Univie: Summer School International and European Studies

About

The University of Vienna Sommerhochschule (SHS) was established in 1949, since then an international summer school is offered every year. Apart from its educational mission, one of the summer program's most important aims has been restoring and promoting mutual understanding between Austrians and Americans that World War II had done so much to destroy.

Today the program provides a multidimensional survey of the present development of Europe and the European Union (EU). Participants will study both the decision making processes within the EU institutions as well as various aspects of European political culture. The program aims at contributing to an increased understanding of the EU and its possible future shape.

Students from all over the world have been drawn to the program, not only because of the outstanding academic reputation of its European Studies program and the excellent opportunities it offers students to learn German, but also because of its location directly on the shores of one of Austria's most scenic lakes, Lake Wolfgang, in the Salzkammergut region, and because of the area's excellent sports and recreational facilities.

The intercultural dimension provided by the summer program’s internationally diverse student population has become one of the most rewarding features of students’ learning experience. Today, more than 30 different nationalities are represented in the student body, up to 100 students accepted into the program, creating the conditions most conducive to intercultural and social interaction.

The Sommerhochschule operates under the academic and administrative supervision of the Rector of the University of Vienna. The organizers, faculty and sponsors believe that the Sommerhochschule’s formula of holistic learning – intellectual pursuit and physical exercise in a setting of intercultural and social exchange – helps reinforce mutual respect and tolerance among participants

Target group

Applicants have to be at least 18 years old and must have completed two years of studies at college or university level in their countries of residence or have an educational background equivalent to one year at a European university before the beginning of the program.

Applicants must be in attendance for the whole period of the univie: summer school, be able to take part in the required number of courses, have an adequate command of the English language and be in good health. Students whose native language is not English must submit evidence of proficiency in English with their application.

Applicants should also note that certain courses may have prerequisites

Course aim

The Sommerhochschule European Studies program consists of two two-week sessions. Six European Studies courses with 4 ECTS credits (32 contact hours) per course are offered during the first session and six during the second session. Out of the courses offered during one session, students can select one during the early morning (8:30–10:30am) and one during the late morning (10:50–12:50am). For further details please see the schedule.

In addition to the European Studies courses, the Sommerhochschule also offers German language courses in the afternoon. All German courses last both sessions and can be selected for the whole period only.

In the course of the four-week program students are required to attend courses amounting to 10 ECTS credits. In order to meet this requirement one of the following options is possible:

1. three European Studies courses (out of 12 offered), or
2. the Arbitration Academy course plus one European Studies course, or
3. German A1, A2, B1, or B2 plus one European Studies course.

Students may also enroll or audit additional courses. The maximum number of courses students may attend during the summer program is four (this includes courses taken for audit). Students who successfully complete four courses will receive the SHS Diploma in European Studies

Fee info