Board
Robert Gieske (Berlin)
Chairperson:
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“Ever since my school days, I have travelled regularly to all sorts of corners of Europe and have never really paid much attention to whether I was crossing a border. Of course, different languages are spoken everywhere, people wear different clothes and may look a little different too. But in a way, we can all count ourselves lucky to be citizens of a united Europe. We should constantly remind ourselves that this is not something to be taken for granted – and that is precisely what ‘Europa macht Schule’ does. We need to make it clear, particularly to the younger generations who have known nothing but Europe since they were born, what this means and what benefits the European Union offers them. I have always been interested in learning about foreign languages and cultures, and through my work with the association I hope to inspire others with this passion.”
Nathalie Stegmüller (Holzkirchen/Munich)
Vice-Chair:
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“I joined the Regensburg local team of ‘Europa macht Schule’ in the 2019/20 school year because I believe it is very important to look beyond one’s own horizons. Through EmS, we make this possible for many schoolchildren from a young age – and in an authentic way, as the international students give first-hand accounts of their country or region and are rewarded with the curious and delighted eyes of the children. We see year after year that this is not an isolated case, but the norm. As a member of the board, I look forward to helping spread the word about ‘Europa macht Schule’ through the International Working Group, amongst other initiatives.”
Dominik Heuß (Würzburg)
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Head of the Innovation Working Group:
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“I first came across ‘Europa macht Schule’ in 2017 through a friend who thought it would be just the thing for me after my year abroad in Italy. I see myself as a European, and my extensive travels and friends all over the world have reinforced this view. There is much more that unites us than divides us. I studied in Würzburg and was also part of the local team there. During my teaching training, I moved to Nuremberg, where I helped set up the Nuremberg-Erlangen branch with some new friends. Although I’m now back working in Würzburg following my training, I’m still involved with the Nuremberg branch. My work with ‘Europa macht Schule’ allows me to promote and experience European and international exchange within Germany in a way that would otherwise be almost impossible.”
Franziska Schreiter (Freiburg i. Br.)
Events & Marketing
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“During my year abroad in Spain in 2016/17, I experienced first-hand just how valuable it is to engage with young people from other European countries. Europe offers us short distances and other cultures right on our doorstep. In Freiburg, with its close proximity to France, Austria and Switzerland, I am constantly reminded of my privilege in being European. That is why, between 2017 and 2020, I actively managed the Freiburg im Breisgau branch as a coordinator and supported many fantastic projects. Even though I have now completed my studies, I look forward to continuing to support the Europa macht Schule e.V. association as a member of the board.”
Sara Eisenreich (Regensburg/Passau)
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Head of the Social Working Group:
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“For me, Europe begins where people meet, share stories and learn from one another. ‘Europa macht Schule’ does exactly that, bringing young people from all over the world into German classrooms and making diversity, openness and international understanding a tangible experience in a very personal way. Especially in times when differences often seem to overshadow our common ground, it is important to create spaces for mutual understanding and respectful dialogue – in very concrete terms and on a personal level. I am delighted that, through my work on the board, I can help to further this goal not only locally in individual schools, but across Germany as a whole, and to inspire even more young people to embrace a vibrant, united and cosmopolitan Europe.”
Larissa Hugargowitsch (Frankfurt/Gießen)
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Head of the Alums Working Group:
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“For me, ‘Europa macht Schule’ represents a wonderful opportunity to give pupils a glimpse into our colourful and diverse world. For me, the projects embody the hope for a shared future, by promoting intercultural exchange and a strong sense of community, which is essential in today’s world. Having spent time abroad in Europe and around the world, I have come to realise for myself just how enriching it is to look beyond one’s own horizons, to engage with other people and to open oneself up to them. I came to EmS through a friend and have been involved in various areas of the association ever since. When running projects, it’s always a real highlight for me to see how enthusiastically school classes learn and work alongside international students. Together, we can help bring the world into our classrooms and inspire young people to embrace international exchange, openness, understanding and global community.”
Julia Fackler (Valencia)
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Head of the International Working Group:
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“For me, ‘Europa macht Schule’ is far more than just a voluntary role – it’s a passion project. I’ve been part of the Munich team since 2018. When I moved to Spain in 2022, I joined the International Working Group – just as we were starting to expand EmS beyond Germany. Setting up operations abroad involved a lot of hard work, but it was well worth the effort: today, EmS projects can take place worldwide, thereby strengthening intercultural dialogue. For me, EmS is about becoming aware of European values and opportunities, appreciating them, and learning from one another. It is therefore particularly wonderful to see how much curiosity and openness these encounters foster. I am always delighted to see the many smiling faces when international exchange becomes a tangible experience through an EmS project. For me, that is Europe in action, lived out in everyday life.”
Lara Biering (Fulda)
Treasurer:
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“Since I started my degree in October 2023, I have been part of the Fulda team at ‘Europa macht Schule’. I believe that Europe can only work if we approach one another with an open mind and are willing to learn from one another. For me, Europe means above all diversity, whether in languages, cultures or perspectives. These differences do not divide us, but enrich us, and we can learn a great deal from one another. This is exactly what pupils experience when international students talk about their home countries in the classroom: an authentic, lively and personal insight, beyond the clichés. Especially at a time when stereotypes and prejudices are often more prevalent than genuine encounters, I believe it is particularly important to create spaces for exchange, openness and mutual understanding. Through my involvement with ‘Europa macht Schule’, I want to help spark curiosity, strengthen diversity and show pupils that Europe is about living together in harmony.”