SpaCIE – Spain Center for International Education

In the summer of 2022, I had the chance to attend the 'Summer School: Multidisciplinary Approach to Climate Change' in Madrid. I’ve always been interested in climate change and even joined climate protests in Belgium, which inspired me to study geography. After finishing my first year of college, I wanted to learn more and this summer school was the perfect opportunity. One of the best things about the program was how it covered a different subject each day. This approach helped me see climate change from multiple angles, including science, politics, economics, and society. It wasn’t just focused on geography, and that made me think in new ways and understand the bigger picture. The people I met were also a big part of why this experience was so great. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and we all had a shared passion for climate issues. Many of the people I met, I am still in touch with. I fell in love with the city of Madrid, even during a heatwave :). I found the class on glaciology so interesting that I decided to focus my bachelor thesis on Antarctica and how climate change affects it. When I got back to my university, I wanted to make sure more students could have opportunities like this. As a student representative, I worked to get summer schools recognized for academic credit. Now, students in my department can earn credits for similar programs. Going to this summer school also gave me the courage to apply for longer study programs abroad. It felt like a smaller version of an exchange program, which made me more confident about applying for Erasmus. I’ll be studying abroad next year! If you’re thinking about doing a summer school, I’d say go for it. It’s a great way to learn more, meet new people, and gain confidence in yourself.

I had a really great time in Madrid, which i spent with nice and friendly people from all around the world. The organisation was also great and university provided a nice space for this summer school.

Attending the Multidisciplinary approach to Climate Change Summer School 2021 was a unique and unforgettable experience, one of the most meaningful moments of my academic and personal journey. While I was finishing university, I strongly wanted to enrich my path with a summer school, and when I discovered this opportunity in the vibrant and beautiful city of Madrid, I didn’t think twice about signing up. Madrid, with its contagious energy, welcoming atmosphere, and stunning beauty, provided the perfect backdrop for this adventure. The Summer School was a 10/10 experience in every way. From the very first day, a special bond was formed with the participants—young people from all over Europe with whom I shared not only lessons but also moments of growth, laughter, and discovery. The academic program exceeded my expectations: every topic on climate change was incredibly engaging and explored in depth, thanks to the involvement of highly qualified professionals and experts. Each lecture was a journey into the world of sustainability, environmental policies, and innovative solutions to tackle the most pressing challenge of our time. What truly made this experience extraordinary, however, was everything that surrounded it: after the lessons, the trips and activities organized allowed us to explore Madrid and its wonders, creating unforgettable memories that I will cherish forever. I highly recommend this Summer School to anyone eager to broaden their horizons, meet amazing people, and immerse themselves in a unique educational and cultural experience. I can assure you that it will be an adventure you won’t regret! ?✨