Father Dave Pivonka, TOR '89 President | Franciscan University website

Franciscan University of Steubenville will host its third Austria Summer Experience from May 15 to June 5, 2026, in Gaming, Austria. The program is open to individuals aged 16 and older and will take place at the Kartause Maria Thronus Iesu, a restored Carthusian monastery that serves as the university’s study abroad site.

Participants can choose from six courses during the three-week program. Dr. Brandon Dahm, philosophy professor and director of the Austria Summer Experience, said, “The Austria Summer Experience provides unique and transformative classes within the Catholic tradition to students from a range of universities and of all ages. Students and faculty also live together at the Kartause and participate in everything from afternoon hikes to drawing nights to trips around Austria. Although the classes are the backbone of the three weeks, the community beyond the classroom makes it the singular and life-changing experience it is.”

Courses include “Knead Virtue: From Gluten to Glory,” which combines sourdough bread making with lessons on virtue formation taught by Dahm and psychologist Dr. Matthew Breuninger. Another course, “Writing a San Damiano Crucifix: Hear God Speak Through Franciscan Art,” offers instruction in icon painting led by sacred artist Amber Knorr with spiritual guidance from Father Gregory Plow, TOR; an optional trip to Assisi, Italy is available for this class.

Dr. Ben Reinhard will teach “The Last Homely House: Tolkien and Imagination,” focusing on J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary works through prayer, communal life, and nature immersion. Emily Stimpson Chapman leads “Around the Catholic Table: A Theology of Food, Friendship, and Hospitality,” where students explore food’s scriptural meaning and practice hospitality.

Other offerings include “History Is Built With the Heart: Catholic Spiritual Autobiography” with Dr. Shane Owens examining spiritual masters like St. Augustine and St. Thérèse alongside personal reflection; and “Principles of Marketing and the Power of the New Evangelization” led by Bob Olsen, where participants apply marketing concepts to Christian evangelization.

Beyond academics, attendees can join group activities such as hikes, talks, trivia nights, praise sessions, an Austrian ball, daily Masses, eucharistic adoration in the Kartause chapel, as well as day trips to Dürnstein, Vienna, Salzburg, a pilgrimage hike to Mariazell shrine—and have time for independent travel during a long weekend.

For more information or to apply for participation in next year’s Austria Summer Experience program hosted by Franciscan University of Steubenville in Gaming—open not only to its own students but also those from other institutions as well as non-traditional learners—visit austria.franciscan.edu/austria-summer-experience.