Location:

Vienna, Austria

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

AEMS is a new academic Summer School that approaches the topic by considering natural boundaries and the human factor to be equal parts of the equation. The goal is to help solve some of societies’ problems by presenting viable alternatives to processes and developments that are putting enormous strains on economic, ecologic and social boundaries. In addition to new and classical concepts from the field of economic sciences, students are also provided with up-to-date scientific data from natural and social sciences. The question at the heart of everything: What is our leeway?

A number of current and promising concepts will be presented to the students. The lectures, workshops and discussion panels cover a variety of topics, from the reform or re-definition of money, an overhaul of the aim of economic activity towards solidarity and cooperation, tax reform, a reform of financial markets, all the way to a change in consumer culture and the reduction of resource consumption. Money is closely connected to the inner workings of the economic system, making an emphasis on monetary reform a natural choice.

The Summer School was created to enable critical thinking, to discuss ideas, to deconstruct concepts, and to move beyond certain limitations of higher education – namely the prevailing lack of exchange between scientific disciplines. Between 1970 and 2007, the world saw 425 systemic economic crises, among them 145 sector-wide banking crises. The main intention behind the creation of the Summer School was to use a positive approach to the field of economic alternatives, asking if this apparently inherent instability might be reduced or avoided, and show students the chances of reform.

Setting Description:

Alternative Economic and Monetary Systems is an academic course: If completed successfully, BOKU-students or "MitbelegerInnen" from other Austrian universities acquire 5 ECTS credits from the University of National Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU). Foreign students get a BOKU certificate that needs to be acknowledged by their home university. Participants will not only learn about sustainable living, but also experience it on their own through living in an energy-efficient dormitory.

Cost:

Participation fee: EUR 1.390,- (incl. VAT). Participants can apply for a scholarship; if granted, the participation fee is reduced to Euro 390,- (incl. VAT). The fee includes all program components and housing for the whole duration of the Summer School.

Additional Program Information

Scholarships:

Yes