Giuliano Formisano

BA Politics and International Relations with Proficiency in French (Penryn Campus) 2019

What did you enjoy most about your degree programme?

The main reason why I enjoyed my time at Exeter is based on the exceptional academic environment offered by the degree programme. The staff and students that I encountered have been very helpful and supportive during my time at Exeter. They inspired me to understand my potential and work on my weaknesses to improve both academically and personally. I am also very grateful for the large variety of opportunities offered by the college to practice what I learned in class and gain new skills. The programme is very wide and allows students to explore many areas of politics from theory to practice, from reading Machiavelli's work to studying political campaigns in the streets of New York

Please tell us about the award you received

I have been awarded the 'Victor Wiseman Prize' for the best undergraduate degree result and I received the Dean’s Commendation for Exceptional Performance. To have received these awards is such an honour because I have worked very hard over the last three years and this has been recognised by my lectures and Dean. This represents the perseverance and discipline that this course helped me to develop.

Please tell us if you were a member of any clubs or societies;

Captain of the Athletics Club and Website Manager of the students' newspaper

What has been the highlight of your time at Exeter?

Besides enjoying my degree programme, I loved the extra-curricular activities offered by Exeter. I have been elected Captain of the Athletics Club and Website Manager of the students' newspaper. These experiences have been extremely helpful not only to meet many friends, but also to learn new skills for my career ambitions

What will you miss most about the university?

Above all, I will miss my friends because they have had such a huge and positive impact on the person I am today. Our continuous debates and discussions have enriched my perspective and shaped my understanding of politics. They encouraged me to critically challenge my assumptions and bias. This aided me to develop a more open-minded and cultural-aware mindset. For this and much more, I will always be thankful to have met them.

What advice would you give to current and future students?

Coming from Italy, it was hard to get used to new examination methods, and working in a second language wasn't easy. I am glad I took extra courses offered by the University even if it meant to study more and stay at University until late. It was very demanding but incredibly rewarding. For those international students interested to study at Exeter, I would strongly suggest applying because it's the best place to reach your full potential, with the best staff, facilities and peers in an inclusive and close-knit community.

What are your plans now that you’ve graduated?

I will be studying for an MPhil in Politics (Comparative Government) at the University of Oxford. After that, I am considering pursuing a career in academia and/or as a political consultant