The European Summer School for Peer Educators 2026 began on Thursday, August 27, with the arrival of participants and an initial team-building session with Understanding Europe and EYP. After lunch, the programme officially opened with an opening ceremony, followed by a tour of the university and a visit to its planetarium. In the afternoon, participants continued with further team-building activities and an introductory session before taking part in a diversity training focused on bias in technology and AI. The first day concluded with a shared dinner and a transfer back to the hotel.
On Friday, August 28, the programme focused on developing participants’ knowledge and practical skills for their work within Understanding Europe. The day began with a check-in, followed by a session on competencies for democratic culture and the didactical principles of Understanding Europe, as well as an input from an external speaker. Participants then explored the World Café toolbox and materials before continuing with a session on facilitation basics. In the afternoon, the focus shifted to peer educator resources, including qualification strategies, documents, manuals, T4T modules, checklists, and folders, followed by a session on T4T knowledge. The day also included a UE-EYP exchange slot and a cultural activity in the city, before concluding with a picnic dinner in the Sea Garden.
Saturday, August 29, combined cultural experiences with practical training and fellowship activities. The day began with cultural activities, followed by a group picture and a post-lunch check-in. In the afternoon, participants took part in parallel training sessions, including a T4T simulation and a session on Europe, before continuing with two fellowship sessions focused on exchange and collaboration. After dinner and a transfer to the hotel, participants had the opportunity to come together informally during an evening get-together.
Sunday, August 30, the final day of the European Summer School, was dedicated to reflection, exchange, and looking ahead. Following breakfast and a morning check-in, participants took part in an Open Space session, providing an opportunity for open and participant-led discussion. This was followed by an outlook on the upcoming year and the next steps within the Understanding Europe network, including ways to stay involved and connected. The programme concluded with an evaluation and feedback session before participants departed.
