KIU Summer School Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies: Nationalities, minorities and identity: (Re)Configuring Ukraine?
Viadrina University, together with its partner institutions, invites you to the second KIU Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies Summer School!
Our international summer school is part of the Viadrina’s MA certificate program in Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies and will bring together students and scholars interested in historical, cultural, social, political, economic, law-based and conflict-related questions on and about Ukraine.
Frankfurt (Oder), 07.09. – 18.09.2026
Program Topics
The program is dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of Ukraine with a focus on:
nationalities, minorities, and identity in Ukraine
ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity
history and current status of over 100 minorities and indigenous peoples of Ukraine
impact of the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine on communities
human rights, security, and cultural rights of minorities
processes of displacement, integration, and identity transformation
Particular attention is paid to communities such as Crimean Tatars, Roma and Sinti, Hungarians, Romanians, and Jews, as well as situations in temporarily occupied territories.
Content of the course
Within the intensive modules, the program covers:
• historical and contemporary aspects of Ukrainian identity
• cultural diversity and multilingualism
• issues of sustainability, self-organization and transnational integration
Key activities and conditions for participation in the program
The following key academic and public events are planned within the framework of the summer school:
a course on Crimean Tatar studies
a course on the Greek communities of the Northern Azov Sea (Urums and Rumei)
a public reading by Olesya Yaremchuk from the book “Our Others”
a keynote lecture by Svitlana Biedarieva on the concept of Ambicoloniality
a workshop on “Mediation & Peace Processes” (mediation, negotiations, conflictology, post-war governance)
Additionally, the following are planned:
• Ukrainian language courses (levels A1–B2, 18 lessons of 90 minutes each)
• academic writing (for native Ukrainian speakers)
• film screenings and public discussions
• excursions and other academic activities
Participant support:
travel grants (according to DAAD standards, depending on the country of residence)
daily allowance: €30 (for students from German universities), €42 (for international students)
accommodation: student dormitory in Słubice (Poland), approximately €110 for the entire duration of the program
Applications
Bachelor, Master and PhD students from German and international universities are invited to participate.
Application requirements
Candidates should submit:
• CV
• a motivation letter (up to 800 words), which should state:
o interest in the topic of the summer school
o specialization in studies
o relevant experience (volunteering, activism, academic or practical activities, etc.)
Additional opportunities
Non-students can also apply and participate in the courses, but without the right to financial support.
Organizational details
Application submission: from June 1, 2026 via the KIU Application Portal
Application deadline: July 1, 2026
Notification of results: July 15, 2026
Registration is mandatory before application
The program is also undergoing an accreditation process as a continuing education course (Bildungsurlaub, Berlin)