GoAbroad

Alternative Economic and Monetary Systems Summer University

Inquire Here
4.6 / 5Overall Rating
5Reviews

Program Overview

Alternative Economic and Monetary Systems (AEMS) is an interdisciplinary summer university focusing on alternatives to the economic status quo. International participants deal with the limits of growth and the instabilities of our financial system. They learn why a drastic system change is necessary to reach the stabilization target of the world climate at 1.5°C, and most importantly, they are presented with an array of innovative approaches.

AEMS 2026 will take place from July 13th to 31st in Vienna.

Why should you apply for AEMS?
There is overwhelming evidence that the current economic model based on everlasting economic growth is destroying our planet's ecosystem and contributing to the global climate crisis. AEMS offers an economic alternatives evaluation that considers natural boundaries and the human factor as equal parts of the equation. Our ambitious goal is to help solve some of society's problems by presenting viable alternatives to processes and developments that are putting enormous strains on economic, ecological, and social boundaries.

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

See program details

Program Highlights

Receive a certificate from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU University) for 5 ECTS after successful completion.
Stay in a fully furnished student guesthouse in Vienna with the option to extend for one (1) additional week free of charge after the program.
Engage in extracurricular activities together with international participants.
Join catered evening events (as shown in the program), including the opening event, a panel discussion, and dinner at a typical Austrian restaurant.
Benefit from a program that includes all costs for lectures and lecture-related activities (workshops, excursions) and all costs related to extracurricular activities.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
All Program Activity Costs

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Vienna, Austria

Fields & Subjects

  • Economics
  • Sustainable Development

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026
  • Terms Available
  • Summer

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about OeAD Student Housing

4.6
5 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
3
4
2
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Program Administration
4.8
Health & Safety
4.8
Academics
4.6
Community
4.6
Living Situation
4.4
Cultural Immersion
4.4

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-5 of 5 reviews

Rhona SinamtwaCanada · May 2025

Will never forget and learnt so much

From the immersive courses to simulations of country negotiations, I enjoyed every bit of it. learning the history of finance was equally eye-opening, and looking into sustainable systems that are currently working and resolving challenges of sustainability or impact-driven cooperation.

MARIA CRISTINA DUDAȘRomania · April 2025

Authentic and complex life experience

I could see from the beginning that it will be a very good experience., starting with my application (very precise, detailed and useful information) and the pre-summer school period. There was always someone there to answer my questions, offer support, find solutions to the problems that came up or even remind me of the deadlines. And most of all, there was so much understanding when there were delays from my part. Everything offered in the summer school was useful to me. The experience itself was rich. First of all, there was the location - Vienna is such a beautiful city, noone should miss it! Then there was everything that was made available for us, as a group - all the presentations, workshops, excursions, educational, cultural and leisurely activities. The teaching methods were something that I, for one, have never experienced before. The organizing team did a really good job. It was like a feast. I only wish I could have gone without sleep, in order to make use even more of everything that was just laid out for us... and of course, I wish it lasted longer!

Wajdi BalloumiTunisia · March 2025

A transformative Experience At AEMS

Participating in the Alternative Economic and Monetary Systems (AEMS) program in Vienna was an incredible experience that exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in a truly global environment, surrounded by brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds, all eager to explore innovative economic and sustainability concepts. One of the most rewarding aspects of AEMS was the opportunity to connect with participants from all over the world. These connections went beyond networking—they fostered meaningful exchanges of ideas, cultural perspectives, and lifelong friendships. The collaborative spirit of the program created an inspiring atmosphere where discussions about alternative economic models were not just theoretical but practical and applicable to real-world challenges. The content of the program was equally impactful. The sessions, led by experts and academics, provided deep insights into sustainable economic systems, monetary reform, and climate-friendly policies. What made AEMS unique was its emphasis on how we can apply these concepts in different contexts, making the knowledge gained not just valuable but also actionable. Overall, AEMS Vienna was an enriching experience that broadened my perspective and reinforced my commitment to sustainable economic solutions. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of alternative economic systems while building a global network of like-minded individuals.

Photos

Gertrude AsumaduItaly · March 2025

An AWESOME Experience

I was thrilled to be part of this amazing experience in the summer of 2017 after being awarded a partial scholarship. I had one of the most memorable times of my life and still reminisce from some of the moments I had with people from all over the world. I enjoyed the group sessions we had (the disagreements as well, LOL!), the sightseeing activities and the bonding we had. Looking forward to visiting Austria some time soon and maybe dropping by the summer school. I am forever grateful for this experience and looking forward to connecting with some of my colleagues some time in the future.

Photos

Inge SieglAustria · December 2023

Enlightenment

There was a great variety of lectures. Lecturers had a lot of different backgrounds and shared their real life knowledge. We did a lot of simulation games were we gathered own experiences how it feels to be in certain economic situations where you have to make decisions. The location and facilities were also very nice! And Vienna is always worth a visit.

Inquire

Inquire about this program

Have a question? Send us a message and the program team will get back to you.

Step 1 of 4Timing

When do you want to travel?

Related Programs

Browse programs you might like

Granada
AIFS Abroad logo

AIFS Abroad

4.44

25 reviews

Study Abroad and Discover the World with AIFS!

Traveling and seeing the world doesn’t necessarily mean taking a break from your studies. Study abroad with AIFS and broaden your academic knowle...

Parliament in Vienna, Austria
SIT Study Abroad logo

SIT Study Abroad

4.33

3 reviews

SIT Study Abroad: Vienna, Budapest & Belgrade

Spend your semester in three European capitals and analyze Europe’s complex challenges around war, peace, and democracy. Examine the war in Ukrai...

Historic streets of Vienna, Austria on a sunny day.
IES Abroad logo

IES Abroad

No reviews yet

IES Abroad Vienna – Business, Econ & International Relations

Study business in Vienna and engage with a city that has historically been a central hub for trade, international politics, arts, and culture. Wi...

Have more questions?

We're here to help!

The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and OeAD Student Housing is also happy to answer any questions you have.

Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997