EUCI 2024 Student Portfolios

What is the EUCI?

The EUTOPIA Certificate of Internationalisation (EUCI) gives students a space in which they can discuss and reflect upon international experiences with fellow students from across the alliance.

Students also have the option to compile a reflective portfolio – which can include creative and multimedia elements – in order to obtain the certificate.

Here, we showcase a selection of recently submitted portfolios, with the kind permission of the students.
 

How can you get involved?

To learn more about the EUCI and find out how to enrol, please visit the programme homepage.

Note: Not all students who submit portfolios give permission for them to be published. This means that not all the member universities of EUTOPIA are represented on this page.

EU Members' Student Portfolios

Babeș-Bolyai University

Marvis Idemudia Ehigiator

Through different styles and unique cultural lenses, artists across continents, like Fela Kuti, tapped into music’s ability to challenge the status quo, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire social change in their respective societies.

Check out their portfolio here

Ca' Foscari University of Venice

Francesca Bignotti

Once upon a time, English and I were not on speaking terms (literally). My middle school teacher even prophesied that I'd never master it. But life has a way of surprising us, often leading us down paths we never imagined. Today, I speak and write in English every single day, both as a social media manager and as the head of the tourism office, organising and guiding museum tours for foreign visitors.

Check out their portfolio here

Valeriia Indykova

While managing my own life in Italy I made sure that others who might be in the same position as me would feel included and supported. In the end, figuring it out not just for myself but for my friends coming from all over the globe as well taught me how to adapt in a completely new environment and how to be able to share this gained knowledge with others.

Check out their portfolio here

CY Cergy Paris University

Ifiok Umoh

I particularly enjoyed participating in the BeEUTOPIAn conference in 2023. The notion of seeing oneself in ‘the other’, the fact that an individual can comprise of different ethnicities, is very fascinating for me. This conference made such a lasting impression on me that afterwards, I volunteered for CY EUTOPIA. We meet every month to discuss ways in which we can further help international students integrate and have a good international experience through the alliance.

Check out their portfolio here

Manuel Garric

I adapted by acknowledging and respecting these differences while trying to advocate for some sustainable practices. This experience made me have a different point of view on my understanding of environmental and societal issues and on how to approach intercultural differences with tolerance and understanding.

Check out their portfolio here

Technische Universität Dresden

Jinhong Yao

I started learning German after graduation in 2018 and after passing a series of exams and audits, I moved to Germany. My first year in Dresden was well organized. I didn't realize at the time that I would face a global crisis.... During Covid-19, supplies were limited, prices were rising, people were afraid to communicate casually, and I was afraid to even turn on the heat in the winter. I saw the vulnerability of myself and the world.

Check out their portfolio here

University of Gothenburg

Soledad Zamora

After my academic experiences in the U.S. and Germany and while working with a Swedish company as a tour leader director in Mexico, I wondered about the origins of the Vikings and never-ending summer nights, the Midnight Summers, and the lifestyles of societies in Scandinavia. Thus, in 2017, I moved to Sweden.

Check out their portfolio here

NOVA University Lisbon

Casimiro Bento Massunguine

I have been privileged to participate in a series of national and international conferences, such as a conference in Málaga, Spain, the prestigious opening of the European academic year at the European Parliament in Brussels in 2023, and EUTOPIA Weeks in Lisbon, Dresden, and Cluj. These experiences have been pivotal in shaping my academic pursuits, and I am committed to continuing my involvement within this distinguished community.

Check out their portfolio here

Pompeu Fabra University-Barcelona

Elisenda Monjas Alberdi

Immigrant rights in the United States remain an ongoing challenge, often caught between federal policy failures and local community needs. The Ansob Center for Refugees and Immigration works to empower immigrants by transforming abstract rights into tangible opportunities. The resilience of the Ansob Center team – bolstered by New York City’s Sanctuary City policies – was a testament to the power of localized advocacy. This strength showed me that even in politically volatile environments, grassroots efforts can provide a steadfast source of hope and action.

Check out their portfolio here

Associate & Global Partners' Student Portfolios

University of Warwick

Ananyaa Ijjantkar

I grappled with homesickness, academic pressure, and the occasional cultural difference with a peer. There were moments of frustration when I felt misunderstood or when I struggled to grasp certain cultural nuances. However, each challenge became an opportunity for growth.

Check out their portfolio here

Leah Tam

Through the frequent intercultural exchange, I have been exposed to a multitude of viewpoints and how they are shaped by their diverse experiences and upbringing. The genuine and open-minded conversations have provided me with a much richer and more nuanced understanding of global affairs.

Check out their portfolio here

Nandika Karunakaram

Delhi is a city where people from all over the country reside, and having people from culturally diverse backgrounds helped me comprehend the value of respecting cultures and traditions. I have always wanted to put myself out of my comfort zone, therefore after living in India for more than 18 years, moving to the United Kingdom was nerve-racking.

Check out their portfolio here

Saumya Singh

As an international student, my time at the University of Warwick has been marked by a profound engagement with global perspectives, offering a comprehensive analysis of diverse business landscapes. My portfolio, presented in a video documentary format, encapsulates my journey and learnings across various domains, showcasing my growth into a global citizen capable of navigating and contributing to multicultural environments.

Read Saumya's Cover Letter

Taylor Tao

One of my math teachers asked me about some Chinese customs of celebrating the Spring Festival, such as blessings, receiving pocket money, etc. The most touching moment was when he projected the Chinese words ‘Happy New Year’ on the big screen during the break, and wrote them on the whiteboard very carefully according to the words on the screen. This intercultural experience was not just an opportunity for them to learn about my culture but also for me to see my heritage from a new perspective.

Check out their portfolio here

Veronica Liu

My experiences as the Student Staff Liaison Chair at the University of Warwick highlighted these differences, demonstrating how cultural backgrounds shape students’ responses to academic policies and authority. Persistent efforts and cross-cultural collaboration can lead to positive changes, illustrating the potential for integrating diverse cultural perspectives to enhance the educational environment.

Check out their portfolio here

Kyungpook National University

Anasxon Igamov

The most interesting thing was that even though we came from different countries, we could communicate in Korean and understand each other. Now we are much closer to each other and know that despite all our differences, including borders and languages, we have something in common.

Check out their portfolio here

Haegeum Park

I was embarrassed, upset, and panicked. At that time, I decided that I should be a person who is very good at English. There are two main types of academic motivation: positive and negative stimuli. Positive motivation is generally more desirable for long-term academic success and psychological well-being. But It seems that negative stimuli have been more effective for me.

Check out their portfolio here

Inae Heo

Listening to this background while eating Halo-halo made it an even more enjoyable and delicious experience. Although it is unclear where shaved ice originated, the Philippines and Korea have their own versions today. Ultimately, food and culture evolve by influencing each other and adding their own unique colours.

Check out their portfolio here

International University of Rabat

Benjamin Raymond

The academic environment in Morocco is distinguished by a pedagogical approach different from what I was used to in France. For instance, courses in Morocco place more emphasis on local and regional case studies, providing a more contextualised perspective on global issues.

Check out their portoflio here

Hamida Qarmiche

As I immersed myself in British life, I began to unconsciously absorb their customs and perspectives. The initial awkwardness of navigating social situations gave way to a growing comfort with British humour. The once-unfamiliar rhythm of their conversations became a melody I could understand and even participate in. This internalisation process wasn't just about language; it was about developing a deeper empathy for the Liverpudlian way of life.

Check out their portfolio here

Lumière Gaouna Koumagueying

I can speak French, English, Nandjere (my mother-tongue), moderate Darija, and I started German this year. I think learning languages will always be part of my life. A language is attached to a culture and speaking changes the way you see things. To understand one’s culture, you must understand their language.

Check out their portfolio here

Nour Nouha Cherti

Growing up in Morocco means growing in a very diverse envirnment. For my experience, I grew up in a household where we were all a hundred percent moroccan, but where we spoke Arabic, French, and English on a daily basis, often even mixing the three languages in the same sentence.

Check out their portfolio here

Stellenbosch University

Adrienne du Plessis

Engaging with the language allowed me to appreciate the delicacy of Swedish etiquette, such as the importance of punctuality, the concept of ‘lagom’ (moderation and balance), and the emphasis on egalitarianism. These cultural insights enriched my interactions with locals and deepened my appreciation for the Swedish way of life.

Check out their portfolio here

EUTOPIA MORE is co-funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101089699. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.