UNITA BIP “Beyond Borders”: A record-breaking edition for inter-alliance cooperation
The 2025 edition of Beyond Borders: Migrations, Identities, Languages, the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) organized by the University of Turin under the UNITA – Universitas Montium Alliance, marked a new milestone in the internationalization of higher education. Held from July 21st to 25th, this year’s programme set a record in participation, with more than 40 students and staff taking part in a truly European learning experience. What made this edition particularly significant was its inter-alliance dimension. Beyond Borders welcomed participants from both UNITA and the Transform4Europe Alliance, reinforcing synergies between two major European University Alliances and highlighting the potential of cross-network collaboration in addressing global challenges. Focusing on the theme of borders and barriers, the programme offered a rich and interdisciplinary exploration of how physical, social, political, and economic boundaries shape our societies. Students engaged in lectures, interactive workshops, and critical debates, designed to foster reflection on contemporary issues such as migration, identity, inequality, and international cooperation. A diverse group of academic staff contributed to the success of the initiative, including faculty from Saarland University (Germany), a key member of the Transform4Europe Alliance. Their participation added valuable perspectives and enhanced the transnational scope of the discussions. The Beyond Borders BIP continues to consolidate its role as a flagship initiative within the UNITA Alliance, combining academic excellence, intercultural dialogue, and European values. By promoting intensive, short-term mobility in a blended format, the programme reflects the European Commission’s vision of a more connected and inclusive European Education Area. The next edition is already planned for July 2026, and promises to further expand its reach and impact, strengthening partnerships and offering new opportunities for students and staff across Europe to engage in meaningful, interdisciplinary dialogue—beyond borders.
Staff Week Romance.pt
Once again, UBI will host Staff Week Romance.pt from July 14th to 18th, welcoming teaching and administrative staff from its partner universities. This event promises to be a unique opportunity for intercultural and linguistic exchange.
Information webinar – Starting grants on Research – Inclusive societies
Join the informative webinar on July 2nd at 15.00 (CEST) on this link, and learn more about the call Starting grant on Research and the application process! Information on the call: https://www.research.univ-unita.eu/en/events/starting-grant-call-inclusive-societies.html
Information webinar – Starting grants on Research – Global health
Join the informative webinar on July 1st at 15.00 (CEST) on this link, and learn more about the call Starting grant on Research and the application process! Information on the call: https://www.research.univ-unita.eu/en/events/starting-grant-call-global-health.html
UBI Hosts Staff Week Dedicated to Intercomprehension in Romance Languages
he University of Beira Interior (UBI) hosted, for the third time, the Staff Week for Intercomprehension in Romance Languages, within the framework of the UNITA – Universitas Montium alliance. A iniciativa reuniu nove participantes oriundos de instituições parceiras, num programa que combinou formação linguística, partilha intercultural e visitas institucionais. Ao longo de vários dias, os participantes aprofundaram os seus conhecimentos sobre a língua e cultura portuguesas, desenvolveram competências de intercompreensão entre línguas românicas e enriqueceram o vocabulário necessário para comunicar em Português, tanto na forma oral como escrita. Além das atividades letivas, o programa integrou momentos de descoberta cultural. No dia 15 de julho, os participantes tiveram oportunidade de visitar o centro histórico da Covilhã, explorando o património da cidade anfitriã. Já no dia 17, o grupo deslocou-se ao Instituto Politécnico da Guarda (IPG), também membro da aliança UNITA, onde participou numa sessão de intercompreensão durante a manhã e, à tarde, num World Café subordinado ao tema da Cidadania Europeia, em colaboração com os colegas da Tarefa 2.5. O dia terminou com um passeio guiado pelo centro histórico da Guarda, permitindo um contacto direto com a identidade da cidade mais alta de Portugal. Entre os participantes estiveram representantes das instituições parceiras Université Savoie Mont Blanc (USMB) e Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour (UPPA), de França, da Haute École Spécialisée de Suisse Occidentale (HES-SO), da Suíça, bem como da Universidad de Zaragoza (Espanha), da Università degli Studi di Torino (UniTo) e da Università degli Studi di Brescia, ambas de Itália. A semana foi, acima de tudo, uma experiência de partilha e valorização do património linguístico comum, que reforça os laços entre instituições e promove uma verdadeira comunidade académica europeia multilingue.
Chernivtsi National University delegation visits the University of Turin
From July 7 to July 11th, 2025, the University of Turin hosted a delegation of three colleagues from the Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University (CHNU), an associated partner of the UNITA Alliance, within the framework of the Erasmus+ KA171 mobility programme between UniTo and CHNU. The visit marked a significant opportunity to further strengthen academic and administrative cooperation between the two institutions. The week began on Monday with the participation of the CHNU delegation in the UNITA Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) opening session titled “Italian language for staff and teachers”. This session offered an introductory overview of the Italian language and culture, providing a valuable starting point for their immersion into the academic environment of the University of Turin. The delegation was also involved in a cultural walk through the historic city center, organized in collaboration with Erasmus Student Network Torino. On Tuesday, the guests were welcomed at the Department of Humanities and visited the Aldo Moro Library, guided by Professor Roberto Merlo. The visit offered insight into the department’s educational resources and academic organization. The programme continued with a meeting at the International Office of the Hub of Humanities, followed by a guided visit to the Campus Einaudi Library by Dr. Fabio Giuffré. In the afternoon, the group was received at the International office of the Hub of Natural Sciences, where they had the opportunity to explore potential areas of collaboration in scientific education and research. The last day, the delegation toured the LIFE Lab – Laboratory for Innovation in Philosophy and Education, once again accompanied by Dr. Giuffré. The visit emphasized innovative approaches in philosophical and educational practices. The day concluded with a formal meeting with the Academic Committee responsible for the Erasmus+ KA171 agreement at UniTo. This successful mobility visit not only enhanced mutual understanding but also laid the groundwork for future joint initiatives under the UNITA Alliance and Erasmus+ programmes.
Understanding Each Other to Understand the Mountains
The multilingual BIP on Intercomprehension and sustainable mountain tourism hosted by the University of Turin explored “good” and “bad” tourism and sustainable ways of living in mountain regions. From June 30 to July 4, 2025, the University of Turin welcomed 26 students from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, and Romania for a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on sustainable mountain tourism, organized in the framework of the UNITA alliance. What made this BIP unique was not only its focus on sustainability, but also its methodology: the participants engaged in all activities through intercomprehension. Intercomprehension is a communicative approach where each person speaks in their own language and understands others through shared linguistic roots, without switching to a common lingua franca. During the week, students explored key concepts of “good” and “bad” tourism, especially in mountain areas, with a strong focus on environmental, social, and cultural impacts. A two-day field visit to San Sicario, in the Italian Alps, allowed them to experience firsthand the effects of tourism development. They visited San Sicario “bassa,” where they saw restored alpine houses and met Daniele Bermod, who runs a sustainable farm. Topics discussed included high-altitude agriculture, animal husbandry, and the balance between tradition and modern tourism. Guided by anthropologist and UniTo professor Lia Zola, the students reflected on sustainable ways of living in mountain regions. They also heard from Marco Rigat, who narrated the history of the Cesana mountains — in the Occitan language. The programme concluded with students developing multilingual guides on best practices for mountain tourism, as well as creative projects: a board game on tourism sustainability, and a rural mobility proposal for the area, complete with a mock budget. This BIP showcased the strength of multilingual cooperation, territorial engagement, and student-driven innovation — the essence of the UNITA alliance. 2025 © unita – universitas montium
UNITA Students at the Heart of the European Student Assembly 2025
superlead temporário Just like that, the fourth edition of the European Student Assembly (ESA) came to an end, but not without leaving a mark. Even this time, the UNITA Alliance was strongly represented, with a delegation of seven students among the 230 selected participants. Held in the iconic hemicycle of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the ESA gathered students from 190 universities and 50 nationalities in the shared effort to draft policy recommendations that could shape Europe’s future. The ESA unfolds in three phases: For those involved, however, this timeline does not capture the full depth of the experience. To truly understand the essence of such an experience, students’ direct testimonials must be heard. Francesco Bologna (University of Turin) summed it up well: “It is precisely the concept of plurality and mutual exchange, in a context of shared European values, that I carry with me from ESA.” This idea of connection – across cultures, disciplines, and perspectives – is a common thread in the testimonies of all UNITA participants. For Chiara De Piccoli (University of Turin), the most striking part wasn’t just the event itself, but the continuity it fostered: “Not even two months have passed, and with some members of our panel working on ‘Unity in Diversity’ we are already pursuing a project to bring our policies forward,” she said.“ESA works in this exact direction: fostering the meeting of the new generation of change-makers.” Panel discussions spanned from digital democracy to social justice and sustainable innovation.Elisa Ducoli (University of Brescia), part of the “Innovation for All” group, recalled: “We developed eight policy proposals on how the EU can balance innovation and competitiveness for sustainable growth. The experience was both inspiring and transformative.” Equally committed to imagining a better Europe, Chiara D’Agostino (University of Turin) joined the “Unveiling Inequalities” panel: “It was inspiring to engage with other students on such current and complex topics,” she said, referring to issues like the gender pay gap and minority representation.“This experience helped me better understand the role we, as young people, can play in driving change.” Angela Rinaldi (University of Turin) participated in the “Artificial Intelligence and Civic Engagement” panel. For her, the discussions were not only intellectually stimulating but profoundly meaningful: “We reflected together on the challenges and opportunities AI presents in democratic and social contexts,” she said. Presenting their work inside the European Parliament “was a true privilege and a source of great pride.” Bilel El Badaoui (Technical University of Cluj-Napoca) was also part of the same panel. For him,seeing the recommendations finally being adopted was both a relief and a recognition of all the work and research carried out: “Working on these issues and debating them in Strasbourg allowed me to truly feel European, to be a European citizen who is taking part in initiatives that have a meaning.” ESA is not just an event, it’s a launchpad. As Europe navigates unprecedented challenges, the ideas and energy of youths are more than ever vital. And for the students of the UNITA Alliance, ESA was a space to speak, connect, and act. With the fifth edition of the European Student Assembly already on the horizon, the journey continues, and the next generation of changemakers is ready to step up. Find out more: read the article “European Student Assembly 2025: Three Days of Ideas, Democracy and Collective Vision in Strasbourg”: https://www.eucvoices.eu/it/content/european-student-assembly-2025-three-days-ideas-democracy-and-collective-vision-strasbourg Article written by the students participating in ESA 2025
UNITA at the EAIE Conference and Exhibition in Gothenburg, 2025
UNITA – Universitas Montium will proudly participate in the EAIE Conference and Exhibition 2025, taking place from 9–12 September in Gothenburg, Sweden. As Europe’s largest event dedicated to the internationalisation of higher education, the EAIE Conference brings together professionals from across the globe to explore key themes in the sector, share best practices, and develop strategic international partnerships. The conference offers a dynamic platform for training, networking, and institutional cooperation, making it a pivotal moment for higher education institutions committed to global engagement. Visit UNITA at Booth P75 UNITA will be present at Booth P75, where attendees are invited to discover more about the alliance’s strategic vision, initiatives, and projects. As part of its engagement at the EAIE Conference, UNITA will host three thematic events at its booth, aiming to encourage dialogue and collaboration with other European University Alliances and representatives from European institutions. Events at UNITA Booth P75 1. Networking Event & GEMINAE Project Presentation Wednesday, 10 September | 16:30–17:30 Join us for an informal gathering to explore the GEMINAE project and UNITA’s strategy for engaging with universities beyond Europe. The session includes a chocolate tasting contest and a poster display highlighting cooperation with global partners. 2. Poster Session on Community Building in the Alliances Thursday, 11 September | 14:00–15:00 This session will showcase UNITA’s initiatives aimed at fostering community within the alliance, such as research and education matching events and starting grants for collaborative projects. Attendees are encouraged to share their own strategies and experiences. 3. Poster Session on Legal Entities Friday, 12 September | 10:00–11:00 A focused session on the development and strategic importance of legal entities within university alliances, offering a platform for knowledge exchange on governance and legal frameworks. UNITA Participation in EAIE Conference Sessions In addition to hosting activities at its booth, UNITA staff will contribute to several official sessions of the EAIE 2025 Conference: · Ignite© Session: Engagement and Impact in Short-term Student Mobility Wednesday, 10 September | 15:30–16:30 | Room J2 · Ignite© Session: Partnerships, Strategies and Intercultural Competencies Thursday, 11 September | 09:30–10:30 | Room G1 · Poster Session: Empowering Students with International Internships in Rural Communities: A Win–Win Approach Thursday, 11 September | 10:30–12:00 | Poster Area · World Café: Co-creating a Shared Student Identity within the EUI Alliances Thursday, 11 September | 15:30–16:30 | Room F4 These contributions reflect UNITA’s commitment to fostering innovative, inclusive, and sustainable practices in international education. Learn More For the full programme of the EAIE 2025 Conference and Exhibition, please visit the official schedule: EAIE 2025 Programme Schedule We look forward to welcoming you in Gothenburg — come and connect with UNITA at Booth P75!
The Sacred in the Mountains. The UNITA Conference on Sacred Sites in the Mountain Regions of Turin, Zaragoza, and Chambéry
On May 28–29, 2025, the Città Studi Biella campus hosted a two-day international conference exploring the relationship between communities and sacred sites in the mountain regions of Europe. The event, part of a project funded through the UNITA Starting Grants for Research, focused on the territories surrounding the universities of Turin, Zaragoza, and Chambéry, and also included a comparative case study from New Zealand. The conference was jointly promoted by the Università di Torino, Universidad de Zaragoza, and Université Savoie Mont-Blanc—partners in the UNITA alliance—in collaboration with the International Association for Research on Sanctuaries. The aim was to examine the preservation and sustainable valorization of sacred sites in European mountain areas. Students from the master’s degree course in Cultural Heritage and Creativity for Tourism and Territorial Development at Città Studi Biella actively contributed to the event. Prof. Paolo Cozzo, Director of the Department of Historical Studies at the Università di Torino, explained that the conference aimed to “foster various exchange and research activities among UNITA partners, such as Turin, Zaragoza, and Chambéry, which all share a unique connection with mountainous environments as a common element.” The event was part of a broader research initiative on mountains and territorial development, supported by the UNITA Starting Grants. Students presented the outcomes of one of their academic projects and introduced the features of their degree program to the international participants. Professors from the three universities gave lectures on a wide range of topics: systems for cataloguing and preserving cultural heritage, crimes against ecclesiastical heritage and related security systems, strategies for tourism development of sacred sites in mountainous areas, and even the historical memory linked to football teams. The conference also expanded its scope beyond Europe, featuring a case study from New Zealand, which highlighted a different, yet equally rich and deeply rooted relationship with sacred mountains in Oceania. One full day was dedicated to sacred sites in the Biella area—specifically Oropa, Graglia, and San Giovanni d’Andorno—and later extended to the broader network of Sacred Mounts across Piedmont and Lombardy. French and Spanish experiences were presented as comparative examples. The event concluded with a visit to the Oropa Sanctuary and its Sacred Mount.