On 24 February, more than 300 students from all Una Europa partner universities came together as part of the first Una Europa Student Congress. Turned into a digital event in contrast to original plans, the Congress featured a series of interactive sessions and different meeting formats for students to get to know Una Europa, and one another.
The Congress was skillfully moderated by Ellen MacRae and Giacomo Zanni, Members of Una Europa's Student Board from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Bologna. Following a set of warm-up polls including hints to culinary highlights from Italy, Ellen and Giacomo started 'quizzing' Marta Molino, the 1Europe Project Manager, and Peter Lievens, the 1Europe Coordinator, about what Una Europa is doing for students. The following event section was designed as a World Café where students could voice their opinions on important topics that will affect future Una students, such as the upcoming joint degree programmes and affordability abroad.
In eight parallel 'My University' sessions, Una Europa's Student Board members then presented their home universities, before students reconvened in plenary to witness the launch of the first ever Una Europa Student Prize and - to reveal the bingo winner of the day. The reward for the top ten: one of the highly coveted Una Europa hoodies, currently only available in limited edition.
Among the highlights for many participants: an informal lunch where students could walk around in a virtual environment and meet and greet their counterparts at other Una Europa locations!
Did this wet your appetite? Diaries ready! The next Student Congress is scheduled to take place in Madrid on 20 October 2021 (details tbc).
What intrigues you about Una Europa? Insights from the Student Board
Podcast Episode 2 - Spotlight on the Students
In the second episode of Una Europa's podcast, Felix, Alexander and Weronika from Una Europa's Student Board exchange about what excites them about Una Europa. They share some insights about how the Student Board works and how interested students can join. Tune in to hear about their 'behind the scenes' impressions and favourite Una Europa moments.
Which vision for the uni of the future?
" I really appreciated the lively exchange among students on the one side and between students and university staff on the other. "
Student Congress Participant responding to evaluation survey
Story by Inga Odenthal, Una Europa
The Student Congress is part of the 1Europe project and co-financed by Erasmus+.
