YAEL DE ROCKER // STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE // GHENT UNIVERSITY

»ENLIGHT makes internationalisation easier for its 10 partner universities. Why not take advantage of it and benefit from this magic? «

Yaël De Rocker’s journey from studying Business Engineering in Belgium to a semester in Milan sparked a passion for international collaboration, but it was ENLIGHT that truly shaped her perspective. Participating in the Blended Intensive Programme in Bratislava, Yaël experienced how diverse cultures and academic backgrounds can tackle global challenges together. Now a PhD researcher at Ghent University, she continues to champion cross-border learning, showing how ENLIGHT opens doors to collaboration, networks, and new ways of thinking.

 In the picture above is Yael with her fellow Student Network colleagues at the ENLIGHT Student Network Conference 2025 in Goettingen.

Have you ever lived or studied abroad?

YAEL: I started my studies in Belgium with a bachelor’s in Business Engineering. Although not widely known abroad, this degree combines business and economics with a more technical angle (like programming, machine learning). After my bachelor’s, I wanted a new perspective on education and life in general, which took me to Milan, Italy, for half a year. Coming back to Belgium, I realized that while it is a safe space for me, I wanted to keep exploring other nationalities, cultures and ways of looking at life. And where better to do that than abroad?

What do you like the most about your current occupation?

YAEL: I am currently a PhD researcher at Ghent University. What I enjoy most is that I get to build technical expertise while also learning how to communicate my work to both industry and fellow researchers, at home and abroad. Besides my research, I am passionate about encouraging students to step into the international field. I believe it boosts their confidence to learn and to contribute in a new, sometimes unfamiliar environment.

ENLIGHT brings people of all ages, backgrounds and degrees together, but we’re all working toward the same goal: connecting Europe’s diversity and making internationalisation possible at every level.

Tell us about your participation in ENLIGHT.

YAEL: After my time in Milan sparked my “international hunger,” I joined an ENLIGHT Blended Intensive Programme in 2024 at Comenius University Bratislava. Students from across the alliance came together for a week of intensive teaching, workshops and teamwork. We tackled UN SDG–related (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals–related [EN]) cases in groups, which was very different from my courses at home. It gave me a clear taste of how international collaboration enriches learning by combining academic backgrounds and cultural perspectives. This experience showed me firsthand what ENLIGHT could offer students and inspired me to apply as a representative for Ghent University.

What are the benefits ENLIGHT has brought you?

YAEL: ENLIGHT has definitely helped me build my professional network. I have come into contact with directors of education, research and internationalisation and I have learnt from partner universities about their best practices. On 8-10 October, I got to present at the Teaching & Learning Conference 2025 in Uppsala. The benefits of ENLIGHT go far beyond professional opportunities, though: they shape my daily life, both in my research and teaching assistant roles, as well as personally. Collaboration is learnt best by doing and ENLIGHT provides exactly that environment.

How do you feel participation in ENLIGHT has changed your perception of collaboration, research or education?

YAEL: ENLIGHT has taught me a lot about communication, patience and cooperation. Coordinating with 20+ student representatives across different academic calendars, time zones and contracts can be challenging, but it is also incredibly instructive. I have also learnt that it does not matter what degree you obtained or what age you are—each student adds value to the network. I really appreciate that student voices are not only heard but also considered at the policy table.

Did you feel part of a broader academic community by taking part in ENLIGHT?

YAEL: Absolutely. From the moment I joined as a student representative, I was warmly welcomed by both the local staff and the Student Network. ENLIGHT brings people of all ages, backgrounds and degrees together, but we’re all working toward the same goal: connecting Europe’s diversity and making internationalisation possible at every level.

If you were to recommend ENLIGHT to a colleague, what would you say?

YAEL: ENLIGHT makes internationalisation easier for its 10 partner universities. Why not take advantage of it and benefit from this magic? ;)

 In the picture above is Yael in a group photo of Student Network at the ENLIGHT Student Network Conference 2025 in Goettingen.