The CATÓLICA-LISBON Summer Academy, an intensive summer program, stands out for its combination of academic excellence, cultural immersion, and strong ties to the business world. Designed to provide a rich international experience for university students and recent high school graduates, the program offers a challenging learning environment and unique networking opportunities.

In this interview, João Cotter Salvado, professor and academic director of the program, shares what makes this experience so distinctive, how the project has evolved, and its impact on participants academic and professional paths.

1. What makes the Summer Academy different from other similar summer programs?

The Summer Academy stands out in several ways. First, it takes place in Lisbon, a city with a vibrant atmosphere and a strong cultural identity, providing a unique immersion into the Portuguese context. Then, there’s the academic excellence: unlike some summer schools, our students take courses that match the rigor and standards of CATÓLICA-LISBON’s regular curriculum.

Another key differentiator is the business experience. Every year, we aim to strengthen the program’s practical component by bringing students into direct contact with companies and their leaders. We organize company visits, host panels with CEOs of major companies, and create interaction opportunities that participants would hardly find in other programs. Last year, for example, I remember students saying, “How is it possible to come to Lisbon and have the opportunity to interact with three CEOs from some of the best companies in Portugal?” This is something unique, something that does not exist in any other Summer Academy in Europe.

2. How has the program evolved over the years? What changes or improvements have been made?

The Summer Academy has maintained a structure that fosters close connections and strong bonds among participants. We don’t aim to have 200 students per edition. Instead, we focus on small class sizes, creating a true sense of community.

Since the first edition, which launched right after the pandemic, demand for the program has remained stable. The initial years welcomed around 25 to 30 participants, and last year’s numbers were within that range. However, this year, we have already seen a significant increase in applications before the final deadline, demonstrating growing interest.

Continuous adaptation to student’s expectations has been crucial. We have adjusted cultural activities and strengthened our engagement with companies, always maintaining a balance between academic learning, global networking, and immersive experiences.

3. Who are the typical participants of the Summer Academy? Is there a common profile among them?

The participant group is highly diverse, both in academic background and nationality. Last year, we had students from 16 different countries, from Mexico to Vietnam, including Brazil, Chile, Canada, Austria, and Russia, among others.

What unites all these students is their interest in management, leadership, and strategy. Many come from completely different fields, such as medicine, architecture, engineering, or journalism, and are looking for their first exposure to the world of management. Others see the program as an opportunity to gain international experience, develop new skills, and explore areas complementary to their academic paths.

4. What skills and knowledge will students gain during the two-week program?

The program is structured around two fundamental areas: strategy and leadership.

In the strategy component, we explore the key decisions companies must make to position themselves in the market. Although it has a traditional name, we approach the subject dynamically and holistically, incorporating perspectives on social entrepreneurship.

The leadership course follows an innovative approach, focusing on responsible and sustainable leadership. We want students to understand not only how to manage teams and organizations to achieve financial results but also how to contribute to a positive impact on the world.

Beyond these subjects, the program strengthens transversal skills, such as strategic thinking, communication, and teamwork—essential for any professional career.

5. How can the Summer Academy influence students' future academic and professional decisions?

The program can be a turning point in three key areas.

First, exposure to management. Many students have never engaged with this field before and discover its potential impact on their careers—whether in leadership roles, consulting, or even entrepreneurship. Last year, we had participants who decided to enroll because they wanted to start their own businesses.

Second, the international experience. The cultural diversity in the classroom helps students build an international network of contacts. Some participants have used this network to explore job opportunities in different countries after the program.

Finally, the development of soft skills. People often assume that interacting with peers is intuitive or just "common sense." However, the entire program is structured around interactive exercises, teamwork, and dynamic group activities—even cultural events incorporate games. This aspect is something we actively develop, and I believe it is incredibly valuable for participants' careers.

6. Beyond academic knowledge, what other advantages does the Summer Academy offer?

The extracurricular component plays a crucial role in the overall program experience. We organize activities such as surfing lessons at the beach, company visits, and cultural tours around Lisbon.

Last year, we visited Casa do Impacto, where students met social entrepreneurs and discussed challenges in the sector, as well as BP, where we were hosted by the CEO and explored one of the company’s operations.

This year, we aim to further enhance this aspect by incorporating more immersive cultural experiences and increasing the number of corporate visits.

7. What does CATÓLICA-LISBON hope to achieve with this edition of the Summer Academy?

Our goal is clear: to provide an intellectually stimulating and socially enriching experience. We want students to leave the program equipped with valuable tools for their professional future, but also to fall in love with CATÓLICA-LISBON, Lisbon itself, and the strong sense of community that forms during these weeks. Balancing these two aspects is our mission this year, and we have successfully achieved it in previous editions.

8. What message would you give to those still unsure about applying?

The Summer Academy is a one-of-a-kind experience. Participants will have access to cutting-edge content, benefit from unparalleled global networking, and enjoy an unforgettable cultural immersion in Lisbon.

If you're looking for an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with people from all over the world, this is the right program for you.

9. What advice would you give to future participants to make the most of this experience?

The best way to take full advantage of the Summer Academy is to immerse yourself fully in every moment. The pace can be demanding. The classes are challenging, activities are dynamic, and many students also use the opportunity to explore Lisbon and even travel around Portugal. But it is precisely this intensity that makes the experience so transformative.

In the classroom, we encourage participants to ask questions, engage with professors, and challenge ideas. Outside the classroom, we want them to seize every opportunity to meet new people, discover different cultures, and experience the city to the fullest.

Applications for the Summer Academy are open until April 30. Learn more about the program here.