ERUA Intensive Course at the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
European higher education is undergoing significant reforms and changes. In the past few years, 73 European University Alliances have been created, involving almost 650 universities and creating a huge multi-layered international network of higher education institutions. These alliances, such as the European Reform University Alliance ERUA, are transforming universities – locally and at European level. New frameworks, models, recognition systems, and governance structures emerge and universities are negotiating how to adapt to those changes, raising question such as:
- How do European University Alliances operate?
- How can students be actors in transformation and decision-making?
- How can students (and universities) navigate both local governance structures and cross-border networks?
- How can these developments become an inclusive environment, especially for international students?
Description of the course
This ERUA Intensive Course provides a hands-on introduction to student participation at the intersection of the local university context and rapidly changing international higher education landscape. It focuses on the university as an institution, the role of students, inclusion of international students and empowerment for meaningful democratic and sustainable participation in university governance and campus life.
By bringing together engaged students and experts from ERUA partner universities and beyond the course will explore the multi-layered system of higher education governance, active citizenship and democratic engagement, and result in a public presentation and discussion day.
At the same time, the course will provide an opportunity to connect with ERUA students and staff, exchange among different university contexts and build a vibrant international network.
The seminar will be offered by Viadrina’s Center for Teaching and Learning and organized in collaboration with engaged ERUA students.
Facilitators:
- Niki Kasis, Academic Staff and ERUA Student Engagement Lead
- Ira Helten, Master Student at Viadrina, former student representative and student member of Viadrina’s presidential board (April 2025-March 2026).
Credits:
- 6 ECTS (recognition depends on home university and study program)
- all participants will receive a certificate upon completion
Learning outcomes
Participants will
- Identify and explain relevant regulations, key structures of university governance and points of influence for student voices.
- Describe democratic principles and major European higher education reforms
- Analyse and evaluate how current reforms, international partnerships, and European University Alliances influence the local level.
- Recognise challenges for student representation as well as barriers and opportunities for international student participation in local governance.
- Formulate and communicate proposals and concerns clearly in written and oral for
- Engage effectively in negotiations, consultations, decision-making and apply strategic thinking
- Design and propose actionable recommendations for improving participation structures, particularly for international students
- Reflect on their roles, strengths, and responsibilities within local and international student representation.
- Work collaboratively in diverse groups, bridging experiences of local and international students
- Build awareness for intercultural settings and create networks within and across universities
The course is open to interested students from all disciplines and specifically designed for students active in local student representation (e.g. Student Councils, ERUA Local Boards) or engagement at European level (e.g. ERUA Student Board), international students seeking orientation, empowerment, and access to participation, students interested in student representation, governance, democracy in practice, participation, inclusivity, intercultural/ international collaboration. The course functions both as orientation and training, helping students to build networks and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to act effectively in local governance, international collaboration, and inclusive student representation.
The course takes place on-site in Frankfurt (Oder). Selected ERUA students will receive funding for travel and accommodation from their institutions.
Please apply by April 13, 2026 via this form: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/Learning-Organization_2026
In case of any questions please contact Niki Kasis (she/ her) via kasis@europa-uni.de
