This week, the classes of the seventh edition of the UPF international summer school are starting, with a new, extended academic programme and the participation of 195 students, 92 from UPF and 103 international students.

The international students come from more than 15 countries, thus consolidating this school as a quality academic programme in all areas of knowledge of UPF and in which diversity in the classroom creates a true international environment for learning and discussion on issues of global interest.

The 103 international students come from 15 different countries

During the welcome ceremony, which took place on Friday, 22 June, the academic director of the BISS, professor Marc Sanjaume, reminded those in attendance that the 21 subjects that make up the catalogue of the Barcelona International Summer School have been designed to allow students to gain advanced credits in the summer with a highly applied, multidisciplinary approach, at classes given by UPF lecturers and guest specialists.

This year, the BISS programme presents subjects of varying length, with a modular, flexible structure, and is complemented by a programme of activities that make the city of Barcelona and the surrounding region a stage for studying outside the classroom as well. The participants have already been on some cultural trips, such as a visit to the monastery of Montserrat.

An interdisciplinary programme through a practical approach

The interdisciplinary academic programme includes subjects of practical thinking. art and culture; economics and innovation; global cities, justice and rights; media and social dialogue; mind, life and the environment; social analysis and methods and data.

The subjects are available in Catalan, Spanish and English, and are designed as an invitation to think and learn beyond the traditional disciplines. The programme is divided into courses of five, three, two and one weeks, between 25 June and 27 July, which can be combined flexibly. All the subjects studied will be recognized by ECTS credits.

Lecturers of the University will share their current lines of research, going beyond the established studies, with the participating students, who will approach them from a practical and applied perspective, often involving field work. In addition, they will also be able to monitor their independent research projects.