Explore. Dream. Discover. 1000 days of summer. These words are something that you have probably seen a lot during the last couple of months in the context of the Summer University Project. The Summer University Coordination Team of 2012 chose this as the motto for the Summer University (SU) 2012, this year’s edition. But you may ask why?
To explore, according to wordreference.com, is to investigate, examine and travel in an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it. To dream is to see or imagine as in a dream; to contemplate as imaginably possible. Discover on the other hand, is to be the first one to find something, to make something known and to reveal it.
SU participants in Peiraias in 2009
Wide range of themes
So how are these three words connected with the Summer University project actually? Well, firstly, by participating in a Summer University you are given the chance to learn something new apart from the usual cultural aspect. Every Summer University has a specific theme around which most activities will revolve. It means that you will be provided with intensive courses on various fascinating topics, such as European integration, environmental protection, photography, dancing, cooking, etc. For instance, participants of the Traveling Summer University of AEGEE-Helsinki and AEGEE-Tallinn “FinEst Design” will have the opportunity to visit unique places and take part in workshops using their own creativity there through a platform of design! Another example is the Summer Course organised by AEGEE-Patra and AEGEE-Peiraias in cooperation with the Information Technology Committee of AEGEE where they are offering a unique dive into the IT systems of AEGEE while tasting the Greek culture. These are just two examples out of the 82 Summer Universities of 2012.
“How you met our country”
“How you met our country” is the title of the Summer University which will be organised by AEGEE-Santander this year, and indeed a Summer University is an exceptional cultural exchange. You go to a foreign country expecting to find out more about its traditions and people, maybe grasp some vocabulary as well. But in the end you discover with surprise that you are leaving learning a way more than that! During those two weeks you were practicing how to say “good morning” in six different languages, to dance “syrtaki” even though you were in Poland and to sing different songs from all over Europe! You motivate and teach others and others inspire you. You enjoy a lot and at the end they are your friends and every single person in the group share moments they shared and different stories and experiences from their countries and past events.
Before you go, you dream of it. You try to imagine how it will be, which places you will visit and you cannot wait to meet all those new interesting people! When it finishes, you dream about it and you just do not want it to be over. What you really want is a repetition of it!
365 days a year, but 1000 days of summer
“500 days of summer” is a movie title but not the overall inspiration for the theme 1000 days of summer! What does this mean then? Does this mean three years of Summer Universities? No! 1000 days is a sum of all the days of the Summer Universities in 2011. In 2012 it is a little bit more, but anyway the idea remains the same.
Explore. Dream. Discover.
1000 days of summer.
Welcome to a brand new world. Welcome to the world where you will be given the chance to explore, dream and discover. Explore your limits and the unlimited beautiful and inspiring places that exist all around the European continent. Dream about your future; imagine yourself after having experienced a true multicultural exchange. Discover yourself, discover people around you, discover new places. Let yourself try and choose. Choose between 1000 days of summer! Do not miss that!
Written by Hara Kogkou, AEGEE-Peiraias