This blog post was written by our student ambassador Ashley Vanessa, who is a student of the Computer Science programme at University of Tartu.
I honestly think every international student should take part in the ENLIGHT program at least once. The world is changing fast, and just going to university for a degree isn’t enough anymore (was it ever?). Programs like ENLIGHT give us a chance to connect with real issues and see how what we’re learning can make a difference in the world.
ENLIGHT is the European University alliance that connects the top research-intensive institutions across Europe. It offers students and professionals tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world through global collaboration. ENLIGHT focuses on sustainability, digital innovation, health, or social justice. For international students, this means access to a more global academic network and the chance to be part of a truly European movement for change. They offer countless courses and conferences.
How did I apply?
I applied for the ENLIGHT Impact Conference in Groningen, and the application was so easy to do. The application form was shared in my university’s newsletter, so I just filled it out and submitted it. A couple of months later, I was told I was selected! The conference brings together top international experts from both inside and outside academia to discuss how to build real-world impact into everything universities do. What made it even better was that my travel and accommodation were fully covered, so I didn’t have to stress about how I’d get there or where I’d stay. It was all taken care of, which made the experience even more amazing.
What did I learn at the conference?
One theme from the ENLIGHT Impact Conference that stuck with me was the idea of an impact-driven university. It was defined as a radical shift in the role of universities from simply producing and transmitting knowledge to using knowledge as a transformative force. That means the university should work alongside local stakeholders to co-create solutions for complex societal challenges and become a globally engaged institution that drives real change in the world. This concept was introduced on the first day of the conference, showing just how important it is for the future of higher education.
I got to hear from several inspiring speakers, including Thomas Christensen (Senior Vice President for Societal Impact at the Novo Nordisk Foundation), Igor Campillo (Director of the Euskampus Foundation), and Marthe Walvoort (Rector of the University of Groningen). They shared different strategies and visions for how universities can incorporate impact into education, innovation and social engagement.
One session I enjoyed was a Campfire Session on Fostering Impact Literacy. The speakers discussed different approaches for helping university communities understand, communicate, and build impact. The discussion focused on who needs these skills, what exactly those skills are, and how to teach them through mentoring, training, or coaching. What stood out to me was that the speakers weren’t just from Europe; there were also voices from South America, which brought fresh perspectives and valuable contrasts to the conversation.
Another session that stayed with me was Using Storytelling to Create a Compelling Impact Narrative, led by Saskia Walcott, CEO of Walcott Communications. She talked about how to use storytelling throughout the research grant process. From the initial proposal to project planning, methodology, and sharing results. It made me realize how storytelling can be a powerful tool to communicate why our work matters and how it can influence the world.
Finally, I got to watch some elevator pitch presentations by students, which were short but powerful. One group presented was the IdeasLab, which is a student organization from the University of Galway that helps students turn creative ideas into real projects with impact. Their focus on multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation was super inspiring and showed what’s possible when students take the lead.
Was it Worth it?
YES, and I would honestly participate in ENLIGHT again as many times as I can. Not only did I learn why impact awareness is so important in both universities and wider society, but I also had the chance to network with industry leaders who are shaping how we think about change and innovation in Europe.
In addition to all this, I got to visit Groningen and Amsterdam! There are such beautiful cities with breathtaking architecture. I even got to try the famous Stroopwafel, I can still remember the delicious smell.
ENLIGHT gave me way more than I expected. I talk about it every chance I get and always encourage my fellow international students to apply if they get the opportunity. It’s a rare kind of program that lives up to the hype.
What ENLIGHT Offers
ENLIGHT offers a wide variety of courses, short programs, and learning opportunities hosted by its partner universities across Europe. You can explore all their offerings here: ENLIGHT Course Catalogue.
Find out which international degree programmes are available for you in Estonia.
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