The annual one-week long, full-time course is organised by the Charité Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, the German Platform for Global Health and IPPNW Germany. The aim of the Summer School is to have an interdisciplinary and critical discussion on current themes in health.  Through a participatory learning approach, we hope to provide an international cohort of students and young professionals with the opportunity to immerse themselves in this topic. The programme will include relevant theoretical and practical perspectives in the form of collaborative seminars, case studies, skills workshops, presentations, group work and excursions.

COVID-19 statement:

This year, the Global Health Summer School will take place in person as usual. That is due to current prognoses suggesting that pandemic measures will be further relaxed by the end of July and groupings under 50 people will be allowed. However, things change daily and if measures are adapted and the global situation changes, we will plan accordingly and update you further.

The Summer School was a wonderful experience, which has exceded my expectations and expanded my horizons. It allowed me to meet, exchange ideas and lead profound discussions with a group of committed and diverse individuals from many different disciplines. The ongoing pandemic forced us all to socially distance, but this did not stop us from building a creative and safe space in which to critically reflect on today's most pressing global health challenges. This experience challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and to critically assess my values and social responsibilites as a medical doctor and researcher in Global health. I am taking away a much broader understanding of the topics we discussed, lots of new impulses and a strong motivation to challenge dysfuntional structures and break down barriers to health care for the most vulnerable people in our societies.

Nicole Mauer, doctoral student at the Heidelberg Institute for Global Health

The Summer School was a very eye-opening experience. Learning about how various issues such as climate change, mental health and migration intersect and have a big impact on health has allowed me to acquire a holistic and inclusive perspective on global health.
I would definitely recommend this Summer School to anyone interested in the global health field.

Hanna Abraha, Global Health Policy Masters student at the University of Edinburgh

The Summer School was a great opportunity this year to meet many interesting people with divers backgrounds. The speakers and their presentations initieasted interesting discussions on topics they were presenting and beyond. Even with COVID-19 restrictions there was a space for positive discussions as well as opinions and the opportunity to exchange experiences; the organisers put effort into ensuring that everyone feels safe and comfortable. Additionally, in one of the workshops at the Summer School, I had the opportunity to present my research on the mental health of humanitarian national staff. All of these aspects combined enriched my knowledge and made my time at this event enjoyable.

Khaled Kaiyali, International Humanitarian Action Masters student at Ruhr-Bochum University

At the summer school, I learned different perspectives on how to facilitate trauma experiences among newcomers. Stories of people who went through the process of migration and those who are addressing the government to tackle these issues made me think critically about the global situation and my position in it. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity to meet fellow open-minded participants and to have had a very insightful week.
There are so many things to work on, and this Summer School gives a good push to action. 

Olga Leshchenko, Sociology student at the Free University Berlin