The Migration Research Center at Koç University (MiReKoc), in collaboration with the Boston University Center on Forced Displacement (BU CFD), is hosting the 2026 International Summer School titled “Crossing Regions, Shaping Lives: African Migration Corridors in Global Perspective”. The program will take place from 7–12 September 2026 at Koç University, Rumelifeneri Campus, Istanbul, Türkiye. Applications are open until 22 May 2026. About the Summer School The Summer School offers an interdisciplinary and comparative examination of African migration through the lens of migration corridors. This approach highlights spatial, institutional, and social mechanisms that shape mobility across regions, connecting departure, transit, and settlement sites. By moving beyond a simple origin-destination perspective, the program emphasizes Africa’s intra-continental migration systems, global diasporas, and connections to other regions, providing participants with rich theoretical and empirical insights. The program engages participants in historical, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of migration, incorporating governance regimes, infrastructures, and migrant experiences. This intersectional perspective enables students and researchers to critically analyze the production and management of mobility across different scales. Key Themes and Topics The 2026 Summer School will cover a range of subtopics, including: Migration corridors and networks Corridor-making processes and power relations Intra-African mobility regimes Africa–Middle East–Europe corridors South–South migration pathways Externalization policies and corridor management Borders and mobility control Humanitarian, development, and security interventions Transit, waiting, and temporality Migrant networks, corridor economies, and survival strategies Health and wellbeing along corridors Historical routes and mobility networks Diasporas, remittances, and transnational spaces Program Format The Summer School combines lectures, plenary sessions, participant-led research presentations, field trips, and social activities, culminating in a certificate of participation. It provides a platform for methodological exchange, critical discussion, and networking with leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in African and comparative migration studies. Who Can Apply The program is open to: Graduate and PhD students Early-career researchers Policy analysts and practitioners in NGOs or international organizations Junior professionals working on migration and Africa-related fields Applications from all global regions are encouraged. Eligibility requires: Relevant academic or professional experience Proficiency in English (spoken and written) Submission of the completed application form and supporting documents Application Requirements Applicants must submit a single PDF file including: Curriculum Vitae (CV) Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS scores or academic documentation) One reference letter from an academic or professional supervisor Written work sample (published/unpublished article, thesis chapter, report) Statement of purpose/motivation letter Research summary (for discussion sessions), including: title, research question, theoretical framework, design, preliminary findings, references, and contribution to the field Submit applications to: miss@ku.edu.tr and mirekoc@ku.edu.tr Tuition and Financial Support Full program fee with accommodation: €1250 (includes course materials, accommodation, meals, field trips, and coffee breaks) Program fee without accommodation: €900 (participants arrange their own housing) Partial tuition reductions available: 30% for students affiliated with IMISCOE network and UNIC universities Up to 30% for selected applicants from low- and middle-income countries (based on World Bank classifications) Full scholarships are not available. Applicants requesting reductions must document financial constraints and indicate them in their motivation letter. Important Dates Application deadline: 22 May 2026 Results announced: 22 June 2026 Participation confirmation deadline: 7 July 2026 About the Organizers MiReKoc – Migration Research Center at Koç UniversityFounded in 2004, MiReKoc advances migration scholarship through research, academic collaboration, and dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and civil society. The center organizes annual summer schools, workshops, seminars, and publications focusing on migration in Türkiye, the Mediterranean, Europe, and the Middle East. Boston University Center on Forced Displacement (BU CFD)BU CFD is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to studying the causes, consequences, and ethical dimensions of forced displacement. It brings together researchers, practitioners, and students globally to develop evidence-based and humane approaches to displacement challenges. Contact Information Email: miss@ku.edu.tr | mirekoc@ku.edu.trPhone: +90 212 338 1635Fax: +90 212 338 1642Address: Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu 34450, Sarıyer, Istanbul, Türkiye VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE The 2026 MiReKoc Summer School promises a unique opportunity to explore African migration through innovative, interdisciplinary, and comparative perspectives, offering valuable academic and professional development for emerging migration scholars and practitioners. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this summer school program. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.