Call for Applications: ARABSCAPE | MENA Summer School 2026 (Founding Edition)
The University of Duhok, as an official partner, is excited to share a premier international opportunity for students and researchers. Applications are now officially open for the founding edition of the ARABSCAPE | MENA Summer School.
📌 Program Overview
- Theme: Landscape, Urbanism & Sustainability
- Host Institution: ISTEUB - Carthage University
- Dates: September 22–29, 2026
- Location: Hammamet, Tunisia
- Working Language: English (with instructional support in Arabic and French)
- Program Type: Self-funded Summer Camp
🗺️ About the Program & Main Focus
The ARABSCAPE | MENA Summer School is an elite international academic initiative bringing together ambitious students, researchers, and faculty from across the Middle East and North Africa. This intensive, eight-day immersive program bridges theory and real-world application, challenging participants to explore the cultural and environmental landscapes of Tunisia.
Main Focus: Tunisia – Coastal and Productive Landscapes
Participants will engage in high-level lectures, field investigations, and collaborative design studios alongside international academics and municipalities. The core objective focuses on field interventions along coastal edges, agricultural terraces, or peri-urban productive landscapes, marking vital thresholds between land and sea or cultivated and urban areas. Through these sites, participants will trace and analyze spatial pressures, urban transformations, and ecological vulnerabilities linked directly to regional tourism and rapid urban expansion. A core highlight of this founding edition is the practical execution of ATHAR, the Summer School’s signature, hands-on landscape intervention methodology.
🌟 Program Highlight: A core feature of this founding edition is the practical execution of ATHAR, the Summer School’s signature, hands-on landscape intervention methodology.
Aims & Objectives
Aim:
Students intervene along coastal edges, agricultural terraces, or peri-urban productive landscapes, marking thresholds between land and sea or cultivated and urban areas. The trace reveals pressure, transformation, and ecological vulnerability linked to tourism and urban expansion.
General Objectives:
- Introduce contemporary landscape-led approaches.
- Foster interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration.
- Develop a shared scientific framework.
👥 Eligibility & Target Audience
All interested undergraduate and postgraduate students from any Eligible Disciplines are welcome to apply. Applications are open to undergraduate and postgraduate students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels).
- Eligible Disciplines:
- Landscape Architecture & Architecture
- Urban Planning & Regional Design
- Environmental Design & Environmental Sciences
- Civil Engineering
- Geography
Partner Universities
This program is driven by a powerful network of regional institutions:
- ISTEUB - Carthage University (Tunis, Tunisia – Host)
- University of Duhok (Duhok, Kurdistan Region - Iraq)
- Lebanese University (Beirut, Lebanon)
- German Jordanian University (Amman, Jordan)
🎓 Academic Recognition
- Official Certificate of Participation: Issued by the coordinating institution and fully endorsed by the Scientific Committee, explicitly stating learning objectives, duration, and acquired competencies.
- Portfolio Ready: All studio outputs and field intervention results are structured to be directly integrated into professional design portfolios.
- Academic Training Note: The program functions as a certified, high-level complementary academic training; it does not award standard ECTS credits.
💳 Financial Information (Self-Funded Basis)
This is a self-funded program. The estimated participation fee is USD 1,050 (Note: International airfare is not included).
What the Fee Includes:
✔ Accommodation: 8 nights of shared twin-room accommodation.
✔ Meals: Daily breakfast, an official Welcome Reception & Dinner, and a Closing Gala Dinner.
✔ Local Logistics: Airport transfers within Tunisia and dedicated transit between Tunis and Hammamet.
✔ Academic Assets: Admission to all lectures, technical workshops, field excursions, design portfolio assets, and the practical implementation of the ATHAR methodology.
✔ Materials: Full workshop toolkits, program handbook, a custom participant welcome package, and the official Certificate of Participation.
What is NOT Included:
✖ International airfare and visa processing fees.
✖ Daily lunches and personal dinners outside the official program.
✖ Travel/medical insurance and personal discretionary expenses.
📝 Application & Selection Process
Admission to the founding edition is highly competitive. All applications will undergo a rigorous evaluation by the ARABSCAPE Scientific Committee and partner university boards.
How to Prepare Your Application:
To complete the registration process via the official Google Form, candidates must provide:
1.Academic Profile Details: Institutional affiliation, student ID number, and field of study.
2.Short Essay Prompts:
3.Required Document Uploads: Copies of your Student ID and Passport. (An academic portfolio and CV are highly recommended but optional).
Ready to Shape the Future of MENA Urban Spaces?
Applications are now open. Ensure all required files and essay responses are prepared before starting the form. Successful applicants will receive an official acceptance letter with comprehensive logistical, travel, and payment deadline guidelines.
How to Apply
Complete the online registration form:
Places are limited. Early registration is strongly recommended.
🚀 Ready to Apply?
Places are strictly limited, and early registration is strongly recommended. Ensure all your files and essay responses are prepared before launching the application form.
