From 19 to 21 October 2026, the University of Macerata hosted 21 students from eight ERUA partner universities for an intensive learning experience exploring the role of languages, values and narratives in shaping how we understand ourselves and the world around us.
Whose stories are told, whose voices are heard, and how do languages and values influence the narratives that shape our societies?
These questions were at the heart of the ERUA Intensive Module “Whose Story Counts? Languages, Values and the Narratives that Shape Us”, held at the University of Macerata (UniMC), Italy, from 19 to 21 October 2026.
Bringing together 21 students from eight universities of the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA), the three-day programme offered an opportunity to explore the connections between language, identity, values and storytelling through an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach.
Hosted at UniMC’s Polo Pantaleoni, the module combined seminars led by international experts, interactive workshops and group projects, encouraging participants to exchange perspectives, challenge assumptions and reflect on the ways narratives influence our understanding of the world.
The programme benefited from the contributions of five international guests: Xiao Lan Curdt-Christiansen (University of Bath), Margarita Esther Sánchez Cuervo and Lucía Melián Alzola (University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), Eivind Engebretsen (University of Oslo), and Jo Angouri (University of Warwick).
Through their different academic perspectives, the invited experts enriched discussions on multilingualism, values and the power of narratives, creating opportunities for dialogue across disciplines and cultural backgrounds.
Beyond the academic sessions, the module provided a space for students from across the Alliance to learn from one another, develop shared ideas and experience the value of international collaboration.
The initiative was organised by professors Edith Cognigni and Michela Meschini within the framework of “Flipped Learning Without Borders: A Joint Innovation Cross-disciplinary Project in the ERUA Network”, a joint educational project involving the University of Macerata and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), with the contribution of UniMC’s Department of Humanities.
By bringing together students, academics and international experts, the initiative reflects ERUA’s commitment to innovative, collaborative and cross-disciplinary learning experiences that connect university communities across borders.
