Nikshan Paudel, Director of the Students and Alumni Relations Unit had the honour of representing the Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Association (EMA) at the OCEANS Network Annual Conference and General Assembly held in Prague on July 13-14, 2024. The event brought together members of the OCEANS Network and representatives of sister organisations of the Erasmus+ Students and Alumni Alliance (ESAA). Participants gathered to discuss, collaborate, and share insights on the evolving landscape of international mobility for students and alumni. Below, Mr Paudel shares his takeaways from the event.
A Special Start: Exploring Prague
The first day began with a delightful tour of Prague. Participants witnessed the shimmering lights of the beautiful city, exploring its historic streets and iconic landmarks. This tour set a wonderful tone for the days ahead, allowing everyone to appreciate the rich cultural backdrop against which the discussions would take place.
Panel Discussion: Opportunities and Challenges for International Mobility Students
One of the highlights of the event for me was an engaging panel discussion on "Opportunities and Challenges for International Mobility Students." As a panellist, I shared the stage with distinguished representatives from university international offices and various student and alumni organisations. The discussion focused on
Opportunities for Mobility Students: Highlighting the vast array of opportunities available for students who choose to study abroad, including academic growth, unique opportunities for cultural exchange, and professional networking.
Challenges Faced: Addressing common challenges such as cultural adaptation, financial constraints, and administrative hurdles.
EMA Insights: Sharing specific learnings and experiences from EMA students and alumni, emphasising the support systems in place from EMA to aid their journey and maximise their international experience.
Engaging with OCEANS Members
Presenting EMA to fellow OCEANS members was a particularly rewarding experience. Their curiosity and enthusiasm sparked lively discussions, allowing the exploration of new avenues for collaboration. It was heartening to see the mutual interest in strengthening the bond between sister organisations, EMA and OCEANS.
Strengthening Collaborations
The time spent at the event was incredibly valuable, not just for the formal discussions but also for the informal interactions that foster deeper connections. There were discussions on potential collaborative projects, shared best practices, and explored innovative ideas to enhance the support provided to members.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the event, I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful gathering. The insights gained and connections made are invaluable as EMA moves forward in its mission to support international mobility students and alumni.
EMA looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the OCEANS Network, building on the foundations laid during this event, and working together to create more opportunities and address the challenges faced by members.
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