“Summer on Campus” took place from 21 to 25 July with 24 activities in Braga and Guimarães
Over the course of a week, the University of Minho (UMinho) once again became the meeting point for around 400 9th grade and high school students, 120 of whom participated in activities organised by the School of Engineering. Coming from various regions of Portugal – from Chaves to Faro – and representing various nationalities – from the United States of America to the United Kingdom – these young people spent five days at UMinho to immerse themselves in a university environment. The 17th edition of the Summer on Campus programme took place once again on the Braga and Guimarães campuses.
From 21 to 25 July, participants had direct contact with 24 scientific, cultural and vocational activities promoted by UMinho lecturers, researchers, technicians and students. From trying out a new language and doing archaeological excavations to being a scientist for a week, discovering educational environments, engineering and materials of the future, or exploring the fascination of discovering our minds, there was a variety of experiences that stimulated curiosity and helped in making decisions about the academic future.
More than 50 lecturers, researchers, technicians and 40 monitors – students from the university itself – guided the young people on this journey, which combined learning opportunities with unique social experiences. The programme of activities took place in laboratories, classrooms, green spaces on campus and even on the streets of the host cities, revealing university life in all its diversity.
The official launch took place on Monday morning, with welcome sessions at each of the 12 Schools and Institutes of UMinho. The intense week of activity culminated on Friday, 25 July, with the formal closing ceremony by the Pro-Rector for Institutional Communication, Teresa Ruão, at the Gualtar campus, which was attended by representatives of the University’s Schools/Institutes and the Municipal Councils of Braga, Guimarães, Fafe, Barcelos and Póvoa de Lanhoso, partners in the initiative. This session was followed by a snack with all participants, an informal moment of good cheer, conviviality, sharing of experiences, friendships and ‘see you soon’ to UMinho.
Since its inception in 2009, Summer on Campus has welcomed around 6,000 young people from various continents, becoming a benchmark activity at national level for bringing secondary and higher education closer together. As in previous years, the activity is supported by the Casais Group, which provides participants with a welcome kit.
More information and photos of some of the programmes organised by EEUM subunits:
