Ambassadors for CIVICA, Ambassadors for Europe
Time for a changing of the guard in Bocconi with the entry of Elisa Restani, bachelor student in economics and management, and Lorenzo Bassani, MSc student in Politics and Policy Analysis, as the new CIVICA ambassadors.
Being an Ambassador for the CIVICA alliance, of which Bocconi is founding member, is an exciting and stimulating opportunity for students of the 10 partner universities - from undergraduate to postdoc researchers - with the chance to promote interaction and exchange within the alliance's communities, initiate projects and be part of civic engagement initiatives.
We talked to Elisa and Lorenzo to hear about their objectives and expectations
What motivated you to be an Ambassador? How is European cooperation relevant to your studies and interests?
Elisa: CIVICA offers the opportunity to explore topics related to the European Union, by organizing activities and conferences with students from 10 different European universities. For me it's very stimulating to exchange ideas with students from various parts of Europe who share similar interests to mine, but from different backgrounds. And this also aligns with my future goals - after my bachelor I would like to continue my studies with a master's degree in political sciences and European Affairs.
Lorenzo: The essence of CIVICA is exactly what motivates me. Bringing together students invested in Europe’s future and building a network that goes beyond borders and cultural differences. And an ambassador has a central role - promoting initiatives and turning ideas into collaboration.
During my economics studies, I saw how many issues in economics and finance cannot be solved domestically, but need a deep communion of interests and joint actions, ie EU cooperation. Now, in my political science studies, I see that major changes in European society have only been possible through processes of deep integration and that only through those processes the EU can continue growing and protect its existence.
How can students benefit from Bocconi’s participation in the CIVICA alliance?
Elisa: Students can participate in many activities and initiatives with their colleagues from other partner universities, such as the European Week (for bachelor students), which allows students to participate in a week of courses on European topics at a CIVICA university. This year, it will be held at IE University in Madrid. Furthermore, student associations can obtain CIVICA funding, through the SEF (Student Engagement Fund), to develop projects together with fellow students from the other partner universities.
Lorenzo: Being able to meet and work with students from all around Europe, and the world, is an extremely enhancing experience both for students’ curricula and for their lives in general. Joining competitions, workshops, events and conferences can deepen students’ knowledge of the EU and its mechanisms as well as giving them a high-standing stage from where they can share their innovative ideas. Finally, CIVICA is a great opportunity for students from all courses and academic extractions to find out what cooperation is and what mechanisms drive it.
What are your aims and ambitions for your time as an Ambassador?
Elisa: I'd like to share CIVICA's activities with students. CIVICA offers many super interesting growth and learning opportunities that not all students are aware of.
Lorenzo: My main “small” ambition is to get students to know CIVICA better and to participate in its initiatives. On the other hand, my main “big” ambition is to help CIVICA in its core objective: create a European identity among my peers and make students feel Europeans. This is what CIVICA initiatives are about, building bridges to get European cultures together, and that is what I want to pursue.