Spring is here and Tartu has already started wearing its sunny dress. However, if you have been studying here for some months or years, you might be looking for a getaway or a change of scenery. You might want to try a whole new course or learning experience such as a workshop, or might just want to meet cool people from all over Europe. Most of you, until now, might think that I am talking about an Erasmus+ exchange, but you will be mistaken!
I just came back from Göttingen, where the latest student conference of the ENLIGHT Network took place. ENLIGHT stands for “European university Network to promote equitable quality of Life, sustaInability and Global engagement through Higher education Transformation” and is a network of ten universities from throughout Europe (University of the Basque Country, University of Bern, University of Ghent, University of Galway, Groningen University, University of Bordeaux, Comenius University of Bratislava, Uppsala University, Georg-August University of Göttingen and University of Tartu), which was formulated in 2019, as part of the initiative set in 2017, by the EU, to establish European University Alliances.
The Enlight University Network. Image retrieved from: https://enlight-eu.org/index.php
ENLIGHT differs from your average Erasmus+ experience, as it does not only offer the opportunity to go for an exchange to a partner associated with the program. Depending on your level of studies, you can opt for inter-university courses that are developed by the ENLIGHT partners exclusively for their enrolled students. These can range from AI and Law to Philosophical Disagreements, as well as Oceans and Human Health, and they can either be virtual or blended intensive programs (BIPs), where you normally spend 2 months following the course online and then you get to spend one week in one of the partner universities to create a project related to the course.
Other opportunities include attending conferences. These can be either the general ENLIGHT conference, thematic conferences related to the network’s flagship domains, namely digitalization, health and well-being, climate change, energy and circular economy, culture and creativity and equity, or related to students and staff. The best part is that, apart from the staff-specific conferences, students are welcome and also “pushed” to network and provide their inputs. Hence, regardless if you’re more of the networking or advocating type, these conferences are another excellent opportunity to travel around Europe, find new ideas for your future career, whether in research or industry and meet some amazing people!
Last, but not least, the ENLIGHT student network, the main body of students within the network, is always open for inputs for new activities or contribution to the existing consultations. Activities such as the creation of awards for student actions on inclusivity and sustainability, spaces for communication between students on a specific topics and events, based on your personal motivation and interests, can find space to thrive within ENLIGHT.
My personal experience has been largely positive. I had the opportunity to organize and run a workshop with other students, who were curious and motivated enough to explore together how digitalization can support the shift to a more sustainable and inclusive society. The workshops were a great informal way to get to know what each other’s country, city and university is doing in these topics and how they perceive the concept of smart cities. For me, it was great as it both helped me better understand how my research can relate to what is actually happening in Europe, but I also enjoyed just hearing their point of view. I also found it amazing that they managed to continue engaging for more than 3 hours and that even though we had to assemble with the rest of the conference participants, they kept on going.
My experience as a workshop organizer with Enlight.
I also followed other very insightful workshops related to the themes of equity, inclusivity and empowerment of all social groups. The workshops were all very interactive and we discussed topics ranging from storytelling to environmental protection and inclusion. I believe that these also helped us build strong bonds by sharing our own experiences. I got to know students who do similar work to mine from other Enlight members and we agreed to do more initiatives together in the next Enlight events.
Participating in workshops and discussions during Enlight student conference.
All of this happened while experiencing Göttingen, a student city that has a lot to offer both in terms of culture and socializing activities. Even though it is a very small city, most of its bars were filled with students, and the team there helped us enjoy the nights we spent in Göttingen. Even though it was not a formal part of the program and not their responsibility, they recommended places to go, tips and tricks where to find the best karaoke bars, and even what drinks to ask for. One of the days we also followed a tour of the city that was in the form of a scavenger hunt, with most of the teams getting gifts at the end of the game.
Some drink recommendations as part of nightlife in Göttingen.
As with every adventure, due to several flight disruptions, our way back to Tartu resembled more Homer’s Odyssey or Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s travels. However, looking on the bright side, it was helpful to further bond with the Estonian Enlight team and we had the opportunity to visit an extra of, not one, not two, but three more cities. Frankfurt, Vienna and Helsinki are officially off the bucket list 🙂
Göttingen by day.
If you’re interested in following a new course, going to a conference or getting involved in any way with the ENLIGHT student network, you can check the website or reach out!
Pictures author’s own unless otherwise noted.
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