Exploring Sustainable Futures in Kalmar: Students Reflect on EUniWell Summer School 2025
03/09/2025 | by Karin Wickenberg
Two students from Germany and France share their experiences from the EUniWell Summer School in Kalmar, Sweden — a week filled with academic insights, intercultural exchange, and cinnamon buns.
What happens when students from across Europe gather in Kalmar to explore sustainable futures?
This summer, Linnaeus University hosted the EUniWell Summer School 2025, offering two blended intensive programs (BIPs) focused on Sustainable Democracy and Governance and Scandinavian Tourism Management. The courses ran online from 9 June to 11 July, with a mandatory on-site week in Kalmar from 23 to 27 June. Students not only engaged in high-level academic seminars but also participated in cultural excursions to Kalmar Castle and Öland, including visits to Station Linné and the Ottenby Bird Observatory.
Among the participants were Gabriel Hofmann, a student from Inalco, Paris, France, and Freya Middendorf, from the University of Cologne, Germany. Their reflections offer a glimpse into the transformative power of international education.
Democracy, Dialogue, and… Fika
Gabriel chose the course on Sustainable Democracy and Governance to deepen his understanding of political science and validate academic credits. “The seminars were extremely interesting,” he says, “especially thanks to the diversity of guest lecturers from Kosovo, South Africa, and Spain.” For Gabriel, the Swedish academic system’s interdisciplinary and student-centered approach was a highlight, as was the warm and welcoming atmosphere at Linnaeus University.
But it wasn’t all theory and debate. “Between deep discussions about participatory governance and civic rights, I also hoped to master the art of fika,” Gabriel laughs. “That sacred Swedish pause where cinnamon buns and meaningful conversations come together in perfect harmony.”
Tourism with a Purpose
Freya, who studies Management, Economics, and Social Sciences, joined the Scandinavian Tourism Management course. “I first heard about the summer school while on exchange in Taiwan,” she explains. “Even though the topic isn’t directly related to my degree, I saw it as a chance to broaden my academic horizons.”
Freya appreciated the international classroom and the interactive format. “Each session offered something unique, and the group discussions were incredibly enriching.” She’s also considering pursuing a Master’s degree in Sweden, and the summer school gave her a taste of student life in Kalmar. “I’m especially curious about how sustainability is integrated into the local community and environment.”
A Week to Remember
The EUniWell Summer School 2025 was more than just a learning experience — it was a celebration of diversity, dialogue, and discovery. Students like Gabriel and Freya left Kalmar not only with new knowledge but also with new friendships and a deeper appreciation for European collaboration.
Further Information
- Find out more about Station Linné: https://www.stationlinne.se/en/
- Find out more about Kalmar Castle: https://kalmarslott.se/en/
Contact
For questions about the Summer School, please contact euniwell.wp11[at]lnu.se.
