Eastern European Academy for Social Democracy 2016

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung invites progressive young leaders between 25 and 35 years to apply for the first edition of the Eastern European Academy for Social Democracy, which will take place from 20^th till 27^th of November 2016 in Germany (Berlin, Schwerin). 

  Goals of the programme:

• The Academy is primarily aimed at around 25 candidates who are committed to social democratic values, and who are interested in strengthening the political dialogue between their nations and the bilateral relations of their home countries with Germany and the European Union.

• Besides promoting peaceful dialogue, mutual understanding and the exchange of social democratic policies the academy offers participatory workshops on practical key competences and soft skills.

• Furthermore, the programme will provide a deep insight into the political situation of the respective host country and high level discussions with politicians and civil society experts.

• As an expected outcome the Academy wants to create a growing, sustainable network of Eastern European future leaders who are willing to facilitate dialogue orientated processes in connecting young, committed, and progressive people who are open to find new ideas on how to cooperate within Europe.

Programme overview:

• In future, the academy will take place four times per year in different countries of the region with changing topics and workshops. In the first meeting in Germany in November this year the programme will contain planning know-how in the skills part and principles of a social and democratic foreign policy on the knowledge part. Furthermore, participants can expect meetings with politicians, journalists that are specialized on Eastern Europe and other political actors on both the national and the regional layer in Germany.

• Most probably in 2017 the programme will take place in Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia. Intended topics are: socio-economic principles, energy and sustainability, and social justice (knowledge); conflict resolution and negotiations, media training, and convincing with arguments (skills).

• Participants of the first edition are welcome to apply for future editions as well. The sustainable work with alumni as well as the creation of a strong progressive network within the project region will play a significant role and require a long-term commitment by the participants. That includes willingness and competence in organizing political contact programmes in your country on the national and regional layer – together with the organizers of the programme.

• The overall working language is English. All costs related to the programme will be covered by the organizers.

Candidates’ requirements for participation:

• Citizenship of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Germany, Moldova, the Russian Federation, or Ukraine.

• Between 25 and 35 years of age

• Command of English language

• Young leader in a progressive political party or a social democratic youth organization; young member of Parliament, junior government official or activist in civil society.

• Willingness to support organizing an interesting and target orientated programme in the candidate’s own country for the other participants of the programme when the academy will take place there.

• Willingness to actively take part in alumni activities in order to help to create a growing, sustainable network of alumni.

Process of application:

• Please, submit a letter of motivation and a one-page CV by 15th of October to Olga Melykh: Olga.Melykh@fes-eap.org. The letter should include not only your personal motivation but also 2-3 ideas why the creation of a network like this is meaningful for future cooperation in Europe. The motivation letter should not exceed two pages.

• Short listed candidates will be invited to a Skype interview throughout October.
  
  
  

European Youth Media Days 2015

Media freedom is one of the cornerstones in the development of democratic societies in Europe and has become a constitutional guarantee in many European states since WWII as well as one of the fundamental rules in modern European Union. However, not all EU Member States score the best in media freedom watch and reports from ONG or human rights watchdogs, and media and journalists' liberties are an even more delicate issue in several EU neighbouring countries.

If these are topics that interest you, we invite you to apply to become one of the 77 young journalists, aged between 18 and 30, reporting from the European Parliament in Brussels between October 20 and 22, 2015.

The European Youth Media Days 2015 (which are organised by the European Parliament in collaboration with the European Youth Press – Network of young media makers), will focus on Media Freedom in Europe and beyond. The EYMD is one of the biggest events in Europe dedicated to young journalists.

Participants will experience three days of media workshops, political discussions, hands-on media production and invaluable insights into the European Parliament and international media milieu. They will interact with high-level European politicians, professional journalists and experts and engage in intercultural exchange through practical media production.

Over the course of the three-day workshop, each young journalist will work to produce a report on the topic of the seminar through their medium of choice - video, photo, radio, print, or multimedia. Participants at print, multimedia and photo workshops, furthermore, will have the chance to work in mixed groups and produce a 360° journalistic content. This year’s edition brings one more innovation: three participants will produce a short documentary movie about the whole event. The EYMD are open to young journalists who are citizens or legal residents of the EU Member States and neighbouring countries.

Costs – citizens or legal residents of the EU Members States

Participants’ travel costs (specific conditions apply, more information will be given after you have been selected) will be reimbursed by the European Parliament 1 to 2 weeks after the event, upon submission of all necessary documents (forms for completion and instructions will be sent by the European Parliament prior to the event). The European Parliament will also pay up to 360 Euros lump sum to working journalists (who need to provide a copy of their valid press card or a letter of instruction from their editor stating that they work as a paid journalist) or up to 180 Euros lump sum to journalism students or interns (who need to provide proof (e.g. in the form of a letter) from their university or from the organisation they are interning at) to cover accommodation, meals and local transport. The lump sums will be paid at the same time as the travel reimbursement, 1 to 2 weeks after the event.

Attention: for participants living in Brussels no lump sum or travel cost will be paid.

The young journalists chosen to participate will have to arrange their own accommodation and travel and provide the necessary documents to the European Parliament for reimbursement.

Costs – citizens or legal residents of the EU neighbouring countries

Participants’ travel costs (up to 250 Euros, specific conditions apply, more information will be given after you have been selected) will be reimbursed by the European Youth Press 2 weeks after the event, upon submission of all necessary documents (reimbursement form will be sent by the EYP prior to the event). The European Youth Press will also pay up to 250 Euros in total to team members involved in the project to cover accommodation and meals in Brussels. They need to provide originals of the corresponding documents (receipts, invoices) and EYP reimbursement form. The lump sums will be paid at the same time with the travel reimbursement, 2 weeks after the event. Participants will have to arrange their own travel. European Youth Press will assist with finding the accommodation in Brussels. Team members are responsible to provide the European Youth Press with all necessary documents requested for reimbursement.

Application and deadline

The call is open to young journalists aged between 18 and 30 who are citizens or legal residents of a EU Member State or neighbouring country only. The event will be held in English, so a working level of the language is required. Participants applying for the documentary workshop need to demonstrate experience in documentary filmmaking or video-reporting as well as to bring the camera and editing software (the movie has to be finished until December 22, 2015).

Please use this form to submit your application, including the links to two media samples (of any type; media samples that are not in English should have an English summary) by August 16, 23:59 CET.

If you have any questions, please send an email with the subject “EYMD 2015 questions” to questions@youthmediadays.eu

IES Summer Seminars 2015

Interested in exploring the ideas of Liberty? Spending a week of great experiences, intercultural exchanges, discussing and thinking about freedom, learning from top professors and making new friends from all over the world ? IES Europe offers you an opportunity to learn about classical liberal ideas and explore them with insights from our faculty into the study of history, economics and philosphy! Join us and deepen your understanding of ideas that allow humans to flourish and prosper.

List of seminars in 2015: 

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• Bulgaria (Bansko): July 12-18
• Germany (Gummersbach): July 19-25
• Georgia (Bakuriani): July 21-26

Through the generosity of our partners, IES-Europe is able to offer the seminars for free. Lectures, housing, meals are provided by IES-Europe. Participants only pay for their own travel.

The seminars offer interdisciplinary introduction to the tradition of classical liberal thought scholarship. Subjects covered include economics, history, moral, political philosophy and law. The main aim is to approach these fields from a liberal point of view. The seminars are a unique opportunity to boost your understanding of the classical liberal principles of individual rights, private property, and free markets and their applications to today's issues.

Thousands of students have already been involved with the Institute's programs. The participants are junior, senior, or graduate students and recent graduates but they are also young scholars or entrepreneurs. They usually describe it as a week which had a tremendous impact in their intellectual life and which has proved helpful for careers in academia, law, journalism, and other idea-oriented fields. It is also a great experience from a personal point of view, since for a week, students and faculty members, coming from everywhere in the world, get to live together, to speak and to debate. They get to learn from each other and are in contact with different cultures, education and ways of life.

A traditional Europe and Liberty seminar lasts 6 days from. The day is divided into 3 sessions of lecture, discussion groups and discussions with the speaker. Every session lasts 2 hours and is followed by a coffee break, lunch or dinner. The week is an intensive week of lectures and discussions. After each lecture the participants break into small groups to probe and debate ideas they have just heard. A highlight of the seminar are the evening discussion groups; guided by faculty members, participants continue their exploration of the day's themes. During the week, participants will have to interact constantly with each other and with the faculty members who not only lecture but join the participants for meals and evening discussion groups and socializing.

More about the application process: http://www.ies-europe.org/viewLiberalism.php?menu_id=98&article_id=294#.VTV1r_D7Osw 

Deadline for applications: May 1, 2015.

Solidarity Academy 2014

The European Solidarity Centre and New Eastern Europe are pleased to invite you to the tenth edition of the Solidarity Academy which will be held in Gdańsk from 16th to 22nd November 2014. The Solidarity Academy is an international educational project aimed at maintaining and developing the tradition of the Solidarity Movement. Looking back at the social movement of Solidarity and the peaceful socio-political changes which took place both in Poland and throughout Eastern Europe, we can find an inspiration for solving problems in today’s world. 

During the project, 15 young journalists will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and learn skills necessary for the work of any young and ambitious journalist or a commentator/columnist who is not indifferent to issues such as geopolitics or liberation movements on both the global and the European scale. The aim of this year's Solidarity Academy is to raise awareness among young journalists about aspects of multiculturalism and solidarity with nations fighting for freedom as well as integrating young contributors to New Eastern Europe. The Solidarity Academy will help to create a space for journalists from different backgrounds to meet, share and exchange experiences and initiatives.

Workshops will be both theoretical and practical. Participants will have an opportunity to take part in shared activities but they will also be divided into smaller groups during the journalistic workshops and comfy groups. The result of the journalistic workshops will be the final publication and the debate/panel discussion - fully prepared by the participants with the support of experts. The working language of the Solidarity Academy is English. 

One of the main goals of the project is to create a programme of Solidarity Academy Graduates which will allow the participants to maintain contact and engage together in other projects. That is why, this year, the former participants of previous editions of Solidarity Academy will participate in the workshops as facilitators and assistants. 

Organizers cover the costs of travel (up to 800 zł/200 €) and the participants’ stay in Gdańsk.  

Click here for the agenda of this year’s Solidarity Academy. 

The application form is available here 

Please note that all applications must be received by 12th October 2014.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact: 

Anna Fedas, Civic Education Specialist

European Solidarity Centre;

T: +48 58 767 79 94;

F: +48 58 767 79 78;

e-mail: a.fedas@ecs.gda.pl

International Student Festival in Trondheim 2015

International Student Festival in Trondheim (ISFiT), the world’s largest international student festival, will be held on 05-15 February 2015.

ISFiT is a non-profit organization and is brought to life with the efforts of more than 400 student volunteers. The vision of ISFiT is to create a better future for young people in the world. ISFiT is arranged every other year, and each festival has a theme related to social and political topics with international relevance. The festival is held in the city of Trondheim, Norway. Here, over 450 students from all over the world gather to attend 18 different workshops and take part in the cultural program of the festival.

The theme of ISFiT 2015 is “Corruption” and it will be subject for debate in the 18 workshops, which all have a different topic related to corruption. The festival theme will also be addressed by renowned speakers in plenary sessions during the festival. In addition to the workshops, ISFiT highlights the festival theme through a vast cultural program consisting of concerts, plenary sessions, art exhibitions, performing arts and ceremonies. The culture program offers an extensive range of events for the visiting participants, but is also available for the population of Trondheim.

Eligibility

Studnets over 18 years old can apply to participate in the festival. It is also necessary to be proficient in both written and spoken English.

Costs

ISFiT will cover your stay in Trondheim by providing accommodation and meals throughout the festival, and you will have to pay the travel expenses to and from Trondheim and visa costs.  If you have limited resources and are not able to pay for your travel expenses, you can apply for financial aid. You apply for this support when you are filling out the application form. You will have to write an essay about why you should be granted financial aid, however there is only limited amount of money to offer.

Application

You can apply by filling out the online application form. When you apply for the festival, you also apply for one of the 18 workshops which you will attend during the whole festival. Applications will be open from 15 August 2014 until 30 September 2014.

Read more: https://www.isfit.org/

Check out frequently asked questions. If you can not find answers to your questions in the FAQ, please e-mail: question@isfit.org

Mitrovica Summer University 2014

We are delighted to inform you that this year, for the seventh time, Mitrovica Summer University 2014 (MSU14) will be organized. We are looking for highly motivated students who want to participate in the MSU14 and to make it an unforgettable experience. 
 

Mitrovica Summer University 2014 will take place in Mitrovica between the 11th and 25th of July 2014.
 

Continuing with the original format, the program for MSU14 will bring together local and international professors and students, providing an opportunity to learn and share experiences.
 

During the Mitrovica Summer University 2014, four courses will take place on the following topics:
1. EU integration/ Western Balkan Accession;
2. Economy/Entrepreneurship;
3. Environmental Protection;
4. WEB Design;
 

All courses will be taught by local and international professors and will be in English.
 

Successful participants will gain an official Certificate of the Mitrovica Summer University which includes between 3 to 4 ECTS credits.
 

The two-week courses are organized together with cultural excursions and a recreational program. In addition, public discussions, lectures and other interactive events on prominent issues in society will take place. MSU14 offers a unique opportunity to expand academic knowledge and skills, while enjoying an exciting international atmosphere.

Lectures and classes are tuition free. Participants who study in Mitrovica and students from South East Europe can apply for a scholarship, which covers accommodation and food. In addition, they will receive a one-time stipend covering their travel costs. (For more information we kindly recommend you to read the Information Guide for Participants which can be downloaded from www.my-program.org)
 

You are invited to apply online before the 1th of June 2014.
 

For more information concerning the programme or the application process, please visit www.my-program.org or contact us at msu@spark-online.org

IES Seminars 2014

IES Liberty Seminars 2014 will be held in Gummersbach, Germany, Bansko, Bulgaria, and Predeal, Romania.

IES Europe offers you an interdisciplinary introduction to the tradition of classical liberal thought. Subjects covered include economics, history, moral and political philosophy, law, jurisprudence. Faculty and program will soon be availble. The main aim is to approach these fields from a liberal point of view. The seminars are a unique opportunity to boost your understanding of the classical liberal principles of individual rights, private property, and free markets and their applications to today's issues.

Through the generosity of partners, IES-Europe is able to offer the seminars for free. Lectures, housing, meals are provided by IES-Europe. Participants only pay for their own travel.

Since 1989 IES-Europe works to nurture young classical liberal intellectuals. IES-Europe invests in students to improve their understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of classical liberal ideas and to provide the material means to continue their studies. Europe & Liberty seminars held throughout Europe serve to develop young scholars and to create a supportive network of classical liberal intellectuals in Europe.

Germany 2014

IES-Europe has made its summer seminar in Gummersbach, Germany the place to be for students interested in the ideas of liberty. Between July 20 and July 27, together with our partners the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit and the Competitve Enterprise Institute, we will get back again to the place where, over the years many young minds have learned about freedom and made lasting friendships. Apply now and join us for an incredible experience. 

Bulgaria 2014

IES-Europe offers you a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the ideas behind propserity and human flourishing. In cooperation with the Institute for Market Economics and the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit, this new edition of Europe & Liberty Seminar will be held in Bansko, Bulgaria between July 27 and August 2, 2014.

Romania 2014

IES-Europe, the Center for Institutional Analysis and Development - Eleutheria (CADI), The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS)  and the Society for Individual Freedom (SoLib) organize a September School in Philosophy, Economics and Politics between September 16 and September 20, 2014 at Hotel Orizont, Predeal, Romania. 

Read more: http://www.ies-europe.org/viewLiberalisms.php?menu_id=119#.Uz3hqaLwCeY

 

BayernMUN 2014

bayernMUN is a Model United Nations Conference that is held in Germany and offers first-class facilities, challenging topics, a competent chair, an environment conducive to professional negotiations and a chance to prove your skills to recruiters and even to find a job. bayernMUN offers a unique Model UN experience by allowing you to work and negotiate together with a colleague delegate, representing the diplomatic interest of your chosen country in a large committee. Our competent conference staff will ensure fair and interesting negotiations, always with an open ear for your needs.

• Effective teamwork with your partner
• Self-confidence in negotiations with large groups of delegates
• Routine with the Rules of Procedure
• Delivering speeches in front of a large committee
• Enjoying the company of many like-minded students in the same situation as yours

The 2014 bayernMUN conference will be held in Neuendettelsau (near Nuremberg) between February 21st – 23rd 2014.  

The provisional agenda of the 2014 bayernMUN conference includes:

1. Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms While Countering Terrorism
2. Promoting Sustainable Development Practices in Transnational Corporations
3. Addressing the Custom of Child Marriage and its Impact on Girls

To make this variety of topics accessible in a single committee, the bayernMUN conference will be simulating a General Assembly Plenary session. Contrary to NMUN, it will operate with its own agenda.

bayernMUN hosts a select range of companies that are interested in motivated and internationally educated students: As a delegate, you will be able to find internships or even job positions.

Eligibility

This Model UN conference is open to young people interested in representing the diplomatic interests of their country in a large committee.

Costs

bayernMUN operates on a non-profit basis. Costs cover actual expenses. The fee of 129 EUR includes participation, conference materials, first-class accommodation, full board, snacks and beverages during sessions and even job opportunities! Groups of 8 delegates or more may be eligible for a small discount, please contact the organizers for further information.

Application

Please use the online registration form. Registration ends on 31 January 2014. Participation with a committee partner is highly encouraged, as it will provide you with valuable teamwork experience and practice. In this case, registration of both delegates is necessary.

If you have any questions concerning bayernMUN, feel free to contact secretariat@bayernmun.org.

READ MORE

Culture and Democratic Citizenship, Culture of Democratic Citizenship

JEF-Europe and JEF-France have opened a call for participants for the international seminar "Culture and Democratic Citizenship, Culture of Democratic Citizenship", which will take place in Paris, France from 26 October to 1 November 2013 in Paris, France. The aim of the seminar is to explore the links between Culture and Citizenship offering ideas and approaches to participating youth leaders which they can use on local level when working with youth. 

The seminars’ learning objectives are:

• To share experiences on the topic of intercultural dialogue and the concepts of culture
• To introduce the concept of democratic citizenship and explore the links it has with culture
• To identify and discuss on differences and similarities between the values of European citizenship and the cultural values of the participants
• To plan potential follow up strategies using the gained knowledge back on local level

 Who Can Apply?

Youth leaders from around the world.

Cost

Accepted participants are requested to pay the participation fee: 120 EUR for JEF members and 150 EUR for non-JEF members (there are 10 scholarships of 50 EUR provided upon request.) in which accommodation and meals are included. Furthermore, 70 % of the travel costs will be reimbursed.

Application

You can apply by submitting the online application form by 20 August 2013.

For any further details contact info@jef.eu

Read more

Summer Academy Challenges of Sustainable Development in Poland 2013

Sendzimir Foundation invites students and professionals interested in sustainable development to apply for the XVI Summer Academy Challenges of Sustainable Development in Poland 2013. The course, held entirely in English, consists of two phases: an e-learning phase (March-June) and the 3-week long Summer Academy that takes place on 7-27 July in Torun, central Poland. Participation in the e-learning phase is open to applicants from anywhere in the world. Participation in the Summer Academy will be open to selected participants that proved the best alumni of the e-learning course and are residents of Central Eastern Europe and Baltic Sea Basin region. Participation in both the e-learning and the Academy is free of charge (Sendzimir Foundation covers all the related costs except travel to Torun).

Three-week Summer Academy the Challenges of Sustainable Development is one of the most important educational events connected to sustainability in Poland. More than 410 people took part in it since 1998. Since the 12th edition we accept also participants from abroad. The Academy enjoys growing interest from participants from different countries - In 2012 around 400 people applied to take part in it. The competition is high but those who do get accepted praise the high standard of the training.

Who can take part in the course?

The course is addressed to students and PhD students, researchers as well as representatives of the business, administration and NGO-sector from the Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea Region. Students represent different areas and specialties, especially they were: nature protection and environmental engineering, architecture, management, economic sciences, agriculture, biology, ecology, arts, history, journalism. We encourage participants from all over the world to apply for the e-learning phase, however only applicants from Europe will be considered eligible to participate in the Academy. This is due to the local focus of the practical component of the training and excessive carbon footprint caused by long-distance travels. If you feel your case needs exceptional, please write us an e-mail before the end of the second stage of the e-learning course.

The additional criteria taken into account will be:

• fluency in English,
• country of the applicant (approximately 60% of participants will be from Poland, from other CEE and Baltic countries we will accept up to 3 participants from a certain country taking into consideration the number of application from a given country). Please note: due to excessive carbon footprint generated by long-distance travels participants from countries outside Europe will not be admitted to participate in the Academy. 
• specialization (the course has an interdisciplinary character and we try to create a diverse group of participants to share knowledge and experience in their fields).

How can I take part in this course?

If you want to take part in 16th edition of our Summer Academy or the e-learning alone, you should send an application form, that is available on our website. The applications will be received between 11th of February and 4th of March 2013. 

An integral element of the recruitment process for the Academy is a two-step e-learning course that we will provide from 9th March 2013. Those who do not complete it will not be eligible to take part in the Academy, however you may decide to participate in the e-learning stage alone, without applying for the Academy. If that should be the case, please indicate it in the application form.

What is the subject of the course?

Sustainable development: explanation of the concept, theory from different perspectives and practical workshops and projects. The course includes also additional activities which integrates the group such as dance classes or hiking.

 

What can I expect from this course?

The Academy programme includes: lectures, debates, workshops, simulation games, country activities and practical projects in the domain of sustainable development. Guided by experienced instructors from Poland and abroad, the participants work on two important practical projects. First concentrates on the implementation of sustainable development principles into the municipality; the other into the companies or institutions.

Read more about the application process here.

"Change the Change" Seminar

There are times when we are not happy with the current situation - either in our closest environment or even at an international level. We have not managed to prevent it but we can still do something about. Bringing about change is a process that can go variuos ways. How to do it in a constructive, effective and peacefull way?

This seminar will develop new and fine-tune already existing tools on human rights education to empower participation of young people in decision making on local, regional, national and international level.

The seminar will be held in Tartu, Estonia, on 24.-30.03.2013. The seminar is financially supported by European Youth Foundation.

The last day for sign up is 15th of January 2013.

Who Can Apply?

• The seminar is open to participants from European countries. Participants from the other parts of the world are welcomed, but the organizers cannot cover the costs of travel.
• Participants should be between 15 and 30 years old.

Participation Costs

• 130 Euro for members from Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Finland, Great Britain,
• 30 Euro for members from Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Turkey, Romania, Moldova, Poland
• participation fee covers full travel reimbursement (one plane/train/bus ticket in both directions).
• 200 Euro for Participants from non-member organisations
• food and accommodation costs are covered by the organizers

Check the member organisations here.

Sign up here 

Yale Young Global Scholars Program 2013

We are pleased to announce that the prospectus and application information for the Yale Young Global Scholars Program for Outstanding High School Students  2013 is now available online.

Formerly the Ivy Scholars Program, our name change this year to Yale Young Global Scholars reflects the fact that our program has developed into one of the most selective and academically rigorous high school summer programs worldwide. By exposing our students to the best scholars and practitioners in a wide range of academic and professional fields, we seek to give our students the analytical skills they will need in whatever leadership positions they may one day assume.

As an official Yale University program that is administered by University officials, you can expect a first-rate summer experience studying in beautiful campus lecture halls and classrooms, living in our famed residential colleges, eating in our award-winning dining halls, engaging with world renowned professors, and interacting with extraordinary visiting practitioners. 

The Yale Young Global Scholars Program brings the best of the academic and policy communities together in a scholarly learning environment. Although our programs are designed for top-performing high school students, our faculty members teach the same material and in the same manner as in their undergraduate courses here at Yale.

The Yale Young Global Scholars Program for Outstanding High School Students offers two innovative, intensive, summer educational experiences for 2013.

Politics, Law, and Economics Program (PLE)

• July 13 – 26, 2013
• Focus on the great ideas and thinkers in the American intellectual tradition, covering political philosophy, democracy, constitutional law, political economy, and financial literacy
• Key deliberative exercises may include writing and presenting a political campaign speech, publicly defending a legal opinion, and engaging in a Constitutional Convention simulation

Studies in Grand Strategy Program (GS)

• August 3 – 16, 2013
• Focus on strategic lessons from history and their application to contemporary international affairs
• Key deliberative exercises may include participating in an international crisis simulation and negotiation, and writing and presenting a group policy paper on a critical global challenge

Application and Investment

• Must be entering your junior or senior year of high school (or equivalent for international students).
• The application consists of a high school transcript, two teacher recommendations, and a 1,000-word essay. For non-native English speakers, spoken and written English must be nearly fluent.
• The all-inclusive cost of $4,500 includes tuition, housing, food, and activities. Bring your own laptop. Travel to and from Yale is not included.
• Generous financial aid is available to American and international students, based on demonstrated financial need (no merit scholarships).
• The program fills up every year, and it is highly selective. Applications are processed on a rolling basis. Applicants interested in financial aid should apply as soon as possible.
• The first application deadline is March 1, 2013.

Eligibility

We seek outstanding high school students with strong academic records, passion for national and international issues, and desire to make substantive and lasting contributions to their communities and world. Because each program is conducted as a university-level academic and leadership development experience, students are expected to be mature, focused, responsible, articulate, and willing to engage respectfully in discussions over difficult intellectual, moral, and policy issues.

The Yale Young Global Scholars Program seeks students who have strong written and verbal communication skills, can read and analyze large amounts of difficult material, draw well-reasoned conclusions, work under considerable pressure and time constraints, and consistently adhere to a high standard of personal and professional conduct. Our academic and leadership development experiences are designed for capable individuals who possess a strong desire to analyze and understand complex ideas and issues.

Due to the very large number of applicants, we do not accept applications from rising freshmen (grade 9) or sophomores (grade 10). While there is no formal minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement, applicants with less robust grades should demonstrate intellectual excellence and leadership in all other areas. Teacher and mentor recommendations, as well as student statements of interest, are very important parts of our admission decisions. Each of our Yale Young Global Scholars Program experiences are taught in English and all students who are non-native speakers of English should possess strong verbal and written communication skills in the English language. 

Click here to download the 2013 prospectus and application

Contact Us
EMAIL: global.scholars@yale.edu 
PHONE: +1 (203) 436-8223
FAX: +1 (203) 436-2395

Mitrovica Winter University 2013

Mitrovica Winter University 2013 is an six-courses educational program which brings together local and international professors and around 150 students. This year, Mitrovica Winter University 2013 (MWU13) will be organized for the sixth time! We are looking for highly motivated students, who want to participate in the MWU13 and to make it an unforgettable experience. 

Mitrovica Winter University 2013 will be held in Mitrovica between the 21st of January and the 1st of February 2013. Continuing with the original format, the program for MWU13 will bring together local and international professors and students, providing an opportunity to learn and share experiences. Approximately 150 students can participate:  90 local students, 35 students from South East Europe and 25 from EU and beyond.

MWU 2013 offers 6 intensive academic courses of 2 weeks taught by international professors together with local professors. The courses will be cover different fields such as political, social, medicine, environment, economical science, art and information technologies. All courses will be taught in English, though some courses will be translated into Serbian.

The following courses will take place during the MWU 2013:

1. EU Enlargement and Migration
2. Emergency Medical Conditions
3. E–Marketing
4. Contemporary European Film and Production
5. Business Psychology and Management
6. Green Architecture and Urban Design
 

Successful participants will gain an official Certificate of the Mitrovica Winter University which includes between 3 to 4 ECTS credits.

The two-week courses are organized together with cultural excursions and a recreational program. In addition, public discussions, lectures and other interactive events on prominent issues in society will take place. MWU13 offers a unique opportunity to expand academic knowledge and skills, while enjoying an exciting international atmosphere.

Lectures and classes are tuition free.

You are invited to apply online before the 14th of December 2012.

For more information concerning the programme or the application process, please visit
www.my-program.org or contact us at mwu13@spark-online.org

Stay in touch with us: www.facebook.com/MWU13

Youth Encountering Environmental Human Rights

We invite you to apply for the study session “Youth Encountering Environmental Human Rights” (24.02.-02.03.2013) that will take place at the European Youth Centre in Budapest.

This study session aims to promote active youth participation in environmental human rights education and peaceful activism. We have prepared this activity for youth workers, educators, activists- anyone interested to explore the topic of environmental human rights, willing to share their histories of participation and learn new ways of engaging in local and global environmental matters. 

“All over the world, people are experiencing the effects of ecosystem decline, from water shortages to fish kills and landslides on deforested slopes. The victims of environmental degradation tend to belong to more vulnerable sectors of the society —racial and ethnic minorities and the poor—who regularly carry a disproportionate burden of such abuse. Increasingly, many basic human rights are being placed at risk, as the right to health is affected by the contamination of resources, or the right to property and culture compromised by commercial intrusion into indigenous lands. Human rights activism presents a significant opportunity to address the human consequences of environmental degradation and can serve as a catalyst for inspiring ideas and action in the real world ” 

IYNF finds it essential to empower young people to defend their rights and the rights of the communities that are affected by abuse of local ecosystems and climate change. We believe that human rights education plays an important role in exploring the interdependencies of rights and links between environmental degradation and human rights. Thus this course! 

During this study session we also want to build a network of young people willing to multiply their knowledge and create follow-up initiatives and projects in the field of human rights education, environmental education, education for sustainable development and youth participation internationally and in their local communities. 

If so far it all sounds exciting and you would like to apply, there is certain criteria you have to fulfill before you click on the application link. 

Applicants for this SS should be: 

· 18-30 years old (with some exceptions over 30); 

· Residing in one of member states of Council of Europe; 

· Volunteering, working/ actively hanging out in youth/environmental or both field organizations; 

· With previous experience in fields of youth work/environmental human rights/human rights/ environmental activism; 

· Willing to multiply their learning by passing it to others through projects and incentives; 

· Eager to learn, actively participate, share and contribute. 

There is participation fee of Euro 50, however all your visa and travel, accommodation and board costs are 100% covered!

Fill your application form until 20nd of December, 2012  here: https://docs.google.com/a/iynf.org/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEROT0VWanVWcDlqb2RabWtNU2pjR3c6MQ#gid=0 

We will notify only accepted applicants of selection results by 7th of January the latest. 

More info: http://www.iynf.org/activities-meetings/activities/call-participants-study-session-%E2%80%9Cyouth-encountering-environmental-hum

If you have any further questions, please contact Ilze Jece- ilze@iynf.org

Winter European Innovation Academy 2013

Tallinn University of Technology is offering you a stimulating academic environment, a vibrant community of motivated students and distinguished faculty in its intensive winter program Winter Innovation Academy on 21-27 January 2013 in Tallinn, Estonia. Winter European Innovation Academy is a place for transforming your knowledge, ideas and skills into real innovation. Innovation Academy is suitable for engineering, science and business students as well as professionals who are intending to pursue a career in innovative management. Winter Innovation Academy 2013 brings together famous motivational guest speakers who are innovation experts from world-famous and successful companies Microsoft and Samsung.

It is a place for exciting workshops and attractive discussions with professionals, where you can experience the opportunity of a lifetime: collaborating with world-famous start-up experts, answering big questions and transforming your increasing knowledge in the field of innovation. Through its series of lectures, presentations and workshops, students will be able to develop knowledge about turning innovative ideas into successful ventures. Students and entrepreneurs are divided into different groups taking into consideration knowledge and experience in this area.

Microsoft, Apple, Google and Facebook were founded by college students. Could you be building the next star technology start-up? This course provides basic knowledge and skills to help you answer this question. 

Course Sessions

Winter Innovation Academy 2013 session is divided into three parts:

1. Innovation and Entrepreneurship (2 days)

• How changes in technology paradigms give rise to novel opportunities (Xbox Kinect, Youtube cases)?
• How to identify, analyze and exploit these opportunities (Netflix, iPod cases)?
• How to design innovative products, to create sustainable competitive edge (iPhone case)?
• How to transform loose topics on technologies, opportunities, customers, markets to unique strategic business plans (Hilton, iPad cases)?
• How to transform these plans into focused execution while avoiding common mistakes (Procter & Gamble, Android cases)?

2. Business Model Innovation (2 days)

• What is a business model?
• What features should a good business model possess?
• How aggressively can a given business model distress other industry participants?
• Can I design a successful business model?

3. Designing Social Applications as Software-Intensive Products (1 day)

The major models that we study in the course are goal, role and domain models for problem domain analysis and interaction, knowledge and behavior models for design.The course is illustrated by examples and exercises of designing social applications, such as the apps for societal parking, healthcare, and grocery shopping.

Registration & Scholarship Information

The deadline for registration is 1 December 2012. The special Early Bird Price (before 1 November 2012) is €390. The general price is €450. The optional Cultural Programme is €75.

The top five creative students who apply for scholarships by 1 NOVEMBER 2012 will be able to join the event for €100. 

Create a movie, picture compilation, infographic, etc. and show the judges your creativity by answering the following questions:

• Who are you?
• What does innovation mean for you?
• Why do you want to join the Academy?

Mr. Alar Kolk, president of European Innovation Academy, will be among the jury to rate your creations. Send your work to michiel@innovationacademy4u.com with the subject “Scholarship Contest” by 1 November 2012. 

READ MORE HERE or contact: info@innovationacademy.com

Winter School On Federalism And Governance 2013

The Winter School on Federalism and Governance is a transnational project of the EURAC-Institute for Studies on Federalism and Regionalism, Bolzano/Bozen (Italy), the Faculty of Law and the School of Political Science and Sociology of the University of Innsbruck (Austria). Since its first edition 2010 it takes place under the auspices of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

The upcoming edition 2013 focuses on “Federalism and Fundamental Rights”. Federalism, regionalism, devolution, autonomy and other forms of territorial division of power are key tools for effective and democratic governance. They are often used to address fundamental rights issues, mostly in an effort to better promote and protect them, but also, in some instances, to limit them. The Winter School 2013 aims at better understanding such link from a multi-disciplinary academic and practical perspective, providing in-depth analysis and practical knowledge of the problems, the solutions and the instruments available in this field.

The first week of the Winter School (4-8 February 2013) takes place at the Faculty of Law and at the School of Political Science and Sociology, Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck, Austria. The second week (11-15 February 2013) takes place at the Institute for Studies on Federalism and Regionalism, European Academy Bolzano/Bozen (EURAC), Italy.

The application is open to young researchers and academics, post-graduate or undergraduate students, civil servants from a local, regional or national government as well as employees of international organizations or NGOs.

Among others, the following issues will be addressed during the training:

• To what extent is territorially differentiated protection of fundamental rights possible and even desirable?
• What fundamental rights are best suited to be developed differently in different parts of a state’s territory?
• What lessons can be learned from comparative practice?
• How can territorial settings improve the protection of fundamental rights? What do the international standards and practice have to say in this regard?

COSTS

The participation fee for the Winter School should be paid upon enrolment in November 2012:

• Option 1: € 700,00 – includes 13 nights-accommodation in a single room with breakfast.
• Option 2: € 550,00 – includes 13 nights-accommodation in a twin room with breakfast.

For participants from Innsbruck or Bolzano/Bozen (requiring only one week accommodation) the participation fee is reduced to 50%.

SCHOLARSHIPS
The organizers of the Winter School on Federalism and Governance will award a limited number of scholarships. The organizers distinguish between:

• “full scholarship” covering the accommodation costs plus breakfast for 13 nights in Innsbruck and Bolzano/Bozen (twin room) and a contribution towards the participants’ travel expenses (refund after the Winter School).
• “partial scholarship” covering only the accommodation costs in Innsbruck and Bolzano/Bozen (13 nights with breakfast, twin room).

To apply for the scholarship you have to fill in the application form (question about scholarship is included in the third part of the form).

Everyone can apply for scholarship, however, scholarships are limited. Preference will be given to students and to participants from overseas.

The scholarships will be awarded after all applications have been processed by  November 2012. Holders of these scholarships are requested to pay a participation fee of € 100 upon enrolment.

Benefits

A certificate of attendance will be awarded to participants attending at least 90% of all classes. Additionally, those who pass the final exam scheduled for the last day of the Winter School will be awarded 10 ECTS by the University of Innsbruck. These credits can be transferred to your home university if you are currently enrolled at another study programme. Please note that it is to the discretion of your home institution if and how many of these credits will be accredited to your university degree/CV. Further details regarding the final exam will be given with enrolment.

Participants will have the opportunity to submit a working paper after the Winter School (not compulsory!). The best papers will be considered for publication. Further details will be available during the Winter School.

Application

In the online application form you will be asked to submit your:
- personal data
- academic and professional education
- work experience (if applicable)
- motivation (max. 250 words)
- abstract (max. 500 words) on one of the topics listed below. We suggest to prepare the abstract before submitting your application form. Details regarding the abstract are explained below. Please note that without your abstract your application is not valid! 

The topics for the abstract are as follows:
A) “Migrant Integration”
B) ”Linguistic Rights”
C) ”Right to Freedom of Religion”
D) “Indigenous Peoples’ Rights

Application deadline: 26 October, 2012.

For further information please contact Greta Klotz by phone +3904710552392, email: winterschool@eurac.edu, or Skype: euracwinterschool

Read more and apply