IBRs Integrated International Learning Experiences
NEW: A Revolutionary Alternative to Traditional U.S. University Education
Step back to a time when university education was exclusively European—holistic, interdisciplinary, and spanning a wide array of academic disciplines. IBR’s European Bachelor Studies begin in the historic heart of Europe, the Czech Republic. Prague, the capital, was home to the first German-speaking university, whose scholars played a pivotal role in shaping Europe and the world.
European education wouldn't be complete without its foundation in Greek philosophy, theology from Jerusalem, and the development of science and world views that have influenced global history. Now, you have the unique opportunity to experience the intellectual tradition that has inspired scholars for centuries.
IBR bridges the rich academic legacy of Europe with the modern world. As a student from the “New World,” you'll gain insight into the knowledge that has empowered the United States to thrive. Dive into this one-of-a-kind educational journey and connect with the intellectual roots that have shaped global progress.
Communicating across cultures
To help you successfully begin your overseas studies, IBR introduces you to European cultures, with a special focus on Central Europe. We want you to experience and appreciate the uniqueness of nations that, despite their proximity, think and communicate in diverse ways. To help you master and enjoy cross-cultural communication in Europe, we have designed an exciting workshop before you begin your studies at Škoda Auto University in the Czech Republic. This workshop combines theoretical learning on-campus with practical experience off-campus, taking you to historic sites within a two-hour radius of the university, including Prague, Germany, and Poland, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.
Athens: Philosophy and Western Societies
In Athens, the historic center of philosophy, we will examine the intellectual foundation laid by Greek philosophers, which shaped the reception of Judaism and Christianity in the Western world. Additionally, we will contemplate the historical impact of Enlightenment philosophers on our modern world, including notable figures like Descartes, Rousseau, Kant, Nietzsche, Darwin, and Marx. Furthermore, we will seek to develop an understanding of the current state of Western society, with a specific focus on the challenge truth faces in the context of tolerance and freedom.
Jerusalem: World religions and successful cultures
In Jerusalem, the meeting point of the monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, we will explore the remarkable role that religion has played in shaping successful societies throughout history. We will delve into how Judeo-Christian thought has laid the foundations for the intellectual revolution in the Western world. Additionally, we will examine how religions have both contributed to and hindered the development of democracy, freedom, and core values.
Oxford: Science and its struggle to remain relevant
In Oxford, which is home to the second oldest university in the world, we will be bringing up for academic debate some of the most significant success stories in the history of science, beginning with the Middle Ages. We will explore how philosophical thought has shaped the evolution of science, from classical Greek logic's foundational principle that "A is not non-A" to the concept of absolute freedom, wherein the individual becomes the focal point of the universe. Additionally, we will examine the repercussions of Hegel's alterations to the rules governing the field of science in terms of epistemology and methodology, and their relevance to contemporary scientific research.
Berlin: Worldviews and the battle for superiority
In Berlin, a city renowned for its historical role in the competition of the most appealing worldviews, and the pursuit of political freedom, we will embark on an exploration of the profound impact of the Judeo-Christian worldview on Europe and the Western world for nearly two millennia. Additionally, we will conduct an analysis of Marxist and National-Socialist ideologies during and after the industrial revolution, and their resurgence in contemporary times. Through this study, we aim to gain insights into both positive and negative forms of leadership as exhibited by proponents of worldviews like Moses, Martin Luther, Karl Marx, and Adolf Hitler.