For students / learners | ECIU University

Choose your challenge and team up

Twelve universities from twelve European countries are putting you up to the challenge. Which challenge will you tackle at ECIU University? This European network of universities, for which the UT serves as coordinator, offers countless combinations of education and research - and you can join in!

Education of ECIU University is open up to UT students - third year bachelor and first and second year masters. In multidisciplinary and international teams, you work on so-called real-life challenges presented by governments, businesses and social organisations. You are therefore not only working with students from countries such as Italy, France, Lithuania or Portugal but also alongside people in the field and experts - perhaps your future employer?

Student experiences

Marlen Braun

‘Challenge-based learning is a cool concept’

Marlen Braun studies psychology at the University of Twente. This academic year, she decided to do an extra-curricular activity; challenge-based learning at ECIU University. She and her team took part in the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress in Hamburg. “A fantastic finish to our challenge,” says Marlen.

Kyra Apeldoorn

‘Fun and interesting to do something completely different’

UT student Kyra Apeldoorn also participated in the challenge Intimate cityscapes of the Norwegian University Stavanger. ‘I'm doing a pre-master's degree in Public Administration and I wanted to do something on the side. Through a direct mail I got acquainted with ECIU University and the possibilities of participating in a challenge’, Kyra says.

Tim Marshall

‘All the skills come together here, we share case studies from our own countries and we bring different perspectives to the table.'

Speaking is Tim Marshall, a master's student in Literacy studies at Stavanger University who is helping to implement challenge-based learning on ECIU and other related projects.

Robin Ross

‘A valuable addition to my studies’

UT-student Robin Ross took part in the Autumn Challenge, an extracurricular education programme powered by ECIU University. His participation is based on personal interest. ‘It is a nice addition to my academic work.’

Challenge-based learning

Collaborations are done using a challenge-based approach (CBL), a new educational method. You map out your own study path. Each university offers very specific expertise and you can join whichever one you want. In CBL you work with your team using experimental methods to explore and test ideas and solutions for social issues. A specialised teacher, the so-called 'teamcher', will guide you in this process.

The wicked problems our world faces nowadays do not just call for new solutions, they call for new ways of learning and thinking. How do we engineer sustainable cities? Where do we start to improve food security? What is the best way to achieve zero waste? Questions we have not dealt with before are calling for a new way of working, including from you as a student. Are you ready for a challenge?

10 reasons to join

Something for everyone

Meet likeminded people and get to know interesting things you probably never heard of
Study on- and offline across campuses in multiple European cities
Learn by working on local, national or European solutions to global challenges
Team up with students, professionals, researchers, innovators, policymakers, citizens and make new friends
Work across cultures, disciplines and roles
Follow your own, flexible learning path based on your personal preferences, skills and abilities
Improve your skills. This will be different to anyone, think about: teamwork, leadership, self-confidence, English etc.
Shape your own learning path in challenge-based programmes
Obtain a valuable competency summary. A big plus on your resume when applying for a job. Doing extra things in addition to your daily school work is becoming more important for organizations.
And last, but definitely not least: It’s fun!

Explore current challenge

Check out our 'challenge platform', take your pick, and start making a real impact.

spice up your student experience

Pick and choose

What else do we offer?

The European Consortium of Innovative Universities, ECIU, was founded in 1997. In its 25 years of existence, several collaborations and exchanges have been established. Below is an overview of what else we offer.

MICRO MODULES

Micro-modules are short learning experience that supports you to fill knowledge gaps and boost your capabilities to successfully engage in ECIU University challenges. While working on the challenge, you may find out that you lack certain knowledge or skills to solve the challenge. You will have the opportunity to participate in micro-modules related to the challenge you are working on. We offer different types of micro-modules.

Micro-modules that widen the knowledge related to a specific field, for example, Communication and transport systems, Energy and sustainability, Circular economy.
Micro-modules that help to develop transversal skills, for example, intercultural communication or project management.
Foreign language micro-module

Check the website to be inspired and explore our wide range of education.

summerschools

Are you looking for an inspiring way to spend your summer? The ECIU Summer Schools offer you several high-quality courses to choose from, all of which will allow you to gain cultural insights together with other international students from all over the world. Go abroad, celebrate the summer and discover Finland, Spain, Italy….! Take a look at this website for current summer schools and contact your International Office about free tickets and discounts for ECIU students.

Mobility minors

The ECIU Minor programme allow groups or individual learners to spend a semester at a likeminded ECIU partner university. Learners can choose their host university themselves, as each of the partners offers different courses and specialisations completely in English. The ECIU Minor programme is a fixed set of preapproved courses of 30 ECTS. They fit into the curriculum set of courses at the home institution. Credits will be fully recognised. Check the current offer here.

STAY TUNED

Interested, but not yet the right time for you to join? Then stay informed by leaving your email address. You will receive an update at regular intervals so you can enjoy this experience whenever it suits you.