Dzavie Torikian, a student at Antonine University’s (UA) Faculty of Music and Musicology, participated in the seventh edition of the FUCE Summer School 2026, entitled “European Humanism in the Making of Peace.” Organized by the European Federation of Catholic Universities (FUCE) and hosted by the Université Catholique de Lille (UCLille) in France, the one-week program brought together students from FUCE member universities across Europe and beyond.

Centered on European humanism, dialogue, solidarity, and responsible citizenship, the multidisciplinary program invited participants to explore European identity, history, and culture while examining questions of peacebuilding, civic engagement, and the role of humanism in responding to contemporary societal challenges.

Throughout the week, lectures by scholars and experts were complemented by group assignments, collaborative discussions, reflective sessions, and interactive workshops. Together, these activities created space for students to exchange perspectives, strengthen their critical thinking, and engage with peers from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds.

Some of that learning took on more experiential forms. During a creative writing workshop, participants composed original stories inspired by the themes of the Summer School, while a European Parliament simulation offered practical insight into European institutions, democratic processes, and collective decision-making.

The experience also extended beyond the classroom and into places shaped by European history. Participants explored the city of Lille and visited the historic sites of Flanders Fields and Ypres, where the themes discussed throughout the program took on a more tangible dimension through reflections on war, remembrance, peace, and reconciliation. Two evening lectures, open to a wider audience, further extended the conversation around contemporary European issues.

At the end of the week, participants presented their collaborative work and the stories developed throughout the program. For Dzavie, the Summer School offered more than an academic experience: it provided an opportunity to encounter different perspectives, build international connections, and reflect on the role of engaged citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world.

The mobility contributed to SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through international learning experiences such as this one, UA continues to expand opportunities for students to learn across cultures, engage responsibly with global challenges, and develop the openness, dialogue, and sense of citizenship needed to contribute meaningfully within and beyond their communities.