Different Perspectives on a Changing Society Rotterdam, 28th of June 2001 A Students Perspective on: Changing Europe and Integration between Students
Who am I? My name: Koen Berden Atlantic College; Economics at Erasmus; Now: PhD here at Erasmus and part-time lecturer in International Economics Member of AEGEE, the European Student Association since 1996 Currently: Chairman at the European Level and member of the Project team Global Employee
Living in a Changing Europe I Fall of the Berlin Wall 1989 / German Unification Further integration EU: Treaty of Maastricht War in Yugoslavia: Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia; Kosovo and these days Macedonia War and Peace efforts in Northern Ireland Expansion of the EU towards the East Globalisation versus regionalisation
Living in a Changing Europe II Visa Problems Problems in student and labour mobility The common market in the EU: labour and capital mobility A European Identity versus National or Regional Identities
Student Integration in Europe Erasmus / Socrates programmes ECTS: European Credit Transfer System Students travelling Lower migration problems in Europe (Example: AEGEE-Kyïv) Students are the driving force behind inte- gration, mobility and international understanding
What is AEGEE I? Association des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l’Europe - Forum of European Students Founded in 1985 in Paris Interdisciplinary Students Association 250 locals in 43 European Countries members in the whole of Europe Strong network with no national level
What is AEGEE II? The largest student orga- nisation in Europe Non-governmental Politically independent Open for students and young professionals Voluntary and non-profit
The Aims Living the European Idea across Borders Influencing leaders and society by constructive contribution and activities Complementing University education Creating: social responsibi- lity, transcultural awareness and mobility Open exchange
Fields of Activity European Policies, Intercultural co-operation, Crossborder Actions Conflict Resolution, Education, Human Rights, Social Issues European-wide Projects Seminars, Conferences Study visits, Exchanges Implementation Summer Universities
Decisive kick to the launch of the Erasmus programme (President Mitterand) Active Cross-Border co-operations –Partnerships between East and West (EWWG) –Greek-Turkish Relationships Fostering Student Mobility (VFF: Kuchma) Leading role in students’ movements in former Yugoslavia (ECF, IPWG) Past Experiences and Achievements
TO RUSSIA FROM FINLAND TO TURKEY FROM PORTUGAL The Network of 250 locals (Antennae)
The Structure of AEGEE Bodies on European Level –Comité Directeur in Brussels (European Board) –Commissions –Working Groups –Project Teams
Summer Universities 2000 –Language courses –Cultural Activities Projects Yearplan 2000: Borderless Europe Peace Academy Global Employee Balkan projects: – Education for Democracy – - Understanding the past, looking ahead
For more information/comments... … on AEGEE: / Room G2-15 … on Student Integration: Ask me during the break and join the Paneldiscussion! … on Changing Europe: Ask me during the break and join the Paneldiscussion! Thank you for your attention and enjoy the rest of the day!