Lifelong Learning in Action: Célia's EUTOPIA Experience

At 43, Célia Rey is proof that it’s never too late to learn. Currently pursuing a career change, she’s completing a master’s degree at CY Cergy Paris University and recently took part in one of EUTOPIA's Innovation Challenges—a cross-university initiative designed to engage students in addressing real-world problems through collaborative, challenge-based learning.

In this interview, Célia shares her experience, from discovering EUTOPIA to co-creating an award-winning prototype with students from across Europe.

Q: Can you introduce yourself and tell us how you discovered EUTOPIA?

My name is Célia, I'm 43 and I'm currently in a career transition. I've just finished my second year of a master's degree at CY Cergy Paris University. 

I heard about EUTOPIA during a French lesson with Madame Bray. Curious, I did a bit of research and discovered the Innovation Challenges programme. I really wanted to take part and was lucky enough to be selected.

Q: What was the challenge about, and what did your team work on?

The challenge took place in Barcelona with four companies proposing real problems. This year’s theme was “Unmasking the Truth: Tackling Fake News Together”, and our team focused on the question: “How might we encourage citizens to identify and combat disinformation, integrating fact-checking into their daily lives?”. My team, along with three students from other EUTOPIA universities, worked with Verificat, an organisation that fights misinformation.

We were accompanied by consultants and journalists, which enabled us to structure our ideas and create a prototype. We designed Clarificat, an application inspired by Duolingo, designed as a game for families and friends. Every day, users receive a “fake news challenge” — for example, judging whether a headline is true or false. Based on their answer, a short tutorial explains how to spot misinformation, helping users develop critical thinking skills. Players earn points and badges as they improve, with the ultimate goal of becoming a “disinformation expert”. We were very proud that Verificat chose our project as the best in its category.

 
Q: What stood out most to you during the experience?

What impressed me most was the collective level of engagement and creativity from every student involved. Despite coming from different countries and academic backgrounds, our team collaborated smoothly and effectively—a testament to the power of international teamwork. The experience was inspiring, and I believe this type of hands-on, cross-cultural project should be promoted even more. 

Q: What did this experience mean for you personally and professionally?

This experience gave me confidence to take on new challenges and showed me that innovation knows no age or borders. I learned a lot, met great people and was once again reminded how powerful international teamwork can be. It was truly rewarding, both professionally and personally. I can only encourage all students to take part in at least one EUTOPIA programme. They are rich, inspiring and truly worth it.

I'd like to thank Pompeu Fabra University, CY Cergy Paris University, Véronique, our coordinator at CY, for her commitment, and Madame Bray, who introduced me to EUTOPIA. And of course, thanks to EUTOPIA for this wonderful opportunity.

 

Célia’s story is a powerful reminder that innovation, collaboration, and personal growth can happen at any stage of life. Her journey reflects the value of lifelong learning and the opportunities EUTOPIA offers beyond the traditional student experience.

Through the Innovation Challenges for Students, she engaged in international teamwork, tackled real-world issues, and gained fresh perspective through cross-cultural exchange. EUTOPIA doesn’t just open doors—it broadens horizons, turning academic programmes into transformative journeys for learners of all ages and backgrounds.


Curious about the Innovation Challenges for Students hosted by Pompeu Fabra University-Barcelona? Read more about the programme here!

Photographs: Maud Simon