FAQ

Interested in exploring the ideas of Liberty? Spending a week of great experiences, intercultural exchanges, discussing and thinking about freedom, learning from top professors and making new friends from all over the world ? IES Europe offers you an opportunity to learn about classical liberal ideas and explore them with insights from our faculty into the study of history, economics and philosphy! Join us and deepen your understanding of ideas that allow humans to flourish and prosper.


Q: Why participate in a Europe and Liberty seminar?

A: The seminars offer interdisciplinary introduction to the tradition of classical liberal thought scholarship. Subjects covered include economics, history, moral, political philosophy and law. The main aim is to approach these fields from a liberal point of view. The seminars are a unique opportunity to boost your understanding of the classical liberal principles of individual rightsprivate property, and free markets and their applications to today’s issues.


Q: Who are the Europe and Liberty seminars participants ?

A: Thousands of students have already been involved with the Institute’s programs. The participants are junior, senior, or graduate students and recent graduates but they are also young scholars or entrepreneurs. They usually describe it as a week which had a tremendous impact in their intellectual life and which has proved helpful for careers in academia, law, journalism, and other idea-oriented fields. It is also a great experience from a personal point of view, since for a week, students and faculty members, coming from everywhere in the world, get to live together, to speak and to debate. They get to learn from each other and are in contact with different cultures, education and ways of life.

I have been an IES participant for two consecutive years, in Leuven and Gummersbach andboth seminars have impacted my academic and personal life significantly. First of all, I haveenjoyed excellent lectures on classical liberal issues like property rights, individualresponsibility and the free market which have done more to shape and clarify the way Ianalyze everyday political and social issues than most of the lectures from University. Second of all, I have been introduced to a network of free minded people coming from different backgrounds and from different continents which has opened new professional and academic possibilities: internships, other summer seminars and even graduate programs. – Catinca Hanganu, Romania


Q: What happens during a Europe and Liberty program ? 

A: A traditional Europe and Liberty seminar lasts 6 days from. The day is divided into 3 sessions of lecture, discussion groups and discussions with the speaker. Every session lasts 2 hours and is followed by a coffee break, lunch or dinner. The week is an intensive week of lectures and discussions. After each lecture the participants break into small groups to probe and debate ideas they have just heard. A highlight of the seminar are the evening discussion groups; guided by faculty members, participants continue their exploration of the day’s themes. During the week, participants will have to interact constantly with each other and with the faculty members who not only lecture but join the participants for meals and evening discussion groups and socializing.

The summer sessions with IES have had a major influence on my developing beliefs as a student of political philosophy. They have helped me to understand classical liberalism in different cultural contexts and have allowed me to meet so many dedicated, intelligent people from all over the world. I am impressed with the depth and breadth of the programs offered every summer by IES, and hope that others value the international network of classical liberals as much as I do. – Jessica Wright, USA


Q: Do I need to have studied economics or politics?

A: No. There are no particular academic requirements for IES-Summer Seminars. The only condition is be enthusiastic to learn about classical liberalism and free market economics and a commitement de learning. 


Q: Is there a cost to attend a Summer Seminar ?

A: No. There is no registration fee and participants will be provided with accommodations and meals. Participants are, however, responsible for their travel cost. 


Q: Do we have to attend all of the presentations and discussion groups? 

A: Yes, you must be able to attend the full seminar. 


Q: Will there be any pre-reading assignments?

A: Yes, you will receive some reading materials via email to prepare for the reading discussion groups. Don’t worry, we aren’t going to pile too much on you, but make sure you read everything. 


Q: What should I pack?

A: There is no dress code for our summer seminars. 


Q: I’m not sure of my schedule for the summer yet, what should I do?

A: We realize that some people who are accepted to an IES-Europe Summer Seminar will no longer be able to attend due to schedule changes or other unexpected events. That’s ok. We do ask that you notify us immediately. 


Q: I need a Visa to travel to Europe?

A: If you are accepted to an IES-Summer Seminar and require a visa to travel to Europe we can provide a letter confirming your acceptance to the seminar to include in your visa application. You will find a special section on “MyIES” page to let us know that you need a Visa.