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Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) is a collaborative, student-centered, open and inclusive alliance of higher education institutions across Europe. The YUFE Student Forum is an important part of this alliance, bringing together students from ten European universities. The new student representatives of the 91���� in this forum are Precious Ikott and Sanni Vesala.

Precious Ikott is currently studying in the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Lifelong Learning and Sustainable Development. Applying the programme was a decision driven by her passion for creating positive and lasting impacts on education and the environment.

“The programme’s unique combination of educational sciences and sustainable development aligns perfectly with my desire to contribute to a more equitable and environmentally conscious future. The supportive community and commitment to fostering a global perspective of the university also played a crucial role in my decision, reflecting my aspiration to collaborate with diverse minds and approaches,” she says.

Ikott learned about the YUFE Alliance and the YUFE Student Forum through her programme’s coordinator, and a seminar organized by the department triggered her curiosity. 

“I did brief research into international academic networks and opportunities. The reputation of the YUFE Alliance caught my interest. The values of the YUFE Alliance, centered around fostering student engagement, cross-cultural collaboration, and innovative approaches to education, resonated with my academic and personal interests. The prospect of being part of a dynamic community dedicated to shaping the future of European higher education greatly influenced my decision to apply to the YUFE Student Forum.”

Precious Ikott’s role in the alliance’s current working groups will likely align with her interests in lifelong learning and sustainability. 

“My special interests could involve exploring innovative teaching methods, promoting inclusivity in education, and investigating how educational systems can contribute to sustainability. Collaborating within the working groups would provide a platform to share ideas, contribute to discussions, and work collectively towards shaping the future of European higher education,” says Ikott.

Ikott’s expectations of the YUFE Student Forum revolve around valuable learning experiences, networking opportunities, learning and skill development, professional development, and personal growth. 

“In a broader view, I would hope that international student collaboration can contribute significantly to fostering global understanding, unity, and peace, especially in the context of ongoing wars and conflicts.”

“I can learn about internationality and cultures from home”

Sanni Vesala, a Master’s student of social sciences, is another new member of the YUFE Student Forum. She is currently studying fourth year at the 91����, and her main subject is social policy.

Vesala got to know YUFE Alliance last fall when she noticed the YUFE Student Journey advertisement on the university’s internal channel. She started googling for more information and became interested in student collaboration. Vesala had background in international studies, as she was on an Erasmus + exchange in Linz, Austria, studying social sciences, cultural sciences and German language. At the YUFE Student Forum, she wanted to continue internationality during her studies.

“As a member of the YUFE Student Forum, I look forward to collaborating with member countries and member universities and getting to know other students and staff. I want to influence the YUFE activities through the working groups and have space for ideas,” says Vesala.

YUFE Student Forum has remote meeting once a month, and there will be a bigger live meeting once a year. Forum’s working groups are active all the time. Vesala has joined the Governance working group which is related to developing the administration of the Student Forum.

Vesala hopes that international student collaboration will strengthen the sense of community. After graduation, Vesala hopes to work on international assignments, perhaps outside of Finland.

“I get to know people from Europe and elsewhere. It sometimes feels that Finland is far from other countries, but this way I can learn about internationality and cultures from home. It brings me a sense of community. At the same time, I can acquire working life skills in an international context.”