Ghadeer Hamed, a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Eastern Finland, talks about how she got interested in YUFE activities and eventually became a representative of the YUFE Student Forum.
Have you participated in the university’s international activities before the YUFE Student Forum?
I have participated in various YUFE activities. One meaningful experience was the YUFE Friend Programme. During this programme, I met a Finnish lady, and we stayed in contact. Over time, she became one of my closest friends. She introduced me to many social and cultural activities, and we spent a lot of time together. This experience strengthened my ability to connect with people in the City of Joensuu and increased my confidence in engaging in international environments.
Additionally, I participated in the YUFE Research Relay in June 2025 in Brussels. Through this event, I had the opportunity to meet excellent PhD students and professors from different disciplines and countries. We exchanged research ideas and stayed in contact afterward, even discussing possible future visits and collaborations. These experiences helped me build strong academic relationships with PhD students from different countries, including Belgium, Spain, and Poland.
In addition, I participated in several university events that promote international exchange, such as YUFE Day. I strongly believe that such opportunities are valuable for fostering collaboration, intercultural understanding, and professional growth in higher education in Europe.
How did you become interested in YUFE and the YUFE Student Forum?
I am interested in participating in the YUFE Student Forum because I strongly believe in YUFE vision and mission for reshaping the future of higher education in Europe. The initiative is built on a student-centered approach that promotes research, societal engagement, and interdisciplinary learning. I particularly value the emphasis on co-creating knowledge together with students, strengthening both academic excellence and global competencies. This approach empowers students to design their own academic pathways while developing their intellectual abilities and social engagement.
For me, this forum represents a valuable opportunity not only to learn, but also to collaborate with others and actively contribute to supporting these shared initiatives.
Do you have some specific responsibilities or interests in the YUFE Student Forum?
I'm participating in Work Package “YUFE community and civic engagement”, and I will participate as Work Package lead representative of the Student Forum soon. I'll see how it goes.
What are your first impressions of the YUFE Student Forum activity?
I was excited to engage with students from universities across Europe. I strongly value YUFE’s student-centered approach, particularly its commitment to incorporating students’ voices and needs into the planning of activities.
How about your expectations of the YUFE Student Forum membership? What do you want to learn as part of student forum?
I believe this experience will strengthen my communication skills in diverse environments. I also expect to improve my ability to express my ideas clearly and contribute constructive suggestions to enhance student engagement and collaboration within YUFE activities.
