7 – 11 September 2026 | Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal)
The European Rural Youth Observatory (EURYO) is proud to co-organise the 2026 Summer School “Rural Youth Alternative Futures” with Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. This intensive five-day programme brings together researchers, practitioners, PhD students, and community workers to explore inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking approaches to rural development and youth empowerment.
This Summer School offers a unique blend of conceptual foundations, empirical insights, and practice-oriented learningfocused on rural youth lives across Europe. Participants will engage with key issues such as:
Rural youth mobilities and territorial cohesion
Education pathways and skills for rural futures
Youth entrepreneurship and decent work
Community resilience and place-based innovation
Social inclusion and sustainable development
Interactive sessions include keynote lectures, thematic modules, participatory workshops, and discussions designed to deepen understanding of both theory and real-world practice.
A field visit to the Terinov Science and Technology Park offers direct engagement with local entrepreneurs and innovation initiatives in a rural island context — an opportunity to see theory in action and connect with place-based rural development practices.
By participating in the Summer School, you will:
Bridge theory and practice in community-based methodologies.
Acquire participatory methods to engage, mobilise, and empower rural communities.
Analyse structural and emerging rural challenges in Europe.
Develop context-sensitive approaches toward inclusive rural futures.
Build an international professional network with peers and experts.
The Summer School is designed for:
PhD students and early-career researchers interested in rural studies and youth research.
Practitioners, youth workers, and social professionals working with rural communities.
Students and professionals seeking advanced knowledge and practical frameworks to apply in rural development work.
Where: Angra do Heroísmo Interpretive Center, Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal)
When: 7 – 11 September 2026
The school includes 40 hours of interactive training, combining lectures, workshops, and field visits. Angra do Heroísmo’s historic centre — a UNESCO World Heritage site — provides a rich cultural backdrop.
Travel: Terceira Island is served by Aeroporto das Lajes (TER), with direct flights from Lisbon and Porto and connections to major European cities. Local transport from the airport to Angra do Heroísmo is widely available by taxi, private transfer, or rental car.
Accommodation:
Participants’ fees include accommodation (5 nights) at Beira Mar Hotel in Angra do Heroísmo, with breakfast provided.
Early-bird fee (until 30 April 2026): €400 + VAT
Regular fee (until 30 June 2026): €475 + VAT
Fees include: course participation, teaching materials, lunch and coffee breaks during Summer School days, accommodation for five nights, and a Certificate of Attendance.
Participants are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the Summer School will be cancelled with a full refund.
Academic excellence: Learn from internationally recognised experts and researchers.
Interdisciplinary perspective: Gain insights across sociology, policy, education, and community development.
Professional growth: Strengthen your skills and expand your network.
Recognition: Receive both a digital Open Badge and a Certificate of Attendance to showcase your competencies.
The Summer School features an international faculty including:
Francisco Simões — Chair, European Rural Youth Observatory
Elena Marta — Scientific Director, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Adriano Mauro Ellena — Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Paul Flynn — University of Galway
Tatiana Ferreira — Santarém Polytechnic University
Alen Mujčinović — University of Sarajevo
Claudia Petrescu — Institutul de Cercetare a Calităţii Vieţii
João Almeida — Rural Movers (Portugal)