Participation of a student from the Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in the FUCE Summer School 2026
What began as an opportunity to deepen the knowledge of European humanism became a memorable international experience for Pedro Silva, student in the Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP-UCP). His participation in the “FUCE Summer School European Humanism in the Making” enabled him to reflect on the challenges the contemporary Europe is facing, peacebuilding, and the value of intercultural dialogue within an academic and multicultural environment that he describes as profoundly enriching.
His interest in humanism was the main reason that led him to apply for the initiative. “What immediately caught my eye was the ‘Humanism’, as it shares its name with the branch of clinical psychology with which I most identify,” he explains. His desire to deepen his knowledge of European history, European identity, and peacebuilding further reinforced his decision to take part in this international experience.
Organised by the European Federation of Catholic Universities (FUCE), the “Summer School” brought together students from various European universities to reflect on the historical, cultural, social, and political roots of the European project, with the central theme being the role of humanism in the construction of peace. Throughout the week, the programme included lectures, debates, collaborative work, and activities focused on European citizenship, intercultural dialogue, and the development of a critical perspective on the future of Europe.
Pedro Silva’s participation came about following an application to the “Transform4Europe” programme, with the support of FEP-UCP lecturer Patrícia Oliveira-Silva, who also encouraged him to apply for the “Summer School”. “The lecturer explained what it was about, and I became interested and decided to apply,” he recalls.
An international experience that broadened perspectives
Although the student had previously taken part in a short-term Erasmus experience, Pedro Silva considers this week to have been different. The mornings were dedicated to academic sessions and programme activities, while the remaining time offered the opportunity to explore the city and socialise with students from different countries.
It was precisely this international dimension that left the greatest impression on him. “I believe it was one of, if not the most significant aspect of this experience. There were students from various countries and even continents, some of them currently experiencing war, which always allows us to know better and more closely the realities we hear so much about on television.”
For the student, daily contact with people from different cultures, traditions, and ways of thinking enabled him to view international events in a more human and conscious manner, reinforcing the importance of empathy, dialogue, and mutual understanding.
Among the most memorable moments of the week, he highlights the visit to Ypres, in Belgium, where he had the opportunity to visit a museum dedicated to the First World War. Encountering personal belongings, works of art, and testimonies left by young soldiers led him to reflect on the human impact of conflicts and on the importance of continuing to promote a culture of peace.
Psychology as a meeting point between cultures
Throughout the Summer School, Pedro Silva found several opportunities to connect the topics under discussion with his studies in Psychology. One example emerged during a session dedicated to Islam, where he identified similarities between the concept of Sa'ādah, associated with well-being and inner happiness, and the concept of self-actualisation found within the Humanistic approach developed by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow. For the student, this connection demonstrated how different cultural traditions can converge in the understanding of human development.
The different lectures and debates also enabled him to deepen his understanding of Europe’s current challenges through perspectives that drew upon fields such as international relations, philosophy, history, and culture. This multidisciplinary approach helped him to recognise that many contemporary debates have deep historical roots and that the promotion of peace requires an ongoing commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and collective responsibility.
The experience also contributed to the development of essential skills for his academic and professional journey, particularly in terms of communication within multicultural contexts. In an environment where English served as the common language among participants of different nationalities, he had the opportunity to work collaboratively, adapt his communication to different interlocutors, and gain insight into new ways of thinking about and interpreting the world.
For Pedro Silva, experiences of this nature are particularly important in the education of Psychology and Education students, as they promote a deeper understanding of people, cultures, and different ways of viewing the world. “This type of project helps us understand how people from different countries and cultures see the world, how language shapes the way we think, and how, contrary to what we are often led to think, we all have far more similarities than differences.”
Pedro Silva’s participation in the “FUCE Summer School European Humanism in the Making”, which took place from 29 June to 3 July 2026 at the Université Catholique de Lille in France, highlights the internationalization opportunities offered to students by the Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, complementing academic learning with educational experiences in international and intercultural settings.
To anyone considering applying for similar initiatives, the student leaves a clear message: “Many decisions need to be carefully considered, but these projects are definitely not among them. These projects are rich in knowledge and personal development and are an excellent opportunity to broaden horizons and transform the way we think and see the world.”