With the support of the Faculty of Education and Psychology, two students travelled to Estonia to take part in an international initiative on circular creativity.
Mariana Teixeirinha Gomes and Giovana Pires Fonseca, both students from the Faculty of Education and Psychology at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP-UCP), were selected to attend the “Transform4Europe Summer School 2025” in Tallinn, Estonia. The international event, focusing on "Creative Circularity", took place from 11 to 15 August 2025, bringing together young people from various nationalities and disciplines to reflect on innovative and sustainable solutions for current global challenges.
For Mariana Teixeirinha Gomes, who is currently in her 3rd year of a Psychology degree at FEP-UCP, participating in this Summer School was "a unique opportunity to deepen my knowledge of sustainable and innovative practices from an international and interdisciplinary perspective." She was involved in the "Recrafted: A Workshop for Shoe & Bag Upcycling," a practical experience that combined creativity and sustainability by transforming used accessories into items with new aesthetic and functional value.
Giovana Pires Fonseca, also a 3rd-year Psychology student at FEP-UCP, joined the "Green Transformer Student Challenge," a collaborative challenge that brought together students from various fields to develop sustainable projects with real impact. "Although the topic was new to me, I took on this experience as a challenge that allowed me to expand my horizons, take risks, and learn in a creative way," she shared.
The Importance of "Circular Creativity"
Both students highlighted the importance of the "circular creativity" concept, which is also a psychological exercise. By combining innovation and environmental responsibility, it stimulates skills such as cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, and intergenerational and intercultural empathy. In addition to the academic enrichment, Mariana and Giovana emphasised their pride and responsibility in representing the Faculty of Education and Psychology, the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, and the Transform4Europe alliance on an international stage, reinforcing the values of collaboration, sustainability, and innovation.
"Encouraging participation in international programmes is part of the Faculty of Education and Psychology's strategy," says Patrícia Oliveira-Silva, a professor and Vice-Director for Global Positioning at FEP-UCP, who supported the students throughout the application and preparation process.
"These opportunities don't happen by chance. They are the result of the Faculty's clear commitment to stand by our students, support them, and encourage them to apply for international experiences. The internationalisation of Higher Education only makes sense if students experience it as protagonists, and our role is to provide the initial push: to prepare, encourage, find paths, and open doors. Every international experience can transform an academic journey, but it can also, above all, transform the person who lives it," she states.
Participation in this Summer School also demonstrates the true meaning of being part of a European alliance, such as Transform4Europe (T4EU). "We are part of a network of partners who share values and who transform opportunities into tangible experiences, allowing our students to grow as global citizens," concludes Patrícia Oliveira-Silva.
"Taking part in an international programme is a transformative experience"
Now back in Portugal, Mariana and Giovana bring not only new skills and international contacts but also the desire to apply and multiply the knowledge they've gained, inspiring other colleagues to embrace international experiences.
As they both advise: "Apply without hesitation. Taking part in an international programme is a transformative experience — not only for the academic learning but also for the human connections, the intercultural living, and the opportunity to grow outside your comfort zone."
