Giuliana Polo and Paul-Emile Charlier

Question answered by Giuliana Polo  

Before joining the EDSD program, I pursued a degree in Economic Tourism at the University of Salento (Lecce) during my bachelor’s degree and studied Economics for Environment and Culture for my master’s degree at Sapienza University of Rome, both in Italy.

Question answered by Paul-Emile Charlier 

I first earned a dual Licence [rough equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree, but obtained in three years rather than four] in economics and sociology at the University Côte d’Azur in Nice, where I’m from. For my third Licence year I was in the EU Erasmus program at the University of Pisa in Italy, where I discovered my interest in demography. So afterwards I did a Master’s in demography at the University of Strasbourg, where I also joined the program of the École des Hautes Études en Démographie or HED, which encompasses several partner universities across France, including Strasbourg. 

For my Master’s thesis I decided to focus on how a preference for male children and overall sex discrimination in India impacts that country’s demography. And in the second semester of my second year in that program I was able to pursue my research in India, where I was hosted at the Centre de Sciences Humaines laboratory in New Delhi [one of a network of research units of France’s CNRS]. It was there that I wrote my Master’s thesis. 

Question answered by Giuliana Polo

I attend EDSD due to my doctoral program in the School of Statistical Sciences, specifically in the Demography curriculum at Sapienza University, which is the only institution that already provides attendance at the European Doctorate School of Demography. Consequently, my application process differed from others, as winning the competition for the mentioned doctorate automatically granted me admission to the EDSD. 

Question answered by Paul-Emile Charlier 

I decided to apply to EDSD because I wanted to supplement what I had learned during my Master’s work. EDSD offers substantial training in quantitative methods, and I wanted to consolidate my skills in that area before starting a PhD. I was also interested in taking courses in an international environment, with students and professors from different countries (which is the case even though EDSD is being hosted in France this year).

As for the application, it has to be filled out very carefully, and that takes time. 

Question answered by Giuliana Polo 

Before arriving in Aubervilliers, we spent two months in Rostock participating in preparatory courses in mathematics, statistics, demography, and programming (R Studio). The main part of the EDSD, taking place at INED this year, consists of a different course each week. At the end of each week, we are required to submit an assignment related to the completed instruction. Additionally, we are working on a research paper, which will be discussed at the conclusion of the courses. 

Question answered by Paul-Emile Charlier 

Every week there’s a different module and an assignment to do. Classes are held in the morning, and in the afternoon we work on assignments and our thesis. Some classes cover the different demographic themes, including formal and statistical demography, while others focus more on theories of population. Still others cover the different types of data and databases used in demography and how to manage them. 

Question answered by Giuliana Polo

I recommend making the most of this experience by seizing the opportunities that arise and building a solid knowledge and competency background for future career prospects. 

Question answered by Paul-Emile Charlier 

I encourage people who want to apply just to do it and not be afraid of the substantial course load, especially for quantitative methods! At EDSD you’ll be with students from different academic backgrounds and trajectories, which means we help each other with class content!

Question answered by Giuliana Polo 

I will definitely complete my doctoral program and make the most of the skills acquired during this program, also in terms of international experience and thanks to the background knowledge gained in this course, I will try to take advantage of the most attractive professional opportunities, without neglecting continuing education and training. 

Question answered by Paul-Emile Charlier

After EDSD I plan to start a doctoral thesis in demography at the University of Strasbourg/École des Hautes Études en Démographie (HED).