Two students from the Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP‑UCP), Mariana Teixeirinha Gomes and Ana Jorge Santos, are currently part of the EFPSA – European Federation of Psychology Students’ Associations, one of the most relevant European organisations representing Psychology students. Their participation strengthens the presence of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in international contexts of student representation.
EFPSA brings together national Psychology student organisations from more than 30 European countries and aims to promote the academic, professional and personal development of students through scientific events, research opportunities, social impact initiatives and opportunities for international cooperation.
Responsibility and representation at the European level
Mariana Teixeirinha Gomes serves as Finance Officer, responsible for the Federation’s treasury and for supervising the financial and partnership departments. She explains that joining EFPSA stemmed from her desire to contribute to active representation of Psychology students at a European level: “I identified with EFPSA’s values, namely its commitment to the quality of Psychology education, inclusion, and positive impact on the academic community. The possibility of working in a multicultural context and participating in projects with real impact was a decisive factor.”
Ana Jorge Santos is part of EFPSA’s Board as Marketing Officer, assuming strategic responsibilities within the Federation. For the FEP‑UCP student, student involvement has been a central part of her journey: “I have always felt a strong connection to student organisations, from the local to the national level. Being able to work on behalf of Psychology students across Europe and connect with people from different countries and cultures who share the same sense of purpose is what motivated me to be an active part of this Federation.”
Skills development and international experience
Their participation in EFPSA’s leadership has allowed both students to develop essential transversal skills, including leadership, intercultural communication, organisation, critical thinking, time management, decision-making and resilience, within a demanding and collaborative international environment.
Over recent years, they have taken part in several EFPSA European events, including Congresses, Research Summer Schools, Executive Board & Member Representatives Meetings and training gatherings, held in countries such as Portugal, Poland, Italy, Luxembourg and Turkey.
A federation serving Psychology students
Each year, EFPSA organises various scientific and training events, as well as services dedicated to research, international mobility, scientific publication and social impact. Among these are the Journal of European Psychology Students (JEPS) and European campaigns promoting mental health, inclusion and stigma reduction (the Mind the Mind and Better Together campaigns).
EFPSA’s main annual event, the 40th EFPSA Congress – Breaking Boundaries: Uniting Minds Across Borders and Disciplines, will take place from 23 to 29 March 2026 in Baarlo, the Netherlands, bringing together around 300 Psychology students and internationally renowned professionals. Registration is open until 31 December 2025 and can be completed HERE.
A message for students of the Faculty of Education and Psychology
Both students share a clear message with their fellow Psychology colleagues, stressing the importance of associative and international engagement.
For Mariana, joining EFPSA “is a unique opportunity to grow, explore, and connect with the world of Psychology beyond the classroom, developing skills that make a difference in any professional path.”
Ana reinforces this idea, encouraging students to participate actively: “It is a real added value for personal and professional development. Seeking opportunities beyond the Faculty allows us to broaden our horizons, develop transversal skills and be better prepared for the challenges of professional life.”