What's the role of a psychologist today? How does the brain work? What's the place of psychology in sport, business, justice, and education? To answer these and other questions, 30 high school students took part in the "Flight to Psychology" summer programme, promoted by the Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP-UCP), from 1 to 3 July 2025, as part of the "Católica Porto Teen Academy" initiative.
A "journey" through the multiple areas of Psychology
Over three full days, the high school students had the opportunity to "fly" through the diverse areas of psychology, including clinical, neurosciences, education, sport, business, and justice.
Accompanied by professors, members of the FEP-UCP Students' Association, and the Faculty's technical team, the students visited some of the Faculty's most well-known facilities, such as the University Psychology Clinic, the Human Neurobehavioral Laboratory (HNL), classrooms, and other learning and research spaces.
One of the most notable moments was the visit to Serralves Park, where participants could reflect on the relationship between nature, well-being, and mental health, from an integrative perspective of Psychology with the environment.
Helping high school students make informed decisions about their professional future
According to Raquel Matos, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Psychology, "it was with great pleasure that we once again welcomed high school students to our summer programme. This year, we designed our Teen Academy around the metaphor of aviation, challenging students to embark with us on a flight to psychology."
"We believe that, throughout this journey, students were able to better understand the wide variety of contexts in which a psychologist can intervene. Above all, we hope to have contributed to helping these young people make a more conscious and informed decision about their professional future," she states.
The experience through the voices of the participants
Between group dynamics, conversations with current students, alumni, and professors, the atmosphere was marked by sharing, curiosity, and the formation of new friendships.
For Leonor Lopes, currently in her 12th year, the programme helped her understand "the various contexts in which psychology operates." The student also highlights that one of the aspects she enjoyed most "were all the interpersonal interventions, both with the people who are here, and with the professors, and the availability everyone has to answer us and welcome us."
This year's "Flight to Psychology" edition successfully reached its destination. FEP-UCP is already looking ahead to the 2026 programme, to continue introducing psychology to the professionals of the future.
About Católica Porto Teen Academy
The Católica Porto Teen Academy is an initiative of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto Regional Centre, which promotes contact between high school students and higher education. The aim is to provide experiences that bring young people closer to the university environment and professional realities, supporting them in building a more informed academic path aligned with their interests.
