Previous editions

“I will always remember the spirit of the people – the group was truly international and enhanced the openness to share knowledge and experience within the group.” Mischa, Germany

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In August 2010 and in August 2011, the first and the second Summer Academy on Intercultural Experience took place in Karlsruhe, Germany. Both were cooperatively organized by Karlshochschule – International University and AFS Interkulturelle Begegnungen e.V. Throughout each academy participants approached relevant topics in the fields of intercultural management and intercultural communication.

All courses included workshop sessions with complementary theoretical and practical content offered by academic staff and AFS-trainers. Within 2 to 3 weeks, the following one-week classes were featured:

“I really enjoyed the great combination of theoretical and practical parts which enabled me to have the opportunity to exercise what I learned. And, of course, I really appreciate the positive attitude of participants and staff.”
Jason, Malaysia

In addition, several excursions and evening lectures (by Dr. Horst Harnischfeger [former secretary general of the Goethe Institute] on the topic of Intercultural experience in the framework of an institution to promote cultural exchange, by Dr. Christoph Vatter [Saarland University] on Intercultural aspects in English, German and Canadian SitComs and by Werner Kranwetvogel [photographer] on North Korean Massgames) enabled participants to get further insights to intercultural issues and understanding the German and European culture. Furthermore, culture simulations like BaFa BaFa strengthened the intercultural experience.

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“The evening lectures were excellent and added high points to the Summer Academy.”
Natalia, Argentina

The Summer Academy on Intercultural Experience aims in diversity in all terms, also in terms of interculturality.

In 2010, we welcomed 26 participants, 10 trainers and 5 faculty members from 15 countries and 5 continents (Argentina, Austria, Australia, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Finland, Great Britain, Germany, Lithuania, Malaysia, Poland, Macedonia, and USA).
In 2011, 54 participants, 12 trainers and 6 faculty members from 28 countries and 5 continents (Argentina, Armenia, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine and USA) took part in the academy.

The learning and living atmosphere that was created, encouraged students to practise what was preached in classes. During breaks and evening activities many discussions about intercultural topics continued. Self reflection played an important role both during and after class.

“I am very grateful for having been at this amazing Summer Academy – it had not been possible for me without the scholarship.”
Ieva, Lithuania

Apart from the very intercultural spirit and the networking among like-minded people from all around the world, participants could also make use of the two weeks for their academic career and earn credit points for their studies.

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In 2010 as well as in 2011, we were really happy to provide almost all participants of the Summer Academy on Intercultural Experience with scholarships. Although we are planning to double the number of participants in 2012, we will try to keep up these numbers.

“I used the earned 6 ECTS to complete my elective courses at university. Thus, the Summer Academy offered me an exciting and worthwhile addition to the standard curriculum of my university and gave me a head start to my master studies.”
Uta, Germany

Both Summer Academies were of great success and we are looking forward to the next edition in 2012 – stay tuned for more information. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact contact (at) summeracademy-karlsruhe.org