July’s stories stretched from career-launching workdays to a night beneath the stars. Students wrapped summer placements with organizations in Ireland and Mexico, gaining experience and local perspective that can shape their next steps. In Beijing, a visit with business leaders offered insight into cross-cultural work, while in Santiago, students traded city lights for the wide-open skies of the Elqui Valley.
Scholars gathered in Rome to consider the intersection of religion and global politics, and a conversation in Jerusalem explored philosophy’s place in confronting complex societal issues. New undergraduate research students arrived in South Bend, Notre Dame families and alumni in Mumbai celebrated students preparing for a new chapter, and researchers in Brazil came together around shared scientific questions. Scroll on for a glimpse of the people, ideas, and unexpected moments that made July memorable across Notre Dame's global network.
DUBLIN
Notre Dame Dublin held its annual end-of-summer celebration for the Irish Internship Program at O’Connell House. The team was joined by the most recent cohort of interns, respective partners, and benefactors, bringing the 8-week program to a close. Across the two months, students were immersed in the work of their host organizations, working alongside Irish employees and gaining valuable, pragmatic experience, as one step in kick-starting their career trajectory.
ROME
Participants of the 2026 Rome Summer Seminars on Religion and Global Politics pose with Michael Driessen (pictured center), professor of political science and international affairs and director of the MA in international affairs at John Cabot University, who organized the program in collaboration with Notre Dame Rome. Drawing on Rome’s distinctive religious and geopolitical landscape, the two-week program brought together graduate students from around the world working at the crossroads of religion and global politics through public panels, expert lectures, seminars with leading international scholars and members of the diplomatic community, as well as site visits, writing workshops, and a policy dialogue. Photo credit: Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion, a valued partner of the Rome Summer Seminars on Religion and Global Politics.
MEXICO
Notre Dame Mexico concluded the 2026 Global Professional Experience (GPE) and Global Research Experience (GRE) programs in Mexico City. Over seven weeks, students took part in a wide variety of professional and research placements at places like AmCham/Mexico, the Mexico-United States Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange (COMEXUS), and Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, among others—while immersing themselves in Mexico's culture and building connections with local partners and communities.
GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS
The second cohort of the International Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (iSURE) program arrived in July, kicking off eight weeks of research, professional development, and community building. The group of 44 students will gain hands-on research experience, working closely with Notre Dame faculty and graduate students on a variety of projects. Through a personalized and interdisciplinary approach to mentoring and academic immersion, the iSURE program aims to nurture each student’s personal, academic, and intercultural growth throughout their time on campus.
JERUSALEM
Notre Dame Jerusalem hosted a conversation featuring Prof. Sari Nusseibeh and other distinguished panelists during the launch of The Scout: Philosophy and Us, which explores the practical application of philosophical thinking and methods to address deep societal challenges.
MUMBAI
Notre Dame alumni, students, and parents gathered at the Novotel Hotel, Juhu, Mumbai for the annual Notre Dame Mumbai student sendoff. This year's incoming Indian students represent various parts of the country, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai—and will pursue majors in a wide range of disciplines, including architecture, biological sciences, business, economics, environmental sciences, and physics.
BEIJING
Beijing Summer students visited the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China) to learn about the US-China business environment and the Chamber’s work supporting the American business community in China. Through presentations and an interactive Q&A with Chamber leadership, students gained firsthand insights into business, communications, and cross-cultural engagement.
SÃO PAULO
Notre Dame faculty and researchers joined colleagues from Brazilian universities for a collaborative workshop on energy and chemical conversion at IQ-UNESP in Araraquara, Brazil. The gathering brought together Notre Dame’s David Go and Edward Maginn, visiting researcher José Balena Gabriel Filho, Notre Dame São Paulo Director Thais Burmeister Pires, and fellow researchers to exchange ideas and advance scientific collaboration.
SANTIAGO
Students in Notre Dame Santiago’s summer programs traveled to the Elqui Valley for an evening of stargazing. Known for its exceptionally clear skies and role in astronomical research, the valley offered students a chance to experience one of northern Chile’s most distinctive landscapes while learning more about the region’s connection to the night sky.
This photo gallery highlights some of the valuable interactions and experiences Notre Dame faculty, staff, students, and alumni have taken part in over the past month. The selection was curated by Notre Dame Global staff working on campus and in the University's 12 global locations. View past photo essays.
Originally published by at global.nd.edu on August 07, 2026.