CIVICA ambassadors at IE University highlight innovation and inclusivity in the Alliance’s practices

In the European landscape of higher education, two CIVICA ambassadors at IE University are making their mark on the international mobility scene. Anna Shatalova, a second-year bachelor student in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics originally from Ukraine, and Alfredo Echeverria, a second-year International Relations student from Costa Rica, represent the diverse community that is IE University within the CIVICA alliance. 

The two ambassadors' experiences highlight an interesting vision of what modern academic cohesion can achieve. Both emphasize the alliance's ability to “bring more exciting initiatives and projects to students all over Europe”. Anna, for example, recently submitted proposals to the Student Engagement Fund, including an innovative discussion platform tool designed to enhance classroom dialogue in different universities. Meanwhile, Alfredo’s involvement has taken him to Sciences Po in Paris. “For me this experience was very special, very memorable and gave us a taste of what CIVICA does and how it unites people,” he said.

CIVICA's commitment to breaking down traditional barriers within the European higher education system stands out in their experiences. The alliance welcomes non-EU citizens with open arms to take full participation in its programs. As Anna observes, having international ambassadors from Ukraine, Costa Rica, and Azerbaijan demonstrates that academic excellence and inclusivity can coexist seamlessly– “CIVICA is all about bringing together bright minds from diverse backgrounds.” 

Moreover, the impact of CIVICA extends beyond academic exchange. Both ambassadors highlight how the alliance serves as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Alfredo describes his role in the alliance as "one of the best experiences of my life," highlighting exposure to professionals in his field of interest and meaningful connections with like-minded students across the continent. Similarly, Anna reflects on how the alliance and its activities have expanded her horizons, allowing her to envision and organize initiatives on a scale she had never imagined possible.

One of the most distinctive elements is the ambassadors' shared emphasis on CIVICA's role in fostering democracy and accessibility to academic opportunities. Some of the most notable current projects within the alliance include implementing democratic discussion tools (DEMDIS) as well as organizing student government conferences and sports events that promote social integration. These initiatives reflect CIVICA's broader mission: creating a transnational academic community which combats global challenges while upholding their strong democratic values.

As the ambassadors look towards the future, their message to potential future CIVICA participants is straightforward: step out of your comfort zones and jump at the opportunities! Whether it's Anna preparing for her first in-person CIVICA meeting in Florence or Alfredo encouraging students to "take the leap of faith," both ambassadors emphasize that the alliance offers way more than just the traditional exchange programs. It empowers students to develop innovative projects, forge international connections, and contribute to a more inclusive and democratic European academic landscape.