With the start of the 2025-26 academic year, the Catholic University of Valencia (UCV) introduced the EU-CONEXUS IamSTUDENT project under the inspiring slogan: “Meet EU-CONEXUS: Join, Belong, Connect”.
The initiative, led by Margarita Navickaite, EU-CONEXUS External Relations Manager, alongside the dynamic team of EU-CONEXUS Student Ambassadors at UCV, went far beyond a formal presentation. Throughout September and October 2025, the team visited 10 strategic university sites, integrating themselves into the heart of the welcome sessions and directly engaging with more than 2,000 students.
The objective of this roadshow was clear: to break down faculty barriers and present the EU-CONEXUS alliance as an ecosystem of borderless opportunities. From the Valencia campuses to the outlying sites, the team worked to foster a sense of belonging that transcends academia, championing a shared European identity.
The Key to Success: “Student-to-Student” Dialogue
What set this campaign apart from a simple information drive was its approachability. By engaging in conversation with both Undergraduate and Master’s students—local and international alike—a space of trust was created. In this regard, the role of the Ambassadors proved vital; no one is better placed than students themselves to explain the real benefits of mobility, cultural projects, and participation in international conferences to their peers.
This human connection was supported by a creative visual display at every location. Information stands were equipped with roll-ups, brochures, and innovative merchandise. Notable examples included postcards and lollipops featuring built-in QR codes—a resource that allowed students to access the EU-CONEXUS digital platform instantly while enjoying the event.
Free Training and University Life
One of the pillars that has sparked the most interest among the student body is the free and flexible academic offer available to everyone within the alliance. This includes a diverse range of opportunities such as Minors, Micro-credentials, Student Research Hubs, and Open Lab Hours. These programmes are specifically designed to allow students to tailor their educational journey, gaining specialised skills that complement their primary degrees in a versatile, modern environment.
The event also served as the official launchpad for the new IamSTUDENT Campus Life website. This portal acts as the central hub for international university life, where students can easily sign up for gamified activities, such as Escape Rooms, or participate in talent competitions like the now-traditional Photo Contest. Furthermore, the platform integrates essential services like JobTeaser— a leading European career portal designed to bridge the gap between academic life and the professional world—alongside various cultural activities and mobility schemes provided by the alliance. As we often remind our community: if you are studying at one of the EU-CONEXUS alliance universities, you are effectively studying at eight other universities simultaneously.
Ultimately, these sessions have significantly strengthened the community structure at UCV. For many students, particularly freshers, the IamSTUDENT project has been a revelation, demonstrating that their education does not end at the classroom door but extends across the whole of Europe. By achieving record participation figures, this initiative has done more than just share information; it has sown the seeds of international curiosity in a new generation of students who are now ready to connect with the wider world.
