In August, the European University Sports Association (EUSA) and its Institute bid farewell to the international volunteers Milia, Jan, and Markus. For this month’s student column, we have asked them for their feedback and reflection on their experience.

The three joined the EUSA office in September last year and wrapped up their ESC journey this August in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.

Milia Molinie

I initially applied through the ESC program at EUSA to step into sports management, gain knowledge and experience, and above all, to keep learning.

What I discovered at EUSA and in Ljubljana, as an international volunteer, was a community eager to support one another’s growth and progress whenever opportunities arose. It provided the perfect environment for me to learn from inspiring individuals, not only in the field of sports but also across many other areas. Through my friends' volunteering in different structures such as arts, youth centers, and ecology, I was able to keep my curiosity alive and sometimes even build bridges between our very different missions, which I particularly enjoyed.

As a former athlete and true sports enthusiast, I had the chance to be involved in EUSA’s activities in many ways: from projects and commission meetings, to what became one of the highlights of my experience, the Handball Championship in Covilha, Portugal. Over these 12 months, I focused on the link between sport and social impact, and truly appreciated gaining a comprehensive perspective on topics such as mental health, gender equality, and inclusion. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to join the Diversity and Inclusion Commission, where I was able to contribute to shaping a more inclusive future for University Sports. This experience allowed me to help draft key documents while gaining a broader understanding of inclusion policies across the sports sector. 

I also discovered a country where sport is not just a pastime but a bridge connecting communities. Beyond my official missions at EUSA, I built friendships across Europe and immersed myself in different communities, making this chapter of my life both unique and deeply inspiring. One great example of this is the 2025 edition of the European Youth and Sport Platform, held in Munich and organized by ENGSO Youth. There, I not only met valuable partners but also inspiring individuals who fostered both motivation and reflection, elements I believe are essential to improving and bringing true passion into my work.

As an individual, I have become more aware of my ability to make a difference through my actions. I am therefore committed to continuing to foster a positive impact in sport, with the aim of promoting greater inclusion and helping build desirable futures for communities

Looking back, I promise myself to carry forward the spirit of volunteering and European values into the next chapters of my journey, both on a personal level and throughout my professional career.

Jan Hussu

Looking back on the past 12 months, I can truly see a complete transformation in my life. I had the chance to live and engage in various activities both in Slovenia and abroad, where I met inspiring people, shared my own experiences, and learned from theirs. One of the highlights was contributing closely to the organisation of the European University Championship, which not only enriched my knowledge but also strengthened my ambition to continue working in this field.

Yet, what I cherish most are the personal connections I built with fellow ESC volunteers from different countries, sharing experiences, creating memories, and forming friendships that will last beyond this project. Leaving is not easy after such a meaningful year, but I see it as the start of a new and exciting chapter in my life.

Markus Schneider

It is difficult to boil down my ESC experience to a few short paragraphs. I feel like I’ve lived through a lot of different phases during this year which all had their own struggles, their own wonderful moments, and definitely a special place in my heart.
It was truly an era marked by learning and new beginnings: I started painting, I started playing the guitar, I reignited my passion for playing football, I learned to be independent, I learned more about my interests and what I want to study, and I learned to be alone, although I never truly felt lonely.

I am happy to look back and see who I have become during my journey, and all the friends I have made along the way. 

And with all the experiences I have made this year in mind, I am happy I made them with the lovely people at EUSA. 

EUSA expresses its gratitude to Markus, Milia, and Jan for their invaluable contributions throughout the past year and wishes them every success in their future endeavors!

Are you a student with an opinion? We are looking for new contributors for our student column every month. Feel free to contact stc@eusa.eu to offer a piece or propose a topic.