From 10 to 14 November 2025, the first EMERGE Student Ambassador Annual Workshop was hosted by Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, bringing together students from the nine partner universities of the EMERGE Alliance. The workshop formed part of a Blended Intensive Programme and marked the first in-person meeting of the EMERGE Student Ambassadors.
The week featured a structured programme aimed at strengthening the role of student ambassadors within the Alliance and fostering their engagement with EMERGE’s mission to empower marginalised communities in Europe. Participants took part in thematic sessions led by academic staff and trainers from the partner universities. These sessions covered topics such as intercultural communication, regional engagement, minority inclusion, mobility opportunities, and the ambassadors’ contribution to the Alliance’s wider governance.
Workshops included activities that helped ambassadors explore concepts such as perception, cultural interpretation and communication across diverse environments. Through interactive exercises, group work and reflection, students developed practical strategies for navigating unfamiliar contexts and supporting inclusive student communities within EMERGE.
Beyond the formal sessions, the ambassadors visited key sites in Banská Bystrica and interacted with local cultural organisations. These activities supported their understanding of the region and its relevance to EMERGE’s focus on marginal territories and communities. The programme also provided dedicated time for networking, peer exchange and planning for local outreach activities on each campus.
The workshops strengthened the ambassadors’ role as EMERGE’s frontline representatives, equipping them with knowledge, skills and a shared purpose. Their contributions will support the Alliance’s efforts to increase student participation, strengthen inter-university collaboration, and raise the profile of the regions that EMERGE serves.
The Annual Workshop will continue to evolve in future editions, supporting a growing network of student ambassadors who contribute to a more inclusive and connected European University Alliance.