On 15-18 September 2022, ten SNSPA Romanian students participated in the CIVICA Cultural Event organised in Paris by the prestigious university SciencesPo. We asked students to comment on their experiences and envision how such an event would influence their personal, academic and professional lives.
Why did you decide to participate in the CIVICA Cultural Event? What were your motivations for joining?
Radu Georgescu, a second-year master’s student at the Faculty of Public Administration:
I wanted to meet international students from other CIVICA universities. Also, to make new connections while discovering more about their universities and programs.
Cristi Coman, a student in the third year at the Faculty of Public Administration:
On the one hand, I accepted the invitation to participate in this event due to the desire to proudly represent SNSPA and, on the other hand, to make contact with the French academic world. This event was, at the same time, a networking opportunity.
Alexandra-Bianca Marica, a student in the second year at the Faculty of Public Administration:
I chose to participate in the CIVICA Cultural Event to meet new people and learn about their experiences. I was eager to discover a glimpse of what it’s like to live in the heart of Paris. I chose the workshop related to photography because I wanted to see more opinions related to how to take a photo or how to comment on one.
Sergiu Alexandru Ene, a second-year student at the Faculty of Public Administration:
I decided to participate in the Civica cultural event to meet and socialise with as many people as possible.
Ana-Maria Ghican, a third-year student at the Faculty of Management:
I’ve decided to participate in the CIVICA Cultural Event because I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to meet international students. Also, to explore Paris as much as possible.
Irene Mihai, a second-year master’s student at the Department of International Relations and European Integration:
CIVICA first came to my attention in 2019, when it was chosen as a pilot initiative by the European Commission. I decided to participate in the event because the European University of Social Sciences idea appeals to me. I wanted to experience the opportunities of this transnational alliance.
Elena-Alexandra Glonț, a second-year student at the Faculty of Public Administration:
I am a person eager for knowledge and experience. I believe that cultural diversity and various interactions are essential in shaping any young person’s career.
How did you find the programme? What did you enjoy the most?
Radu Georgescu: I got the opportunity to view the city while also attending exciting activities. I loved the photography workshop.
Cristi Coman: The daily program was highly varied and full of content from multiple areas of academic activity. The public speeches workshop was the one I liked the most due to the information presented and the interactivity of the course.
Alexandra-Bianca Marica: What I liked most was that I could feel like a student at SciencesPo. Participating in the workshop related to photography, I also had the pleasure of getting to know the personality of Professor Loïc Bartolini, by whom I was deeply impressed.
Sergiu Alexandru Ene: The program was presented to me by the dean. I liked the most that I would have the opportunity to live and visit Paris.
Ana-Maria Ghican: The programme was very well organised. I enjoyed the guided tour because I found things you can’t find on the internet.
Irene Mihai: I found the programme fun and enjoyable. I appreciated the opportunity to meet new people and exchange our experiences, thoughts, and ideas in one of the most culturally and educationally prosperous cities.
Elena-Alexandra Glonț: I found it particularly interesting. I liked the way academia is viewed internationally.
What is your main takeaway from this experience?
Radu Georgescu: It’s always lovely to meet new people and have new experiences.
Cristi Coman: The conclusion of the event I participated in is that beyond diversity, differences, and obstacles, the CIVICA world represents an attitude and a spirit that must be maintained and passed on to the next generations as a pillar of education.
Alexandra-Bianca Marica: I met beautiful people in the true sense of the word, deep, sensitive and intelligent, people I will never forget. Everything that happened there was full of emotion, enthusiasm, and interest, and I am grateful to have had these moments.
Sergiu Alexandru Ene: Everything was beautiful! The event was educational and practical; Paris is a fabulous city with many tourist attractions. I am very excited about this experience.
Ana-Maria Ghican: The public speaking techniques I learnt from the workshop stayed with me. Also, I’ve made many friends from SNSPA and will probably keep in touch with them.
Irene Mihai: That diversity is precious, not only at the societal level but also for education, research, and innovation. Only by having multiple perspectives and points of view will we be able to find innovative solutions to our current and potential challenges.
Elena-Alexandra Glonț: My main takeaway: formal speeches should not be viewed rigidly. The interaction between speaker and listener is essential to impact the audience.
How do you think this experience will have an influence going forward in your personal, academic and professional life?
Radu Georgescu: It made me look forward to emigrating to another western country, thus allowing me a better career and access to better study programs. Previously, I didn’t think this was a viable option.
Cristi Coman: Contacts with students from other countries could represent opportunities for personal and professional development in the future. At the same time, there are ideas that we can also apply within the faculty, and I will pass these ideas on when the opportunity arises.
Alexandra-Bianca Marica: I believe any experience of this kind brings you closer to a better life. After that event, I gained confidence, one of the most critical ingredients in the recipe for success, friends from all over the world, and fascinating new information.
Sergiu Alexandru Ene: This experience will influence my life because I discovered new habits and types of people. I improved my skills in managing in a new area and communicating efficiently with people.
Ana-Maria Ghican: It helped me create a network and meet new people I can collaborate in the future. Moreover, it stimulated that academic environment that is very much needed after two years of online classes.
Irene Mihai: This experience helped me become more confident in my abilities, knowledge and skills. After taking part in the CIVICA Cultural Event, I can say that I am more open and eager for new opportunities at both national and international levels.
Elena-Alexandra Glonț: This experience helped me develop as a student, citizen, and future professional. Thus, the informal talks and speeches I will give will present themselves very differently.
If you had the opportunity, would you participate again? Why should future students apply and participate in the next CIVICA cultural event?
Radu Georgescu: 100% yes, this short intercultural exchange benefits anybody attending them and is not too demanding. Future students should apply to this type of event so they will stretch their horizons and make new connections.
Cristi Coman: Yes, I would participate again because, in this way, I would have the opportunity to see the evolution of the academic world, and I think that any student concerned with personal and, why not, professional development should at least participate in such an event.
Alexandra-Bianca Marica: I would participate again whenever I have the opportunity. I encourage all students who get this opportunity not to miss it because it will change them quite a lot for the better. You learn to work in a team, trust yourself and talk more easily with people from another country than your own. The two days represented moments I will have in my heart for the rest of my life, being a dream come true.
Sergiu Alexandru Ene: Of course, I would participate again. Everything was terrific, unforgettable. Prospective students should apply and join the next CIVICA Cultural Event, as it is a unique and beneficial experience. I want to thank you for the opportunity to participate in the event. I would be very honoured to have the chance to participate again in the future; it was beautiful!
Ana-Maria Ghican: I will participate in the next CIVICA Cultural Event. I would recommend it to other students because it’s an excellent way to broaden their horizons academically and socially.
Irene Mihai: Definitely! It was a fantastic experience. I recommend it for future students to help them decide on their next educational steps.
Elena-Alexandra Glonț: I would go again whenever I had the opportunity. Future students need to participate in CIVIC events because it will give them a complete view of academic life and how to prepare themselves to become accomplished professionals.
2 October 2022
Cătălin Mosoia
