An international summer at the Faculty of Law

This summer, The Université Catholique de Lille reaffirmed its commitment to international openness and academic excellence by hosting two major events: the European Summer Program (ESP) and the Summer School of the European & Lebanese Federation of Catholic Universities (FUCE). Held in the Robert Schuman building – Faculty of Law, these initiatives have strengthened our position as a centre for knowledge and cultural exchange.

The European Summer Program: cultural and academic immersion

Launched in 2001, the ESP offers two 4-week sessions, running this year from 22 May to 24 July 2024. The programme provides students and teachers from all over the world the opportunity to discover French culture, while immersing themselves in a stimulating academic and social environment. With almost 300 participants from over 20 different countries, the ESP illustrates the diversity and richness of our international community.

Students can choose from a range of courses in fields such as liberal arts, business and communication, health, European studies, sustainability and science as well as French language.

As always, plenty of excursions were organised, such as Bruges, Brussels and the battlefields of the First World War, as well as more local visits and intercultural activities like the International Evening, during which the students presented to each other aspects of their countries.

FUCE Summer School 2024: reflecting on European Humanism in the age of artificial intelligence

From 1 to 5 July 2024, we also had the honour of hosting the fifth edition of the Summer School ‘European Humanism in the Making’, organised by the European & Lebanese Federation of Catholic Universities (FUCE) and coordinated by the University Centre Saint-Ignatius Antwerp (UCSIA).

Under the theme ‘AI Remaking European Humanism’, around 30 students from across Europe, Ukraine and Lebanon explored the impact of new technologies on humanist values.

This intensive week was punctuated by lectures, group discussions and cultural visits, including a tour of Lille and an outing to the Maison de l’Europe and the Parlementarium in Brussels.

A shared vision for international development and innovation

By hosting parts of both events, the Faculty of Law of the Université Catholique de Lille has demonstrated its key role in promoting cultural diversity and academic innovation. The ESP and the FUCE Summer School share a common vision: to offer students an enriching international experience and prepare them to become enlightened actors in a constantly changing world. Their participation has created long-lasting links and a productive intercultural dialogue.

We are eager to continue in this path and to welcome back students and teachers from around the globe for future editions!