It is already that magical season of the year! No, we are not talking about Spring and the rebirth of nature. Of course we are talking about the RTC season. RTCs (Regional Training Courses) are meetings among members and their aim (according to what is written on the AEGEE Europe member’s portal) is to prepare them to take responsibilities in board positions. We have asked for some opinions of the organisers of three RTCs all over Europe from the antennae of AEGEE-Lviv, AEGEE-Touluse, AEGEE-Pisa and AEGEE-Firenze.

All the hosts are very excited and for them this is a great opportunity to grow as antennae. AEGEE-Toulouse told us that “this RTC is one of the only events that will take place in France this year, it happens before important elections for us, so it is a great occasion to discuss the importance of Europe in French people’s life. We have 15 participants, our members will host them to allow the fee not to be too huge (because hostels are incredibly expensive in Toulouse). We really want to make this RTC unforgettable: we willl be chasing a treasure during our visit of Toulouse. The sessions will be, among others, about how to organise local events such as the European Student Festival of AEGEE-Toulouse, and about EVS!”.       

In addition, AEGEE-Lviv said RTCs are also an opportunity to create strong relationships between antennae from different countries that are part of the same Network. “Since we have become one network with Polish antennae, we planned to organise a regional event. By evaluating the abilities of our antennae we decided that an RTC would be the best option. Together with the other locals, we decided that the HR topic would be the most interesting for everyone. Due to a lack of applications, however, we decided that we would organise an LTC for our members and invite foreigners to it. We will make typical LTC sessions, but HR will still be a leading topic.” 

RTCs are also an amazing way to became closer to another antenna. For instance, AEGEE-Firenze and AEGEE-Pisa have decided to organise an RTC together. “We decided to apply for hosting an RTC because both the boards of AEGEE-Pisa and AEGEE-Firenze knew that the new members needed an opportunity to learn more about AEGEE, the possibility to join the board, organise international events and the overall structure of the association.” They also gave us some spoilers about their programme: “We will start with a double session about the structure of AEGEE: one for the newbies, one for more advanced members. Then we will talk about the organisation of European events, teamwork and conflict resolution. The next session will be about managing a local: recruiting, fundraising, how to organise thematic activities and management of a local in general.

The “European events organisation” workshop will be held by AEGEE-Pisa founder, honorary member of AEGEE-Firenze and current member of Les Anciens Paolo Santoni: “This is going to be a huge opportunity for all the participants. But let’s talk about the serious stuff: the programme will be filled with the Regional Night (which, with all the nationalities of the participants, will actually be a real EN) and we are organising games and party also for the second night”.

Written by Paola Letizia Murru, AEGEE-Cagliari

AEGEE-Pisa proves that with only a dozen of active members, you can indeed organise great events. They have weekly activities, and for the second time in a row, they have organised their landmark event: C’mon Pisa, Light My Fire.  This event takes place during Luminara; one of the most spectacular and beautiful events in Pisa that has taken place annually since the 17th century, in order to honour Saint Ranieri of Pisa. In short, AEGEE-Pisa definitely looms large: this local proves that Pisa can be very proud of something other than its leaning tower. Here follows our interview with Niccolò Berni, president of AEGEE-Pisa.

The AEGEEan: Could you introduce your local to all of our readers?

Niccolò: AEGEE-Pisa, turning 15 years old in 2017, has been a stable reality for many Erasmus and international students during these years, by organising our weekly Aperitif, bus trips and activities like Pub Crawls or Botellons. We usually have ten to fifteen active members and even though we had big shifts during the last years, we always ended up with a enthusiastic group of new members. These numbers allowed us to be quite active with at least one local event per week and by organising LTCs and international events such as the ‘Luminara’.

What are the most important qualities of your board that you would like to share with the rest of your local?

Despite the fact that the current board has been elected just ten days ago and many of the members are completely new to the roles, they all seem to be ready to face every challenge that we will find along the way. But, most importantly, they always seem to be happy to meet and work with each other. This good mood is actually shown by all of the members.

What were the most significant events that AEGEE-Pisa organised last year?

One of the most significant events was our LTC in November: it was organised in order to prepare the members to organise events and to work in teams. It was also an occasion to meet our newly elected NetCommie, Lisa, as a trainer. About our activities for Erasmus and international students, I have to mention the bus trip to the Carnival of Venice and to the euro-chocolate of Perugia; but also the Halloween Pub Crawl, they all received quite positive feedback.

Could you tell us something about your landmark event: ‘C’mon Pisa, Light My Fire’ for Luminara?

We organised the event on the occasion of the main festivity of Pisa, the Luminara. On the night of the 16th of June, 100,000 little candles were lit on the windows of the buildings along the river Arno and, from little ships on the water, fireworks were fired. The night continued with parties on many squares and in clubs. The whole event lasted for six days, which was also an occasion for visiting a good part of Tuscany, because Lucca, Firenze and the seaside were also included in the programme. The aim was to let the participants feel how we live in the city, they had the opportunity to try the local food and drinks and we wanted to show them the typical places where we like to gather. As one third of the population consists of students, the city has an active nightlife.

What, specifically, was so important about this event?

For us organisers, the most important were the participants. During the preparation, we focused on them and we tried to fill the programme with the most various and fun activities, in order to let them leave with special memories from the event. From the point-of-view of the board, it was also an occasion for new members to be trained by helping at this logistically complicated event; and, because for some of them it was also their first event, it gave them a lot of motivation to become more active.

Are you going to organise similar events in the coming year?

We are going to organise the event itself again; this year for the third time. The tradition wants that, every year, we use the same name for the event, to both highlight that we are not organising it for the first time and to give an immediate positive feedback to the people who are thinking about applying. It means that for the year 2016/2017, the name of the event will be “C’mon Pisa, Light My Fire – Vol. III”, and we can’t wait to meet our new participants coming from all over Europe. In addition, according to our annual plan we want to organise similar events based on exchanges with other antennae. We are working on that, and probably we will finalise one of them in the winter season.

Written by Willem Laurentzen, AEGEE-Nijmegen

Firstly, take a wonderful country, then scatter some beautiful cities on its surface. Mix three antennas and sprinkle them. Finally, add 26 participants from all over Europe and bake under the Italian sun for two weeks. In the end, you’re gonna taste the most spicy, delicious and delightful Summer University (SU) you could ever imagine!

The Pisa Part

The first stop and first impression of what would follow was Pisa. The organisers greeted the participants with cold beers and snacks, and as the participants were settling in the gym, an exciting atmosphere was promising new friendships. By dinner time, the ice was already broken and everybody was ready to live this adventure to the maximum. The next day was dedicated to discovering Pisa, and especially the secrets of the Square of Miracles, which is full of strange things: a leaning tower, devil’s nails on a wall and some crazy people running around after city rally hints. After such an eventful day, a BBQ party recharged everyone’s energy, and emptied many bottles.

Next station was the small city of royalties, less than half an hour by train from Pisa, Lucca, full of churches and legends, which were narrated in a very vivid way by the best guide a participant could ever ask for, Luca from AEGEE-Pisa!

The Firenze and Tuscany’s Countryside Part

The second stop was the main part of this extraordinary trip: almost six days right in the heart of Tuscany’s culture to admire romantic bridges, grandiose sculptures, marvellous paintings and, of course, probably the most fascinating sunset in Italy, from Piazzale Michelangelo. Maybe this was the reason why so many couples were created during these days and why the gossip box was on fire, full of confessions. This flirting mood was enhanced by some salsa and bachata dancing lessons by the master of salsa, Matteo from AEGEE-Firenze. Furthermore, there were Italian language courses so everyone could learn some useful phrases to charm others, by talking in the most seductive language.

If the days were full of activities, the nights were full of relaxation and entertainment, so the time spent in the hostel was limited. The perfect mix between calm evenings at lakes, pubs with BBQ, karaoke nights and crazy parties in the clubs was definitely a sign of a perfect organising team. Every evening was unique, but everybody agreed that the swimming pool party was a night to remember: cold drinks, warm water and hot bodies dancing around.

The next days were spent in Tuscany’s province. The calm scenery of the countryside was interrupted by the most amazing European night that could ever happen. Tables full of food and beverages anywhere from Spain to Russia. One could try Spanish paella, Greek tzatziki, Russian oladushki, Polish pierogi, Hungarian ragout, and many more dishes from all over Europe. But, of course, there’s no European night without drinks, so everybody cheered at least in fourteen languages, while trying typical drinks from each country.

A piece of advice for you: be careful while drinking Georgian cha cha, because then you’re going to try some Hungarian palinka too, and the combination will drive you crazy! Also, if you have the guts, do not resist releasing the dragon living inside you, by drinking Sambuca the Roman way.

After this grand night, Siena and Castiglione della Pescaia were the next destinations. City tours were followed by elegant aperitif dinners with prosecco, beach parties and many kisses. Tuscany’s highlight was the trip to Giglio and Giannutri islands: blue sea, sandy beaches, a jacuzzi inside the boat and as a participant from AEGEE-Patra, Ellie, said “Holidays inside holidays”!

Everybody returned totally tanned or sun burnt to the camping from where a bus transferred all the participants and, sadly only one organiser from AEGEE-Firenze, to Grosseto in order to take the train to the eternal city. So many goodbyes were said and so many hugs were exchanged that one would assume that these people are going to meet each other again, somewhere in Europe.

The Rome Part

The trip to Rome was full of happiness and expectations. Actually, nobody realised how quickly the time passed on the train, because some people were playing games, while others were sleeping. However, Rome’s greeting was an unexpected incident which delayed the metro, but a great gym with air-conditioning compensated for everything. The days in Rome were full of food: endless buffets with six meters of pizza and pasta.

Later two great guides took over the city tour. Dino presented the Vatican City and Matteo, from AEGEE-Roma, showed every unexpected aspect of this magnificent city. It felt quite cool walking next to the place where Caesar was murdered, or watching three different states from just one keyhole. But, of course, Rome has not only landmarks to see, but also a spectacular volcanic lake and a long beach full of people.

Nights were dedicated to parties, even inside the gym, and of course the nominations: nominations for the best kiss, the best couple, the best smile, the drunkest, the laziest, and anything else one could imagine. Federico from AEGEE-Firenze was voted as the best organiser for this Travel SU, and Alisa from AEGEE-Voronezh as the best participant, as they were always ready for everything with a huge smile on their faces!

The goodbye day was the hardest for everyone, but wait… with AEGEE there are no goodbyes, just “see you soon!”.
To conclude, this is exactly what it takes to make an incredible grand tour! So now you know that some well-prepared organisers, some fresh participants from all over Europe, who are travelling in one of the most beautiful European countries, are the right ingredients to carry out an unforgettable Summer University.
Written by Katya Galiandina, AEGEE-Peiraias

Peppe Colicchia, the current speaker of the Information Technology Committee, has been a member of AEGEE-Pisa for two years already, even though now he’s back in Sicily, where he comes from.

From his place in “the most beautiful island in the Mediterranean”, Peppe took some time to talk to The AEGEEan about the current plans of the ITC, after coming back from a very intense, but productive, meeting in Brussels to work on the new Online Membership System, which all AEGEE members will soon benefit from…

The AEGEEan: First of all, Peppe, congratulations for being elected as Member of the Month of February! For those who don’t know you, please introduce yourself!

Hi, I am a twenty-twelve years old guy from AEGEE-Pisa! Even if I recently came back to the most beautiful island in the Mediterranean, Sicily.

How and when did you join AEGEE?

I became a member two years ago, when some friends of mine introduced me to the association. I knew them as a group of friends, and they were working in the expansion of an antenna. I went to a first meeting with them and soon we started having lots of fun together and organizing local activities.

Why did you join the ITC? What can you tell us about your time as Speaker?

The approach I had with the ITC was similar as the one I had with AEGEE-Pisa: finding a group of people doing something interesting together and having fun doing it. So now, as speaker, my primary task is to represent the committee, “trying to overview” the activities, understand if there are some tasks in which people would like to be involved and if there is something more to do for the association in terms of IT.

OMS Meeting at the AEGEE Head Office

You were recently at a very relevant meeting for the ITC in Brussels. What was it about?

Yes, in ITC we are managing permanent activities and working on projects. We cannot improve the current system so we are working on a new tool: the Online Membership System.  It has been in the air for a long time but, for many reasons, it was stuck at some points. And now we are working to move on and finding strategies to implement it.

How would you define the Online Membership System, and what can you tell us about it?

OMS is a modular system to manage data inside AEGEE, that means: offering functionalities that will support administration level (CD), European Level bodies, locals and members. The aim is to rely on a single node, this could avoid to have scattered applications that could confuse. It’s long but it’s a need, and the result will be for sure better than the actual intranet from several perspectives. ITC offers real solutions for real problems, and the IT world is more complex than how it appears, but we are very lucky that actually very experienced people are managing our systems (and I think AEGEE members should thank them).

And when will AEGEE members see it implemented?

In Zaragoza we had a progress meeting and we showed a timeline. But going deeper into the project we saw some missing details, so we were too optimistic and we will be unable to fulfill that timeline. Actually there is no release date for that, we are defining step by step things to do dividing the job in small tasks, because it’s a quite complex system. We have a route and we are moving on, this is important from my point of view.

Which other plans does the IT Committee have?

Well, a service we are offering to the locals is the possibility to have for free a website according with the corporate Visual Identity, using a nice web template made by the PR Committee. We are working on a systematic solution to store data hierarchically, so we’ll adopt a groupware for documents and an open Wiki: both potentially very useful for knowledge transfer. We also hope to become Eduroam Identity Provider (free wifi access for AEGEE members). “Dulcis in fundo”, a mobile app for statutary events to provide useful info to participants.

Also, you recently announced that you are organizing the IT European School with AEGEE-León. Who should apply for the ITES?

First of all, I want to thank all three locals who have applied; the choice was so difficult, indeed! We will talk about several interesting things for locals as well as for the people that want to actively give a contribution to global AEGEE needs. I am sure AEGEE-León is preparing an exciting social programme, in the meanwhile we are defining the topics. This ITES could be a first step for cooperation with IT responsibles of the locals, because we think that sometimes they need to reinvent the wheel all over again, so a collaboration among them could be useful, especially for new members. There will be also space to share best practices. The teambuilding is very important, this is what I would like to create.

ITES 2013 in Debrecen

What about you: what makes you so interested in the field of IT? Is it what you work for?

Yes, this is my field and I am currently working on the “technical” side of the advertising world. And maybe I am also a bit geek, so it helps…! But, surprise, I don’t have a smartphone. To be honest, I have a tablet, but not a smartphone… It’s a personal conviction! I hate Whatsapp!!

Could you tell us any AEGEE members that have inspired you?

Pavel Zbornik, for his professionality. Beata Matuszka, for her energy. And Costas Deltouzos, for his freshness!

What about your next plans? Will you be in Agora Patra?

Sure thing, I will be in Patra where ITC will try to have another Progress Meeting to share with the community our work and, as OMS is a project for AEGEE members based on their needs, we will be there listening to them, for a better understanding of the way to build a useful and friendly IT system.