I nostri testimonials: Matthew - Nigeria

Student of Mobility Studies

"The combination of academic excellence, institutional flexibility, and historical depth made Padua the ideal place for my postgraduate studies." 

About myself 

My interest in mobility and migration studies is deeply personal, because in many ways, I have lived the realities that I study. My academic journey has taken me across three countries — Nigeria, Israel, and Italy — and across three disciplines: Geography, African Studies, and Mobility Studies. This transnational and interdisciplinary path has shaped not only my intellectual development, but also my understanding of movement, belonging, and identity.
Studying in different educational systems and cultural contexts exposed me to diverse perspectives on migration, development, and social inequality. These experiences helped me realise that mobility is never only about movement from one place to another; it is also about navigating institutions, labour markets, identities, and power structures. As an international student and migrant myself, I became increasingly aware of how personal aspirations are often shaped and constrained by broader social and political conditions.
This lived experience has strongly influenced my research trajectory. It motivated me to focus on African mobility, youth experiences, and labour exploitation, and to approach these topics through narrative and life-course methods that centre migrants’ voices. My academic journey and personal experiences are therefore closely connected, and together they continue to shape my commitment to producing socially relevant and engaged research.

Why did you choose the University of Padua and our degree programme in Mobility Studies? How did you learn about our institution?

My decision to apply for the MA in Mobility Studies was driven by my strong interest in migration and mobility research, combined with my academic background in Geography and African Studies. I was particularly interested in pursuing research that connects African Studies with contemporary debates on migration and migrant lives in Europe. The Mobility Studies programme offered exactly this interdisciplinary space.
One of the main reasons I chose this programme was its flexibility. Students are encouraged to design their own study plans based on their academic interests and research goals. This freedom allowed me to carefully select courses that aligned with my developing research focus and to tailor my academic path to support my future thesis work. As a result, I was able to build a coherent and meaningful programme of study that reflected both my interests and my long-term aspirations.
I chose the University of Padua not only for its academic reputation, but also for my personal interest in history and historical spaces. Padua is a city rich in cultural and intellectual heritage, and studying in such an environment was both inspiring and motivating. The combination of academic excellence, institutional flexibility, and historical depth made Padua the ideal place for my postgraduate studies.

What were the main features of your degree programme?

The MA in Mobility Studies at the University of Padua is characterised by its strong interdisciplinary and research-oriented approach. The programme combines perspectives from geography, sociology, history, and political science, allowing students to develop a broad and critical understanding of migration and mobility.
A key feature is the balance between theory and practice. Courses introduce major debates in mobility studies while also strengthening students’ methodological and analytical skills through seminars and research projects.
The programme is highly flexible, allowing students to design personalised study plans based on their interests. This enabled me to select courses that complemented my background in Geography and African Studies and supported my research focus.
Teaching is very interactive and discussion-based, encouraging critical thinking and active engagement with academic literature. In addition, the international and diverse student community enriches learning through multiple perspectives. There is also the opportunity for study abroad through the Erasmus exchange which I think is a fascinating experience.
Overall, the programme offers a rigorous, flexible, and research-driven experience that effectively prepares students for independent academic work.

Was there any class/subject that has stood out to you?

Several courses within the programme had a significant impact on my academic development, particularly “Work, Migration and Globalisation” and “Space, Place, and Mobility.” These courses played a central role in helping me clarify the type of research I wanted to pursue and the kind of researcher I aspired to become.
Through “Work, Migration and Globalisation,” I developed a deeper understanding of how labour markets, migration regimes, and global inequalities shape migrants’ everyday experiences. This course strongly influenced my interest in labour exploitation and precarity, which later became central to my MA thesis.
“Space, Place, and Mobility” helped me think critically about how mobility is experienced differently across social and geographical contexts. It encouraged me to reflect on spatial inequalities and the emotional dimensions of movement and settlement.
In addition, “Migration in World History” was particularly engaging and intellectually enriching. It provided a broad historical perspective on migration and helped me situate contemporary mobility patterns within longer global processes. Together, these courses offered a strong theoretical and empirical foundation for my research.

What advice would you give to prospective students when it comes to preparing a successful application?

One of the most important things I did right during my application process was having a clear academic direction. Before applying, I took time to reflect seriously on my interests, strengths, and long-term goals. This helped me choose a programme that truly aligned with what I wanted to study and the kind of researcher and professional I hoped to become.
My main advice to prospective students is to avoid applying to programmes simply for the sake of studying abroad. Living and studying in another country is already challenging, both emotionally and practically. If you are not genuinely interested in what you are studying, these challenges can quickly become overwhelming.
Instead, students should focus on finding programmes that match their passions and intellectual curiosity. When you care deeply about your field, you are more motivated to learn, to improve, and to engage with your studies. This makes the entire experience more meaningful and rewarding.
Finally, I encourage applicants to be honest in their applications. Present your real interests, experiences, and ambitions, rather than trying to fit into what you think admissions committees want to hear. Authenticity and clarity are often more convincing than perfection.

What advice would you give to students thinking of studying in Italy?

Studying in Italy has been a very enriching experience for me, especially during my MA in Mobility Studies in Padua, but it also requires patience and flexibility. One of the first things students should be prepared for is bureaucracy. Processes related to visas, residence permits, and university registration can be slow and frustrating, especially at the beginning. Over time, however, you learn how to navigate the system and become more confident.
Learning some basic Italian before arriving is also very helpful. Even though many programmes are taught in English, daily life often requires simple Italian, especially when dealing with public offices, housing, and local services. This makes everyday interactions much easier and helps you feel more integrated. Cultural adjustment is another important part of the experience. Differences in academic culture and social life can feel challenging at first, but being open-minded and willing to learn helps a lot. Building relationships with both international and local students also makes the transition easier.
One of the best parts of studying in Italy is the quality of everyday life. Beyond its famous tourist attractions, Italy offers a rich cultural environment, beautiful cities, and a climate that makes daily life enjoyable. Living in Padua allowed me to appreciate these aspects in a deeper way.
Finally, students should take care of their well-being. Balancing studies, administrative responsibilities, and personal life can be demanding, so developing routines and seeking support when needed is important. With preparation, openness, and resilience, studying in Italy can be both challenging and deeply rewarding.