European University Viadrina invites students at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels to participate in the 2nd KIU SUMMER SCHOOL in Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies. This event will be organized from 8 to 19 September 2025, focusing on an umbrella topic that showcases the diverse aspects of Ukrainian culture, history, and social dynamics.
This international summer school, part of the MA certificate program in Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies, brings together students and scholars interested in various aspects of Ukraine, including historical, cultural, political, and economic issues. Hosted by the European University Viadrina, the program offers a chance to explore Ukraine's past and present, improve language skills, and learn from dedicated scholars. Participants will also engage in interactive formats, attend sessions on conflict management, enjoy cultural activities, and present their projects in open discussions.
The summer school will focus on Ukrainian-European relations and identity, which are significant topics in Ukraine. While Ukraine was once viewed as marginal in Western Europe, interest in Ukrainian-European connections has grown, especially regarding Ukraine's EU membership. We will explore cooperation, conflicts, cultural references, and dynamics related to both Europe and the European Union.
Highlights include:
- European integration simulation game: At the European Council, heads of state and government make groundbreaking strategic decisions for the further development of European cooperation. Participants will take on the role of EU heads of state and government to negotiate individual chapters of the EU accession process, learning about and representing positions, difficulties, potential for reform, and negotiations between the EU and Ukraine. The workshop is run by Planpolitik e.V.
- Workshop: ‘Mediation & Peace Processes’: In this workshop, students will learn the basics of conflict research, mediation and negotiation techniques, which are particularly relevant for the post-war period, for establishing a just post-war order, but also for understanding negotiation tactics. The workshop is organized by the Institute for Conflict Management at Viadrina University.
- A session on Crimean Tatar Studies: in the lecture ‘Collective Memory, Islam, and Crimean Tatars’ Coping Strategies in Post-2014 Crimea’, Elmira Muratova from the European Centre for Minority Issues will give an introduction to the situation of Crimean Tatars, both with a focus on displacement and on the role of minority issues in Ukraine’s EU integration process
plus courses in Ukrainian language (A1-B2), academic writing, film screenings, public discussions, excursions, and much more to explore at Viadrina – the most Ukrainian university outside Ukraine!
KIU will reimburse travel expenses up to € 350 per participant. In addition, participants will receive a daily allowance of up to € 42, which also covers accommodation costs. Accommodation will be provided in the student residence in Slubice (Poland).
How to apply
Students at bachelor's, master's and doctoral level both from German and international universities are invited to participate. Please provide your CV information, a motivational letter of up to 800 words, specifying your particular interest in the topic of the summer school, your specialization in your studies, and information on further activities such as volunteer work, activism, experiences related to the topic, etc.
Applications can be submitted via the KIU application portal. Applicants must register in advance. Applications will be accepted till 20 July 2025. Notifications regarding participation will be sent out on 31 July 2025.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Jeannette Brabenetz M.A.
Coordinator Networking, Marketing, Alumni-Activities
KIU Competence Network Interdisciplinary Ukrainian
Studies Frankfurt (Oder) - Berlin
European University Viadrina
Telefon: +49 (0) 335 5534 2842, Mobile: +49 (0) 178 52 33859
