Student Journal: “Passion That Crosses Borders”
“Being a Student Ambassador is about more than representing a university. It is about expanding one’s perspective, nurturing empathy, and creating networks across borders” – writes Mirajete Selami from South East European University in Skopje, North Macedonia. You will find this writing from me, Mirajete Selami, someone who deeply admires the power and potential of students. I am 21 years old, and I study International Relations at South East European University in Skopje, North Macedonia. In 2025, I had the incredible honor of being chosen as a Student Ambassador for the ChallengeEU Alliance, a role that has transformed the way I see my studies, my country, and my place in the wider European community. From the very beginning, this role was more than a title. It was an invitation to connect, to listen, and to represent. I remember preparing for my first encounters with fellow ambassadors from across Europe. Though our first meetings were online, sitting behind screens, there was a sense of anticipation that made every conversation feel meaningful. I realized that even through a virtual space, ideas could travel, perspectives could shift, and friendships could begin to form. One of the most memorable experiences in my journey as a Student Ambassador was hosting representatives from Mid Sweden University, Annacarin Aronsson and Lena E. Burman, in Skopje. I welcomed them to our campus, guided them through our university spaces, and introduced them to the vibrant life of SEEU. We walked through the streets of Skopje together, sharing stories, discussing our academic programs, and exchanging ideas about education, culture, and student engagement. It was a rare opportunity to bridge cultures, to see the world through fresh eyes, and to reflect on how international cooperation can inspire local growth. At the same time, I experienced the ache of absence. Due to personal reasons, I could not attend the larger ChallengeEU meeting, and I deeply felt what I had missed. Looking at the photos of other ambassadors collaborating, learning, and laughing together, I felt both a pang of longing and a renewed determination. It reminded me that being present truly present is at the heart of connection and impact. This experience has shown me that being a Student Ambassador is about more than representing a university. It is about expanding one’s perspective, nurturing empathy, and creating networks that carry ideas and inspiration across borders. As a young woman in International Relations, I see it as a chance to gather knowledge, cultivate meaningful relationships, and bring new practices back to my own community. It has reminded me that leadership is not only about authority, but about presence, curiosity, and the courage to act with intention. Being part of ChallengeEU has also been a journey of self-discovery. It has taught me the beauty of listening, the power of collaboration, and the responsibility we carry as individuals to shape a better world. Every conversation, every shared meal, every walk through the city has reinforced my belief that meaningful change begins with people willing to connect, share, and learn from one another. Looking forward, I carry with me the vision of a world where knowledge, culture, and friendship transcend borders a world where young people like myself can bring the best of global ideas home to inspire local transformation. And in that vision, I find hope, purpose, and the courage to continue shaping my journey, both as a student and as a citizen of a connected Europe. With love and dedication, Mirajete Selami SEEU Campus – Skopje, North Macedonia
Communication Without Borders: From Academia to the Job Market
On March 19, Universidade Europeia de Lisboa hosted the workshop “Communication Without Borders: From Academia to the Job Market”, an excellent initiative led by Professor Joana Ramalho, aimed at equipping students with the critical communication tools necessary for a successful transition from the academic ecosystem to the global job market. The workshop was grounded in the understanding that presence and non-verbal communication precede verbal interaction, and therefore placed strong emphasis on developing communication awareness as a foundational professional skill. Participants were encouraged to reflect on how posture, tone, and non-verbal cues shape first impressions and influence collaboration in professional contexts. Throughout the session, students worked on strengthening functional and collaborative communication skills, particularly in multidisciplinary and multicultural team settings. The training supported participants in clearly articulating their academic and professional identities, helping them adapt their discourse to different audiences, contexts, and institutional cultures — a key competence in today’s dynamic and international labour market. Developed within the framework of ChallengeEU – the European Universities Alliance, the workshop highlighted the importance of intercultural intelligence and the ability to decode diverse professional and cultural contexts. Students were encouraged to recognise their international academic experiences not only as learning opportunities, but also as strategic assets and differentiating factors in their future careers. By fostering self-awareness, adaptability, and communication clarity, the workshop contributed to preparing students for meaningful engagement in global professional environments. Initiatives such as Communication Without Borders reinforce the role of higher education institutions in supporting holistic student development — bridging academic excellence with employability, intercultural competence, and lifelong learning.
