News & Events

Practicum project for Sani/Ikos Group by our final-year Business Students
An exciting visit at Sani Resort in the context of our final year business students’ practicum projects. Our students had the opportunity to work on a real-life project for Sani/Ikos Group, an innovative and fast-growing group of luxury resorts in unique beachfront locations in the Mediterranean A rewarding learning experience: application of knowledge in the ‘real-world’ while working in close cooperation with business experts Undergraduate students of the Business Administration and Economics Department of CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, had the opportunity to get first-hand field experience by working on a real-life project with Sani/Ikos Group, an innovative and fast-growing group of luxury resorts in unique beachfront locations in the Mediterranean. This invaluable learning opportunity featured the presentation of the outcomes of their projects together with an unforgettable company visit to Sani Resort in Chalkidiki on Friday 31 May! Students gained invaluable insights into the resort's global success, driven by meticulous attention to detail, passionate hospitality, innovation, and environmental stewardship. They also had the opportunity to present the outcome of their practicum projects. The tour provided a first-hand look at Sani Resort's commitment to exceeding expectations. This company visit, part of third-year action learning projects supervised by Dr. Giovanni Oscar Serafini, offered a unique opportunity for students to learn from and engage with industry leaders. This project was undertaken as part of the Practicum, a key component of all Bachelor's programmes in the Business Department.The Practicum provides students with an opportunity to learn new skills, work closely with professionals from various industry sectors, build employability skills and competencies, and have a rewarding learning experience during their studies at CITY College, University of York Europe Campus. Special thanks to the Sani/Ikos Group We would like to express our most sincere gratitude to the Sani/Ikos Group team for their openness in sharing their best practices and for their exceptional hospitality during our student visit to Sani Resort in Chalkidiki. What is the Practicum? Business Practicums are supervised action learning projects designed to provide students with an opportunity to manage a project for an organization (“participating company-client”). They aim to successfully bridge academic knowledge and the development of professional skills and employability. They are team-based and normally delivered over a semester requiring students to devote an average of 150-200 hours in total (depending on the nature of the project). The student work is complemented by classroom-based teaching/mentoring. The precise nature of the project can vary enormously depending on both the nature and the needs of the organisation. Participating companies can be large corporations or small local businesses. The common denominator is a genuine need for help with a problem or appreciation of the added value of some independent research beyond the resources or capabilities of the participating company. This may be a general management problem, a marketing issue, a finance matter or any number of specific challenges.
04/06/2024

CITY College Europe Campus supports the Monuments Run of the 8th Thessaloniki International Monuments Festival
This year CITY College, University of York Europe Campus was proud to support as sponsor of the iconic Monuments Run (5,6km) of the 8th Thessaloniki International Monuments Festival, an international festival dedicated to Thessaloniki’s landmark monuments that took place on Sunday, 26th May 2024. Runners from across Thessaloniki and beyond joined the run and explored the beautiful monuments and landmarks of our city through routes in its historical alleys. Representatives of the local authorities also honoured the event with their presence: Ms Voula Patoulidou, Deputy Regional Governor of Thessaloniki (and first female Olympic champion in Greece), Mr Stelios Aggeloudis, Mayor of Thessaloniki, Ms Efi Theodoraki, Deputy Mayor of Education and Lifelong at the Municipality of Thessaloniki and many others. CITY College was represented by Ms Ioanna Kapnopoulou, Head of Public Engagement & Corporate Services, who also participated in the medal award ceremony. Congratulations to the organizers of the Monuments Run, all the volunteers, and every single participant who made this event so special.
04/06/2024

A Day at SANI Resort in Chalkidiki - Exploring Hospitality Excellence
31 May 2024 Experience luxury hospitality firsthand at SANI Resort in Chalkidiki! This unique company visit offers students insight into a top-tier establishment's operations. Participants interact with executives from various departments, gaining valuable industry knowledge.
28/05/2024

Student Spring Symposium 2024: A Celebration of academic research
On 15 & 16 May 2024 CITY College, University of York Europe Campus successfully held the Student Spring Symposium 2024 (SSS24) at its main campus in Thessaloniki. The event aimed to foster student research and showcase outstanding projects, providing a platform for students to share their passion, talent, and knowledge. The symposium featured captivating presentations from talented students across various disciplines, with students from all departments attending the event. Six exceptional presentations won Best Presentation Awards. Congratulations to our winners who demonstrated extraordinary skills, creativity and a deep understanding of their topic. Day 1 1st place: Robuzzle 2nd place: CITY Break App 3rd place: Economic Aspects from the Wolf of Wall Street Day 2 1st place: PotiZo 2nd place: Hahaheaven Reviews Site 3rd place: Don’t Stand so Close to Me Committee’s choice winner: Edward jeans In the context of the Symposium an informative workshop took place last week on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education presented by CITY College’s EDI Committee. The workshop was well-received by students and staff, who participated in the discussion and offered valuable insights and feedback. CITY College warmly congratulates all students who organised the Students’ Spring Symposium as well as those who took the opportunity to present their work. Special thanks to the event’s sponsors: Photo Gallery To view more photos please see the link below: Student Spring Symposium 2024 gallery
27/05/2024

Celebrating Connections: A Successful Alumni Gathering in Sofia
On 15th May 2024, CITY College's Bulgarian alumni came together for a successful Alumni Reception at the British Ambassador's Residence in Sofia. The event provided a fantastic opportunity for our alumni to reconnect with friends, make new acquaintances, and reminisce about their shared experiences during their study years at CITY College. Dr. Megaklis Petmezas, Vice-President for New Developments, Marketing, and Recruitment, and Elizabeth Chapman, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Sofia, warmly welcomed all guests. Additionally, Ms. Dessie Pencheva, Country Manager in Bulgaria, addressed a short welcome. CITY College delegates included Prof. Leslie Szamosi, Director of the Pan-European Executive MBA, Mr. George Efstathiadis, Director of the Executive Development Institute (EDI), and Dr. Fenia Mavrodi, Academic Director of the Undergraduate Programme at the Business Administration and Economics Department. The event was also honoured by the presence of Tim Buisseret, Trade Director of the British Embassy in Sofia, and Professor Sergey Ignatov, Former Minister of Education and Rector of NBU. We would like to extend our gratitude to all who joined us - until next time! Photo Gallery To view more photos please see the link below: Alumni Reception in Sofia gallery
20/05/2024

Guest Lecture: Transforming Guest Experiences and Empowering Employees
21 May 2024
20/05/2024

Guest Lecture: MED - The Creation of a Greek Fashion Brand
21 May 2024
17/05/2024

Interview with Computer Science alumna, Rina Basholli
It is our pleasure to introduce our Computer Science graduate Rina Basholli (BSc in Computer Science and MSc in Advanced Software Engineering graduate) a highly accomplished and renowned cybersecurity expert, who has made a significant impact in the industry through her unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise. Rina has established herself as a Woman Pioneer of Cybersecurity, recognised for her groundbreaking work and innovative approaches. Today, working as the Information Security Lead at KODE Labs, she continues to drive change and advancement in the field. She has earned herself various accolades, such as the Woman Game Changer (Albanian Cyber Association - ACA) and has been nominated for others like the ‘Global Cyber Woman 2023’. She also is a very sought-after public speaker. In this interview she speaks about her career but also about her student years at CITY College. Why did you choose to study at CITY College? What studies did you complete? CITY had the exact program and curricula that I wanted to pursue for my future career at that time. CITY College offered the precise program and curriculum I was seeking to propel my career forward in computer science and cybersecurity. I completed my Bachelor's in Computer Science with honors. The comprehensive coursework encompassed areas such as computer security & digital forensics, information security, robotics, functional programming, data structures and algorithms, and system analysis and design, which then led to my desire to pursue a Master's degree in Information Security & Forensics laying a solid foundation for my future endeavors in cybersecurity. Rina Basholli, InfoSec Lead at KODE Labs What inspired you to pursue your chosen field of study, and how did it align with your career goals? The ever-evolving landscape of technology and its vulnerabilities inspired me to specialize in cybersecurity. I aimed to contribute meaningfully to safeguarding digital infrastructures and data integrity. Pursuing this field aligned perfectly with my aspirations to become a trailblazer in cybersecurity, especially as the first woman in my country to do so. My studies at CITY College provided me with the essential knowledge and skills to embark on this path. Where do you currently work? What has been your career path so far? Currently, I work as an InfoSec Lead at KODE Labs - an American Kosovar Company that enables smart buildings worldwide. Some clients we enable are: Empire State Realty Trust, VISA, Ford, Oxford, Westbank etc. My second job is actively contributing to the cybersecurity community in my country and beyond. I have been awarded and recognised from multiple international and national NGOs and Conferences for my contribution to the community including here: Featured in: What’ s Her journey - Women in Security Magazine, Issue 16, Australia; Kosovo Women Leaving Their mark on ICT - Eddie Rabeyrin, PI; RTK National TV - Carrier and Emerging Cybersecurity Threats; Global Cybersecurity Woman of the Year 2023 Nominee; Speaker of: DISICON 2023 - USAID, NDI; Is Disinformation the Next Big Threat Podcast - USAID, NDI; American Chamber - Public-Private partnership ramps up national cyber security Awards: Woman Game Changer - Albanian Cyber Association (ACA) Global Cyber Woman 2023 Nominee My career path has been dynamic, starting from specialized positions in banking, education firms doing threat analysis, incident response, security architecture design and compliance to progressively assuming roles of greater responsibility and leadership. Along the way, I've been fortunate to engage in diverse projects impacting Kosovo’ s National Security by contributing on policy making. How did CITY College support your academic and career development? CITY College provided a nurturing environment conducive to academic excellence and personal growth. The faculty members were not only knowledgeable but also invested in their students' success. Moreover, the university facilitated internships, workshops, and networking opportunities that exposed me to real-world challenges and industry insights, which were invaluable in shaping my career trajectory. In your opinion, what sets CITY College apart from other institutions, and how did this contribute to your success? CITY stands out for its amazing academic staff, commitment to academic rigor, innovative teaching methodologies, and strong industry connections. The institution's emphasis on practical, hands-on learning experiences equipped me with the skills needed to excel in my field. Additionally, the supportive community and alumni network provided a solid foundation for my professional growth and success. Can you share a memorable experience or project from your time at CITY College that significantly contributed to your personal and professional growth? One memorable project during my time at CITY College was the Industrial Project. The Industrial involved developing a comprehensive application for a local Greek Tech NGO. This hands-on experience allowed me to experience real life all the theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, honing my problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills. The success of this project not only boosted my confidence but also reaffirmed my passion for technology and in particular cybersecurity. How would you describe the experience of being a student in Thessaloniki? Your student lif e experience there? Studying in Thessaloniki was a rich and fulfilling experience. The vibrant student community, cultural diversity, and historical significance of the city created a dynamic backdrop for academic pursuits. From exploring the city's landmarks to participating in student clubs and activities, my time in Thessaloniki was characterized by personal growth, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories. What life lessons did you learn from your experiences during your studies? My studies at CITY College taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning. I learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to remain resilient in the face of adversity. Moreover, I discovered the power of collaboration and mentorship in achieving shared goals and fostering professional development. As a successful graduate, how have you applied the knowledge and skills you gained at our university to your current career? The knowledge and skills acquired at CITY College have been instrumental in shaping my career as a cybersecurity expert. Whether it's conducting risk assessments, developing security controls, or mitigating cyber threats, the foundational education I received has been invaluable. Furthermore, the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities honed during my studies continue to guide me in navigating complex cybersecurity challenges effectively. How has CITY College’ s reputation and network of alumni in Kosovo and the broader region played a role in your professional growth and success? CITY College's strong reputation and extensive alumni network have played a pivotal role in my professional growth and success. The university's esteemed reputation opened doors to opportunities and collaborations, while the alumni network provided mentorship, support, and valuable industry connections. Leveraging these resources, I've been able to stay abreast of industry trends, forge meaningful partnerships, and make significant contributions to the cybersecurity landscape in Kosovo and beyond. What do you cherish from the time you spent at CITY College the most? The sense of community and the whole Computer Science Academic Staff at CITY College is something I cherish deeply. The friendships forged, the mentorship received, and the memories created during my time there are invaluable to me. Additionally, I am grateful for the quality education and opportunities that CITY College provided, which laid the groundwork for my professional journey. What advice would you give to current students who aspire to follow a successful career path? My advice to current students is to stay curious, remain resilient, and never stop learning. Embrace every opportunity to expand your knowledge, develop new skills, and challenge yourself. Build strong relationships with peers, faculty members, and industry professionals, as these connections can open doors and provide invaluable guidance. Most importantly, stay true to your passion and persevere in the face of obstacles, knowing that every setback is an opportunity for growth. With dedication, determination, and a willingness to seize opportunities, success is within reach.
16/05/2024

Guest Lecture: Crafting service excellence and seamless experiences: Uniting marketing and product in customer journeys
22 May 2024 Customer journey maps and their use as a collaboration tool The different product development stages how marketing can help The use of customer insights across end-to-end journey
15/05/2024

Guest Lecture: From Chaos to Cohesion: Transforming Student Information Systems in Higher Education
14 May 2024
13/05/2024

Join Students' Debate Session! | Student Spring Symposium 2024
Wednesday, 15 May 2024
10/05/2024

EDI Workshop | Student Spring Symposium 2024
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education Thursday, 16 May 2024
09/05/2024
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