Polina Khapaeva, AEGEE President in St. Petersburg, Development Director of ITMO’s Biochemistry Cluster
Summer University in Naples (Italy)
I first heard about AEGEE in 2015, but decided to give it a try only in 2016 and I still regret that I didn't do it earlier. I attended the presentation and immediately fell in love with the program and the opportunities it offered to me. I was among those who entered the organisation at the presentation. I chose one of the most popular universities, the Summer University in Naples, and it turned out to be great: two excellent weeks full of various workshops, parties, competitions, language courses and cooking classes. I work as a coordinator of Summer and Winter Universities in Russia. We have already launched a joint project together with ITMO’s Institute of Design & Urban Studies (AEGEE and ITMO University became partners in 2017), as well as two Summer Universities, and a student reunion.
Roman Malushkin, Master’s student at the Faculty of Infocommunication Technologies at ITMO University
Travelling Summer University: Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.
I first learned about AEGEE in 2016, when I realised that I wanted a new and challenging experience. I found out that there was such a program and decided to attend an open lecture by the organisation’s activists. Since it was my first trip abroad, I chose the Travelling Summer University that covered four countries: Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. I must say that the list of universities available for the program is huge. Some universities are more popular than others, but AEGEE helps you to write a good motivation letter and apply to several SUs.
Anastasiia Romashko, AEGEE secretary in St. Petersburg, the Department of Computer System Design and Security at ITMO University
Summer University in Alicante (Spain)
When I first heard about AEGEE, I was pretty skeptical: two weeks in Europe and it’s so cheap! I used to spend quite a lot of money on these trips. But I attended the presentation and saw the people who had already tried it, and I realized that it was exactly what I needed at the moment.
The Main Questions About AEGEE
Why are summer universities (SUs) so popular? Are there any other formats of participation?
The Summer University Project was born in 1988 as the main AEGEE program that takes place during summer in 70 cities all over Europe, including Russia. These are on average two-week long events. The activities carried out during a Summer University range from academic classes to multicultural activities. Each Summer University follows a theme throughout its duration that can be related to sports, volunteering, travelling, getting familiar with local culture, etc. But also, non-formal education takes place: students can learn some soft skills such as working in a team, communication techniques, PR, human rights or some social issues.
Who can go? Are there any restrictions?
We welcome everyone aged between 18 and 35 years. It doesn't matter, whether you study or work or, maybe, you are unemployed. There is just one restriction: you can only go to one Summer University during the season. But don't worry, you can go to another Summer University next summer or become an AEGEE member and take part in the organisation’s activities in St. Petersburg.
When to apply?
The application system is open from March 19 until May 2. To learn more about the application process and the requirements, please attend AEGEE’s presentation, for example at ITMO University.
How do I know that the University is top-ranked?
There are statistics that show the number of applications to each Summer University. Among the most popular are the Travelling Summer Universities (when a group stays in at least 4 different places) and also the universities located in Southern Europe. By the way, the Summer University in Saint Petersburg is also very popular: in 2017 it was ranked seven out of 65.
It’s written on their website that students sleep in gyms. Is it true?
Yes, it is true, but it isn't as bad as it seems. Even the most fastidious guests admit that living in unusual conditions creates a special atmosphere and brings you closer with other participants. Sometimes students live in student dormitories, youth hostels or tents. If you want to know more details about the accommodation, read the “lodging” specification in each SU description on AEGEE website.
How many people can take part in one SU?
The average number of participants is from 25 to 40. But there will be also organizers, teachers and their assistants, so you won’t feel lonely there.
How much money do I need for such a trip?
It depends on you and the country you’re going to. Experience shows that you’ll spend all the money you’ll take with you. Some people can stay within a budget of 50 euros while for others 600 euros is not enough. But you have to remember that you will have to pay 100-200 euros for the program itself. The price includes two meals per day, accommodation and everything else included in the program. Transportation to where you are going to participate in a SU isn’t included.
I want to go. How many applications are submitted to each university?
The most popular SU received 200 applications for 35 places last year, but some universities receive 20 applications for 20 places. You can choose up to three SUs. The organizers make the decision depending on your motivation letter. It isn't necessarily a text, it can be a video, a song or a picture as well. A good motivation letter will greatly increase your chances of getting accepted. AEGEE organizers proofread motivation letters before sending them. Even if your first try failed, you can still try to apply to another SU. You can look up the results on AEGEE’s website on May 16.
Deal! What do I do next?
The next presentation will take place in the first half of April (for more information, please follow our page.
