During the first week of June 2009, 24 doctoral students and ten senior researchers from different countries of the world gathered in Vancouver, Canada, to attend the EARA/SRA Summer School. Funded by the Jacobs Foundation (who were represented in Vancouver by Gelgia Fetz), the summer school was brilliantly organized by Sheila Marshall, associate professor in the School of Social Work at the University of British Columbiaand Håkan Stattin, professor of psychology at Örebro University, with the help of Kristin Kendrick, Jane Chipman, and Jovita Vytasek from UBC.





Johanna T. W. Wigman, Lina Maria Saldarriaga, and Jenny E. Symonds

The summer school took place in the beautiful campus of the University of British Columbia. During those five days, both students and faculty not only had the chance to work in a region full of breathtaking sceneries, but also felt really welcomed and appreciated by the organizers of the event. It was a unique combination of diversity, talent, inspiration and enthusiasm that led to a synergy of creative energy. This developed as students and faculty members had the opportunity to meet and discuss a variety of topics related to adolescent development.

The main purpose of this summer school was to give students the opportunity to learn about different areas of adolescent research, and also, to receive feedback and advice from senior researchers about their own work. Students were exposed to expert tuition from ten senior scholars from Canada, the US and Europe. They are Richard Young, Shelley Hymel UBC, Canada), and Susan Lollis (University of Guelph, Canada) Margaret Kerr and Håkan Stattin (Örebro University, Sweden), Leo Hendry and Marion Kloep (University of Glamorgan, Wales), Marcel van Aken (Utrecht University, the Netherlands), Lisa Diamond (University of Utah, US) and Reed Larson (University of Illinois, US). Sheila also put Håkan to good use as a photographer and he entertained us on the final night with a narrated montage of students and senior scholars in action earlier that week.

Each day was divided into two different types of sessions: sessions with the senior researchers and sessions with students as presenters. The senior scholars discussed aspects of their work and diverse topics on adolescent development before delivering a practical activity. The former tuition extended student’s knowledge on antisocial behaviour, extended adolescence (or not!), youth work, personality, shared agency in parent-youth goal setting and perceptions of sexual identity. The practical activities were well coordinated and taught a range of skills such as interpersonal communication, scientific writing, interview analysis, solving research dilemmas, the practical application of theory and the importance of ongoing career evaluation. The general applicability of the activities provided the perfect complement to the specialized topics covered in the mornings.

Students’ sessions consisted of presentations in which students gave talks about their own dissertation work, and received feedback, not only from the senior faculty but also from other students. These sessions were particularly interesting and helpful for the students; they promoted a respectful learning environment in which they were able to reflect on their own research process.

With students and professors from 17 different countries, many differences in culture, communication style and habits were to be expected. However exciting it was to be in such diverse surroundings; it was also quite a challenge to give everyone a chance to take part in discussion and participation. Therefore, it was incredibly helpful that the week began by Susan Lollis and Shelley Hymel teaching us about communication and collaboration across cultures and languages. This created an open and friendly atmosphere that persisted all week. There was much interaction in the group, both in educational activities and in free time. Everyone cooperated enthusiastically during activities and discussions were lively. Because people came from so many different backgrounds (personal and professional), it was possible to learn much about the scientific world and the life of a doctoral student in different countries. A natural plus of such a diverse group was the great opportunity for networking. Many students met others who work in their field and who knows what collaborations will follow from this…

Altogether, it was a wonderful experience for everyone. Both students and faculty members had a great time and learned so much, on both professional and personal levels. It was an experience that nobody will easily forget.