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.
