Kick-off Session: Western Michigan University Essential Studies Program

 

Through SiPN’s 2024 Summer Program, students from Western Michigan University are participating in an academic journey in Lisbon during July, engaging in four courses focused on global challenges within Portugal’s cultural context – “WMU Essential Studies Program ”. These courses are open and have enrolled other US-based students from other universities and colleges across the US as they have been cross-listed at ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon – a SiPN founding local academic partner. 

This four-week program began with an “Exploring Contemporary Portugal” session hosted at the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) auditorium, the organization behind the SiPN program. The session was moderated by Prof. Michael Baum, a political scientist and FLAD’s Executive Board member.

António Vicente, an official of the European Commission and Assistant Professor at Nova School of Business and Economics, discussed Portugal’s path to EU membership, highlighting the 1974 revolution and the economic and legislative advancements following EU accession in 1986.

Francisco Ferreira, Associate Professor with the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering of the NOVA School of Science and Technology and a researcher in CENSE – Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research and President of ZERO, addressed environmental policies, emphasizing Portugal’s aim for climate neutrality by 2045 and the importance of coordinated efforts to combat climate change. 

Sílvia Lopes Professor at the NOVA National School of Public Health, discussed the Portuguese Health System, noting challenges like high out-of-pocket expenses and the impact of climate change and aging on healthcare expenditures within the overall Portuguese social welfare system.

Likewise, Jorge Malheiros, Associate Professor at the Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning at the University of Lisbon, examined demographic changes in Portugal, including an aging population and evolving migration patterns, providing insights into socio-spatial inequalities and global migration trends.

The majority of the students are taking two courses from the following curricular options: Exploring Leadership in a Changing World, Environmental and Cultural Studies in Lisbon, Culture, Social Problems, and Social Change, and Health Care Ethics.  These courses combine theoretical and practical knowledge, enhancing students’ ability to address contemporary global challenges with numerous visits to local NGOs, enterprises, guest lectures, etc.

FLAD/SiPN wishes to express its gratitude to Western Michigan University and its Haenicke Institute for Global Education team for selecting Lisbon as a “WMU Global Hub”, with SiPN as its on-site partner. In this inaugural year, we underline the role of the 4 faculty leaders: Prof. Angela Groves (Nursing); Prof. Charles Crawford (Sociology/Criminal Justice); Prof. Deirdre Courtney (Intercultural and Anthropological Studies), and Prof.Eric Archer (Educational Leadership, Research and Technology) who have created a template for future collaboration.

 

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Life changing lecture

My brother had always encouraged me to study abroad and the start of my junior year seemed like the perfect time to start that adventure. I drew my inspiration for choosing Lisbon, Portugal from my anthropology professor and the many stories he told about living in Portugal and falling in love with the language, food, the people, and the culture. 

Natalie Castilleja
University of Missouri Kansas City

SiPN
5.0
2019-02-04T11:40:52+00:00

Natalie Castilleja
University of Missouri Kansas City

Life changing lecture My brother had always encouraged me to study abroad and the start of my junior year seemed 

Finding Her in Heritage

Growing up with immigrant parents I guess you could say that I had a different upbringing compared to most of my peers. Of course, there were times when cultures would clash leaving me stuck between my Portuguese and American identities, but over time I learned to embrace the best of two worlds. I had always wanted to visit mainland Portugal, but I never thought that I would get to experience living here which has provided me with an even better experience than I could have imagined. Studying abroad wasn’t originally part of my academic plans, but here I am in my senior year and this is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Diane Fontes University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

SiPN
5.0
2020-07-29T16:18:34+00:00

Diane Fontes University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Finding Her in Heritage Growing up with immigrant parents I guess you could say that I had a different upbringing 

From Grandparents to Me

Having grandparents from the Azores growing up, I thought I had a good understanding of Portuguese culture. I figured my trips to the Azores as a teenager, eating bacalhau and seeing my traditionally dressed grandmother cook octopus on Christmas made me an expert on the Portuguese experience. However when I arrived, I realized The Portuguese people are young, and Lisbon is culturally diverse and thriving city. 

Derek Robidoux
University of Massachusetts Amherst

SiPN
5.0
2017-03-13T11:54:16+00:00

Derek Robidoux
University of Massachusetts Amherst

From Grandparents to Me Having grandparents from the Azores growing up, I thought I had a good understanding of Portuguese 

Across Four Continents

Long story short, I received a scholarship for my study abroad but with the condition that I study in Bahia, Brazil. That year changed my life and lead me to study abroad another semester in Florianópolis Brazil and earn a minor in Portuguese. As an advanced speaker of Portuguese being in Lisbon is a dream come true to be living my day to day life in the Portuguese language. Even the walk to the grocery store is never dull when you are surrounded by history and smiling Portuguese faces. 

Samuel Orlowski
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

SiPN
5.0
2019-02-04T11:33:43+00:00

Samuel Orlowski
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Across Four Continents Long story short, I received a scholarship for my study abroad but with the condition that I 

Another piece to the melting pot

Studying abroad seemed like the perfect opportunity to do this. I must admit, before coming to Portugal, if someone asked me where Lisbon was I would have had no clue. This however actually gives great insight as to why I chose Portugal as my study abroad destination. The chance to come to a place I had no knowledge of seemed like another great time to expose myself to beautiful new places, people, and things.

Liz Bovell
University of Connecticut

SiPN
5.0
2019-02-04T11:44:07+00:00

Liz Bovell
University of Connecticut

Another piece to the melting pot Studying abroad seemed like the perfect opportunity to do this. I must admit, before 

Happy coincidence

I started learning Portuguese by accident. I spent the majority of my life learning Spanish as a second language. Although my dad is from Peru, I never spoke Spanish with him growing up. I think this is how my love of languages arose. Frustrated that I never learned the language of my dad’s family, in school I dedicated myself to learning Spanish and to sounding as “Peruvian” as possible. Now, two and a half years later, I am a Spanish and Portuguese major studying abroad in Lisbon, Portugal. I never imagined that I would learn to speak Portuguese as quickly as I have, or that I would come to love the Portuguese-speaking world as much as I loved learning Spanish.

Claudia Bellido
Emory University

SiPN
5.0
2019-02-04T11:14:26+00:00

Claudia Bellido
Emory University

Happy coincidence I started learning Portuguese by accident. I spent the majority of my life learning Spanish as a second 

Positive Impact

Studying in Portugal was one of the best experiences of my life! I’ll always remember the friendships I made and the wonderful memories from traveling all over the country. I learned about Portuguese culture which has influenced me in profound ways that I treasure very much.

Mila Barzdukas
Emory University

SiPN
5.0
2019-02-04T12:00:57+00:00

Mila Barzdukas
Emory University

Positive Impact Studying in Portugal was one of the best experiences of my life! I’ll always remember the friendships I 
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