Alongside the academic sessions, the cultural and social program offered participants a variety of opportunities to get to know Cologne and its surroundings while deepening international exchange. The opening Intercultural Training provided an opportunity to reflect on cultural differences, strengthen intercultural skills, and lay the groundwork for open and respectful collaboration. City tours – including a digital street art tour and a visit to Cologne Cathedral – offered fascinating insights into local culture and history. 

Playful formats such as the online Cologne Quiz for remote participants, which mixed factual knowledge about the city with humorous questions, encouraged interaction and strengthened group cohesion regardless of location. A scavenger hunt in the city brought movement and team spirit to the program. The program concluded with a farewell dinner at the traditional Cologne brewery Malzmühle, where the group reflected in a convivial atmosphere on the shared experiences and the successful conclusion of the Summer School.