One of the main objectives of EUNICE as a promoter of better European higher education is to strengthen experiential learning through EUNICE Work Package 3 (EUNICE team working on Experiential Learning and Mobility).
Susana Amante, this EUNICE team’s leader and also Pro-President for International Affairs and professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (Portugal), explains that the consortium is “about opening doors and creating paths for students to explore and expand their horizons. It’s about embracing change, fostering growth, and building connections that last a lifetime.”
What is ‘Experiential Learning and Mobility’ about?
“Through initiatives aimed at facilitating student leadership, fostering key competencies and promoting European values, EUNICE Experiential Learning and Mobility team contributes significantly to the overall goal of establishing a European University,” says Susana Amante. Therefore, the main axis of this working team is about improving experiential learning and mobility opportunities between EUNICE partner institutions. By connecting experiential learning activities, mobility and European values, this EUNICE work package will “create a cohesive educational environment that transcends traditional classroom boundaries, allowing students, teaching and non-teaching staff to immerse themselves in non-formal learning experiences across diverse cultural and linguistic contexts.” This approach will foster “a generation of Europeans skilled in intercultural collaboration, thus aligning with the vision of a more unified Europe that embraces international exchanges and intercomprehension.”
What is next from ‘Experiential Learning and Mobility’ working team?
Many activities have been taking place recently, including “the establishment of advisory committees to ensure effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders. For instance, the EUNICE Student Advisory Board met in Mons, on 20 and 21 March,” laying “the groundwork for the governance structure of student involvement within the alliance. Other joint meetings and events among representatives from our ten partner universities, such as by the EUNICE Committee on Cultural Expression and Exchange” and “the creation of pan-EUNICE student clubs,” she anticipates, “along with participation in cultural and sporting initiatives,” and “summer volunteering camps, will provide students with valuable opportunities to actively shape their educational journey beyond the confines of formal academic settings.” The next two events planned are a EUNICE virtual escape-room in May, focusing on Europe Day and the European elections, and the EUNICE Alliance Games, a volleyball and basketball tournament taking place at Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, in valenciennes (France), in October.
According to Susana Amante, these student-led initiatives “offer unique opportunities to contribute significantly to community projects, while developing leadership, teamwork, problem-solving skills and other soft skills essential for personal growth and collective success.” This variety of activities provides students “with invaluable opportunities to immerse themselves in different cultural contexts, develop essential skills, and broaden their perspectives.”
“By participating in mobility programmes and engaging in experiential learning activities, students not only enhance their academic knowledge but also become more culturally aware, socially responsible, and adaptable individuals, which are essential qualities in today’s globalised world,” Susana Amante adds.
As the leader of EUNICE team working on Experiential Learning and Mobility, Susana Amante leaves an important message to all students in the EUNICE consortium: “take advantage of the opportunities for mobility and experiential learning, both inside and outside the classroom, whether in physical or virtual contexts. These experiences will not only enrich your academic career but will also contribute significantly to your personal and professional development.” She also appeals for working together “to build a vibrant, global community within EUNICE, where each of us can thrive and make meaningful contributions to our interconnected world.”
“Customise your education with EUNICE and may your academic journey be filled with growth, learning, discovery and countless unforgettable experiences,” she concludes.
