Summer School 2018 on ‘Refugee and Migrant Crisis: New challenges of integration’

Another successful Summer School took place at the University of Sheffield International Faculty CITY College, offering an exciting learning experience for a diverse group of students coming from many different countries and universities (including students from the University of Sheffield, UK). Entitled ‘Refugee and Migrant Crisis: New challenges of integration’. Jointly organised by The University of Sheffield International Faculty CITY College and the University’s Department of Politics and Department of Sociological Studies, the course took place between 25 June and 3 July 2018 at the main campus of the International Faculty in Thessaloniki.

This year’s Summer School focused on making students aware of the post-2014 migrant crisis, its wider political, economic and social implications and the new challenges rising from refugee integration, through a series of lectures, workshops, guest speeches and volunteering.

The course’s main themes and activities comprised of lectures, workshops, experiential learning, group work, coaching sessions and volunteering, making it particularly diverse and interesting for participants.

The academic part of the curriculum was enriched with a series of expert guest speakers who shared with students their experiences. Guest expert speakers who joined the Summer School represented organizations such as the UNHCR, ARSIS, Perichoresis and the Municipality of Thessaloniki. Additionally participants had the chance to volunteer with the NGO Perichoresis in the town of Katerini and to have a discussion with refugees from the temporary refugee settlement of Diavata as part of the NGO Arsis’s activities linked to integrating youth.   

Academic lectures were delivered by the following academics:

• Dr Vassilis Chatzibirros (Lecturer, Psychology Department, International Faculty of the University of Sheffield - CITY College)
• Dr Manos Maragkoudakis (Associate Professor, Computer and Communication Systems Department, University of the Aegean)
• Prof. Sarah Neal (Professor, Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield)
• Dr Alexandra Prodromidou (SEERC Research Associate, Lecturer, Business Administration and Economics Department, International Faculty of the University of Sheffield)
• Dr Miltiadis Sarigiannidis (Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, Aristotle University)
• Dr Joseph Turner (Research Fellow in International Migration, Department of Politics, The University of Sheffield)
• Dr Marcia Vera Espinoza (Research Associate, Department of Politics, University of Sheffield)
• Dr Dimitris Xefteris (Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, University of Cyrpus)

The Summer School included a visit to the Municipality of Thessaloniki, where Ms Virginia Politi, Head of Social Policy of the Municipality of Thessaloniki and Coordinator of ‘REACT’, welcomed all students and talked to them about the efforts made by the Municipality of Thessaloniki regarding the issues arising from managing the migrant crisis and facilitating the integration of refugees and asylum seekers in Thessaloniki.

The on-site visits to Perichoresis in Katerini and volunteering at refugee settlements were a very powerful experience for student participants and gave them invaluable insights. 

As always the programme included various social activities, including sightseeing in Thessaloniki and a day trip to the sandy beaches of Chalkidki. 

Participating students reported that the programme exceeded their expectations and left very positive feedback.

The International Faculty organises Summer Schools every year on different timely topics and welcomes students from various countries across the region, including students from the University of Sheffield, UK.