"This experience was essential for developing numerous skills crucial for my personal and professional growth." This is how Carolina Ferreira, a Psychology Bachelor's degree program student at the Faculty of Education and Psychology (FEP), described her participation in the Summer School of the Federation of European Catholic Universities (FUCE). She was one of the selected Catholic University (UCP) representatives to receive an Erasmus mobility grant (BIP - Blended Intensive Programme) and represent the institution at the event, which took place from July 3rd to 7th in Palermo, Italy.

During the Summer School, the student had the opportunity to explore the theme "European Humanism in the Making." Divided into five distinct courses (Contribution of History to European Consciousness, Literature, the Arts, Translation and European Identity, Exploring the Complexities of Modernity, European Social Humanism, and Governance, Democracy & Civic Engagement), the event provided a dynamic and impactful experience for the student's professional development.

"All the courses impacted my education and can be related to Psychology." 

The student stated that all activities were vital for her education in Psychology, as it is an area that is intrinsically related to various aspects of human life and is essential for understanding different cultural contexts and how thoughts and contexts influence individuals.

According to Patrícia Oliveira-Silva, member of the Board for Internationalization, Research, and Social Responsibility of the Faculty of Education and Psychology and coordinator of the Human Neurobehavioral Laboratory (HNL), "every time one of our students accepts an internationalization challenge, we believe that we are strengthening the multicultural fabric of our community."

The Values of the European Union

The student's participation in the Summer School of the FUCE provided a broad view of the values of the European Union, such as "solidarity, respect for human rights, social justice, and equality," highlighting how Psychology is associated with these values.

Carolina Ferreira emphasized that Psychology addresses and draws attention to "issues such as gender or ethnic inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, integration and reintegration of refugees and immigrants into society, among others."

Patrícia Oliveira-Silva also highlighted that "experiencing new cultures, languages, and customs fosters intercultural understanding and empathy, essential characteristics for future psychologists and educators."