Wer sind wir

My name is Annachiara Ciancio , and I’m a third year law student at Sapienza University of Rome. I am so grateful to be part of CIVIS because I am convinced that is a great opportunity for all students to get to know more about our fellow students experience from all over Europe , and also to work on our personal and professional skills.

My name is Disa and I am from Stockholm University in Sweden. I have studied to be a students’ counselor but right now I am working full time as the vice president of the student union. That means that one of my main tasks is to participate in this kind of groups. I think that it’s important to always have the perspective of the student in everything. To travel to another country for your studies can make you very exposed and there for its important that we see and take care of the student rights in these kinds of programs.

I am Perrine Alberola and I live in Marseille !

I am a PhD student in Management and Urban sciences at the Institute of Public Management and Territorial Governance (IMPGT), Aix-Marseille Université (AMU). My thesis aims to understand residential attractiveness of cities and initiatives available to match local supply with local demand. With an interdisciplinary approach, I mainly focus on place marketing, public management and urban planning sciences. I’ve been engaged as a student at the local level for a few years now. I strongly believe that students must be included in the co-creation of the future of research and learning in Europe. As part of the Global Student Council, my main focus is promoting civic engagement for students and researchers. I also joined the Open Lab Council because I’m convinced that we can’t think of Europe without a strong local involvement. I am a member of the HUB 4 of CIVIS (Cities, spaces and mobilities) which is really linked to my subjects of interest.

Raluca Amza is the Institutional Coordinator at the University of Bucharest.

Bonjour!

I'm Nathan, studying Economics and Management. Being a member of the CIVIS Student Council means contributing to a broader initiative on student representation and forging university alliances. In addition to representing my peers at my university, I serve as the Coordinator of the Student Council at ULB.

Ilias Antoniou is the CIVIS Institutional Coordinator at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has been part of CIVIS since its beginning in 2019. Illias organises and coordinates the NKUA CIVIS Office and support the NKUA Staff involved with CIVIS and the tasks and deliverables NKUA is contributing to. He has vast experience in European Policies and Project Management of various European projects. He was Secretary General of a European ASBL for European Policies and was member of senior public positions at the board of Directors of National Electricity Company, and the Organisation for the Management and Development of Cultural Resources for the ministry of Culture. He is co-author of the National Strategy for Youth in 2017 on behalf of the Ministry for Education, toward the EC. He is member of the Management and Steering Committees of CIVIS.

Γειά σας! I wanted to become a CIVIS ambassador to help students get a chance for an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience that will enrich them both in their academic, professional but also personal life and personality. I want to be part of this experience and help others to be as well. CIVIS offers programs that tackle problems of the real world and are not just theoretic. Therefore, students and academic staff can combine their knowledge from deferent academic fields and backgrounds for new solutions of today’s world, to make it a better one. 

Becoming a CIVIS Ambassador represents a significant part in my career path and personal development. I believe this role will allow me to enrich my educational knowledge, as well as broaden my cultural perspective, through its very practical and engaging manner.
In my opinion, shaping the Higher Education of tomorrow means adopting a growth mindset, intuition and innovation, in order to face constant challenges- three powerful tools, already mastered and perfected by the CIVIS Alliance. Therefore, its holistic approach to interdisciplinary matters, its multicultural discourse and integrative character, have a crucial impact on the formation of future educated individuals.

I am Divya, 2nd year Master's student in Environmental Atmosphere Biogeochemistry and Climate student at Stockholm University. I am from a coastal city in India, Visakhapatnam. I believe in equal opportunity for all, and I highly believe CIVIS plays a crucial role in uniting people from different cultures and bringing them together. I am very excited to develop my skills, gain experience and continue learning with CIVIS

Lars Banzhaf is based at the University of Tübingen and has almost 20 years of experience in international student mobility. As Co-Head of the Mobility Unit, Lars is responsible for the development and implementation of processes and procedures to coordinate mobility between CIVIS member universities. He also works at the interface of the CIVIS Alliance and the Erasmus + Team at the University of Tübingen.

Hola everyone! My name is Marina, and I am an Environmental Science undergraduate at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Spending a whole academic year at Stockholm University was a truly transformative experience for me. I realised that stepping out of your comfort zone can bring so many wonderful things.

Now, as a CIVIS Ambassador, I want to keep sharing my enthusiasm with others, and most of all I want to help fellow students create their own unforgettable exchange experiences through CIVIS mobilities. I believe in a more sustainable and diverse future for universities. By promoting mobility, we can build longlasting connections between people from different backgrounds and inspire positive change for the future.

Hola! In the present political climate, connecting with like-minded students across the world who are concerned about the future is essential: only by uniting our voices can we hope to make a meaningful impact on tomorrow’s education. I have a passion for intercultural communication, event management and volunteering in associations like Equipo Europa and ESN. I am bilingual in Spanish and English and speak some French (A2) and German (B2), having lived in Berlin for a year. The CIVIS Student Council provides me with the opportunity to apply my love for languages and cultures to the values that I most appreciate.

Hallo! In 2020 I did an Erasmus+ semester in Spain and still cherish it as one of my favourite memories. I learned so much during this time, connected to many people I am still in contact with many years later and grew so much studying in Malaga. As a CIVIS ambassador I want to help students experience such an extraordinary time as well, because it affected me immensely. I think most people can benefit from living and studying abroad, it will shape your identity, widen your perspective and help you learn and experience new cultures and therefore become a better student.

Anna-Karin Björling is the Quality Officer in the CIVIS Alliance, responsible for coordinating the quality assurance of the Alliance and CIVIS educational activities. Passionate about quality and improvement, she has extensive experience in quality assurance in higher education, having also worked as a quality assurance manager at the Swedish Higher Education Authority.

Hi, I am Louise and I am studying Cultural Management. As a Civis Ambassador, I strongly believe that learning is not only about content, but also about the learning environment in which it takes place. I have experienced how powerful this initiative can be for students and for higher education as a whole. I believe that we learn better when learning becomes an unforgettable experience. When education is lived, shared and emotionally engaging, knowledge stays with us longer and has a deeper impact.

CIVIS creates exactly this kind of learning environment that allows students to learn by doing, by meeting others and by stepping outside their comfort zones.

My name is Răzvan! I am a student at the Faculty of Law, University of Bucharest and I am keen on social sciences, including IR, Sociology and (especially) Law. I consider myself a hands-on person and I enjoy spending my time volunteering, with my friends, and binge watching TV series.

Bonjour! I’m representing my university through CIVIS because I experienced firsthand how transformative CIVIS mobility can be for international learning.

During my master’s in international relations and international law, I participated in two short-term mobilities in Greece and Romania, which were enriching both academically and culturally. Having previously completed a longer Erasmus mobility in Switzerland, I came to see how CIVIS short formats provide an accessible and inspiring entry point to international exchange.

I believe CIVIS plays a key role in shaping the future of higher education through flexible, inclusive and interdisciplinary mobility. By doing so, it empowers students to step beyond borders and engage confidently in international learning experiences.

Hello everyone,

My name is Johanna Büttner and I am currently in my 2nd master semester at the University of Salzburg. I am interested in the field of psychology.

Nevertheless, as a student I find it important to participate in university dialogue. Through various functions at PLUS, I am happy to have the opportunity to represent students in the CIVIS Student Council and to contribute to the process of creating a European university and European campus!

Among other roles as an academic and in CIVIS governance, Mattea Capelli represents Sapienza Università di Roma as Institutional Coordinator in the Management Committe.

Hola! I’m Laura, a 4th-year Psychology student at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Through the opportunities the CIVIS Alliance provides to collaborate with and learn from people from different academic and cultural backgrounds, it has broadened my perspective on the world and on my academic and personal life. I became an ambassador to bring other students closer to everything this alliance offers, so they can benefit from it just as I have.

I strongly believe that CIVIS plays a central role in encouraging students to expand their knowledge and academic experiences in unique ways. It helps promote essential values for the world we live in today, which are crucial in the education of the professionals of the future.

Alexandru CARȚIȘ, Ph.D. is the Head of CIVIS Education Unit and an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Bucharest. Main research areas are higher education, curricular design and innovation, teaching & learning practices, micro-credentials, European degree, joint programmes, modularisation of learning, doctoral studies, and public policies in education and research.

Find him on ORCID

I wanted to become a CIVIS student council member because I always strive to go further, I enjoy learning, teaching, and getting to know. I also love the exchange of knowledge between cultures and countries.

My passion for cultural diversity and education is what has motivated me to be here. I believe that my enthusiasm and willingness are two things that will bring passion to this project.

My name is Annachiara Ciancio , and I’m a third year law student at Sapienza University of Rome. I am so grateful to be part of CIVIS because I am convinced that is a great opportunity for all students to get to know more about our fellow students experience from all over Europe , and also to work on our personal and professional skills.

Ciao! I’m an architecture student, and throughout my university journey, I’ve always sought out as many international experiences and trips as possible. I believe travelling opens your mind, helps you discover new perspectives, and broadens your knowledge. After my first experience abroad, I immediately knew I wanted to do it again, as it gave me so many valuable lessons and personal growth. Through the CIVIS alliance, I hope to support other students who, like me, are eager to take on new challenges and make the most of their mobility experience.

Johanna Diehl is the CIVIS Institutional Coordinator at Stockholm University.

Bonjour! 

My name is Kirill and I'm an undergraduate Law student. My desire to become a student representative within CIVIS stems from my deep conviction that students are the primary drivers of change.

Actively participating in this alliance allows me to contribute to the evolution of our institutions toward greater international cooperation, which is essential to addressing critical global challenges. In order to achieve this, it is not only necessary to promote civic engagement but, more importantly, to develop cross-disciplinary skills among students, preparing them to become engaged and informed citizens—something that CIVIS actively fosters! The alliance strengthens the social relevance of higher education and encourages students to take an active role in their communities. For these reasons, I'm taking part in the co-creation of an inclusive and innovative European academic space.

As a student pursuing a Master’s degree in Law & Economics at HEC Lausanne - University of Lausanne, my motivation to join CIVIS stems from a strong desire to shape the future of higher education. Recognizing the importance of diversity and collaboration, I believe CIVIS offers a unique platform to foster cross-cultural dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through promoting joint programs and student mobility, CIVIS has the potential to break down barriers and inspire innovative solutions to global challenges in higher education. I'm passionate about contributing to this transformative journey and believe in CIVIS's role in shaping a more interconnected and diverse higher education landscape for tomorrow.

In my view, becoming an Ambassador of the CIVIS Alliance offers a unique opportunity to promote collaboration and exchanges between European universities. Taking part in this alliance means discovering new cultures, broadening one’s worldview, and learning both informally and through academic courses. I wish to become an ambassador to encourage intercultural dialogue, support access to a wide range of courses and experiences, and actively contribute to building a more inclusive and connected European university, where learning goes beyond academic knowledge and helps shape true European citizens.

I am Ophélie and I am currently in my second master of International Business Law degree at Aix-Marseille
University. This year, as Deputy Student Vice-President, I had the chance to participate in the Global Civis Days. This
enriching experience broadened my global perspective, enhanced my technical skills, and allowed me to work collaboratively with people from diverse cultures. During the proposed activities, I was able to discuss with other students from many universities. The CIVIS Alliance is really   important for the open-mindedness of students, thanks to this they have the
opportunity to learn more about different cultures and about themselves. I think this is essential for fulfillment and success.

Tina Fernández Nieves is the CIVIS Institutional Coordinator at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

Hallo, I'm Leon, 

I'm studying Computer Science / Cognitive Science (B.Sc.) at University of Tübingen. I wanted to become a CIVIS Student Council member because I believe in living the European dream—one that bridges national borders and enables students to experience a shared European identity. Through CIVIS, students gain the chance to form friendships across Europe, building connections that go beyond academics and foster a true sense of belonging. CIVIS can profoundly shape the future of higher education by promoting cross-cultural collaboration and creating a unified European educational space. This vision empowers students to thrive in an interconnected world, rooted in shared values and ambitions.

Hi, I am Michela! I study Law and had the opportunity to spend a study period in Prague through the Erasmus programme—an experience that greatly enriched me both academically and personally. Encountering different cultures and legal systems inspired me to become involved in the CIVIS world, which serves as a bridge between European universities by promoting cooperation, inclusion, and shared growth. I strongly believe in the importance of a united European academic community, capable of fostering common values and shaping open-minded, engaged citizens. Being a CIVIS Ambassador means actively contributing to this project of unity and innovation.

I wanted to become a member of the CIVIS Student Council to amplify the voices of international students and help shape a more inclusive, connected future for higher education. As an American student at the University of Glasgow and the elected International Students Officer on our Students’ Representative Council, I have seen firsthand both the challenges and opportunities that come with studying abroad. CIVIS offers a unique platform to connect students across borders and collaborate on solutions that improve student experience and wellbeing. By fostering global collaboration and civic engagement, CIVIS can help build a more student-centered model of global education.

Hello! (ሰላም) My name is Minase Berhane Getachew, and I am a Computer Science Master’s student at the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg. I joined the CIVIS Ambassadors program to bridge the gap between diverse student communities and the opportunities available to them. I believe CIVIS is redefining higher education by fostering a borderless academic environment where cross-cultural collaboration is the norm, not the exception. Having navigated the transition from Ethiopia to Europe, I understand the challenges of mobility and am eager to use my experience to support my peers in making the most of this global alliance.

Davide Giannelli is the Institutional Coordinator at Aix-Marseille Université.

Szia! Hello! I am Eszter Gőbel, a Hungarian first-year law student at Aix-Marseille Université with a deep commitment to international mobility and intercultural exchange. With my multilingual abilities in French, English, and Hungarian, I am passionate about connecting with students across borders to foster an inclusive academic network.

My studies have highlighted the value of diverse perspectives, and I believe that by promoting international mobility, we can create a richer educational experience that transcends national boundaries. Being part of the CIVIS Alliance would be an incredible opportunity to help support an innovative, collaborative Europe where mobility is accessible and encouraged. I believe that for a true university experience, students must profit from the international mobility so that they can enrich their own educational journey. Therefore, I'm excited to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to our shared vision and to work alongside other members of CIVIS in expanding the reach of international education across our Alliance.

Being a CIVIS Ambassador is a very responsible duty. Every year the universities that join the CIVIS Alliance take part in various activities and campaigns that aim to mobilize all the students to join and experience unique moments in their life.

I decided to apply for this place, as I wanted to help my University informing all the students about the educational opportunities, actions and campaigns in order for them to participate and shape their educational future.

Simone Guccione is the CIVIS Institutional Coordinator at the Université de Lausanne. He holds an academic background in Euro‑Mediterranean Public Policies and has extensive professional experience in coordinating transnational cooperation projects within the higher education sector. Drawing on his knowledge of European programmes and policies, he is responsible for facilitating and coordinating the development of sustainable collaborations between UNIL communities and CIVIS partners.

Hey! My name is Lena, and I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in psychology. I have been very lucky to enjoy multiple experiences abroad throughout my life, most recently an exchange through the CIVIS alliance. I therefore strongly believe in the importance of cultural exchange and want to encourage everyone to explore living in other parts of the world – It can be truly life-changing.

By making mobility more accessible, CIVIS shapes students’ academic experiences in meaningful and unique ways, while fostering intercultural understanding – Something especially important in a time where global challenges require cooperation and solidarity across borders.

Ulla Härmälä is CIVIS Institutional Coordinator at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), with a background in political science and organisational studies. She has been managing European projects (Erasmus+/Horizon) and supporting international partnerships at the ULB since 2016.

Hej! During my years of studying, I’ve taken part in both long-term and short-term exchange programs, among those through the CIVIS Alliance. Living abroad, experiencing and interacting with different cultures is something I believe can help us grow, both as individuals and as a part of a bigger community. 

As a member of the CIVIS Student Council I hope to see a continued growth of the Alliance and the opportunities given to students at the partaking universities. Together we can contribute to an increased student representation in the shaping of future education.

Bonjour! I am a Student in Master of Law of the Universities of Lausanne and Zurich. After completing two BIPs, I discovered how much CIVIS offered me. It gave me new study perspectives, the chance to discover new places, and the opportunity to meet interesting people from different backgrounds. I wanted others to experience the same, so I became a CIVIS Ambassador.

Not all students have the opportunity to study abroad. CIVIS makes this possible, without so many obstacles, to broaden our minds and gain international experience by meeting people and professors. It truly opens doors beyond our own university, offering a whole new perspective on the world.

Petra Höpfner is an experienced staff in international mobility with a big focus on education and exchange activities within European Area of Higher Education. As Co-Head of CIVIS Mobility Unit she is highly involved in developing and implementing mobility instruments to enhance joint and sustainable initiatives in CIVIS Alliance.

As Head of the Research Unit, Julie Hyzewicz is dedicated to developing and monitoring initiatives to enhance and facilitate collaboration between the research communities of the 17 member universities of the CIVIS Alliance, particularly but not exclusively in relation to access to research infrastructures, support to early-career researchers and participatory research. She is also involved at European level in the FOREU4ALL inter-Alliance group.

Γειά σας! Hi! My name is Panagiotis Karanikas and I am a PhD candidate in Latin Language and Literature at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. I hold a BA and an MA in classics with honours (first class). I speak English, German and Italian. I am a member of the Student Council since 2023 and I represent the postgraduate students of NKUA. I love travelling, theater, cinema and public speaking. I am active in the social media working group of the Civis Student Council. I still have fond memories of my long-term mobility to Glasgow in 2022 through the Erasmus+ Civis program, one of the best experiences of my life.

Hi, my name is Vida and I am 24 years old. I study Criminology at Stockholm University, Sweden. I am also a certified veterinary technician. I love animals, video games and sports. In my free time I love spending time with my friends and going for walks with my doggo. :)

Eva Lechelle is the CIVIS institutional coordinator at the University of Salzburg.

My previous experiences on an international stage have shown me the importance of cooperation and multiculturalism, as well as youth involvement in shaping the future Higher Education.

I believe CIVIS can play a fundamental role in this aspect, by supporting not only the academics, but also the personal and civic formation of students all across Europe.

I wanted to become a CIVIS Student Council member to further student’s participation in the alliance, as well as convey their views concerning ways in which CIVIS can promote their personal and professional development.

Bonjour! I wanted to become a CIVIS Ambassador in order to let more students know what the Alliance has to offer. CIVIS enriches your university experience by allowing you to meet other students and learn about other cultures, thereby broadening your personal horizons. CIVIS allows you to discover resources beyond your course of study, thereby feeding your curiosity during your studies.

Hallo! My name is Robin, and I’m studying Italian and Political Science (B.Ed.) at the University of Tübingen. I joined the CIVIS Student Council to represent students and connect with other engaged young people across the alliance who share my curiosity and passion for Europe. What I value most about CIVIS are the Blended Intensive Programs (BIPs), a great opportunity for intercultural exchange and for experiencing what it means to be part of a European academic community. Through initiatives like EUSALP and Erasmus, being European to me means openness: the freedom to travel, the joy of speaking several languages, and much more.

Enrique Martín Santamaría is responsible for the pedagogical innovation strategy of CIVIS, focused on the co-creation of training activities, the impact of digital transformation on teaching and learning and the link between educational offering and societal challenges. He coordinates the Expert Group on Innovative Pedagogies.

Hallo!

My name is Anastasiia and I am currently pursuing my MSc in General Management at the University of Tübingen. Having experienced international exchange programs in the past, I value intercultural collaboration and believe that diverse perspectives are key to innovation and progress. Through the work with the CIVIS Student Council, I want to contribute to building a more connected and inclusive academic community that empowers students to shape the future of Europe — and beyond.

Hola! As a medical student, I am committed to learning and growing through collaboration and intercultural exchange. The CIVIS Alliance is a unique platform—bridging European Higher Education with global challenges. Becoming a CIVIS Ambassador motivates me to encourage other students to seize these opportunities and contribute my perspective and passion for building innovative partnerships. I look forward to connecting with fellow students!

I wanted to become a CIVIS Student Council member because my aim as a student representative is to give voice to the needs of the student body in an international context.

This Alliance is an excellent opportunity to create a network of people working towards the goal of widening the walls of our universities and, at the same time, sharing new experiences and knowledge. I believe I am ready to actively participate in the improvement of this project and what it can bring to us.

Hello , I’m Miko and I’m in the 4^th year of my Law degree at the University of Glasgow. I’m originally from Poland and moved to the UK in 2007. Over the last few years, I focused on researching European human rights law and I participated in reviews of Human rights implementation of a few EU member states . For me , the most important thing that CIVIS ensures is international collaboration on issues like human rights research – I think that the benefits of international collaboration are being shown more and more in a divided world

Christian Möllmann oversees the collaboration between European and African CIVIS members and the relationships of CIVIS with non-European partners. He coordinates the CIVIS Expert Group ‘Global Partnerships’ and is a member of the Expert Group ‘Advocacy’. He also works as coordinator of partnerships of the University of Tübingen with Africa/MENA region.

Bună!

My name is Bianca Munteanu and I am a PhD student in the domain of Cultural Studies at The Doctoral School of The Faculty of Letters, University of Bucharest. I have discovered Anthropology during my second BA year and it became my main interest since then. Studying a science that is all about and for the society, CIVIS programmes led my way through my college years and determined me to enlarge my perspectives regarding the topics I love the most, namely emotions, the senses and migration.

Being one of the Co-chairs of the SC is such a great opportunity for me since I want to share the joy and knowledge that the Alliance provided me with. I understand that nowadays everything changes very fast and students need support for a better understanding of the world as well as maintaining its sustainability through creative methods.

I see CIVIS as a great helper when it comes to discover friendly yet professional methods for a greater future.

Γειά σας! (Hello!)

My name is Pinelopi-Michaela Natsi and I am an undergraduate philosophy student at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. As a member of the CIVIS Student Council, I am passionate about contributing to the advancement of higher education within the CIVIS Alliance. I firmly believe that students play a key role in shaping academic policies and initiatives that directly impact our learning environments.

The CIVIS network offers students opportunities for mobility and virtual learning, connecting them with peers and professors from diverse backgrounds. These experiences enrich academic and personal growth, fostering an inclusive environment. By strengthening these connections, we can build a dynamic academic setting that prepares students to address future challenges and make meaningful contributions to the global community.

Moin! When I first got to know the CIVIS alliance, I was in awe of the many opportunities available to us students – from BIPs and exchange semesters to certificates and more. As an ambassador, my goal is to encourage every student to seize these chances and enrich both their academic and personal development.

CIVIS is an intellectual meeting ground where we can learn with and from each other – the relationships formed through CIVIS programmes are sustainable and enable us young students to shape our fields with the global perspective in mind. After all, academic cooperation across nations and disciplines has always been a cornerstone of strong international relations – and is invaluable when addressing global challenges. Through CIVIS, every one of us can get involved in expanding and strengthening this network of knowledge and friendship!

Hello everyone, my name is Sara Palumbo. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Sapienza University of Rome and I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Mechanical Engineering.

I am proud to be a member of the CIVIS Student Council, as it provides a unique platform to broaden my horizons and learn from the diverse experiences of others. I am truly delighted to take an active role in the many initiatives CIVIS offers to students across Europe.

My goal is to be a resourceful point of contact for anyone looking to explore the opportunities within this alliance. I hope that my contribution, along with a touch of Italian savoir-faire, will support the continuous improvement of our partner universities.

My motivation to become a Civis Ambassador is the fact that I aspire to have a career in European and International Law.  I aspire to get actively involved in an international academic community in order to promote the values that I strongly believe in, such as collaboration, diversity and inclusion.
I firmly believe that Civis mobilities help students grow both personally and professionally, providing them with a strong foundation to build their future on. Engaging with students from all around Europe offers remarkable insights into the differences and similarities between legal systems, as well as into the ways cultural perspectives influence legal reasoning and decision making.

Hi! My name is Lisa and I am currently in my second year of the Master’s Program of Psychology at the University of Salzburg. I have always loved to connect with people from different countries and cultures, and that is why I love working for the CIVIS alliance. It makes me happy to be part of an alliance that helps to bring Europeans closer together.

Hello Everyone! My name is Giordano Piombarolo and I am, currently, a student of Dentistry and Dental Prosthodontics and Biotechnologies at Sapienza University of Rome. My own journey included a unique and unforgettable experience with the opportunity to take part in a full year exchange programme at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Through this time, I had the chance to not only strengthen and improve the knowledge useful for my studies, but also to enhance my communication, teamwork skills and personal growth. Furthermore, I was able to make connections in a multicultural environment with international students, forming strong and lasting friendships, which made me even more aware of the importance of the values of our Community.

As an ambassador, I am passionate about making these opportunities known and accessible to all, encouraging students to feel as much as possible an active part of Civis and experience their own journey!

Tere! I wanted to become a CIVIS Student Council member because I believe alliances like CIVIS are essential for shaping a more inclusive, connected, and socially engaged European Higher Education. CIVIS creates opportunities for students to learn across borders, collaborate on real societal challenges, and experience truly international education. European University Alliances have the potential to redefine universities as open, engaged, and future‑oriented spaces that prepare students to lead with empathy, curiosity, and global responsibility.

Hallo! I am excited to join the CIVIS Student Council to contribute a student perspective to international and interdisciplinary education. My exchange semester and involvement in international youth initiatives showed me how empowering cross-border learning can be. CIVIS offers the opportunity to take international experiences to the next level by making them more inclusive, accessible, and shaped by students themselves, helping build a higher education system that truly reflects student voices.

Celine Reynaud is the Institutional Coordinator for CIVIS Alliance at the University of Glasgow since 2021. Using her long experience in Higher Education and knowledge of the Erasmus programme, her role contributes to the development and implementation of  opportunities accessible to all CIVIS communities.

Francesco Romano is the Deputy Executive Director of the CIVIS European University Alliance, where he draws on his broad experience in EU project coordination, international partnerships, and social innovation to advance academic collaboration. With a career spanning Europe, Africa, and Latin America, Francesco drives inclusive education, research excellence, and cross-border mobility, uniting diverse regions to shape a sustainable and connected future for higher education.

Hello there! I’m Jesús, a medical student at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Through several CIVIS courses, I’ve discovered how collaboration across cultures creates true harmony, blending diverse perspectives that enrich both education and personal growth. That’s why I became a CIVIS Ambassador: because this Alliance has shown me that studying medicine goes far beyond science; it’s also about understanding people.
As an ambassador, I hope to inspire my peers to explore these opportunities and join this symphony of ideas shaping a more connected, inclusive, and creative future for Higher Education.
The CIVIS alliance is waiting for you!

Hiya! My name is Arnav Saxena and I'm studying Chemistry at the University of Glasgow! Alongside being the Chemistry Representative at Glasgow Uni I'm really excited to join CIVIS, last year I had the opportunity to study abroad and it was one of the most enriching and exciting things I have ever done. I’m really looking forward to helping students with their own exchanges and becoming a part of this multicultural group.

Hallo! I'm Markus, co-chair of the CIVIS Student Council. I'm a Master's student at Stockholm University in the field of Public Health Sciences. My CIVIS journey started with the aim to include student perspectives into the university as well as university alliance structures since the student perspective might sometimes be quite different from established ideas and structures in higher education.

As a co-chair of the CIVIS Student Council, I try to provide a structure in which students from all universities within CIVIS can work on pressing issues together and advance specific topics across Europe and beyond. It is great to see projects come to life, which makes the CIVIS experience inspiring and meaningful at the same time!

Evelina Sköld is responsible for developing and overseeing the quality assurance of CIVIS's educational portfolio. An experienced project manager, education & research officer, and head of unit, she is passionate about enhancing quality, particularly strengthening and supporting students and other stakeholder participation in CIVIS.

María Isabel Soldevila Brea is the Head of Communication at CIVIS Alliance, based at the Université libre de Bruxelles. A Dominican‑French journalist, she has worked at the intersection of media, education, and European affairs for over 20 years. She helps tell the CIVIS story to the world and represents the alliance in the Communication & Dissemination Community of Practice group at FOREU4ALL .

Hola! I'm Miguel and I'm currently in my final year of the Computer Engineering degree at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Thanks to the CIVIS program, last year I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad at the University of Glasgow. This enriching experience broadened my global perspective, enhanced my technical skills, and allowed me to work collaboratively with people from diverse cultures. It was one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences of my academic journey. Being a part of the CIVIS Alliance has shown me the importance of global cooperation and the sharing of knowledge across cultures, which I believe is essential for addressing future challenges.

Karl Stoeckel is CIVIS Executive Director, based at Aix-Marseille Université. He has 15 years’ experience in EU and national policies and programmes for research, innovation, and higher education, including Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, Digital Europe, etc. He led AMU’s Brussels Office and co-chaired the network UnILiON. He contributed to CIVIS’ advocacy, organized its 2022 event during the French Presidency of the EU, and supported its lobbying and delegation activities.

My name is Ioannis Stouras, I am a Medical Doctor and PhD candidate in Translational Immuno-Oncology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a strong interest in bridging clinical medicine and cutting-edge cancer research. My academic journey has been deeply shaped by international collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange, values that lie at the heart of the CIVIS Alliance.
Through CIVIS, I have connected with a diverse community of students and researchers united by a shared commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and societal impact. These experiences have expanded my perspective and reinforced my belief in the power of European interdisciplinary cooperation in education and science.
As a member of the CIVIS Student Council, I aim to strengthen student involvement across partner universities, promote mobility and research opportunities, and advocate for initiatives that integrate health sciences and education with broader societal challenges. 

I wanted to become a CIVIS Student Council member because my aim as a student representative is to give voice to the needs of the student body in an international context.

This Alliance is an excellent opportunity to create a network of people working towards the goal of widening the walls of our universities and, at the same time, sharing new experiences and knowledge. I believe I am ready to actively participate in the improvement of this project and what it can bring to us.

I wanted to become a CIVIS Ambassador to share the amazing opportunities I discovered during my first mobility in Brussels. Resonating deeply with the Alliance's values, I realized that many students don't know how accessible these experiences are, and I want to change that. CIVIS shapes the future of education by taking learning beyond classroom walls, teaching us to collaborate across cultures and solve real-world problems together, helping us become not just better students, but better people ready for a global world and its challenges.

Hallo zusammen! CIVIS, for me, represents an amazing community — a place to learn from and about new people, ideas, and cultures. It has allowed me to broaden my horizons beyond my medical studies and to integrate a more universal perspective into my university experience. I am convinced that joining a CIVIS program offers the opportunity to build bridges and foster a more integrated and inclusive exchange between us as students. That is why I want to encourage others to join and discover their own CIVIS experience. As an Ambassador, I hope to contribute to strengthening this alliance and to building a vibrant, shared community. I’m happy to support anyone getting involved — feel free to reach out!

Halò! My name is Laura and I was elected to the Glasgow University Students' Representative Council (GUSRC) as a General Representative to champion the voices of students from across our institution, and through this position was later elected to sit on the CIVIS council.

I believe that international collaboration is essential to the sustainability and growth of the higher education sector, and that CIVIS is a key component in maintaining this collaboration. At the University of Glasgow we have felt the unfortunate impact the UK leaving the European Union has had on international opportunities for our students, and maintaining connections through alliances such as CIVIS has become a lifeline for our institution to protect some of these opportunities.

Anna Thorwart supports the CIVIS community as Institutional Coordinator at the University of Tübingen. She draws on her extensive experience in international academia and science management to build open, engaged and internationally connected universities for students and staff in Tübingen and across the alliance.

More about CIVIS at the University of Tübingen

Hallo! My name is Jonas Thumm and I am studying Physical Geography at the University of Tübingen. Over the past few years I’ve had the privilege of participating in several Blended Intensive Programs (BIPs) and am currently doing a semester abroad at Stockholms University. SU and the BIPs offer me the chance to deepen my knowledge beyond the usual scope of my studies. Together with fellow students from all over Europe we explore specific issues, share our respective knowledge and create lasting friendships. During the BIPs and especially now during the exchange, I really came to understand and appreciate the unique gift we all share - a united Europe. Having experienced this inspiring side of CIVIS, I am eager to actively contribute to shaping the future of our alliance. My goal is to promote cross-cultural exchange, strengthen the bonds between our cultures and countries, and - most importantly - bring people together to build a better future.

David Touzot is the Head of the Digital Campus Unit. He is based at Aix-Marseille Université.

I decided to become a CIVIS ambassador because I am passionate about cultural exchanges and projects revolving around that. Through my mandate as an Ambassador, I had the opportunity to meet and work with outstanding students from all over Europe.
I believe that this is the main impact CIVIS can have in shaping the Higher Education of tomorrow, bringing bright minds from all over the continent on working together.

My name is Gabriele Vallin. I’m 21 and I’m attending the 3th year of the Bachelor Degree on Political Sciences and International Relations at Sapienza University of Rome. I’m also an Erasmus student in France right now.

Hiya! I'm Rinna Väre, originally, I'm from Finland but I have lived in Glasgow, Scotland, since 2018 having completed my undergraduate degree in Politics and Sociology this summer. This year I'm working full time as the President of our Student Representative Council and I'm really excited to be able to contribute to CIVIS Global Student Council for the second year. For me the most important thing about CIVIS is ensuring that students from a wide range of backgrounds can experience studying abroad or at a different university even after the constraints Brexit has created for student mobility.

Grazia Vulcano is CIVIS African and Mediterranean Project Manager. As a senior development expert, she has gained hands-on experience working with NGOs and international solidarity projects in Europe, Africa and Asia. She is currently working to promote cooperation, social justice and fair enterprise by building partnerships and synergies between European and African academic institutions as part of the CIVIS Alliance ecosystem.

Bonjour! I am Emily and I am excited to be part of CIVIS’s European campus. As a trinational student studying Psychology at the university of Lausanne, I know the importance of intercultural immersion and networking. Specifically interested in child development and trauma, I am passionate about giving every person an equal chance towards their own career goals and travels, in a healthy environnement.  I strongly believe that CIVIS opens opportunities to students : on one hand for the multitude of course options, and on the other, as a pathway to breach bridges between universities and expand knowledge across campuses.

Having taken part in a Blended Intense Program in Romania, I can advocate towards the brilliance of this alliance and hope to encourage other students to take the steps to add this program to their academic cursus.

Hej! My name is Louise, and I study history and cinema studies at Stockholm University, leading to a wonderful opportunity for me to study a semester abroad in Glasgow. My exchange became one of the best experiences of my life, and I fell in love with the international community abroad. In a society where it sometimes feels like people from different countries are growing apart, I find it increasingly important to support efforts to bring people together. Now as an ambassador for CIVIS, I want to share my experience and inspire other students to study abroad and see the world!

Hello my name is Emilio Zanzi,

For me CIVIS represents what European universities must be: open, connected, and transformative. It creates a space where ideas, disciplines, and people move freely — not only across borders, but across ways of thinking. I believe in a university that learns through exchange, where collaboration replaces competition, and where culture becomes a shared language.

As a CIVIS Ambassador I am committed to help other students discover this sense of belonging, curiosity, and common purpose that defines our European academic community.