T-IES June 2026

Instructors: Jan Battke, Jaqueline Bellon
Language of instruction: English
Contact hours: 40 (plus field trips)

Course Description 

This study track deals with two main questions: what constitutes good societies in Europe (and elsewhere) in the 21st century and how can we protect our very diverse (transnational) societies from breaking apart due to increasing technological pressure? Classes introduce concepts and ideas that enable participants to analyse possible AI-induced mis- and disinformation campaigns which threaten solidarity among the various groups of modern societies in Europe today. Furthermore, a focus will be on recent European attempts to regulate the use of AI-technologies on the Old Continent. 

Course 1: “The EU in Constant Crisis? A Story of Identities and Rights” (Jan Battke) 

Course 2: “AI and the EU – Artificial Intelligence in Europe Today” (Jacqueline Bellon) 

Instructors: Dr. Simon Meisch, Dr. Matthias Stoll
Language of instruction: English
Contact hours: 40 (plus field trips)

Course Description

Against the backdrop of the increasing threat that various environmental hazards pose to modern societies, this study track’s courses deal with two main questions: what constitutes good societies and their healthy relationship with the environment (with nature) in Europe in the 21st century and how can we protect our communities from breaking apart due to increasing environmental pressure? Classes introduce concepts and ideas that can inspire civic engagement at the local level, using beekeeping and the biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems as case studies. Discussions will focus on how to achieve different forms of more sustainable and inclusive relationships that bolster both strong human communities and a better climate. 

Course 1: “Bees, Sustainability and Society” (Dr. Simon Meisch) 

Course 2: “Sustaining the Source: Ecology, Water, and Sustainability” (Dr. Matthias Stoll) 

Instructors: N.N.
Language of instruction: German
Contact hours: 16

Course description

The Summer School includes German language courses on the proficiency levels A1-A2. Participation in the German language course is compulsory. The level of the language courses will depend on students' needs. Through an intercultural and communicative approach students will be actively involved in class to encourage language learning. The focus will be on speaking and listening to improve students' language competence in everyday situations.

Students with a level higher than A2 are also welcome to apply. Please contact the T-IES team after your application to discuss possible participation in the German course or alternatives.

Syllabi

German language course: Beginners (A1)

German language course: Elementary (A2)

Self-assessment

Within the application form you will be asked to evaluate your German language proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The European framework of reference distinguishes between six different reference levels of knowledge from the elementary use of language (A1) to the autonomous language ability (C2). On all reference levels “can-do” descriptors indicate what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing at each level. For further details on the six levels see the following document: CEFR.

Intercultural Workshop

Instructor: N.N.

Language of instruction: English

Contact hours: 4

Course Description

In the intercultural workshop at the beginning of the program, students have the opportunity to get to know each other and exchange their intercultural experiences as well as expectations. The workshop offers an introduction to intercultural communication and the opportunity to reflect on the stay abroad.

Buddy Program

To support you during your stay in Tübingen and to promote an intercultural exchange we have set up a Buddy Program in which a student of the University of Tübingen teams up with a T-IES participant. The Buddy Program aims to initiate a cultural exchange between international students and the Tübingen students, to expand one’s own cultural horizon, as well as the strengthening of intercultural skills and competences. The Buddy Program will allow you to get to know German student life first-hand and to make friends.