“Mobility allows you to fully immerse yourself in a different environment and absorb different cultures.” Claire Moretti ESAA Member Imprint Editor and Editorial Board Erasmus+ Student and Alumni Association (ESAA), ICUnet.AG, Anja Heinkele General coordination Marcela Chávez Ocampo, Communication Coordinator and Communication Team Copies 250 Photos ESAA, Cover Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com Design Anja Heinkele, kleinezeichen.de Funded by the European Union

The Year ESAA 2016 in review ESAA Events 1 16 ESAA events in 10 countries and many more virtual events 6–130 attendees at ESAA Events Locations 9 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 Sweden1, Netherlands2, Belgium3, Germany4, Poland5, Czech Republic6, Switzerland7, Romania8, Spain9, Greece10

INTERVIEW WITH VANESSA DEBIAIS-SAINTON “ ESAA members can get involved in a number of ways. ” Next year we will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of Eras- throughout 2017. Some interesting examples include Eras- mus+. We all know how wide-reaching the programme’s mus+ marathon runners, open-air festivals, and the found- impact has been, both on a European as well as on an inter- ing of Erasmus days which will first be held in 2017. Annual national level, but what have been the main achievements celebrations in the years to come will then continue with the for the European Commission within this programme? legacy of the Erasmus+ 30th anniversary. – The benefits of the Erasmus+ for the European Commis- sion are numerous and extensive. For those taking part in How can ESAA members get involved in these activities? the programme, there is strong evidence to support the fact ESAA members can get involved in a number of ways. Sever- that Erasmus+ has helped to equip young Europeans with al of the campaign activities will be carried out by the ESAA the skills and versatility that are crucial for the modern labour member organisations at local, national and international market and society as a whole. Reducing youth unemploy- level. We will find some interesting profiles of alumni, who ment is a key priority of the Commission, and the Erasmus+ were all once in programmes that are now reunited under programme helps to directly address this issue by providing Erasmus+, as well as current Erasmus+ participants who can opportunities to diverse individuals both within Europe and serve as role models for future participants – people with beyond. inspiring careers or exciting life stories in various industri- – The Erasmus+ programme equally provides individuals al sectors. Where relevant, we would like to identify some with the opportunity to enhance their intercultural skills, learn alumni to cover the entire 30 years of the programme, from a new language, and meet new people. All of these things 1987 to today. The activities of ESAA will also focus on the help in promoting European identity and active citizenship. 30th anniversary. We will then gather the information on all of These benefits are also important in an international context, these ac tivities at EU level, so that they benefit from addition- where Erasmus+ can help transfer knowledge, practice and al visibility. Beyond this, we would like everyone who has had approaches across the world. This leads to increased mutual an Erasmus(+) experience to share their views in the various understanding – both here in Europe and elsewhere – that online and social media platforms. can help us tackle common challenges. – Additionally, the Erasmus+ programme has triggered sig- How can people outside of Europe join this celebration? Are nificant reforms in the European academic community, en- you considering organising anything at the European Union’s couraging quality, modernisation, and innovation in teaching delegations abroad or are you planning any online events? and learning. Many of our partner countries are taking the One of the plusses of Erasmus+ is its strong international di- European experience into account when embarking on their mension, and we are keen to show the impact this can have: own reform agenda. on individuals, on higher education institutions, and beyond. So we would like ESAA and its constituent associations to What kind of activities will there be in celebration of the encourage students, staff and academics to share their own Erasmus+ 30th year anniversary? stories of how they have been involved in Erasmus+. EU Level On EU level, there will be a number of events or- The EU is keen to show the impact that its programmes ganised throughout Europe. Celebrations will begin with have – also outside the EU. Higher education mobility and a press launch in Brussels at the end of January 2017. The partnerships are great and concrete examples of how the EU Erasmus programme’s actual anniversary falls in mid-June supports people-to-people cooperation. Many delegations and there will be a series of celebratory events held at this already showcase this in their Europe Day events (9 May) or time in a number of cities across Europe. The Erasmus+ 30th by taking part in study fairs, promotional activities or pre-de- anniversary campaign’s closing event will take place in De- parture events for students about to leave for Europe. cember 2017. This event will be forward-looking, focussing We plan to encourage them to use the momentum of this on the visions of the Erasmus+ generation for the future of 30 years campaign to give an Erasmus+ flavour to the events the Erasmus+ programme and Europe in general. they are choosing as outreach activities for 2017. We also National / Local Level We are also working closely with na- hope that they will build this into the visits abroad made by tional agencies and representations in all 33 Erasmus+ pro- Commissioners – in particular by the EU's High Representa- gramme countries and have been delighted with their pro- tive Federica Mogherini, herself an Erasmus alumna. posals for national and local level activities to take place Many of you know that delegations are already working with 8

30TH ANNIVERSARY OF ERASMUS+ 10

30TH ANNIVERSARY OF ERASMUS+ The Erasmus programme “When you first arrive in a new city, nothing makes sense. Everything is unknown, new ... After you’ve lived there for a while, walked along the streets 10, 20, 1000 times, you know them inside out. You know the people. It belongs to you because you live there. That was about to happen to me, but I didn’t know it yet.” These are the words of Xavier, the main character in the "Spanish Apartment" (2002), just before moving to Spain as an Erasmus student. Like Xavier, millions of peo- ple have had the chance to go abroad as students, trainees, staff and volunteers and return home feeling a bit more European than before. To give you an idea, 650,000 people benefitted from grants funded under the programme in the aca- demic year 2014–15 alone. This experience is not only important for the personal development of the individual which, according to many studies, usually increases in confidence, independence and open-mindedness, but it also plays a key role in the creation of a more united Europe. Back to where everything started Erasmus was formally launched in 1987 as a stand-alone project in only 11 mem- ber states, building on six-year pilot student exchanges supported by the European Commission. That same year, 3,244 students took part and studied in a foreign country. The programme is named after the Dutch humanist and philosopher Erasmus of Rotterdam, who was a distinguished international scholar and a role model of mobility. At the same time, it is an acronym that stands for “European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students”. It was widely expanded since then, giving (not only) students the possibility to attend lectures or perform various other activities and feel like modern versions of the Dutch scholar while roaming around in Europe. The programme quickly became not only the world’s most successful student exchange programme, but also one of the major successes of the European Union in the last decades. As Erasmus is turning 30 in 2017, both the European Commission and Erasmus+ Student and Alumni Associa- tion (ESAA) want to take the chance to celebrate it loudly. A unique chance Giving students the chance to participate in an exchange programme abroad of- fers them a valuable opportunity to broaden their academic horizons, tackle uni- versity subjects from different points of view and study specific things that are not taught at their home universities. Exchange programmes also offer trainees, volunteers and young employees the oppportunity to learn something by doing, to discover new working cultures and to exchange good practices. All of these activities teach skills that increase the beneficiaries' chances on the job market. Indeed, having the chance to study or work in another country is one of the most valuable gifts that we could ever receive from the European Union. In fact, mobility allows you to fully immerse yourself in a different environment and absorb differ- ent cultures. This intense life-changing experience teaches you how to relate to different ways of life and interact with people from different countries. You learn to respect differences and to improve your cross-cultural skills. You are enriched by others and you enrich others at the same time. When you eventually return home, you feel intimately connected not only with your host country, but also with the countries of the numerous friends you meet there, with whom you share your dai- ly life, your difficulties and your happy moments during the exchange. This makes the so-called “Erasmus generation” a cosmopolitan group of people who realise they can feel at home basically anywhere in Europe. 12

ESAA GENERAL MEETING 14

ESAA GENERAL MEETING Where are we? And, where are we going in 2017 for the political and social issues currently faced by Europe and the Erasmus+ programme’s 30th birthday? rest of the international community; e.g. the role of Eras- mus+ in tackling crisis in the European Union; the potential The ESAA General and Working Group Meeting was held in influence of Brexit and other international events on inter- the beautiful city of Warsaw, Poland, from 13th to 16th Octo- national student mobility; and the need to develop sustaina- ber 2016. ESAA members from the four associations (Oceans ble and future proof mobility programmes for both students Network, Erasmus Student Network, GaragErasmus and and alumni. The meeting had plenty of emotional moments. Erasmus Mundus Association) travelled from all around the The first one was when two members of ESAA were award- world to gather together and constructively discuss ESAA’s ed for their outstanding performance and concrete achieve- main achievements during 2016, the biggest challenges we ments on the WG that they efficiently lead. Marcela Chávez had to face and to make strategic plans for 2017. Ocampo (Communication WG from Erasmus Mundus Asso- ciation) and Velimir Tasic (Professional Development WG During the introductory speech, ESAA members were ad- from GaragErasmus) received a highly deserved standing dressed by Adrian Veale from the Directorate General for ovation for their strong commitment to ESAA and its overall Education and Culture of the European Commission. Veale vision. When receiving her award online from Mexico City, acknowledged and encouraged the voluntary commitment Marcela, on the one hand, highlighted the role of volunteers of ESAA’s members, and praised the expertise and knowl- in the development of ESAA and the importance of volun- edge throughout the umbrella organisation, internally and teering itself in order to contribute to the continuous advance- externally. Not any less importantly, together with other insti- ment of society. Velimir on the other hand, who was physical- tutional representatives, Veale referred to the Erasmus+ pro- ly present during the meeting, emphasized the importance gramme as one of the most salient European success stories that Erasmus+ has on shaping people’s lives through all the and acknowledged its fundamental role in these challenging opportunities offered not only to people within the European times, shaping Europe’s new narrative based on high quality Union but also beyond its geographical borders. education and common values. Some of the main topics discussed by Veale and other repre- another standing ovation was offered to the Board members sentatives of the European Commission with the participants who concluded their collaboration term with ESAA this year. were precisely related to the plans and expectations for next Pavan Sriram (EMA), Viviana Premazzi (gE), Leasa Weimer year’s celebration of the Erasmus+ programme’s 30th birth- (EMA), Nicola Filizola (gE), Edlira Alku (EMA) and Neringa Tu- day, which will include a series of activities in which ESAA will menaite (ON), as well as Melania Lotti (ON), Emrah Karakaya Another special moment was during the Gala Dinner when be also very much involved. (EMA), Stefan Jahnke (ESN) and Jonathan Jelves (ESN) (who unfortunately were not able to attend), were thanked for During the different Working Group (WG) meetings the new the tireless work and strong commitment to ESAA that they members of each WG were introduced and the series of show and all the WGs they continously worked with during activities developed by each WG during 2016 were present- the year. ed. From their very particular front, each WG set the working plan for 2017. The working plan will focus on promoting the At the end of the weekend, participants were exhausted but achievements of the Erasmus+ programme during its 30th extremely satisfied with the productive days that they had anniversary and on sharing its benefits with those students spent in Warsaw. The tight schedule did not hinder the par- and young professionals who have not had yet the opportu- ticipants from finding the moments to laugh together, to nity to experience it. exchange both professional and personal experiences, and to generally strengthen the climate of solidarity and collabo- Apart from that, ESAA members had the time to exchange ration that is steadily growing among the collaborators from ideas and points of view on some of the main economic, all the four associations under the big ESAA umbrella. 16

ESAA GENERAL MEETING “ACTIVE, TOLERANT CITIZENS” 18

PROJECTS BY THE FOUR ASSOCIATIONS The Associations What we do – projects by the four organisations Take a look inside projects, meetings and events organised by the four associations to promote and support ESAA. 20 FoundationErasmus MundusAssociation

ESN – VOLUNTEERING AS A PROFESSIONAL SKILL ESN Volunteering as a major source of professional skills Nowadays, more and more companies are looking for distinct, unique features in their employees’ Curriculum Vitae. By Samuel López Carril Volunteering is a complementary activity which can be ad- were directed at helping the ESN Spain members improve vantageous in the recruitment process. That is why the Eras- their skills. “This is a completely new event, different to an- mus Student Network Spain (ESN Spain) held the event “Turn ything else ever done before in ESN Spain”, says Samuel your volunteer career into your profession” with the support López, President of ESN Spain. He adds, “It focuses on high- of Universitat Jaume I and funding from the Erasmus+ Stu- lighting everything you learn in ESN and the social skills you dent and Alumni Association (ESAA). gain during your Erasmus experience”. 55 people from ESN Spain Youth as well as guests from other associations, such as the Young European Federalists (JEF Europe), institutions like Universitat de València, Universitat Jaume I de Castellò, Universia Foundation and their part- ners (Splitfy, Recruiting Erasmus and Lycamobile) attended the event with its easy-going atmosphere. There were var- ious workshops and conferences focused on the labour market where the participants could practice the skills they had gained while working as volunteers. The topics, which included public speaking, leadership and negotiation skills, 22 different to anything ever done “ It is a completely new event, before in ESN Spain. ”

EMA – 10TH ANNIVERSARY EMA Celebrating the 10th anniversary EMA is ten years old. It has been an incredible ride. Despite some ups and downs, there have been many constants in the EMAzing life – the people, the diversity and the worldwide experience. By Cornelius Okello and Apiyo Okwiri On its very first day in June 2006, the European Commission only officially launched in 2015, EMA managed to maintain (EC) invited around 100 students from 33 already existing the EM brand throughout the whole transitional period. Fur- Erasmus Mundus (EM) courses to a meeting in Brussels and thermore, after years of consultation and lobbying, EMA was proposed to them the idea of forming an alumni association registered as a legal entity in Brussels in 2016, which was a (AA). From beginning with only one regional chapter in 2008, big leap forward towards attaining autonomy. there are today 12 in nearly every region across the world: There are 168 national representatives and members in 174 Despite many changes to the association's structure, one thing countries in Africa, China, Eurasia, Europe, the Far East, India, has remained constant: EMA dedicated itself to the global Latin America, the Middle East, North America, South Asia promotion of the Erasmus Mundus brand and, more general- and Oceania. ly, to higher education within the EU. This has been achieved as a result of EMA-organised networking as well as events to In October 2006, the alumni association Erasmus Mundus promote its work and provide information, which includes its Students was given the acronym EMA, the Launch Commit- involvement in pre-departure orientation workshops for new tee (LC) was renamed the Steering Committee (SC) and in students on EM programmes as well as its participation in 2007 – its structure now formalised with further developed EU and regional dialogues concerning education, youth and statutes – it was accepted by vote and officially adopted in culture. The sum of this work has definitely resulted in both the Annual General Meeting. enhanced visibility for the EM brand as well as an associated increase in highly qualified candidates applying to study in the In the 10 years since its inception, EMA has grown beyond all EU. Development (both social and professional) and network- estimates. From a mere 105 people at its beginning, it now ing are two of the association's cornerstone principles and caters for more than 10,000 masters and doctoral EM bene- provide members with a platform to interact with each other ficiaries. With the new funding of Erasmus+, the association and increase their international network. EMA is characterised is expected to grow exponentially over the next few years. by the very active participation of its members, who organ- Although the Erasmus+ Student and Alumni Association was ise several activities throughout the year. The Annual General 24 Erasmus MundusAssociation

OCEANS NETWORK – MOVING ESAA OCEANS Network We are moving ESAA to new horizons 2016 is quickly coming to an end as we look back on another successful, busy and enriching year. By Ecem Oskay, Alin Horj, Scott Darby OCEANS Network has involved into an evermore dynamic OCEANS members have benefitted from grants acquired network thanks to the diverse, lively, and hard-working atti- through the funding tools of ESAA and its Credit Mobility tude of its members as well as to the new opportunities that Strand. Thanks to these grants, we were able to organise a ESAA’s collaborative structures offer. number of events in Pakistan, Taiwan, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea and (indeed!) North Korea. Since ESAA’s inception in June 2015, OCEANS has delivered Each project attracted wide interest from a range of stake- its key contributions to ESAA in the following areas by: holders and planted seeds that we will continue to nurture in – building (new) bridges between the EU and non-EU coun- the coming years. tries in the field of higher education, – increasing the visibility of Erasmus+ and ESAA outside of Europe, – creating partnerships between universities, EU delegations, NGOs, and government institutions. In close cooperation and with the support of ESAA and the European Commission, we have been working hard to real- Erasmus students in “ Who knows? We may see North Korea in the future. ” ise this potential. North Korea opens its doors to Erasmus+ In September 2016, OCEANS representative Alin Horj board- In line with the European Commission’s emphasis on the ed a plane to Pyongyang, where he was welcomed by gov- internationalisation of higher education beyond EU bor- ernment officials and representatives from three universities ders, our efforts have focused on increasing the visibility of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). This and awareness of Erasmus+ in Asian countries in particular, visit was the first of its kind and represented an opportunity to where university-level partnerships with EU countries are promote academic and cultural exchanges between Europe sparse or have yet to be established. and the people of DPRK. Over the course of four days, the 26

GARAGERASMUS – II ANNUAL MEETING garagErasmus II Annual Meeting of the Foundation Every year, the garagErasmus Foundation meets in a different European city in order to bring together our Foundation Members, operational team and all the individuals, universities and companies that are interested in our mission. By Dorottya Fulop This year, the Annual Meeting was held in Warsaw on 13th he continued, “that universities should help in strengthening October, one day before the Erasmus+ Student and Alumni the foundation and the online and offline communities of Association (ESAA) General Meeting. former Erasmus participants, and that they should foster the birth of new local associations so that territorial alliances for Francesco Cappè, Executive Chairman of garagErasmus, growth can be created”. started the day with a welcoming speech in which he outlined the day’s agenda and reminded us that our Annual General This was followed by the presentation of the CEO of WeTipp, Meeting (AGM) is a perfect opportunity to explain both our who explained all the features that our new online platform vision and mission to our members and potential sponsors, offers its users; for example, the opportunity of following as well as for a platform to discuss future plans and activities. several topics and goals simultaneously, searching for skill- Maurits Van Rooijen, Chief Executive, Global University Sys- based talents and interests, or putting together events, pro- tem, Academic Division and chair of garagErasmus’s advisory jects and working groups. Right after this, Nicola Filizola, board, then gave us a starting point for the discussions and co-founder and vice president for EU Affairs, outlined how brainstorming activities to follow. He also talked about the universities, territories, companies and Erasmus associations importance of the garagErasmus mission: in his view, "we can benefit from being foundation members. The discussion need initiatives such as garagErasmus in Europe, we need then moved on to a presentation by Carlo Bitetto, Director of to get the younger generations out of the comfort zone and Operations, on how cooperation in the large Erasmus com- to make an effort to bridge the gaps created by the recent munity can be stimulated on a local level; he gave a brief recession." The Erasmus generation has the responsibility to introduction on the gE4s so that the audience had all the make Europe a better place and the role of garagErasmus in relevant information for the working groups on this topic. In this process is to build a bridge between this generation, the relation to this, the new features of the garagErasmus online labour market and the academic world. "I strongly believe”, platform, especially the tools which aid internationalisation, 28 Foundation

ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITIES Monthly Plan 2017 Anniversary Activities On these final pages of the magazine, we would like to share with you some activities planned by the European Commission. You can pick a topic and plan an activity or event! It does not matter if it is a post on social media, a webinar or a conference. May these topics inspire you to be active and propose exciting new projects in 2017! 30