Since 1950 the Nordic Summer University (NSU) has been an independent, academic institution, which organises symposia that bring together researchers, artists and activists from across disciplines in the Nordic and Baltic regions. Nowadays, the Nordic Summer Univeristy is also an increasingly international community which organises events in the Spirit of the Nordic values of equality, democracy and openness. 
The organisation is structured around a set of study circles (mostly) running over a three year period and is entirely based on voluntary work.

The goal of the Nordic Summer University is to provides opportunities for participants to be challenged out of their comfort zones, participation in a non-hierarchical space and intellectual stimulation by organising activities during which there is a resonance between people, methods and goals. To achieve this, it is important that we purposefully think and work across academic boundaries and actively encourage the expression of different perspectives. We nurture and have slow thinking through reflective dialogue. For a while, NSU members are sharing their learning journey with others, achieving inter-personal growth through being present together for several days.