Junior Summer School 2025 in Pescara – Learning through Mindfulness and Nature

Five days of learning, reflection, and exploration in the heart of Abruzzo.

The Junior Summer School 2025 in Pescara took place from 26 to 30 May 2025 at the Università degli Studi “G. d’Annunzio” in Chieti–Pescara. Organised within the INGENIUM European University framework, it offered students a unique opportunity to combine personal growth, well-being, and cultural exchange.

Participants from across Europe gathered to explore how awareness, creativity, and connection can shape the student experience. In the long term, these tools can help build a more open and inclusive Europe.

🎤 A mindful welcome — with music and meaning

The week opened with a warm and inspiring institutional ceremony. Ana Isabel Álvarez González, Director of INGENIUM EU, highlighted the strategic value of such experiences for building a shared European identity.

Additionally, the event featured contributions from Ud’A representatives — Marcello Costantini, Tania Zulli, Enrichetta Soccio, and Paolo Esposito — and greetings from Maria Rita Carota, Deputy Mayor of Pescara.

🎶 A musical interlude by Federica Di Rocco (soprano) and Massimiliano Caporale (piano) gave the ceremony an emotional and poetic close.

🧘‍♀️ Learning through mindfulness and nature

Every morning began with a moment of calm and body awareness. Yoga sessions by Valentina Albertazzi and meditation practices led by Soonil Hwang helped students connect with themselves and each other.

The core programme was the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults, directed by Paul Nolan from Munster Technological University. For four days, students explored mental well-being, stress regulation, and growth through practical and reflective activities.

Reflections from the Junior Summer School 2025 in Pescara – Learning through Mindfulness and Nature

Lectures offered fresh perspectives on creativity, identity, and transformation.

Pierluigi Sacco introduced students to the social power of culture and the economy of meaning. Luke Hanna and Mariaconcetta Nieli explored topics of lifestyle design and self-awareness in education. Soonil Hwang brought philosophical depth through group dialogue and mindfulness theory.

Together with a hands-on workshop by Humana Analytics, the academic component helped students build empathy, curiosity, and collaboration.

🌄 Experiencing the territory — kayaking, hiking, and discovery

Beyond the classroom, students immersed themselves in nature. With the support of Majellando, they explored the Costa dei Trabocchi by kayak, bike, and foot.

This physical connection with the landscape was more than an activity — it was part of the learning process. Students reflected, shared, and reconnected through nature’s rhythms and beauty.

 

💙 What we carry forward

We listened, we shared, we learned.
We built connections that crossed cultures and languages.
We experienced what it means to grow together — mindfully, naturally, and as Europeans.

The Junior Summer School 2025 in Pescara – Learning through Mindfulness and Nature was not just an academic event. It was a human experience of what a European university can become.

🔜 What’s next?

The journey continues.

The 10 Days of INGENIUM Winter 2026 will take place at:

  • 🇷🇴 Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași → 26–30 January

  • 🇸🇪 University of Skövde → 2–6 February

🟦 Discover more about the 10 Days of INGENIUM:
https://ingenium-university.eu/10days

🌐 Learn more about the Erasmus+ European University Initiative:
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu