From November 10 to 14, 2025, the presential component of EMERGE Student Ambassador Annual Workshop (Blended Intensive Program) was held at UMB. The event was attended by students from all nine partner universities and from one of the associated partner universities – Kremenchuk National University (Ukraine). Along with 34 students, 10 teachers and alliance staff members who are involved in the preparation and tutoring support of student ambassadors participated in the event.

The workshop focused on team-building. Its aim was to bring together ambassador teams from all universities and jointly set tasks to be fulfilled during this academic year. The main mission of the ambassadors is to promote international mobility and support the organization of events aimed at spreading the values of inclusion, diversity, and resilience. Finally, their task will also be to communicate with students and student organizations in the alliance and to connect these entities.

During the week, the student ambassadors developed the necessary transversal skills through various tasks. The focus was on intercultural communication, critical thinking, and presentation skills. They also took part in a sports afternoon at UMB Faculty of Physical Education, Sport, and Health. During this event, they had the opportunity to try out various – unusual for many – physical disciplines such as judo, hockey, basketball, psychomotorics, and kung fu. Students also underwent a diagnosis of the basic parameters of their physical health. The offer was complemented by an unusual selfie run around the faculty premises. Many of the participating ambassadors demonstrated real sporting talent.

As part of the cultural program, the ambassadors enjoyed a fun city game on the very first afternoon, during which they got to know the city of Banská Bystrica. Then, students and tutors took part in the International Village event which – must like the city game – was organized by the Erasmus Student Network Banská Bystrica. On this occasion, students presented the countries they come from and prepared a tasting of dishes from their national cuisines. At the end of the week, students and staff enjoyed a Gala Night at the Faculty of Economics at UMB. The varied range of activities perfectly complemented the training program, which took place in the mornings at the UMB Welcome Hub.

We are very pleased that the first international training of EMERGE student ambassadors took place, with the necessary support and contribution of each partner university. We wish EMERGE student ambassadors every success in fulfilling their important role.