The Graz International Summer School Seggau is aimed at internationally oriented, highly motivated students from all disciplines who wish to deepen their understanding of contemporary European and international affairs. Participants explore global developments and challenges in the context of transformation processes and demographic change, considering individual, social, political, religious, cultural, literary, regional, economic, cohort, and national identities.
This year’s summer school once again attracted students from across the globe: 65 participants from 31 countries and 39 universities joined the two‑week program. All five continents were represented – including four participants from Australia – and the team was particularly delighted to finally welcome a participant from Norway.
Alumni Day: Morning Lectures and Reunion
From 8:30 AM onwards, alumni arrived at Schloss Seggau and took the opportunity to reminisce about their GUSEGG experiences over coffee and informal conversations. At 9:00 AM, the academic program began with the Morning Lectures, which offered fascinating insights into current research:
- Adriana Rodríguez
“Interculturality, Plurilingualism, and Collective Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Ecuador”
- Matthias Rothe
“Aporias of Curiosity: Dorothee Elmiger’s Novel The Dutch Women (2025)”
Exchange, Networking, and Alumni Stories
After a joint lunch at 12:30 PM, the program continued at 1:30 PM with a Meet & Greet on the terrace, where alumni could reconnect, meet new faces, share experiences, and deepen their networks against the impressive backdrop of Schloss Seggau and the scenic South Styrian landscape.
Among this year’s guests were three alumni who used the Alumni Day to reflect on how GUSEGG has shaped their paths:
- Dolores Hunsky (participant in 2019 and 2022) studied at the University of Graz, Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia and Univerza v Mariboru. Originally from Slovenia, she now works as a Specialist Advisor at the University Library Maribor. As president of a creative writing center, she traces part of her inspiration back to creative writing at GUSEGG, which played an important role in her academic and professional development.
- Filippo Bagnasco, former student of the University of Graz and graduate of the European Joint Master’s Programme in English and American Studies, attended GUSEGG in 2019 and 2021. He emphasized how the focus on writing and reflection during the summer school was deeply inspiring. Today, his main priority is his family and children, who receive most of his attention, while his GUSEGG experiences continue to resonate in the background.
- Andreas Schneider is one of the alumni with the highest number of participations, having joined GUSEGG between 2014-2019, 2020 and 2022. He works at Geidorf Kino and has many memories tied to the program – including supporting the summer school as a student assistant at CIAS, even on technical aspects. Andreas has already given a Morning Lecture himself and describes the influence of Marjorie Agoín and her poetry spirit as particularly inspiring for his intellectual and creative journey.
Together, their stories highlight how GUSEGG not only connects students across countries and disciplines, but also continues to shape careers, creative projects, and friendships long after the summer school has ended.
Evening Program and “Time for Reflection”
After dinner from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, the day concluded with the plenary discussion “Time for Reflection”, where alumni, students, and lecturers jointly reflected on their GUSEGG experiences, learning journeys, and future perspectives.