Q: Who is organizing this?
This Summer School is organized by students and young adults, we are not supported by a university. Some of us have been volunteering since the start, organizing the Summer School since 2022 and some of us have joined the team more recently after participating. Maybe you are joining the organization team next year? :)
To find out more about our team, scroll through our bios here or check our Instagram.
Q: Is it only for economics students?
No, this summer school is designed to appeal to all people from all disciplines, no matter their prior knowledge of (heterodox) economics and (academic) level. The goal is to spark or expand critical thinking generally and regarding neoclassical economics and the ensuing economic policies.
Q: Will there be vegan meals?
All the meals are vegan, and for every meal, vegetarian options will be available. All the meals are freshly prepared on site by our cooking team. Please inform us if you have any allergies, intolerances, or other dietary restrictions, so the kitchen team can adjust the meal plan or prepare separate meals for you. We will ask you about allergies after reviewing your application. See the Living together section for more details on your stay with us.
Q: How much does it cost?
The Summer School relies on participant fees in order to take place. We want to foster inclusivity by accommodating varying financial abilities. This means that you have the option to choose how much you pay based on your financial circumstances. We kindly ask you to pay the highest option that you (or your employer/ university) can afford.
The different fees are:
- Supporter: 1000+ CHF
- Standard: 975 CHF
- Cost-covering: 775 CHF
- Reduced by 1/2: 495 CHF
- Reduced by 2/3: 325 CHF
- If you don't have the financial means for attending the Summer School (or the trip), we can support you additionally. Please contact us.
No matter the fee, everyone gets the same experience.
You can read more about it here.
Q: If I choose the discounted fee, do I still get all the same things as those who pay full price?
Yes, no matter the fee, everyone gets the same experience. We are relying on some participants to pay the self-supporting or supporter price to make the Summer School possible. However, we do not want money to be the reason someone can't attend. Therefore, there is no difference in what you get related to the fee you choose.
Q: Can I bring my children?
Yes! But please send us an email so we can find a personal solution to your specific situation.
Q: How can I buy train tickets?
There are different ways to travel to Chandolin with different means of transport. Please check our Travel Guide for the routes and the available tickets that match your journey. When you travel inside Switzerland, all you need is the SBB/CFF/FFS to plan your route and buy your tickets. The website and app are available in multiple languages including English.
Q: Can I get a certificate of attendance?
Yes, you can send us an email after the Summer School to receive a confirmation of participation.
Q: What if I need to cancel my application, is there a refund?
If you cancel more than 4 weeks before the start of the school, you will be fully refunded. If you cancel between 4 - 2 weeks before the start, you will be refunded for 50%. We don’t refund if you cancel less than 2 weeks before the start of the Summer School. Further, we do not cover transaction costs.
Q: What is our no-flight policy?
We don't accept participants and speakers who join us by flight. Thus, we also do not cover the flight costs of organizers, participants, and speakers - regardless of the financial situation of the person concerned. There are three considerations behind this rule:
- We want to work in an ecologically sustainable way.
- We want to work in a financially sustainable way to maintain financial independence from sponsors (as far as possible).
- We aim for participants and speakers based in Europe in order to strengthen a local network of heterodox students, practitioners, and researchers.
Q: Are there exceptions from the no-flight policy?
For participants: While the no-flight policy is an important step in aligning with our ecological commitments, we recognize that it may conflict with other goals of ours. Specifically, we want to strengthen other Rethinking Economics groups beyond Europe. Additionally, we aim to contribute towards the decolonization of economics and the economy. Therefore, we can make exceptions on a case by case basis: Please contact us if you want to establish further RE local groups and Summer Schools beyond the primary geographical target group, or if you travel from a region where overland travel is not a viable option. Please note, we cannot grant travel refunds for flight costs.
For Speakers: To strengthen the local network, we're aiming for speakers who are willing to hold on-site contributions and do not have to fly; meaning speakers who teach/research/work locally.
- The exceptions to the on-site lectures-only rule are speakers who contribute sessions directly linked to the issue of decolonizing economics and the economy.
- We do not accept speakers who have to fly and ask them from the very start whether they will be within train distance. In the case that a speaker would have to change their itinerary on short notice and will have to fly, the Program group has the flexibility to decide whether to cancel or allow their attendance, despite flying. Flights are never reimbursed for speakers.