Highlights from the Empowering Students for Inclusive and Impactful Mobility Conference

On 30 September 2025, the EUniverse consortium brought together students, university representatives, civil society organisations and policymakers in Brussels for the “Empowering Students for Inclusive and Impactful Mobility” Conference. More than 100 participants attended, participating in discussions on the outcomes of the EUniverse project, connecting with peers, and exploring practical ways to strengthen student support structures, foster belonging and integration, and place students at the heart of mobility design.

Following opening statements from Neli Kalinova-Schmieder and Simone Lepore, Wim Gabriels (ESN) started the conference by reiterating the objectives of the EUniverse project: empowering students, teaching citizenship and civic engagement, and building partnerships to boost structural change. He delivered the outcomes of the Student Dialogues conducted by the project partners, which facilitated dialogue between university staff and students and provided a deeper understanding of the needs, challenges, and opportunities for better integration.

The first panel, moderated by Simone Lepore (ESN), allowed speakers to share different perspectives on the future of Erasmus+. Vito Borrelli (European Commission), Emmanuelle Gardan (Coimbra Group) and Julija Volkova (ESN Lithuania) reflected on the new programme, emphasising collaborative approaches and student empowerment to shape an inclusive, impactful and sustainable future for Erasmus+.

Prof. Dr. Kris Grimonprez (KU Leuven), Ozana Olariu (University of Granada) and Dorota Maciejowska (Jagiellonian University) further addressed common values as a key element for integration. Prof. Dr. Kris Grimonprez started with a keynote speech focusing on citizenship education in the university space, showcasing the crucial role of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights through case studies and questions to the audience. Ozana and Dorota then presented their reflections from a course on EU values for international students, developed and tested within the EUniverse project.

In the afternoon,Neli Kalinova-Schmieder (ESN) moderated a panel discussion where Camille Sauvage (University of Poitiers) and Marco Oliva (University of Pavia), shared their perspectives and some of the outcomes from the Student Dialogues organised at their institutions. Micaela Palacios Dalenz (ESN Utrecht) complemented this panel by sharing students’ insights on cooperation and engagement during mobility.

The participants then divided into three breakout groups, focusing on multi-stakeholder cooperation for integration, information provision and communication with students, as well as the design of impactful integration activities. In the following session, reporting facilitators underlined a recurring message: integration requires collective responsibility. They called for greater staff ownership of international student inclusion, sustainable reintegration pathways for returning students, more collaborative and transparent communication, as well as a deeper institutional commitment to diversity.

Neli Kalinova-Schmieder (ESN) presented the “Empowering and Integration Manual” currently in development within the EUniverse project, focusing on the importance of student agency and introducing its role as a framework for action built on best practices and tools such as the Student Dialogues. The conference ended with participants sharing their reflections and reaffirming the importance of cooperation, dialogue, and continuous evaluation to strengthen student integration. As emphasised throughout the event, the power already lies with students, and initiatives like EUniverse must ensure that we give them the tools.

• Date: 10 October 2025

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EUNIVERSE hosts thought-provoking session at Coimbra Group Annual Conference

One of the standout moments of the 2025 Coimbra Group Annual Conference & General Assembly in Bologna was the open session organised by the EUNIVERSE project, titled "Is your University truly Inclusive and International?".

Held as part of the vibrant programme of events during the 40th anniversary week, this session invited delegates to reflect on the ways in which higher education institutions can be reimagined to be more inclusive, with solutions, large and small, for what prevents students and staff from contributing socially and academically to education and research.

The open session brought together a wide range of participants from across the Coimbra Group network, and it was presented by Marco Oliva (University of Pavia) and Bart Van de Laar (Utrecht University).

Both speakers highlighted how the EUNIVERSE project is actively implementing tools and strategies to facilitate structural change at the institutional level. These include the development of inclusive mobility pathways, the integration of civic and intercultural competences into curricula, and the creation of a long-term roadmap to embed openness and international cooperation into university governance and policy.

Participants were encouraged to reflect on their own institutions’ practices and to explore concrete ways of embedding inclusivity and internationalisation into their educational ecosystems. The session also provided a practical platform for sharing insights, best practices, and challenges encountered across different national and institutional contexts.

• Date: 3 September 2025

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Registrations Open: “Empowering Students for Inclusive and Impactful Mobility” Conference - 30 September, Brussels

The EUniverse project consortium invites you to join the conference “Empowering Students for Inclusive and Impactful Mobility” on 30 September 2025 at the Fondation Universitaire in Brussels. This event will bring together students, student representatives, and higher education staff working in mobility management, international offices, welcome centres, student services, inclusion and diversity units, and other roles dedicated to welcoming and supporting international students. Policymakers, civil society organisations, and Erasmus+ alumni are also warmly invited.

Through panel discussions, breakout sessions, and student-led dialogues, participants will explore practical ways to strengthen student support structures, foster belonging and integration, and place students at the heart of mobility design. The conference will also present outcomes from the EUniverse project, which supports universities in developing more student-centred integration strategies based on real student input.

This is a unique opportunity to connect with peers from across Europe, share experiences, and collaborate on shaping the future of inclusive mobility.

• 📍 Fondation Universitaire, Brussels
• 📆 30 September 2025
• 🔗 Register via this form: https://bit.ly/4lNGnJl
• 🔗Live agenda of the conference: link to agenda

Register by the 15th of September to secure your spot. Limited seats available on a first-come-first-served basis.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the conference!

• Date: 18 August 2025

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“EUNiverse at MONIKA: Inclusive Mobility and Gender Perspectives Take the Spotlight at the University of Granada Panel

Granada, Spain, May 2025. A dynamic panel held within the framework of the Erasmus Coordinators Network (MONIKA) at the University of Granada placed inclusivity, gender awareness, and intercultural dialogue at the forefront of international academic mobility. From May 21–24, the Faculty of Political Sciences and Sociology welcomed coordinators, university staff, academics, and civil society representatives for a week of exchange, with a key session on May 22 dedicated to the EUNIVERSE project and its contribution to shaping more inclusive, value-driven European campuses.

Moderated by Ozana Olariu, the panel titled “Experiences in Fostering Incoming Students' Interaction with Locals and Multicultural Environments: Some Gender Accounts” brought together mobility stakeholders from over 15 European institutions. Through case studies, group reflection, and structured dialogue, the session explored the barriers and opportunities shaping today’s international student experience, with EUNIVERSE providing both a lens and a framework for action.

Shared Values, Shared Challenges

The EUNIVERSE project found strong resonance among MONIKA participants. The panel not only introduced the project’s activities, including the upcoming course on European values, Student Dialogues, and informal mentorship models, but also served as a co-creation space for building upon them. Attendees highlighted successful practices such as buddy programs, language cafés, shared housing models, and service-learning initiatives, while also acknowledging deeper systemic challenges: linguistic segregation, gendered experiences, and the persistence of the “Erasmus bubble.”

The panel concluded with a powerful consensus: true integration requires both institutional frameworks and grassroots action. The role of local actors, peer support, and gender-aware programming was recognized as essential to transforming the international student experience from one of passive participation to active belonging. Key takeaways for EUNIVERSE included:

• Integration of gender-sensitive approaches in future Student Dialogues
• Inclusion of best practices (e.g., intercultural cafés, buddy schemes) in the project’s structural change toolkit
• A reinforced push for co-creating spaces where students can tell their stories, reflect on identity, and contribute to European values in practice

The panel at MONIKA served not just as a showcase, but as a shared construction site for inclusive internationalisation. As the EUNIVERSE project moves forward, the voices, tools, and stories shared in Granada will directly shape its outputs, ensuring that the next generation of student mobility is more connected, more inclusive, and more just.

• Date: 12 June 2025

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“Building Bridges in Higher Education”: Student Voices and Shared Values Take Center Stage at EUNiverse Meeting in Pavia

Pavia, Italy, February 2025. With Europe’s future in the hands of its youth, the latest EUNiverse Transnational Partner Meeting in Pavia placed students and shared values at the heart of its agenda. Hosted by the University of Pavia – and magnificently organized by the wonderful Chantal, Marco, and Noemi, the gathering marked a critical step forward for this multi-country alliance of higher education institutions working to embed European values, inclusivity, and civic engagement into everyday university life.

Unlike many academic consortia, EUNiverse doesn’t just speak about students—it speaks with them. At Pavia, student voices were central. Partners discussed student dialogues and the path ahead towards student empowerment and planned future student dialogues to be held at partner universities as well as EGM Ancona 2025. Tools, such as Open Badges for civic participation and cross-cultural engagement.

Another focus of this transnational partner meeting was mapping our International Relations Governance Structure and identifying best practices in internationalization, an activity meant to take the partnership to new heights in identifying structural problems and proposing tools meant to foster structural change in HEIs.

Also in focus was the collaborative development of a transnational course on European values, designed jointly by the University of Pavia, Jagiellonian University, University of Granada, and University of Poitiers, set to launch across the network in the next academic year. Co-designed by academic staff and students, this innovative course will explore topics such as human rights and human dignity, intercultural understanding, and solidarity. To be delivered in a hybrid format (online and in-person), the course aims to provide a common foundation for students across different cultural and academic contexts. The goal is to make European values not just institutional aspirations but lived, student-led experiences across campuses.

At the close of the Pavia meeting, partners confirmed their next milestones: implementing pilot activities, rolling out the ambassador network, and launching the European values course. A shared sense of urgency—and opportunity—permeated the discussions, driven by both institutional commitment and shared passion and energy towards fostering a better mobility experience for one and all.

As participants toured Pavia’s university facilities and historic surroundings, the spirit of the meeting was clear: this isn’t just a policy initiative—it’s a human project. With the groundwork laid and the energy of the Pavia meeting still fresh, EUNiverse continues its journey—building bridges between institutions, across borders, and most importantly, between people.

• Date: 12 June 2025

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EUNiverse Transnational Partners Convene in Utrecht to Advance European Higher Education Integration

The EUNiverse consortium gathered at Utrecht University for a pivotal Transnational Partner Meeting, reinforcing its commitment to fostering inclusivity, civic engagement, and European values within higher education institutions (HEIs). This two-day event brought together representatives from partner universities and organizations to assess progress, share best practices, and strategize future initiatives aimed at enhancing the mobility and integration of international students across Europe.

Showcasing Best Practices in Inclusion

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of Utrecht University's exemplary inclusion practices. These initiatives, which focus on creating a welcoming environment for international students, were showcased as models for other institutions within the consortium to emulate. The emphasis was on practical approaches to embedding inclusivity into campus life, thereby promoting a sense of belonging among diverse student populations.

Collaborative Workshops and Strategic Planning

The agenda featured a series of collaborative workshops addressing key themes such as the implementation of European values in curricula, strategies for civic engagement, and mechanisms to support refugee students. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions to align their efforts and share insights on effective practices. These sessions were instrumental in refining the consortium's approach to creating more inclusive and value-driven educational environments.

Strengthening the EUNiverse Network

The meeting also served as an opportunity to strengthen the network among the EUNiverse partners, which include the University of Poitiers (coordinator), University of Granada, Jagiellonian University, University of Cologne, University of Pavia, and Utrecht University, the Erasmus Student Network, and the Coimbra Group, along with associated partners such as the University of Edinburgh, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, By fostering closer collaboration, the consortium aims to enhance the collective impact of its initiatives across the European higher education landscape.

Looking Ahead

As the EUNiverse project progresses, the consortium remains dedicated to its mission of transforming HEIs into more inclusive, engaged, and value-oriented institutions. The insights and strategies developed during the Utrecht meeting will inform upcoming activities, including the implementation of pilot programs and the development of resources to support international student integration.

• Date: 12 June 2025

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Poitiers Hosts EUniverse Project Kick-Off Meeting to Launch New European HEI Collaboration

Poitiers, France, January 31, 2024. The historic city of Poitiers became the launchpad for a bold new European academic initiative as the EUNiverse Project held its official kick-off meeting from January 29–30, 2024. The event, hosted by the University of Poitiers, welcomed representatives from across Europe for two days of intensive collaboration, dialogue, and planning aimed at strengthening European values, inclusivity, and civic engagement in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

The meeting opened with an official public ceremony, also broadcast online, setting a tone of optimism and shared purpose, welcoming participants to what promises to be a transformative pan-European endeavour.

The morning sessions featured presentations and round-table sessions structured around key themes central to the EUNiverse mission:

• European Values and Welcoming International HEI Students, moderated by Ozana Olariu(University of Granada), featured perspectives from the French Erasmus+ National Agency, Ludovic Thilly of the EC2U Alliance, and representatives from the University Ivan Franko in Lviv.
• Civic Engagement, moderated by Wim Gabriels, brought together voices from the Jagiellonian University, local student networks (ESN/EC2U), and regional school coordinators to discuss the social integration of international students.
• Inclusion and Diversity, hosted by Caspar de Bok, spotlighted support structures including the French CROUS housing system, input from Caroline Belan-Ménagier, and additional contributions from Ukrainian partners.

The afternoon featured an interactive poster session, where work package leaders presented dynamic summaries of their objectives and methods. Each poster presentation included a 10-minute overview followed by open debate, encouraging not only brainstorming and an avalanche of new ideas, but also validation and feedback on proposed methodologies. The day concluded with an informal visit and a shared dinner, reinforcing personal connections and informal exchange.

DAY 2 of the kick-off meeting led to deepening Collaboration and Technical Groundwork. It focused on parallel workshops that advanced the project's practical framework. Key sessions included:

• An EMDESK online training for WP leaders and budget managers.
• A deep dive into European values as they relate to the internal cultures of each partner institution.
• Dedicated discussions on refugee student support, animated by the University of Pavia.
• Evaluation strategies for training modules and badge recognition systems, featuring the Open Badge Factory.

The final session was a cross-disciplinary workshop on quality and risk management, again with Marco Oliva from the University of Pavia playing a key role.

The closing session clarified roles and responsibilities, set dates for the next coordination meeting, and reviewed deliverables and EMDESK reporting procedures. There was also renewed commitment to shared values, refugee support, and quality assurance—key transversal themes that will guide the project's next phase.

The EUNiverse kick-off ended with another informal visit and dinner, underscoring the personal ties behind this ambitious professional collaboration that strives to promote mutual understanding and structural change across Europe’s educational landscape.

• Date: 12 June 2025

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Euniverse Meets the Erasmus Generation in Ancona

The Euniverse project consortium was proudly represented at the Erasmus Generation Meeting (EGM), held in Ancona, Italy, from April 3rd to 6th, 2025. Under the theme Empowering Youth as the Changemakers of Society, the event brought together over 1,000 participants, including students, ESN volunteers, and key stakeholders such as EU policymakers, Erasmus+ National Agencies, and university representatives.

The EGM serves as a platform for the Erasmus Generation to amplify their voices and actively contribute to shaping the future of international mobility. It fosters dialogue, influence, and innovation to enhance higher education mobility programmes across Europe.

In alignment with this vision, and the core objectives of the Euniverse project, consortium partners hosted two dynamic sessions during the event.

The first session, “International Exchange: A Human Rights and Values-Based Approach”, aimed to pilot interactive activities from an upcoming course on EU values currently being developed within the project. Participants were guided through reflective discussions, starting with the prompt “Where do I feel local?”, and gradually expanding the conversation to explore how students experience and embody European values during their exchange.

On the second day, partners facilitated a workshop titled “Empowering Student Voices:How to Listen to Students to Make Welcome Weeks More Impactful!”. This session followed the Student Dialogues methodology, a cornerstone of the Euniverse project, which brings together students, student representatives, and university staff. The discussion focused on the support exchange students receive during their initial arrival period, highlighting strategies to foster smoother integration into host communities.

Through these contributions, the Euniverse team not only raised awareness about the project’s goals but also used the opportunity to test and validate project activities. Feedback from participants will inform further development, ensuring that the project continues to respond to the real needs and voices of students.

• Date: 5 June 2025

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Student Dialogues for Improved Student Mobility Experience

One of the core objectives of the Euniverse project is to reflect on and improve integration measures for international students, empowering them to shape their own exchange experience, and supporting higher education institutions in adopting a student-centred approach to inclusion and engagement.

To this end, project partners hosted a series of Student Dialogue sessions, which aimed to create a safe and open space for discussions between students and the academic community (including staff, policy makers, student organisations, and refugee students). The objective was to gain an in-depth understanding of integration during mobility from the student perspective, while giving them agency in shaping institutional practices. Dialogue topics included students’ information needs prior to mobility, availability and accessibility of support services, types of integration activities students find useful, their experience in integrating into local student communities, and the extent to which they are involved in shaping integration measures.

Between December 2024 and April 2025 a total of 7 student dialogues have been held across partner universities: the Universities of Granada, Poitiers, Cologne, Pavia, Lviv, Utrecht and at the Jagiellonian University. The dialogues brought together over 90 exchange and degree-seeking international students, local students, and more than 25 university staff members from international offices, and other student services bodies.

While a detailed analysis of feedback is still underway, the preliminary results already demonstrate the value of the initiative. Project partners reported that these dialogues should become a regular practice at their institutions, highlighting the invaluable insights shared by students. Participants described the sessions as a meaningful opportunity to voice their experiences and challenges related to integration and inclusion.

A summary report and highlights from the Student Dialogues will be published soon. These findings will inform the development of the “Integration and Empowerment Manual” - a practical guide to help higher education institutions enhance their welcome strategies and support services for international students.

• Date: 5 June 2025

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EUniverse survey for university staff

Help us foster integration of internationals and refugees by contributing to this survey!

• Date: 12 December 2024

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Launch of the EUniverse survey

The E+ EUNIVERSE project, rooted in European values and civic engagement, strives to improve institutional frameworks for international student mobility, emphasizing inclusion, perseverance, and success. By facilitating exchanges among mobility stakeholders, including students themselves, the project aims to nurture an environment conducive to the adoption and implementation of best practices within higher education institutions and beyond. Within this context, one of the first challenges the EUNIVERSE consortium wants to tackle is that of better integrating international students into local student life. This implies defining what integration is for students and institutions, recognizing the several internal and external barriers that might be hindering full integration, identifying if research has been carried out on the topic and if best practices, innovations and projects dedicated to analyzing and/or solving this issue exist in European or international institutions.

To gather insights into individual or institutional perspectives and ideas regarding this challenge, we invite you to participate to one of the following EUNIVERSE surveys:

International Relations Staff

We invite you to share insights in this survey on integration challenges for students. Your perspectives will shape strategies to foster a more inclusive environment; potential research, studies or best practices will help stakeholders analyze their own contexts and situations. Your contribution will help the EUNIVERSE consortium shape methodologies and workshops that could be used in diverse fields of education to advance the issue of integration of international students within European institutions.

Students

Whether you are a local or international student, we invite you to share your views and experiences on integration challenges you face and ideas for improvement that you would like to suggest. Your contribution will guide initiatives to create workshops based on the needs you have expressed, to enhance the student experience in European institutions and to promote cross-cultural understanding, fostering a more cohesive and welcoming student community.

The results of the survey will be analyzed and shared on EUNIVERSE website and through several channels of communication. Follow us on social media to be informed about the results.

• Date: 06 May 2024

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