European University of the Seas, Kiel

~ VIRTUAL TANDEM LANGUAGE EXCHANGE III ~

Seriously? Why should I bother learning a new language with a small speaker base? Isn't that a waste of time?

Here are our 4 reasons why starting to learn "smaller" languages can benefit all of us! Including an example from our alliance!

1️⃣) Multilingualism is central to social development. Societies thrive when there are diverse viewpoints, different talents and knowledge.

2️⃣) Learning a marginalized language promoted inclusion and enables marginalized and indigenous communities to participate in social and political life!

3️⃣) When a language dies with it goes cultural identity, knowledge and history! This reaches from recipes to ancestry records. Often states were not interested in local knowledge and nobody bothered to translate everything. Luckily there is now a s**t and more and more governments realize the benefits in preserving minority languages!

4️⃣) Often regional languages have been suppressed by rulers. So learning a regional language is actually an ACT OF RESISTANCE!

Come on let's be rebellious and sign up for our Virtual Tandem Language Exchange!
🔗 In Bio, Story and Highlights!

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Did you know that in our alliance we have a perfect example?

In the region of Bretagne where our SEA-EU partner Brest is located, the celtic language Breton is spoken alongside French.

It was brought to the region by migrants from Wales. Due to a history of suppression, it is considered an endangered language by UNESCO. Generations lost the connection to their cultural heritage and identity.

Thanks to newly introduced efforts such as teaching the language in schools, there is now a revival!

And you can learn 2 phrases right here and now 😁:

Hello ! - Demat
Goodbye! - Kenavo

For more you need to sign up for our Virtual Tandem Language Exchange!

~ VIRTUAL TANDEM LANGUAGE EXCHANGE ~

Today let's take a look at AI and languages:

🤖 Yes, modern technology including AI can enable people who otherwise would never engage in a conversation to communicate with each other.

🌍 But learning a language is so much more than just a mere translation!

🇺🇳 Take a look at our 5 favorite reasons taken from the article of Elba Ramírez for UNESCO:

1️⃣) AI is first and foremost a tool just like a dictionary (but quicker). The human part of communication remains outside of AI's capabilities (eg. facial expressions or tone of voice). So use AI as an extension of a teacher not as a substitute!

2️⃣) When the stakes are higher, Human-Led Interpreting is needed. For example: studies show that human translation outperforms AI by far in medical translations, resulting in fewer clinically significant errors and protecting patients!

3️⃣) RESPECT for the person you are talking to. Learning even a few words of a local language (greetings, expressions of gratitude or apologies) constitutes a mark of respect. Being respected feels nice and makes you converse more.

4️⃣) Similarly learning a language increases empathy and participation because it changes how we show up for one another. When details really matter (eg. consent or cultural protocols) we cannot rely on apps alone. Additionally in a world that prioritizes speed, learning a language is a gentle refusal that puts people first and builds relationships that last!

5️⃣) Last but not least, language learning has been linked with educational success, social inclusion and meaningful public participation!

"LANGUAGES ARE TREASURES NOT JUST UTILITIES" - Elba Ramírez

▶️ So what are you waiting for? Register now for a VIRTUAL TANDEM LANGUAGE EXCHANGE with SeaEu !

This virtual (or physical) partnership provides an opportunity to combine language improvement and an intercultural one-on-one exchange with a native or near-native speaker to the mutual benefit of both partners!

Click the 🔗 in our bio/story/highlight and learn more!

~ VIRTUAL TANDEM LANGUAGE EXCHANGE? ~

Through the VTLE (Virtual Language Tandem Exchange) we match people learning a new language with native speakers to give them an opportunity to practice, learn and experience first hand a new language. Often these benefits are mutual.

Nevertheless we are often asked if learning languages is still necessary...

That's why we started a 3 day series to debunk some misconceptions about language learning!

Today we start with:
🧐 "Why should I learn even more languages if everybody speaks English?"

1.) 🇬🇧 Yes, English remains the most spoken official EU language, despite the UK having left the EU.
BUT less than half of all Europeans actually speak English -> away from tourist hot spots? Very likely that you will meet people not capable of speaking it.

2.) 🇪🇺 So let's take a look at the EU: Multilingualism is enshrined in the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights: EU nationals have the right to use any of the 24 official languages to communicate with the EU institutions, and the institutions must reply in the same language.

Additionally there are more than 60 regional languages across Europe (eg. Breton, Sicilian or Sámi languages)

Even in our small alliance there are 11 languages spoken: 🇬🇧 English, 🇪🇸 Spanish, 🇵🇹 Portuguese,🇫🇷 French, Breton, 🇮🇹 Italian, 🇲🇹 Maltese, 🇩🇪 German, 🇳🇴 Norwegian, 🇵🇱Polish and 🇭🇷 Croatian!
🗺️ Plus all of our international students willing to share their languages!

So why limit yourself? Variety and diversity are the spice of life!

3.) Language is part of our identity and our shared European heritage and benefits individuals and society!

▶️For individuals: languages open up personal and career opportunities, improve access to services and help people exercise their rights
▶️ For society: multilingualism fosters cultural understanding, inclusion and social cohesion

4.) This intercultural understanding is vital for a resilient and democratic EU! ⚖️ Only those voices that are heard and understood can count!

✍🏻 So sign up for a Virtual Language Tandem Exchange!

Widen your horizon and dive into a new language!

Follow the 🔗 on slide 6, in our bio, story or highlight!

~ Lecture Series: “Thinking Ahead - Haltung und Zusammenarbeit im Hochschulalltag ~

➡️ Paths towards a more inclusive university: the metaphor of the little mermaid and the LGBTQIA+ population experiences in university settings.

11 JUNE | 5-6pm | Daniel Manzoni de Almeida ()

This lecture uses the metaphor of the Little Mermaid to reflect on the experiences of the LGBT+ population in the university environment, highlighting the tensions between visibility, belonging, and silencing. Understanding the university as a space for professional, intellectual, and human development, it discusses diversity as the coexistence of multiple identities. Through concrete cases based on observation and personal experience, it reveals practices of exclusion that range from microaggressions to macroaggressions. The lecture reflects on how we can develop different forces of existence, like a "mermaid" navigating through different worlds, to face and overcome these aggressions, strengthening our resilience, support networks, and identity affirmation. It proposes a critical reflection on our collective responsibility and suggests paths toward a more inclusive university based on respect, recognition of others, and valuing vulnerability as a source of strength.

➡️ Teaching across academic and cultural backgrounds: encouraging student participation, enhancing motivation and appreciating feedback in higher education

18 JUNE | 5-6pm | Prof. Zeynap Altintas

Valuing students' contributions and taking their feedback seriously are important aspects when establishing a motivating, supportive and successful (international) teaching and learning environment. This includes finding a common language and identifying as well as closing knowledge gaps within student groups which are oftentimes diverse and heterogenous, bringing together different educational, cultural and social experiences.
This lecture reflects on the challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive and motivating learning environments, addressing differences in academic learning cultures and practical approaches that support constructive interaction, communication and student well-being in education.

~ 3 BIPs - 1 Summer School ~

As part of the NORD Summer School (29 June - 03 July 2026) and offer 3 different BIPs:

⚠️ APPLY BY 01 MAY - first come - first served! The first 5 students for each BIP receive a travel grant⚠️

🧠 Mental Health Recovery – Informing Innovations in Youth Services (3 ECTS)
For: BA; MA; PhD
Virtual: 08 & 18 June 2026
Through group work processes, students will develop the ability to explore goals, methods, and challenges related to recovery-oriented practices in an international context.
Registration and more: https://tinyurl.com/MHRIIYS

🏞️ Sustainable Tourism Development in Arctic Coastal Communities (3 ECTS)
For: BA (social sciences)
Virtual: 11 June 2026
This course combines social science perspectives with hands-on fieldwork to explore how tourism can thrive while protecting fragile ecosystems and cultural heritage. Students critically examine how tourism interacts with local communities, governance structures, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability in the Arctic context
Registration and more: https://tinyurl.com/STDACC

🧬Applications of Environmental DNA in monitoring and managing invasive alien species (3 ECTS)
For: MA; Doctoral students (click the link to see the full requirements)
Virtual: 25 June & 07 July 2026
In this course, students will gain an understanding of the theoretical foundations of eDNA, including how it originates, persists, and moves through different environments.
Registration and more: https://tinyurl.com/AEDNAMM

Since it is part of the summer school the application procedure is different this time:

1. Apply directly to NORD University. Places are awarded on a “first-come-first-served” basis, until the course is full.
2. Once you have received confirmation of acceptance from NORD, forward this to [email protected]. The first 5 CAU students who contact us will receive a travel grant by . (Doctoral students: provide a certificate of your student status at CAU)
3. The forwarded email must be sent using your institutional email address (stu) and it has to include your full name, study programme, study level and current semester!

~ EU Talenton ~

⚠️ Apply by 30 April 2026 and win up to 8000€! ⚠️

We are looking for Students from all academic disciplines enrolled in a Master’s programme, Master’s graduates, PhD candidates, postdocs, and young researchers (21–35 years old).

From September 7 to 11, 2026, Brest will become the beating heart of European science as it hosts the third edition of , a dynamic contest for young researchers aged 21 to 35.

Organized by the Technopôle Brest-Iroise as part of the EU-funded Science Comes to Town (.26) initiative, this five-day event will bring together over 100 of Europe’s brightest early-career scientists to tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges!

Five Missions, One Goal: Innovate for Impact!
Participants will compete in teams to develop groundbreaking solutions aligned with the five EU Missions:
🔹 Adaptation to Climate Change
🔸 Cancer Prevention and Care
🔹 Restore Our Ocean and Waters
🔸 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities
🔹 A Soil Deal for Europe

These missions, central to the European Research Area’s agenda, reflect the continent’s most urgent priorities. EU TalentOn 2026 is not just a competition, it’s a melting pot of innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact.

The Experience: Learn, Collaborate, Pitch !
Selected participants will form multidisciplinary teams, guided by expert coaches from research and innovation ecosystems.

The program includes masterclasses, workshops, and networking opportunities, culminating in an Awards Ceremony on September 11.

➡️ the best part: all travel, accommodation, and meals are covered during the finale week!

Prizes worth €80 000:
🔺 €8 000 and €5 000 prizes for the top two teams in each Mission Arena
🔺 A €12 000 Grand Jury Prize for the best overall idea
🔺 Additional awards

Why Brest?
Brest’s vibrant scientific community, home to institutions like , and the , provides the perfect backdrop for turning ideas into action.

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This is NOT a event.

~ SEA-EU Info Sessions on MSCA-PF~

The Info Sessions on the prestigious Marie Sklodowska Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF) are here to guide you towards opportunities in academic excellence and professional growth!

✍🏻 Registration: sea-eu.org/msca-postdoctoral/
(🔗in story and highlights!)

Upcoming Online Events:

⏩ April 23 2026, 10:00 - 11:00 CEST Host:

Topics: The information session will cover the general aspects of the funding program and its key deadlines. It will offer advice and clarifications on the application process, eligible candidates, and how to find a host institution for obtaining an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship. The host is Giovanna Apice, PhD .

⏩ April 27 2026, 11:00 - 12:30 CEST Host:

Topics: General information on MSCA-PF’s, specifics of application procedure and support provided. The host is Adela Popa

⏩ May 12 2026, 10:00 - 11:00 CEST Host:

The content will include eligibility criteria, the application and evaluation process, financial and administrative aspects, support in writing the proposal. Your host will be Alexandra Drossou-Berendes

⏩ May 19 2026, 09:30-15:30 CEST

MSCA PF MasterClass 2026 Host:

Join a one-day online training event designed to support researchers in writing successful Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA PF) proposals:

▫️ MSCA PF Programme – Background, proposal structure, evaluation process, and common pitfalls
▫️ Preparing to Write Your PF – Key steps, concept development, CV quality
▫️ Open Science, and the Green Charter
▫️ Excellence, Impact & Implementation – Crafting objectives, methodology, training, career perspectives, impact maximization, risk management, and work planning

~ SEA-EU Virtual Tandem Language Exchange ~

Hier lernst du nicht mit Lehrbüchern und Frontalunterricht sondern in gemütlicher Atmosphäre mit Menschen aus ganz Europa!

Keine strengen Regeln und Prüfungen sondern flexible Einteilung von gemeinsamen Gesprächen!

Read more about this project:

🇪🇺 Purpose: Supports independent, flexible one-to-one language learning in an international context, providing an opportunity for language improvement and intercultural exchange with a native or near-native speaker.

👩🏻‍🏫 Learning Approach: Participants take on both learner and teacher roles, focusing on practicing speaking skills. This is not a formal course taught by a teacher, but a language exchange.

📅 Organisation of meetings: Participants will be matched into pairs based on their preferences and language skills. The organisation of meetings and their frequency are individual matters for each language pair.

🎯 Target Audience: Open to students and staff of SEA-EU partner universities.

Benefits

🔹Improve speaking and listening skills through hands-on practice.

🔹Access native speakers from across the SEA-EU Alliance.

🔹 Flexibly define your learning goals, schedule, and methods.

🔹 Option to meet your partner virtually or physically, depending on location.

🔹 Make friends and learn about a new culture.

🔹 Enjoy the learning process and have fun.

🔹 The service is completely free.

🔗 Registration link, conditions of Enrollment, and more:

https://sea-eu.org/sea-eu-virtual-tandem-language-exchange/

(Link also in story and highlights!)

~ BIP: Sustainability and Social Innovation on the Move ~
09.06.2026 - 17.07.2026 |

🔜 APPLY BY 15 APRIL 2026 (end of day)

Looking for BA & MA students interested in environmental & engineering projects, sustainability and social/community transformations!

This course is intended to explore the concept of sustainability and its significance in addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource decrease, and biodiversity loss. Participants examine the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems and how they impact sustainability efforts. Through case studies and discussions, participants learn about sustainable practices in various sectors, including energy, water cycle, seafood production and tourism. Additionally, participants explore strategies to promote sustainability at individual, organizational, and community levels.

Expected outcomes:

• understand the fundamental concepts of sustainability within coastal communities and the potential of the blue economy on a local scale

• acquire knowledge about community development and empowerment for fostering sustainable growth and resilience

• learn about strategies to endure communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world focus on building social capital, community cohesion and enhancing environmental sustainability

Prerequisites: English B1 ; good swimming skills ; (adventure spirit encouraged)

ECTS / Hours: 4 ECTS / 40 hours
online sessions: 9th & 11th June 2026
on-site (Culatra Island), Portugal: 13 - 17 July 2026

To apply please send an email in English to [email protected] by 15 April 2026 end of day.

Your application (sent from your institutional email address) must include your full name, study programme, study level, current semester and a brief statement about your motivation and interest for attending.

Places are limited. Only full applications will be considered. In case of applications of similar quality, will favour students participating in a offer for the first time

Travel costs are covered by an Erasmus+ grant

🔗 in bio & story!