Summer universities, travel, volunteering opportunities at AEGEE-Week

From April 20 to 24, the University of Malta campus quadrangle will be bustling with activity as AEGEE-Week presents youths with travel and volunteering opportunities that await them this summer in Europe.

The summer university is organised by Association des États Généraux des Étudiants de l'Europe, the European Students' Forum. AEGEE is the largest pan-European network of students, boasting 17,000 members and spanning more than 270 branches in different universities in Europe.

AEGEE-Week, themed 'Europe is in your Hands', mainly revolves around the promotion of summer universities (SU). Two SU information meetings will be held during the week along with the constant distribution of promotional fliers of travel opportunities for students.

A summer university generally comprises a two-week event organised by an AEGEE antenna bringing together about 20 to 60 students from all over Europe. Since these summer universities are organised by young volunteers for youths, they tend to be more student oriented, fun and cheap.

Activities range from the more academic ones such as foreign language classes and technical courses to multicultural events such as summer student parties and sport activities.

However, AEGEE is not only about travelling. It also promotes European citizenship, democracy and student mobility. Indeed, one of the week's highlights is a debate concerning the 'Y vote' campaign.

This debate will bring MEPs face to face with students to discuss the upcoming EP elections and why people should vote.

Another debate is about the European Voluntary Service (EVS). AEGEE-Valletta is hoping it will stimulate greater awareness about the wonderful opportunities for youths offered by the EVS.

AEGEE-Week will also include creative, innovative and cultural events. A 'Birgu by Night' event will be held, comprising a guided tour around the fascinating city of Vittoriosa. Maltese wine and delicacies will also be served during the evening.

For those with an artistic streak, there will be an acoustic night, offering people the opportunity to express themselves musically.

The week will end with a European night, during which Erasmus and international students at University will be offering everyone the opportunity to taste typical food and drinks from their home country.

For more information contact AEGEE-Valletta on info@aegeevalletta.org or visit its office at Student House on the University campus.