Diversity, Creativity, and Opportunity: A First-Year EDISS Experience – Rahma El Bouazzaoui

In her first year at Åbo Akademi University within the Erasmus Mundus EDISS programme, Rahma describes a rich academic and personal journey shaped by diversity, creativity, and opportunity. The unique combination of data science and software engineering immediately stood out to her, making the programme both distinctive and intellectually engaging.

Among her most memorable experiences was an innovative presentation activity on a cruise from Turku to the Åland Islands, which combined academic learning with a collaborative, inspiring setting. Throughout the year, the programme offered numerous opportunities to develop both hard and soft skills, strengthening her expertise in data science and software engineering while also enhancing her communication and teamwork abilities.

Above all, she highlights the EDISS community as a supportive and safe environment that encourages learning through experimentation, personal growth, and mutual support, making her first year a truly formative experience.