Shared Journey Across Borders: Reflections from the Aurora Student Conference 2026
The Aurora Student Conference is an annual event for students to exchange ideas and collaborate on improving student experiences across Aurora universities. Together, the Aurora Student Council and Aurora Student Ambassador programme support student engagement by increasing awareness, sharing opportunities and fostering connection within the alliance. Andy Li, student from the first cohort of European Joint Master Degree DIGISOC, shares his experience during the Aurora Student Conference hosted by University of Iceland.
Aurora, viewed from the sky. Photo credit: Klaudie Simeckova (fellow Aurora Student Ambassador)
As our plane drifted toward Reykjavík, a pale movement outside the window caught the corner of my eye. At first, it looked like the sky was breathing. A moment later, lights unfolded beyond the glass. Aurora had greeted us midair.
I first heard about Aurora through my study program DIGISOC. It is a joint master program made possible by Aurora, carrying Aurora values of innovation, inclusion, and societal impact. Enthusiasm led me to explore further and applied for an Aurora Student Ambassador role. What began as a simple interest turned into a meaningful journey, taking me beyond the classroom to a wider community built on openness, trust, and shared purpose.
Learning to Unlearn: From the Classroom toward a Living, Collaborative Space
At the Aurora Student Conference, the idea of learning to unlearn became reality. Students from across Aurora universities came together to represent their peers, share concerns, and support each other. Despite our different backgrounds, there was a shared enthusiasm and more importantly, a shared respect. What stood out was not just the diversity of voices, but the way each one was genuinely heard. At my first Aurora event, I realized that this was more than an international gathering, it was a space for stories, perspectives, and genuine listening.
Through discussions, intercultural workshops, and social activities, I learned to step back from my carried perspective and engage to listen openly, as every moment offers a chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes. There was no pressure to be the loudest voice or to give the best answer, only a space to pause, listen, reflect and collaborate. Beyond the conference, Aurora has evolved into a living, collaborative space shaped by the people within it.
Moments from the DIGISOC class and Aurora Student Conference
A Community Beyond Borders
What makes Aurora special is its strong sense of community, bringing together the unique perspectives and strengths of university alliance members.
Being an Aurora Student Ambassador gave me the chance not only to increase awareness about Aurora initiatives to more students, but also to listen to what students were looking for in their learning experience. What mattered most was not just sharing information, but initiating conversations. It is the conversations that made Aurora feel approachable and open to everyone. During intercultural activities, each student brings something unique: a way of thinking, a cultural value, or a personal story which together enrich the community. Within and beyond classroom activities, stories shared during conferences find their way into conversations, and connections made during the event continue to grow at home.
In-class and beyond-class conversations that bring us together
Looking Ahead Together: Cross-University Collaboration
Looking forward, I imagine Aurora as a space where these connections that were formed continue to grow. Peer learning and joint projects build understanding across differences and strengthen a sense of belonging within the alliance. Through initiatives like Blended Intensive Programmes and hybrid classes, students remain connected across universities while pursuing their own paths. Borders may still exist, but they no longer divide. What remains is a shared journey, shaped by dialogue, respect, and the willingness to listen.
A snapshot of collaboration today, with more to come in the future
I am ready to move forward with gratitude for the people I met, the conversations we shared, and the reminder that Aurora is not just a network of universities, but a shared journey built on connection, respect, and the courage to navigate across border, together.