Franciscan University’s Austria Summer Experience is an immersive three week academic program that takes place at the beginning of the summer.

https://austria.franciscan.edu/austria-summer-experience/

Students in the program live in a 14th century Carthusian monastery nestled in the base of the Austrian Alps and experience the beauty of living in a rich, Catholic, intellectual community.

The Austria Summer experience exposes participants to unique, innovative courses. Courses such as :

1. prayer and poetry (cotaught by a Friar and a literature professor). Both prayer and poetry seek to express mystery. Poetry becomes the language of contemplation. Student to learn about various methods of prayer as well as how to read and appreciate poetry.

2. the art and architecture of medieval cathedrals (cotaught by an engineer and sacred artist). Students will learn how to appreciate how cathedrals were built and how the art found with them is intentionally chosen and placed to point to the Divine.

3. sourdough bread making and virtue formation (cotaught by a psychologist and philosopher). Students will learn the philosophy, theology, and psychology of virtue formation well using sourdough bread, making as a foundation for understanding the skill like nature of virtue.

4. dining like a saint- a theology of feasting. Students will learn about the theology of dining and feasting starting with family dinners and working all the way through the Eucharist and the Heavenly banquet.

5). Reevangelizing Europe. Students will learn the principles of cathectic and evangelization and end the class by putting on an actual retreat for a European Parish.

6. Marketing an actual Austrian brewery. Students will learn how to market a brand by using the Kartause’s award winning beer as a case study.

7. Theology of the body and the intellectual life. Students will learn to appreciate the theology of the body, using it to ground a deeper understanding of the Catholic intellectual life.

In addition to awesome classes, you’ll take hikes in the surrounding countryside, enjoy plenty of leisure time, and take day trips to Salzburg and Vienna. An optional weeklong trip to France focusing on architecture caps off the experience.

Anyone 18 years of age or older is welcome. We’ve had students from rising college freshman to retirees, coming from all over the world. If you’re interested in exploring exciting ideas, experiencing deep Catholic community, and steeping yourself in beauty, apply now.

Check out the link to see the list of courses, learn more about the program, and to apply.