Student Opportunities

The Nanovic Institute has been at the heart of students’ experiences in and about Europe for more than 30 years. With a deep commitment to scholarship and engagement across disciplines, the institute offers a place for every student exploring the ideas, institutions, cultures, languages, histories, and faith traditions of Europe to better understand its diverse peoples.

The Nanovic Institute builds bridges between Notre Dame and Europe through experiential learning, encounter, and immersion. From research grants and structured co-curricular programs to a minor in European studies, there are many ways to be a part of the Nanovic community.

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Diplomacy Fellows

Learn the art of diplomacy from diplomats in residence and through protocol training, in-class simulations, and on-site immersions in Europe. This program equips select undergraduate and graduate students with the skills necessary to succeed in careers in foreign service, international relations, negotiation, and communication.

Serving (in) Europe

Take part in an eight-week service-learning internship in Europe, volunteering with faith-based organizations to support communities facing humanitarian challenges. If you have ever wanted to give back while learning how to work in an international setting, this is the opportunity for you.

Research Fellows

Hone research skills across methodologies and disciplines within a community of European studies scholars. Cohort-based programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels (EURO Fellows; Graduate Fellows) bring students and faculty together for reflection, research mentorship, and experiential learning in Europe and beyond.

Study Europe at Notre Dame

The Nanovic Institute offers opportunities to learn in and from Europe, wherever you are in your studies, whatever your primary major may be—from introductory “gateway” courses to a minor in European Studies.

The "Gateway" Experience

Ready to begin? We encourage students, regardless of major or minor, to explore Europe through shorter, specialized courses designed to fit any academic schedule.

Model European Union (1 Credit): Join this course to learn up close how the European Union functions, and represent Notre Dame in university-level EU simulations, extending our more than 30 years of success in competition.
Europe Through Film (1 Credit): Discover Europe through the lens of international cinema. A cornerstone of the Nanovic Institute for over two decades, this course offers students across all majors a unique opportunity to study European culture and identity through film. Join a campus tradition that brings the best of European cinema to Notre Dame.
International Business Fellows Colloquium (1.5 credits): Examine business ethics and professional challenges in a European and global context from distinguished faculty and industry leaders in this weekly seminar.

Find out more about these and other “gateway” courses through NOVO Class Search

Find Gateway Courses

Minor in European Studies

Ready to commit? Make the study of Europe a core component of your degree by adding the minor in European studies. This multidisciplinary minor grounds students’ knowledge in foundational European ideas while allowing them to pursue their unique interests. Students graduate with a proficiency in a European language, a nuanced historical understanding, and practical research, writing, and diplomatic skills.

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