University of Cantabria hosted the summer school ‘Global Studies in Uncertain Times: Identifying Challenges, Proposing Solutions’, a collaboration between EUNICE European University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (USA)
The EUNICE Summer School on Global Studies 2025 drawn thirty students from across Europe and the United States of America. For over a month, key issues such as globalisation and migration, their relationship with climate change and sustainable development, and the current dispute over global leadership have been discussed. Under the title “Global Studies in Uncertain Times: Identifying Challenges, Proposing Solutions,” the programme explored pressing global issues including migration, climate change, sustainable development, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. The course forms part of EUNICE’s Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), combining online sessions in June with in-person classes held from 3 to 13 July at Santander (Spain).
The course, coordinated by the University of Cantabria (UC, Spain), was attended by faculty from the UC, four other EUNICE partner universities — the University of Catania (Italy), Brandenburg University of Technology in Cottbus (Germany) and the University of Vaasa (Finland) — and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (USA).
According to Luis Muñoz, UC’s Vice-Rector for International Relations and Strategy, the programme exemplifies EUNICE’s dual commitment to European and transatlantic academic cooperation.
Course director Judith Clifton, professor in UC’s Department of Economics, highlighted the importance of equipping students with foundational knowledge in global studies. “In a world marked by uncertainty, students need frameworks to understand international relations and global dynamics,” she said.
The summer school also fostered critical thinking and intercultural collaboration. Students worked in teams to analyse unresolved global issues and present innovative solutions, culminating in a series of final presentations.
Global Competence Certificate
This is one of the many courses that allow UC students to earn the EUNICE Global Competence Certificate, which also registers an Erasmus+ mobility experience and language proficiency benchmarks. Gabriel Moncalián, UC Vice-Rector for University Transformation, emphasised “the value of this certification in enhancing students’ international profiles.” “With initiatives like this, the Spanish region of Cantabria strengthens its position as a hub for academic excellence and global engagementr”, he remarked.
EUNICE continues to offer additional opportunities for global learning, including an introductory MOOC on global studies scheduled for this autumn. Completion of these programmes contributes to the European Degree Supplement, reinforcing UC’s and EUNICE’s commitment to interdisciplinary and international education.
More information: Global Studies in Uncertain Times – Summer School – EUNICE
