What we do
Achieving unity can only be possible if we bring people from across Europe together to share their own diverse backgrounds and build a community. It is for this reason that we provide a platform for an essential dialogue among European youths during our summer school on the foundation's sailing boat.
Summer School Programme
Supported by a crew of professional sailors the five participants of each trip will accrue sailing experiences on the Mediterranean Sea, exploring the Turkish coastline, and venturing to some Greek islands.
Within the context of facilitated panel discussions, participants are given an opportunity to share and exchange their thoughts and ideas about the future of Europe. Our topic for this year’s summer school is "Small Acts, Big Impact".
What does it mean to rely on one another and embark on a shared journey? Aboard our yacht, you'll encounter the opportunity to build a network of connections, while challenging the notion of collaboration within a confined space.
Call for Applications
Applications are open to people in full-time education (academic or vocational) as well as young professionals whose main place of residence is in Europe. Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 25 years old.
Closing date for Applications: 14th of May 2025
What our members say:
An experience I would love to have each year aboard Marleen, however, at the same time I would want people to experience something like this at least once in their lifetime. As the sea rocks the boat during these 10 days, so will it jitter from the inside shaking your beliefs about the world and yourself.
- Abbas Ghulam -
"The summer school was a one-in-a-lifetime experience. Stepping aboard as strangers and leaving as friends, I am so grateful for the chance to go beyond superficial topics and perceived differences to engage on so many topics and ways of living life."
- Kayla Arnold -
”Sailing is like European politics a question of trust and team effort. This summer school really enables a profound reflection of ones responsibilities for a better society.“
– Caro Froelich –
”Sailing between two borders, discussing Europe on the verge of Europe and when words couldn’t be found, we just contemplated silently the endless Horizon, where each wave brought us further together.
– Petya Alabozova –
“What a great opportunity: Connecting with others. Having great discussions about current topics. And most important having a great time in the group in front an amazing backdrop. I am glad that I had possibility to be a part of the crew.”
- Jérôme Grewelding -
"Our trip along the Greek and Turkish coasts was an incredible experience for me and the Marleen crew. I was especially fascinated by the diversity of the different islands, that gave us the impression to be in different countries. Also, living with initially complete strangers in close quarters was a great experience for me. We talked a lot about politics, culture and our views on the future of Europe, which also changed my perspective. Of course, there were also less serious topics, such as food preferences, wedding customs or music tastes. That is why we tried some "crazy" things on the boat, like cucumber with honey and listened to German Schlager as well as Turkish rock or Greek children's songs. All in all, the tour was a great experience and I can recommend everyone to apply!"
- Franzi -
"The Summer School program was a journey filled with unforgettable memories, new friendships, meeting and exchanging experiences with the locals, and discussions that critically engaged and encouraged us to bring out our best."
- Renis Meta -
"Being a diverse team with various cultural backgrounds - on the Marleen we were one team. We helped sailing together, discussed our political views, prepared breakfast and did a little video project. This time on board reminded me, that - to me - the best way to bridge intercultural differences and different views, is to get to know each other while focusing on a common cause."
- Tobias Palmowski -