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[The CIVIS Newsroom ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom) 2. European Universities Enhance Soft Skills and Civic Engagement through Service-Learning European Universities Enhance Soft Skills and Civic Engagement through Service-Learning ========================================================================================= Alliance projects 13 November 2024 As the *“Service-Learning: Intersectoral Collaboration Practices for the Development of Students’ Soft Skills and Socially Engaged Universities”* project nears its conclusion, it leaves behind a legacy of strengthened collaboration between academia and civil society and enhanced soft skills among students. Designed for students, teachers, academic and administrative staff and civil society organisations, the outcomes of the project are available to be downloaded, shared and used as references. ![](/storage/files/20240627-bucharest-service-learning-forum-day-3-114.jpg) © photo UB This groundbreaking project started in November 2022 and is concluding this month. It brought together five universities of the CIVIS alliance (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Aix-Marseille Université, University of Bucharest, Sapienza Università di Roma), and various civil society organisations to integrate Service-Learning (SL) practices into higher education curricula across Europe. The initiative, which has taken place across universities in Europe - with key events in Bucharest and other partner locations, seeks to enhance students' soft skills and foster stronger collaboration between academia and civil society. Achievements and Milestones --------------------------- SL combines academic coursework with community service, enabling students to develop practical skills needed for succeeding in the modern labour market, while addressing real-world challenges in their communities. The project, coordinated by the French NGO [Eurasia Net](https://eurasianet.eu/en/sl-icp-university-empowering-society/), aimed to spread the implementation of SL practices within European universities. Thus, its outcomes - a guidebook, the mapping of service-learning activities, the training course and all the deliverables of the project, are publicly available to be used as guidelines for service-learning best practices. The ultimate goal was to reinforce collaboration between students, teachers, academic staff, and civil society organisations to create a more socially engaged and relevant higher education system. ![](/storage/files/20240627-service-learning-day-3-083.jpg) © photo UB ### Key Phases and Accomplishments: 1. **Mapping existing SL practices** in the universities was the first step in the development of the project, in order to collect meaningful quantitative and qualitative data that could lead to a better understanding of institutional pedagogic cultures about SL. Coordinated by the NKUA, which prepared and implemented all necessary steps and materials for the collection of required qualitative and quantitative material, this phase analysed current SL implementations at European universities. [The results](https://eurasianet.eu/en/mapping-data-design-and-analysis-of-current-service-learning-implementation-practices-within-the-consortium/), including both quantitative and qualitative data, are publicly available. 2. **Teacher training course** was organised by the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, in which over 60 educators from the five partner institutions participated. [The courses](https://eurasianet.eu/en/training-of-teachers-and-educational-managers-on-the-implementation-of-innovative-service-learning-practices/) were designed to familiarise teachers and teaching coordinators with the theoretical aspects of Service Learning, as well as to promote the integration of this methodology into curricula. The aim was to promote active learning and civic engagement for students as part of their university career. 3. **European Forum on Service-Learning**, held at the end of June 2024, in Bucharest. It brought together 80 participants from partner universities and civil society organisations to share insights, present projects, and celebrate student-led initiatives. The event featured 10 interactive sessions and a final awards ceremony recognising outstanding SL projects. 4. **Service-Learning Guidebook** is a [comprehensive guidebook](https://eurasianet.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Guidebook-on-Service-Learning_SL-ICP-Project_VF.pdf) serving as a valuable resource for universities looking to implement or enhance SL practices. By listening to the voices of the participants, it is possible to understand the concrete impact of Service-Learning. The students named it *an experience which made them more aware and ready to face the world of work, with a greater orientation toward social responsibility and civic engagement*. Participants also report how the project helped them develop expendable soft skills in their professional future. All the interviews are available on the [dedicated YouTube channel](http://www.youtube.com/@servicelearningKA2-SL-ICP). Looking Ahead ------------- As the project concludes, its impact will continue to resonate across European universities. The initiative has not only enhanced university teaching practices but also created lasting connections between academia, civil society, and students. By promoting the exchange of knowledge, the project has made higher education more relevant and socially engaged. The project’s legacy includes a model for fostering collaboration and preparing students for future challenges. The resources and methodologies developed will serve as a foundation for future initiatives aimed at integrating SL practices into higher education. **Useful Links and Contacts:** - [SL-ICP project's page](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/civis-alliance-projects/recent-projects/ka2-sl-icp) - [Eurasianet - SL-ICP University Empowering Society](https://eurasianet.eu/en/sl-icp-university-empowering-society/) - **contact:** [cooperation@eurasianet.eu](javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,111,111,112,101,114,97,116,105,111,110,64,101,117,114,97,115,105,97,110,101,116,46,101,117))) Related news ------------ - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/martin-knoll1-800x600.jpg?token=2dd28f1c93ba3eaf2cd32b2380fdc009)Martin Knoll: a 'civizen' working to build bridges between science and society People 26 April 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/martin-knoll-a-civizen-working-to-build-bridges-between-science-and-society) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/2026-04-staff-week-wiii-coms-unit-39-800x600.jpg?token=6d8c84ff7139d0bf2f7103fb27558509)CIVIS launches new job space for early-stage researchers across Europe and Africa Research 23 April 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/connecting-talent-with-opportunities-civis-launches-new-job-space-to-connect-early-stage-researchers-across-europe-and-africa) - [ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/2026-01-10-145317-800x600.jpg?token=bdddc6c1d1da89737850041c5fc0c227)Musicians from all over CIVIS come together in Madrid to promote inclusiveness Connect 22 April 2026 ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/musicians-from-all-over-civis-come-together-in-madrid-to-promote-inclusiveness) [Discover all our stories](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom) [ Announcing the Launch of the Webinar Series: Transdisciplinarity in Research and Teaching ](< https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/announcing-launch-webinar-series-transdisciplinarity-teaching >) [ 25 refugee students from Ukraine succeed 8-month training at UAM ](< https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom/25-refugee-students-ukraine-succeed-8-month-training-uam >) ![CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance](https://civis.eu/build/assets/civis-CCpvK1nT.svg) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Europe’s Civic University Alliance ![Co-funded by the European Union](https://civis.eu/build/assets/co-funded-by-the-european-union-DSKLW1us.png)Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). 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