In July 2025, UWC Adriatic hosted the inaugural edition of the UWC Summer Experience — a two-week programme conceived by alumnus Gonzalo López Jordán (UWC Adriatic 1984-86) and organised by Patagonia Education Partners. Thirty-nine young people from 29 countries and 14 different UWC schools gathered in Duino to explore the UWC ethos through workshops, excursions and service. Without the academic pressures of the IB, participants could fully immerse themselves in community life, creativity and intercultural exchange.
Guided by alumni and staff mentors, the group co-created the College’s new Sustainability Centre — a space dedicated to reuse, affordability and environmental awareness, now hosting the student-run second-hand shop and College merchandise. The new centre has been dedicated to alumna Britt Bøymo (UWC Adriatic 1984-86), who passed away in August of this year and is remembered at the College for her joy and kindness.
This first UWC Summer Experience reflected the power of education, service and idealism when shared across generations. It also marked the beginning of a new partnership to expand access to the UWC experience globally.
