ISU WU 2024: A program that combines academic and intercultural experiences

Every July and August, the International Summer University^WU(ISU^WU) brings together students from WU Vienna and international universities. In two separate three-week sessions, participants explore business topics with the input from faculty of WU Vienna and its partner universities. The dynamic group work supports intercultural collaboration and enriches the overall learning experience.

 However, ISU^WU is more than academics: The vibrant social program fosters connections and networking which adds a valuable dimension to the experience. This year’s participants were enthusiastic about the program and eager to share their experiences with the WU Blog.

WU Blog: What can you tell us about the academic program and the lecturers? What was your impression? 

• Ava Naseri, Simon Fraser University, Canada (July session): The academic program was incredibly immersive and interactive. We immediately applied classroom theories and concepts to real-life scenarios, making the learning experience deeply practical and engaging.
• Joice Shehata, The American University of Cairo, Egypt (July session): ISU^WU was exceptionally well-structured, offering insights into diverse topics such as responsible entrepreneurship and international management. The lecturers, with their extensive real-world experience, greatly enriched our understanding and brought a valuable depth to the coursework.

WU Blog: How did you like the social program? 

• Karan Saini, Strathmore University, Kenya (July session): The social program was well-organized and provided opportunities for networking through activities like company visits, expert talks, and social events. It also gave us a great introduction to Austrian culture and the Viennese way of life.
• Aidan Lambert, Texas A&M University, USA (July and August sessions): I thoroughly enjoyed all the social events, especially the city tour and swimming in the Danube River. The informal nature of the activities made it easy to connect with others and helped creating international friendships. I truly appreciate the efforts of the student assistants who helped break down barriers and made everyone feel comfortable and included.

WU Blog: What was your personal highlight or memory of the program?

•  Daria Astakhova, Vadym Hetman Kyiv National Economic University, Ukraine (July session): My personal highlight were the people I met. We created unforgettable memories together, like our evening at the Prater amusement park. I’m excited to share these stories with friends and family back home.
• Maha Elyatafty, The American University in Cairo, Egypt (August session): One of my favorite memories was the waltz dance class. The friendly atmosphere had us all laughing and trying not to stumble over our feet. It was a moment of pure joy and connection. This event, along with many others, made the experience not only educational but also immensely fun and memorable.

WU Blog: Would you like to share anything else about the ISU^WU?

•  Godfrey Siu, University of Mannheim, Germany (August session): It has been an absolute pleasure to participate in this program. The intensity of study, coupled with the social program made these three weeks a productive and unforgettable experience. I expanded my horizon a lot through the interesting course offer, connecting with students from all around the world, and having a deeper understanding of the city of Vienna and the Austrian culture. Big thanks to the helpful and friendly staff and assistants! Safe to say, this summer is well spent with ISU^WU. Dankeschön!

 Good to know

• International Short Programs (ISPs) abroad: Gain intercultural and international experience in just a couple of weeks. Explore academic topics in depth and network with other international participants.
• Upcoming application period: From October 14 to October 21, 2024, apply for our International Short Program (ISP) in Argentina. The Buenos Aires Global Marketing Program is set for February 2025. Interested? Visit our website for more details.