A new academic term also signals the recommencement of APUNE’s regional meetings. And in September it was Madrid’s turn to bring together leading voices in education, mental health, ecology and legal issues. Hosted by the fabulous Casa Arabe, just next to Madrid’s Retiro park, it was a wonderful day of catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.
The morning was kicked off with an introduction and welcoming address by Kim Griffin, the Executive Director of APUNE together with Miguel Moro, the General Director. Afterwards Jane Strei, The USA Ambassador to Spain gave an interesting session on Consular Services and then there was a fascinating Casa Árabe language, culture and caligraphy workshop led by Saida Chermiti.
This was followed by an informative session from Ignacio López-Hermoso of López-Hermoso Abogados who discussed legal issues regarding academic practices. Next up was Antonio Gutiérrez who spoke about this deep belief in the potential of Study Abroad Programs as the drivers of transformational education. His session was co-hosted by Monica Perez-Bedmar and Leticia Martínez Prado - with virtual input from Brian David George - and the group highlighted the importance of teaching students about their environmental impact and the changes they can make to limit it.
Thanks to everyone who made this meeting possible and our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Hospitales Vithas for sponsoring this event.