Community talk: A UAB student shares her journey as an ECIU intern

A student at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) in Spain and former president of the Barcelona Youth Council, Vanessa Caiza has always cared deeply about social disparities and bringing them to an end – the reason she chose to pursue a degree in International Relations.  

Technology and digital policies have since become the focus of her studies and work, inspiring Vanessa to advocate for a fair and responsible digital era where tech is used for social progress. And her experience at ECIU and ECIU University has been a crucial stepping stone towards that goal.  

We sat down with Vanessa to talk about her journey from student to intern, her experience at ECIU’s Brussels office, the support the internship offered on her path, and why such opportunities can make all the difference for students.

Q: How did you learn about ECIU and ECIU University?

Vanessa: I came across ECIU University during my studies at UAB – through peers who had participated in its micro-modules. The methodology and diversity of topics immediately fascinated me, so I researched as much as I could about the organisation.  

I appreciated the scale of its impact and the support for people’s adaptability and resilience in a fast-evolving labour market. This was the exact goal I wanted to contribute to. And then, I was very lucky to discover the ECIU internship vacancy.

Q: What inspired you to take on the position of an intern at ECIU’s Brussels office?

Vanessa: ECIU combined various elements I connected to – making education accessible, supporting skills adaptation in an era of change and using technology for the common good.

Last year, during my internship at the Permanent Delegation of the Government of Catalonia to Switzerland, I saw firsthand how regional actors engage in global diplomacy within the UN system. This shaped my interest in policy-making across multiple levels of governance – especially the European level, which is crucial for my country. Having been active in pro-European youth organisations during my bachelor's degree, I was naturally drawn to the dynamic landscape of Brussels, where I could work for a cause I had long been committed to.

Q: As an intern, what are your main duties and tasks?  

Vanessa: I primarily support the ECIU’s policy work by managing tasks that make it possible for other team members to do the advocacy efforts. This includes maintaining contact with member university representatives, monitoring legislative advancements and ongoing debates at the European Parliament, and channelling opportunities for our researchers.  

Recently, I also supported the organisation and implementation of an ECIU board meeting and ECIU University’s high-level conference in Brussels, which really stood out for me. Engaging with community members coming from across the world, all committed to collaboration for societal transformation, was incredibly inspiring. It allowed me to personally see how the individuals involved in ECIU and ECIU University share values and a common vision, giving my daily tasks even greater meaning.

Q: What has stood out for you most during your internship so far?  

Vanessa: For me, the biggest highlight [of the internship] is my team. The people at the ECIU Brussels office are truly talented professionals and exceptional individuals.  

Through their example, I am learning a lot about collaborative team dynamics, constructive work culture and absolute dedication to a shared purpose. Moreover, they take care of each other beyond strictly professional matters, giving space for personal growth as well.  

Being part of this team at the start of my career is very empowering.  

Q: Are there any skills the internship helped you develop?

Vanessa: Communication skills, without a doubt. Through the FOREU4ALL initiative, a platform for all European Universities alliances coordinated by ECIU, I have witnessed the complexities of collaborating with over 60 partners. Words become extremely important in interactions across borders, cultures and languages. While being precise with the choice of terms is important, ensuring a message is clear for everyone is a greater challenge. My colleagues do an incredible job in translating complex ideas and building connections between stakeholders.

They have also offered me the space to engage with colleagues from different organisations. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, and now I feel significantly more confident in the way I articulate and express ideas within the unique professional environment of the Brussels community.

Q: What’s your advice for future interns at the Brussels office, as well as students looking to explore opportunities at ECIU and ECIU University?

Vanessa: For future interns, I would recommend exploring your professional interests across the Brussels ecosystem. It is a unique place where a variety of local, national and international actors coexist. And it’s a privileged position to immerse yourself in a specific field or discover new ones.  

I am personally interested in AI, digital policy and social progress, and there are an incredible number of initiatives about these topics in the city right now. Future interns should definitely keep that in mind!

But most importantly, remember that the people at ECIU and ECIU University are incredibly passionate about their work. This lesson became very clear to me after the high-Level conference in Brussels. Seeing firsthand that this is a project people truly believe in made me realise that having genuine motivation transforms the entire experience.  

I don't feel like I’m doing this for my career only. I feel that I’m contributing to making higher education more accessible, resilient in a volatile labour market, and equitable in the digital age.

If you’re a student who is looking to upskill, connect across disciplines and countries, and become part of the real change, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you at ECIU and ECIU University.

Explore dozens of courses on diverse topics, apply to become an ECIU Council member or an ECIU University student ambassador, participate in community-building events, or find your own way to grow and make an impact.

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^{Text: Anastasia Bukhtiarova
Photos provided by Vanessa Caiza}

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