I threw some off their game.

It was clear to me right from the start: communication is crucial. The most important question that programme director Gerda Füricht-Fiegl asked me as soon as I announced my pregnancy was: How can we support you? It was precisely this openness that made many things easier. It was particularly important to me that nobody felt disturbed. We were a diverse, intercultural group - and being together was not only uncomplicated - it enriched us. Fortunately, my daughter was a calm and even-tempered companion, and with a breastfeeding curtain I was able to take part in the courses without interruption.

I found open ears everywhere. My daughter found "aunties" (fellow students) who were happy to hold her during lectures or exams. Such conditions make life much easier when you are in a special situation - and my feedback was always taken on board. This is not something that can be taken for granted and I am very grateful for it.

The study trip to Brussels was a very special highlight for me. The fact that I was able to take part in every planned session together with my daughter was not a matter of course. My special thanks therefore go to Gerda Füricht-Fiegl, head of the degree programme, my lecturer Stefan Zotti and Gabriele König from the degree programme for their openness, understanding and dedicated organisation. Their support made it possible for me to fully experience this intensive and enriching trip. These days in Brussels will remain unforgettable for me.

The family room at the Eisenstadt Study Centre was a welcome retreat for us. I would also like to take this opportunity to emphasise the carpooling to campus and express my gratitude. These trips became a wonderful ritual in our everyday study life - filled with many unforgettable moments.

After completing my Bachelor's degree in Nursing and a Master's in Advanced Nursing Practice, my goal was to specialise more in project management in the healthcare sector. My husband had already completed the Master's degree in European Studies - Management of EU Projects - he now works as a Programme Officer - and we are both convinced that this form of higher qualification is worthwhile. I found the programme to be excellently structured and very practice-oriented. The knowledge of EU policy, legislation and funding programmes in particular was extremely valuable for me - not least because many healthcare institutions lack the expertise to successfully apply for EU funding. It is precisely this knowledge that I would now like to utilise more in my work at the Divine Saviour Hospital in Vienna.

In March, I submitted the Erasmus+ project entitled ANPGeriatricCare, which has since been approved. Together with Krankenhaus Göttlicher Heiland GmbH in Vienna (Austria) and Auf- und Umbruch im Gesundheitswesen GmbH in Germany, I am looking forward to realising this project and gaining valuable experience in international project management.

I will also be taking part in this year's European Health Forum Gastein, for which I have been awarded a scholarship. This participation is a special opportunity for me to further deepen my knowledge of health policy and EU funding. And at the same time to expand my network in order to establish joint international projects. I am convinced that my success on the Master's programme in European Studies - Management of EU Projects has opened up these opportunities for me.

Guest contribution: Dominique Hennekes