News: Dec 17, 2019
The University of Gothenburg is now offering an international summer academy; Summer School for Sustainability. In July, 200 students from all over the world will gather in Gothenburg to take part in a programme of academic courses and social activities, all linked to Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
“The University of Gothenburg is at the forefront of sustainability work in teaching and research, and the university is ranked as 6th in the world in our work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Through the summer school we will be able to share our knowledge and experiences on sustainability to students from all around the world”, says Lina Erlandsson, project manager for the summer school.
The courses are open to exchange students as well as Swedish students. In total, there are six different full-time courses at undergraduate level. All teaching will take place at Campus Pedagogen, the premises of Faculty of Education in the centre of Gothenburg, and accommodation is arranged in student housing at the residence Olofshöjd.
There will be interdisciplinary seminars and an extensive social programme with activities, all aiming to create synergy around sustainable solutions and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
“Sustainability requires collaboration and working across subject boundaries. The students will learn from each other, from their different cultures and academic backgrounds. They will develop knowledge around sustainability challenges within their own academic discipline, as well as skills necessary to contribute towards fulfilling Agenda 2030”, says Lina Erlandsson.
The launch of the summer school is partly due to demand from international partners, says Mette Sandoff, deputy Vice-Chancellor, responsible for issues regarding education.
“Many students find it difficult to perform an exchange for a whole semester, but find it easier to do a short-term mobility. Through the summer school, we broaden the accessibility so that more students get the opportunity to take part in our range of courses. Besides, it is during a nice period of the year, the summer is beautiful in Gothenburg”, she says.
This is the first university-wide summer school offered by the university, and is meant to be a long-term undertaking after the trial this summer.
The faculties offering courses are: Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Science, Sahlgrenska Academy and School of Business, Economics and Law. Gothenburg Center for Sustainable Development (GMV) contributes with its experience in the matter, and Welcome Services is responsible for arrival, accommodation and social activities. The International Centre coordinates the project.
Course date: July 6-31
Agenda 2030: The Global Goals for Sustainable Development were adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015 and consist of 17 goals to achieve a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable development in the world by 2030.
Contact: Lina Erlandsson, project manager for the Summer School for Sustainability, International Centre
Originally published on: medarbetarportalen.gu.se
