The first Vienna International Christian-Islamic Summer University took place at Stift Altenburg, a monastery in Lower Austria, from 29 June until 19 July 2008.

The Summer University lasted for three weeks and offered thirteen courses of approximately ten hours each. The professors came from Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, India, Iran, Cameroon, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan and Saudi-Arabia. The 33 students originated from Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, India, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. 18 of them were Muslim, 15 Christian, 17 male and 16 female.

Apart from the academic programme, several evening events were organised. For example, Dr. Nasira Iqbal spoke on the current political situation in Pakistan. Prof. Dr. Andreas Bsteh, the founder and initiator of the Round Table chronicled 35 years of the St. Gabriel dialogue initiative.

On behalf of Abbot Christian Haidinger and the community of Stift Altenburg, a summer festival took place on 4 July where notable guests from Vienna and Lower Austria were invited to celebrate this project with the participants within the framework of the official "European Year of Intercultural Dialogue". The Archbishop of Vienna, Cardinal Schönborn visited with 20 seminarians and warmly welcomed the international guests. In his speech, he emphasised how important dialogue, respect and mutual understanding between religions are in order to create a more peaceful and just world. Excursions to Vienna and Melk, as well as collective dance, cooking and discussion evenings completed the programme.

On 18 July, the VICISU concluded with the presentation of participation certificates by Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Mettinger in the University of Vienna Catholic Faculty Dean´s Office, a visit to the United Nations headquarters and an evening reception in City Hall, sponsored by the mayor of Vienna.

The reaction of the participating students and professors was one of enthusiasm and praise. "Every person should have the chance to take part in such a project", was the unanimous echo.

The project was also presented at a ceremony at the Austrian Academy of Sciences on 25 October 2008. The Federal President of Austria Heinz Fischer, the Federal Minister for Science and Research Johannes Hahn, Cardinal Schönborn and the former president of Iran Seyyed Mohammad Khatami participated. On this occasion the Federal Minister announced that the Summer University will continue to be supported and should be organised again in 2010.