA program?

Apply! There are so many wonderful experiences which are unique to the AFEPA programme which you will learn and benefit from, personally and academically. I’d especially recommend learning the language of your host country and getting involved with student clubs and activities. Time off is also really important!

What would you say is the most important thing you learned during AFEPA?

Most definitely the most important thing I learned was the ability to perform research in an international context. I wrote a few articles in the past but never at the full potential that AFEPA helped me to unlock. During my first year in Italy and second year in Belgium I’ve had professors that showed me the tools and “know-how” that current researchers use on a day-to-day basis, which will be invaluable for years to come, not only in the academic field but also the professional one.

What was the best part of your AFEPA experience?

The international experience. To make friends from all over the world. AFEPA is an experience like no other that changed my life and opened my perspective in a lot of ways. It changed my perception of the world and my expectations from  life. Not only academic and professional skills and values are developed in AFEPA but also interpersonal ones. Discipline and hard work are not enough in this context but also resilience, communication and other soft skills are needed in order to understand and be understood by people from anywhere.

What would you say to anyone interested in applying for the AFEPA program?

Apply! This is a truly life-changing experience. It is not easy but nothing worthwhile comes easily. The challenge starts from the paperwork for non-European students and continues for two years in the shape of interesting topics such as econometrics and game theory.

What  would you say is the most important thing you learned during AFEPA?

AFEPA is a perfect program for anyone who is interested in studying agriculture, food, and environmental issues with an economics approach. There are several options to focus on; such as on policy evaluation, environmental issues, or international trade.

What was the best part of your AFEPA experience?

For me, the best thing about AFEPA is that I learned different methods to solve economical problems: from an econometrics approach to experimental methods, and even with the general equilibrium model! Not to mention, being able to experience studying in different countries and meeting a variety of students from all around the world, which is an amazing experience. The summer school, where all students from AFEPA gathered and made trips together, was super fun!

What would you say to anyone interested in applying for the AFEPA program?

AFEPA is heavily based on economics, so make sure you are interested and prepared to learn that.

What would you say is the most important  thing you learned during AFEPA?

When I applied for AFEPA, I was deeply inspired by the environmental and food security problems. My starting orientation was SDG’s, and I wanted to contribute to their achievement. At that time, I saw the way to do so by learning technical and theoretical methodologies. AFEPA was the right choice. The technics of analysis and its practice in assignments/thesis were the experience I was looking for. I expected that being more data, empirical oriented would be helpful to find job not only in public institutions, but also in industry. Now I find that the skills are best implemented in public institutions, policy consultancy and research. But it’s also a good foundation for business analysis, as AFEPA «carves» your mindset into very analytical shape.

What was the best part of your AFEPA experience?

Intercultural communication. I am passionate about learning the WORLD through the PEOPLE. I also speak 5 languages (+2 grâce à l’AFEPA). Connecting with my classmates and teachers, hearing their experiences and learning their culture — I find it an essential foundation to work in the international environment and understand people.

What would you say to anyone interested in applying for the AFEPA program?

It will be a challenging journey, but you will not be disappointed. We were the first generation of COVID remote working students. We survived isolation, workload, made assignments, completed exams, fulfilled mobility, got visas, studied hard through the screen, wrote a thesis and defended it online. I would say that we missed some fun and connection, but we made friends, were able to have dinners together and cheer each other up. As a result, we are stronger, smarter and happier.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned during AFEPA?

The difficulty of the studies was really a step up compared to my undergrads. But it was worth the effort because now I have a better understanding of scientific debates on public policy issues in agricultural and environmental contexts. I feel being in the position to participate in these debates and being empowered to look into real world problems and not just the simplified basics.

What was the best part of your AFEPA experience?

When I decided to apply for AFEPA, it was mainly because the curriculum fitted my interests and the international context gave it this extra touch. Undeniably, I have learned a lot in these two years and being able to study in different countries really widens your horizon. But I think, what will last even longer for me than the learning outcomes from my courses are the friendships that I made along the way.

What would you say to anyone interested in applying for the AFEPA program?

If you are thinking about applying for AFEPA, try to get in contact with people associated with the program. Do not hesitate to ask questions. No matter if it’s the professors, the study coordinators, current students or alumni, everyone will try to help you, if they can.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned during AFEPA?

The most important thing I learned during the two years of AFEPA program can be summed up in one word: resilience. The AFEPA program has a bunch of interesting and captivating courses. As a first year student, important to know is your preference in career development which helps you to make informed choices on courses to take. Then, comes a period that requires commitment to the chosen courses that are intensive and more demanding. During this period, the remarkable and amazing thing I learned is that anyone can be able to adapt to any situation, however challenging it might be, if fueled with hard work and determination. The outcome is a boost in confidence that any assigned task can be delivered successfully, of course, with the two ingredients (hard work and determination) plus acquired academic knowledge.

What was the best part of your AFEPA experience?

For me, the best part was the opportunity the program offers of studying in two different countries. It allowed me experience cultural, social and educational differences as well as expand my network. More importantly, it allowed me to practice and improve my knowledge of English and French. I now have very good command of both languages (plus basic German) which proves to be beneficial while working in a multilingual team/environment.

What would you say to anyone interested in applying for the AFEPA program?

The AFEPA program provides academic knowledge desired on the labor market. I can confidently say this because each time I step into a meeting room, discussion group or even follow on media any discussion on food, agriculture or environment, I can easily relate to them through different topics discussed in depth during lectures and group assignments. I highly encourage interested candidates to apply for the AFEPA program. You will never regret the slice of your precious time allocated to it.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned during AFEPA?

he courses I took during AFEPA enlightened me of the challenges faced by policy makers in terms social welfare optimization, both from a domestic and global perspective. More importantly, it helped me in choosing my career path, arguably the most difficult decision a young adult has to make.

What was the best part of your AFEPA experience?

As I am just beginning my second year of AFEPA, I can only talk about my favorite experiences throughout my first year in Belgium. What I really appreciated was the close relationships formed with my professors. We were given access to an office which we could use whenever we wanted, and could also use the kitchen. These were the same facilities used by some of the professors who also taught many of our courses. The close proximity is one reason which allowed for close relationships to form. I am also grateful to the AFEPA coordinators for helping to facilitate the sometimes daunting task of moving and transitioning from your home country (often outside Europe) to a European one. I was picked up from the airport, tired and jet lagged, given my accommodation and shown around the city. Lastly, I am grateful for the field trips organized by the program. So far, I have gone on at least 3 excursions, around Belgium and Germany. The trips always included a visit to a nearby tourist site, an organization related to our program, as well as a brewery/winery tour. It was a great way to meet fellow students and professors, both past and current.

What would you say to anyone interested in applying for the AFEPA program?

Get in contact! Transitioning to a new University in (perhaps) a new country in (perhaps) a new continent can be daunting. Ask for help. From the coordinators, or from AFEPA alumni themselves. I bothered a lot of people to get the information I wanted, including talking to alumni as to where the program had led them post graduation. I would encourage all potential applicants to do the same.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned during AFEPA?

Truth be told, the AFEPA curriculum is heavy on the theoretically and quantitative part, nonetheless, through the lenses of the professors who have experience in rural development and public economics I learned to holistically analyze everyday policies from the policy maker, farmer, business, consumer and scientist perspective.

What was the best part of your AFEPA experience?

Being able to exchange experiences and ideas with people from different backgrounds and countries enriched the debate in the classroom and for me, it fueled my curiosity to know the agricultural and environmental policies that run in their countries.

What would you say to anyone interested in applying for the AFEPA program?

Do not get overwhelmed by the learning curriculum or the paperwork you have to submit. The AFEPA coordinators and alumni will be your allies along the way. If you are interested in learning the grassroots of our current public policies, how to assess policy interventions and understand peoples´ behaviour, this master program suits you.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned during AFEPA?

It has two parts for me. Social and academic. I learned how to become more social with various kinds of personnel. Forgetting the introversion and find myself more comfortable with others. The education system was far more different than my countries, so being able to cope with that was a big achievement. Two summer schools were most important where we learned most practical lessons. The thesis and proposal presentations were very much helpful to gather more knowledge.

What was the best part of your AFEPA experience?

When I first came in Belgium was the most exciting part. It was my first time in abroad and alone. Even if at my home country I never been traveling long distance alone. When I arrived, I was so afraid but the coordination was so good and I feel happy about that. Within few hours I got my new friends. Everything was totally different and it was definitely the best experience.

What would you say to anyone interested in applying for the AFEPA program?

Do it

What would you say is the most important thing you learned during AFEPA?

The importance of trans-disciplinary research and heterodox analysis.

What was the best part of your AFEPA experience?

The exchange of culturally different perspectives on food production and the fields it is embedded in

What would you say to anyone interested in applying for the AFEPA program?

Make sure you like economics!