Multilingualism and multiculturalism: the ideal summer holiday?
Over the past 20 years of the project, more than 50.000 young Europeans participated in the "Summer University" programme which takes place in 41 countries.
The Summer University is a two-week event organised by an AEGEE (the European Students' Association), bringing together between 25 and 50 students from all over Europe. "Young people from more than 20 different nationalities travel across Europe to participate together in multicultural programmes, language courses, thematic workshops and other activities that are organised in about 100 cities", said Theijs van Welij, President of AEGEE-Europe.
A recent survey showed that many young people improve their language skills during non formal learning activities. The reactions show that the multicultural experience has a big impact on the participants: "The Summer University in Krakow made me aware that European Level exists, after meeting so many different people from different cultures and backgrounds, made me willing to get activated and shape the youth agenda in my city", said Thomas Heer, a student from Aachen.
The 20th edition of AEGEE's Summer University project will include the first multilingualism Summer University, to take place in München (Germany). Furthermore several events can host disabled people and the impact of the Bologna Process on Non Formal Education activities will be a topic of discussion.
Note to the journalist:
AEGEE (www.aegee.org) is one of the biggest interdisciplinary student associations in Europe; it is represented by 15.000 students, active in 235 academic cities, in 41 countries all around Europe, which presents amazing culture variety. AEGEE is a secular, non-profit organization, not linked to any political party. In order to really promote international co-operation and avoid creating any physical or mental borders AEGEE does not recognize any national level or national administration in its unique organizational structure. All projects and activities are based on voluntarily work of its members.