The 2025 Adeje Summer University to focus on multiculturalism and diversity

This year's programme includes 12 courses and 6 workshops, with registration opening in the first week of June

29 may 2025

The Adeje Summer University will celebrate its thirty-second edition in 2025, and runs from 21 to 25 July. The programme includes 12 courses and 6 workshops, and registration will open during the first week of June. The full programme was unveiled today, Thursday 29 May, at the University of La Laguna headquarters on Calle Viana 50. The theme for this edition is multiculturalism and the richness of diversity. One of the novelties this year is a change in the structure of the courses, which will now run over two days instead of three, with 8 hours of in-person teaching and 2 online hours.

The rector of the University of La Laguna, Francisco García Rodríguez, highlighted the new course format, describing it as an example of the Adeje Summer University's adaptability. Over its three-decade trajectory, the programme has evolved as needed. The Summer University has served as a testing ground for innovative teaching methods—for instance, the introduction of three-day courses in 2017, which were later adopted across the university’s extension courses. The new “8+2” model will now be piloted.

García also welcomed the decision to dedicate this edition to multiculturalism, noting that the university had celebrated Africa Day just the previous day, a reflection of its ongoing commitment. He also underlined the “close and loyal” collaboration with Adeje, which extends beyond the summer courses to include the establishment of a university campus in the town and the hosting of university entrance exams (PAU) for students from the south of the island, among other initiatives.

The mayor of Adeje, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, began his address by referring to the recent tragedy involving a capsized migrant boat in La Restinga, expressing his deep sorrow and solidarity. He stated that a summer university focusing on multiculturalism is more important than ever in today's challenging world. In that regard, he held up Adeje as an example of a tolerant community where Russians live alongside Ukrainians, and Israelis alongside Gazans.

He also spoke in defence of the tourism sector, asking that it not be unfairly criticised, as it has been fundamental to the development of both Adeje and the island as a whole. The mayor also praised Victoria Ballesteros, a young woman from Adeje who will deliver the keynote address on 18 July. A graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University (USA) with a double major in Political Science and Environmental Studies, Ballesteros has spoken at more than 15 high-level United Nations panels and was the first Spanish citizen to take part in the official panel for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Artist Jesús Ermelandro Pérez Guillén (Kichu), who created the artwork forming the basis of this year’s visual identity, also spoke at the event. A graduate in Fine Arts from the University of La Laguna and currently an art teacher at Adeje Town Hall, Kichu has designed a colourful image reflecting the cultural diversity of the Adeje municipality, with the iconic Roque del Conde at the centre of the composition.

Programme

The university’s Vice-Rector for Culture and University Extension, Isabel Karely León Pérez, and Adeje councillor for Culture, Sport and Education, Adolfo Alonso Ferrera, outlined the full course list.  This year’s programme includes eleven university-approved courses and three workshops that will be eligible for ECTS credit validation, as well as two additional courses and four workshops proposed by Adeje Town Hall, which will offer a certificate of attendance but will not be eligible for credit validation. Each course will cost €32 to enrol, and workshops are priced at €12.

The university courses on offer, in Spanish, include topics such as artificial intelligence in practice, with a focus on designing mathematical problems for multicultural and inclusive classrooms; flood risk management and sustainable adaptation strategies in Adeje; cultural diversity in education, exploring strategies to support late-arriving pupils (INTARSE) and those with specific educational needs. Other courses will cover the use of performing arts to develop intercultural communication skills; family intervention strategies aimed at supporting the wellbeing of children with special educational needs;the role of women on multicultural frontiers.

There will also be sessions on communication for coexistence, examining misinformation and dietary myths across cultures, and on reducing food waste from an intercultural perspective. Additional topics include metabolic reprogramming and how habits can transform health, and a course designed for parents and carers titled (translated) ‘Help! My child has TikTok’, which will explore the challenges and opportunities of engaging with Generation Alpha.

The two additional courses promoted by Adeje Town Hall are dedicated to physical activity, health and wellbeing, and an introductory course in oncological physiotherapy.

Among the workshops, the university is offering sessions on biodiversity and environmental awareness centred on the Barranco del Infierno nature reserve; creative writing with a focus on micro-stories and the four key elements of the genre; a practical introduction to podcasts and video blogging as tools for social media communication. The Town Hall’s workshops will include a wine tasting and appreciation session exploring local flavours with designation of origin; a dance masterclass covering both urban and modern styles; a workshop on game-based learning and its classroom applications; an engaging overview of art history titled which will delve into curiosities, enigmas and hidden details within artistic masterpieces. There will also be a music workshop led by Benito Cabrera.

Extra events

As in previous years, the Adeje Summer University will feature a programme of cultural and leisure activities including film screenings, live music and exhibitions at the recently inaugurated El Barranco History and Art Space.

The Summer University Awards, introduced last year to honour individuals who have contributed significantly to the programme, will also return. In addition, there will be a series of short talks organised by the Canary Islands chapter of BPW (Business and Professional Women), taking place on the morning of 25 July.