Would you like to become an ambassador?

CIVIS, the European Civic University is looking for new ambassadors!

The profile of a CIVIS ambassador

• Student at AMU during the year 2022/2023 (bachelor, master or doctorate)
• Participating in an Erasmus+ mobility and/or a CIVIS activity.
• Bilingual in English (B2 minimum)
• Willing to promote CIVIS within his/her university

ÇDoes this sound like you?

Send your application (CV and cover letter) in English before October 10th to olivier.fondanaiche@univ-amu.fr !

What does it mean to be a CIVIS ambassador at AMU?

Sarah and Valentin are students at Aix-Marseille University. One specializes in the commitment of young people in international mobility, the other specializes in teaching English, but they both have one thing in common: they share a passion for youth involvement in Europe!

Discover Sarah Lieven's testimony, and put yourself in the shoes of a CIVIS ambassador!

Why did you choose to become a CIVIS ambassador?
I decided to become a CIVIS ambassador because I am currently studying for a master's degree in European and international studies, with a specialization in European policies and programs. I found that I was therefore legitimate to promote the CIVIS alliance. Moreover, I am currently doing civic service at Eurasia net, winner of the Open Lab which has set up a non-formal education project by mentoring 3 AMU masters, on project management courses specific to the faculties. Being a CIVIS ambassador came naturally to me given my student background, my interest in the European Union including my master's degree in European politics and my growing interest in student mobility in Europe.

How did you become a CIVIS ambassador?
I became a CIVIS ambassador because Valentin Callet, the first CIVIS ambassador, and I are friends and he told me directly about this opportunity. Seeing that my profile corresponded, I decided to try my luck and I directly sent an email to one of the referents on the CIVIS project, on Valentin's advice. I then met with Mr. Olivier Fondanaiche to discuss more about CIVIS, the missions as an ambassador and my availability as I was doing an internship/civic service at the end of my studies.
It turned out that the main mission is to promote the CIVIS alliance, to talk about it as much as possible, so I thought it would be feasible. I also had to represent AMU and European youth at CIVIS events as soon as possible, so I knew I could free up my time depending on how much work I had to do and that my tutor was understanding about that.

What activities have you been involved in as a CIVIS ambassador?
As a CIVIS ambassador, I was able to participate in seminars organized by CIVIS or its partners, such as the Citizens Campus seminar in Marseille, which brought together people from all walks of life, students, employees, etc., around the theme of commitment. In groups, we discovered a form of local commitment in Marseille, it was very interesting.
As part of the European Commission's Restore Your Oceans and Waters by 2030 mission, I took part in an event in Marseille, at the Palais du Pharo, and made my voice heard as a committed young person. The next day, there was a series of conferences as well (which I could not attend) but it is an opportunity to meet people and learn more about the progress of the European Commission's missions.
I also had the chance to go to Athens for the Global CIVIS Days organized by the University of Athens (NKUA). I also participated in the Panathlon which allowed us to reflect in groups on social inclusion through sport. I attended meetings with all the other ambassadors of the alliance so it was very interesting to meet other students who have the same role as you. We also met with members of the Student Council to collaborate with them on promoting CIVIS and participated in workshops and conferences to exchange and improve CIVIS.

What are the skills required to be a CIVIS ambassador?
You must already have participated in a long term mobility such as Erasmus + or a short term mobility such as CIVIS. If you are part of one of the CIVIS projects, especially if you have done your internship in a winning association of the CIVIS Open Labs, it is an advantage.
It is necessary to know how to speak English well, a minimum level of B2 is expected because you will always have the opportunity to meet people who speak English and not French. You have to know how to dare and talk to people, remain open to the unknown.

What does CIVIS mean for an Aix-Marseille University student?
CIVIS means being able to discover other horizons that one would not necessarily have discovered outside of CIVIS events and it means traveling and meeting new people. The short mobilities and summer schools strengthen our learning abilities and skills. It is the opportunity to travel and meet other European students and to know how their university collaborates with other structures and introduces non-formal education in their curriculum. It allows us to get out of our comfort zone, outside of the PACA region and it is always a plus, we learn more about ourselves and others.

What advice would you give to future CIVIS ambassadors?
I would just tell them to be open-minded, sociable and not to be afraid to talk to strangers because you always get something positive out of it. You have to know how to seize opportunities and be grateful for them.