Hessen International Summer University (ISU) Marburg: Germany and Europe in a Turbulent World – History, Politics, Law, and Culture Marburg University

Today's world is characterised by crisis, tension and conflict, and for the first time in decades, Germany and the European Union are directly affected by these dynamics. While new political antagonisms have found root globally, once stable European integration is facing great challenges due not only to the success of Brexit but also societal responses to migration and international terrorism. Right wing populism and authoritarianism is on the rise again, and the dynamics of the Corona pandemic have left their marks in both national contexts and international relations.

What this implies for politics and society in Germany and across Europe makes up the broad theme of the ISU. With selected seminars on aspects of our current world and its historical roots, the ISU will deepen students' understandings of current developments and conflicts in a historical context, while offering some possible approaches to overcoming them.

Join us on our navigation through a tumultuous global landscape!

What do we offer?

• German course: Learn German from scratch or improve your German skills in the German language intensive course.
• Seminars and additional courses offered within the framework of these four academic modules:
  • History
  • Politics
  • Law
  • Culture

A detailed programme of study, including the syllabi for the courses, will be published at https://www.uni-marburg.de/isu.

• Excursions
• Cultural programme

An early bird fee reduction of 250 EUR will be granted if the registration is completed by 1 April 2027. Registration will open in January 2027.

The summer courses are specifically designed for undergraduate students. However, others who would like to learn more about the topics and would like to learn German from scratch or improve their already existing German skills are also cordially invited to participate.

Meal support through debit card for student cafeteria

There are several cafeterias in the university buildings to purchase beverages and snacks. In town, there is a high density of snack bars, bakeries, and fast food restaurants. You can have breakfast in the bistro in the nearby university cafeteria ("Mensa"). Lunch and dinner are also served there.

A cultural and excursion programme will be offered along with welcome and farewell sessions.

Located in the heart of Germany, Marburg an der Lahn is a small, lively, and safe medieval town with a long university tradition. It offers a high-level academic summer study programme and profits from the interdisciplinary expertise of our academic board of directors.

Marburg is an attractive destination for students and tourists from around the world. The backdrop of the historic old town houses — which have remained virtually unchanged for centuries — towers high above the Lahn River Valley. Here you can stroll through the narrow, cobblestone streets and stop at a café to pass the time or meet and converse with friends. A popular tourist destination is Marburg's castle, enthroned high above the historic old town.