European Summer School

Core training event for experienced Trainers from our network

Every year, experienced trainers from all over Europe come together in Germany and take part in a 4-day training program in order to become Peer Educators. Through participating in diverse and intensive courses, they are prepared for conducting trainings for trainers in their own project countries.

Participants learn about Understanding Europe ’s educational approach, related didactic methods and how these translate into our workshops on Europe, media and participation. In addition, they are coached on how to develop educational materials and how to adapt it to specific target groups.

European Summer School 2022 © Stefanie Loos

The program includes training on methods of inclusive and discrimination-sensitive democratic citizenship education as well as on the examination of own attitudes, values ​​and privileges. The European Summer School offers a transnational meeting space for young, committed Europeans. In an environment of productive exchange and open-minded dialogue they can strengthen their educational and democratic competencies for active participation in pluralistic societies.

European Summer School 2025

The European Summer School took place in September 26-29 2025 at the Jugendherberge in Berlin-Wannsee.

Peer Educators 2024-2025

Sara-Yael Ionescu

UE Romania
Being a Peer Educator enables me to make more of a difference in my community. I am thankful for having been given this opportunity and I am excited for the year ahead.

Alisia Arnold

UE Germany
It’s incredible to think that just one year after joining UEG, I’ve stepped into the role of Peer Educator. Guiding and training others is a meaningful responsibility—one I embrace with pride to foster democratic engagement and empower active participation among young people in Germany.

Adriani Nikolaou

UE Greece
In challenging times for democracy and freedom, it is our duty to stand up for fundamental rights, equality and inclusion, while promoting democratic participation. Being a Peer Educator for Understanding Europe is my way of making sure that the younger generations are closer to the values we stand for as a network.

Bensu Ünal

UE Türkiye
Being a Peer Educator means that I can participate in the network and its contents in a more effective way, along with being involved in my country's team. I'm looking forward to the open discussions and the sharing of ideas!

Margarida Moreira

UE Portugal
As a Peer Educator for the Understanding Europe network, I aim to create a safe space where young people can develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a democratic society through meaningful discussions. Through the peer-to-peer approach, it is not only about helping young people understand the complexity of European institutions, but also about developing a sense of connection and shared values.

Efe Kayra Soylu

UE Türkiye
Being a Peer Educator in Understanding Europe means creating a space of mutual learning — where you not only share your own knowledge, skills, and experiences, but also constantly learn from new trainers and participants. To me, it’s about connecting with others through a friendly and determined spirit, inspiring each other to grow, and making education a collaborative journey rather than a one-way process.

Vladyslava Yurchenko

UE Ukraine
Being a Peer Educator in Understanding Europe Ukraine means giving my country a voice in the European dialogue and showing how our experiences and values enrich the shared vision of Europe. It’s a chance to empower young people to think critically, engage actively, and believe that their voices matter — both in Ukraine and beyond.

Radislava Makhonina

UE Ukraine
Being a Peer Educator in Understanding Europe means inspiring young people to think critically about Europe, democracy, and their role in shaping the future. I’m motivated by the chance to create open, youth-driven discussions and to learn from others’ perspectives. I look forward to building connections across cultures and growing as a facilitator.

Evita Pagona

UE Greece
I’m really excited to be part of Understanding Europe Greece as a Peer Educator! This role gives me the chance to work closely with Trainers who are equally passionate about promoting active citizenship. I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions with them about how we can empower young people to embrace European values while also understanding the functioning of the European Union. I believe that UE Greece could have a great impact in schools by helping students to understand their rights and responsibilities as European citizens.

Beatriz Pereira

UE Portugal
It involves sharing reliable information and diverse perspectives to foster informed engagement with the European project, rather than simply lecturing. Ultimately, it means empowering others to better understand and participate in shaping Europe's future.

Anahit Gzryan

UE Armenia
It means engaging in meaningful conversations and creating a learning environment where new perspectives are always unfolding.

Ole

UE Germany
Being a Peer Educator in Understanding Europe means using my own experience to empower other trainers, giving them the preparation and confidence they need to lead diverse classroom formats. At the same time, it’s important to me to foster thoughtful reflection on the didactic principles that guide our work. I’m motivated by the chance to support others, strengthen our network, and grow together as educators.