The European Spring/Summer Institute is a seven day academic program designed to bring together undergraduate and graduate students of various academic backgrounds from the USA, Western and Eastern Europe, and other parts of the world to learn and enjoy their holidays in a unique academic and cultural environment.

The aim of the program is to provide students with an exciting opportunity to deepen their own expertise by enhancing their knowledge of changing European Union (EU) politics and by exchanging ideas with academics, EU policy practitioners and fellow students from different cultural environments. The program combines intensive academic courses with cultural, social, and recreational opportunities.

The academic program is central to the design and purpose of ESI. As a part of our program, students will gain knowledge about the main developments in the EU. The courses and guest lectures will enable students to understand the situation in the European Union after its historic enlargement on May 1, 2004. In addition, students will discuss the perspectives of a further enlarged EU.

By participating in ESI, students will benefit not only from enhancing their intellectual resources through the classes and workshops, but also from sharing their experiences with other participants in various social and cultural events. Intercultural experience is also a key element of the program.

We founded the institute because we believe that the exchange of views of individuals coming from different backgrounds and countries based on high quality background information provided during ESI lectures supports international understanding and may have a significant impact on the world's future.