Working within a Eurpean University alliance means navigating cultural, institutional, and organisational differences. This is permanent and exciting challenge, which Donia Matine - administrative assistant on the Université libre de Bruxelles’ CIVIS team - successfully tackles. But, for her it is also an opportunity for continuous growth, through exchange and cooperation among partners.
If you’ve ever worked with CIVIS at Université libre de Bruxelles, there’s a good chance that Donia has, in one way or another, helped make your experience easier, smoother and, for sure, memorable. She’s always there, always kind, sharp and - most important - always one step ahead: she already knows and has what you need before you even realise it.
Officially, she is an administrative assistant on the CIVIS team. But she prefers a more personal definition of her role: the “woman who does it all”. With humor and energy, she supports CIVIS projects organised at ULB from conception to completion, primarily on the logistical side.
A Multitasker Who Does it All for CIVIS Projects
A typical day at CIVIS? Donia is adamant: impossible. No two days, weeks, months - let alone years - are alike. A dynamic, unpredictable, yet deeply stimulating rhythm. That’s also what makes CIVIS so charming - a vibrant, ever-evolving partnership.
As the ULB’s Institutional Coordinator’s right-hand, Donia is deeply involved also in the financial matters, while providing cross-functional support to the entire CIVIS team.
I don’t just make reservations - I help people travel. Behind every trip, there’s a connection, an experience, something to be lived
But what motivates Donia most of all at CIVIS is exchange, in all its forms. Exchanging ideas with a professor from Bucharest, a Greek student, or a Swedish staff member - these are all moments that fuel her daily commitment. She highlights the richness of bringing together different backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas, and of offering everyone the opportunity to develop projects with an international dimension.
Seeing very different people collaborate and share their ideas is what inspires us the most. CIVIS allows everyone to bring their projects to life, regardless of their background
Among the many contacts she makes every day, Donia admits to having a clear preference for projects involving African partners. She considers these collaborations to be particularly enriching on human level and deeply meaningful.
Making ULB an International Safe Place
Donia is modest when she talks about the impact of her work. Yet, through CIVIS, she contributes to a powerful goal: making ULB a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for international students and staff.
And the feedback received over the years confirms it: the CIVIS experience at ULB is often described as impactful and memorable. It’s an environment where everyone can express themselves, thrive, and give their projects an international dimension.
