In our paper, we chose two case studies of international summer schools focusing on developing competences in order to underline the importance of such activities for the personal and professional development of university students and professors. Beside the topic-focused activities, summer schools provide insight in the geography, the history, the society, and in the economics of the investigated regions, also dismounting preconceptions. Such scientific and didactic events, with international set up and interdisciplinary approach offer the frame for an enriching exchange of ideas, to acquire knowledge, to develop team work, analytical and critical thinking, etc., and especially key competences.