New Perspectives in Science Education

The paper examines the International South-East Summer University at the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT) as a sustainable educational strategy for enhancing student engagement through interdisciplinary field-based education. The Summer University expands student and doctoral participation beyond the conventional university teaching formats by including them into real research environments under the methodological guidance of experienced academic mentors. Students from diverse professional fields, including history and archaeology, information and communication sciences, computer sciences, and national security, are selected to form interdisciplinary research teams that conduct complex field investigations in culturally and strategically significant regions of South-East Bulgaria. The programme combines identification, documentation and preservation of cultural heritage, archaeological surveys and excavations, ethnographic research, archival and museum documentation, digitalization of collections, and specialized training in border and security studies. Through direct engagement in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, participants develop applied research competences, critical thinking, teamwork and analytical skills. The sustainability of the initiative is demonstrated by its long-term implementation, institutional support, project-based funding, and the continuous expansion of partnerships with foreign educational, scientific and cultural institutions. Over the years, the International South-East Summer University has evolved into a dynamic platform that broadens student participation in extracurricular academic activities and enables participants to explore, experience, and better understand the professional fields in which they wish to develop, including the possibility of pursuing a scientific and academic career, as practice has proven. The experience of ULSIT confirms that interdisciplinary, mentor-guided field education represents an effective and sustainable model for strengthening student engagement and building a resilient academic community.

Keywords: field-based education; interdisciplinary collaboration; International South-East Summer University; student participation; sustainable university strategy; ULSIT.

REFERENCES

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