Youth Future Conference 2013 in Bonn

From September 1st to 7th, the European Conference on Sustainability for young adults (18-28 years) will be held in Bonn. This conference is organised by a German group of students within the network of the Youth Future Project.

Imagine that YOU can come together with 100 other young people from all over Europe, 20 junior scientists and about 6 Laureates of the Right Livelihood Award (“Alternative Nobel Prize”) and the German Environment Prize. Together, on an eye-to-eye level and from an interdisciplinary and multi-perspective angle, you will work on challenges and innovative solutions in the field of sustainability .

During workshops, lectures, and discussions you will learn about the views and actions of important activists in the field of sustainability and you can gain an integrated understanding of the multidimensional challenges of environmental problems. We want to enable you to make new personal experiences and encounter new methodological approaches to sustainabilty issues. The multi-perspective approach shall encourage us to go beyond our academic disciplinary frameworks.

Therefore, during this four-day-long process, we will take a look at central challenges in the field of sustainablity in small working goups. During the conference lecturers from various fields (e.g. economy, ecology or social science) will be present in the working goups. So we will learn to understand the different challenges sustainability poses to various stakeholders and actors.

 

During the conference we will use our new knowledge and experiences as advice for future actions and practical next steps that you can implement through journalistic, academic research, civil-societal  or environmental projects, which we will initiate in the last days of the conference.

The most promising ideas, developed during the conference, will be supported for one year in the “Visionaries in Action”-support-programme. They will be offered a starting capital of up to 2.000 Euros as well as coaching and professional seminars in NPO-project management.

 

Costs 

The contribution-fee for early applications amounts to 115 EUR until May, 31^st. From June, 1^st on the minimum contribution is 145 EUR, although you can choose to pay more in order to help other participants come to the conference who would otherwise not be able to join us.

Scholarships

If you want to come to the conference but can not cover the expenses for the participation fee and/or the travel cost, you can apply for the Youth Future Conference’s Scholarship. The scholarship follows the principle of solidarity: People who can afford paying a higher participation fee enable financial less situated people to come to the conference by paying more than indicated. The scholarship is dedicated only to people between 18 and 30 years living or studying in Europe.

The number of scholarships granted depends on how many people apply for the scholarship and for how much money they apply. For the organizers it is much easier to cover the participation fee than the travel expenses. Of cause it is possible to, for example, only apply for a part of your travel expenses. For example when your whole itinerary is about 200€  and you can only cover 100€ by yourself, you can apply for the remaining 100€. You can check more info and apply for scholarship grant here.

The first places will be confirmed from the 3rd of June on. After this more places will be given out continuously.

If you would like to participate, but do not know, if you are really invited, for example because you feel to old, or to young, or because your are not living in Europe, please get in touch. In many cases we will find a solution. Just shoot us an email at conference@youthfuture.de

Apply NOW!

Global Entrepreneurship Summer School 2013

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the most exciting Summer School around the Globe. Apply now and meet leading entrepreneurial talents from around the world for more than one week in Germany. The Global Entrepreneurship Summer School under the general topic Rethinking Education will take place on Sep 18 – Sep 26, 2013 in Munich.

The vision of the Global Entrepreneurship Summer School is based on the claim „Billion Dollar Projects to Foster Societal Change“. We want to encourage and connect outstanding students from all over the world to challenge society’s problems by entrepreneurial means. We want the students to think big and contribute to sustainable change in the dimension of billion. The Global Entrepreneurship Summer School is a collaborative project of the four leading university-based Entrepreneurship Centers in Munich – that’s why we believe in the power of entrepreneurial thinking for a better und sustainable future.

During the Summer School the student teams develop ideas that have both a sustainable impact for society and a self-sustaining, profitable business model. The students learn about entrepreneurship, develop their own sustainable business ideas and build a long-lasting network of international excellent and entrepreneurial students. The Global Entrepreneurship Summer Schools fosters the important role of education, entrepreneurship and networking for a sustainable development.

Who can apply?
You have to be enrolled in any university at any time during 2013 and you have to be between 18 – 27 years old. Example: If you are enrolled only until February 2013 you can apply even if you won’t be enrolled in September 2013.”Enrolled” applies in our definition also to MBA or PhD students.

Application process
This year we will accept 35 outstanding students from around the world who will get an invitation to Munich. In addition we will accept 15 virtual participants. All applications will go through a very strict, but fair selection process. The deadline for Early Bird applications will be April 30, 2013. The regular deadline will be May 31, 2013 (GMT -12). We will inform everybody at the latest during the last week of June about their application status.

Accommodation
Participants won’t have to pay for their accommodation. We will provide accommodation from Sep 17 until Sep 27 either in the guesthouse of the LMU or at other places such as appartments of other participants from Munich.

Global Scholarships
International students who are invited to Munich will automatically receive a travel scholarship. The Global Entrepreneurship Summer School will contribute 50% of your total travel costs (mostly flight tickets) up to a cap of € 500,-. Just to remind you, accommodation, travel during your stay and lots of food during the week is also included!

Food & travel in Munich
We will provide you for free some exclusive dinners as well as many snacks and coffee during the whole week. In addition we will cover your travel expenses for the public transport in Munich throughout the whole week.

Tuition
We will charge a tutuion fee of € 79,- for early bird applicants and € 119,- for regular applicants per selected participant. (Note: Previously we mentioned here that this only applies to students from Germany. We changed that recently due to the following reason: For our international guests the fee covers part of the the medical insurance including an ambulance transport or even a emergency transfer back home. We will get back to those applicants who have applied before 26.03. if you get selected on how to handle that individually.)

If you are a student from Germany and you can provide accommodation to an international participant you won’t have to pay a tuition fee – no matter when you apply.

Please apply here with your CV and motivational letter (max. around 200 words) as PDF attachments.

 
If you have any questions please please send a mail to info@globalsummerschool.org

Summer School for Young Professionals 2013: Challenges of Global Security Environment

Centre for European and North Atlantic Affairs (CENAA) together with its partner Armed Forces Academy of General M. R. Štefánik (AFA) in Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia is organizing the Summer School for Young Professionals 2013: Challenges of Global Security Environment on 29 June 2013 – 7 July 2013. If you are a master or doctoral level student of political science and/or international relations, or a young professional who is interested and active in the foreign and security policy issues, then we would like to invite YOU to join other students from Central Europe (V4), South Eastern Europe (Western Balkans), Ukraine and South Caucasus in an interactive week-long forum focused on the current issues of the security policy.

You can enjoy the environment of the Armed Forces Academy in Liptovský Mikuláš, located between the beautiful High and Low Tatras. On July 4th we will move our summer school from Liptovský Mikuláš to Mukcahevo in Ukraine and we will continue with our program. The structure of the teaching at the summer school is aimed to provide you with the basics of the security policy background and overview of the current security issues such as Afghanistan beyond 2014, NATO partnerships, smart defence or  current events in Africa and other conflict region. 

One of the main objectives of this international summer school is the preparation of young professionals – future leaders from mentioned regions – to act in the foreign and security policy. Interactive discussions and lectures led by top speakers from various international and Slovak organizations will therefore focus on open exchange of ideas and interaction of participants from different backgrounds. There will be many side activities besides the classroom lectures and discussions – dynamic workshop, trip to nearby High Tatras and city of Liptovský Mikuláš, receptions, Airbase in Prešov and others.

The teaching language of the summer school will be English. At the end of the school, you will receive certificate of course attendance issued by the Armed Forces Academy.

Application Process

To apply please send a complete application package, i.e. filled-in application form, your CV and motivation letter (max 550 words), to the following email address: school@cenaa.org (put word “application” into the mail subject). The deadline for receiving your application is April 30, 2013 (Tuesday). You will receive the information on your acceptance within one week after this deadline. If accepted you will be provided with complete details regarding the summer school.

Participants will be selected according to the following criteria:

1. Educational background
2. Level of English as a second language
3. Motivation letter, in which the interest in the issues of the foreign and security policy will be valued the most

Motivation letter should address your interest in the issues related to the topic of the summer school and should explain how do you intend to turn the knowledge and experiences gained at the summer school for your benefit. Motivation letter should be maximum 550 words. It will be taken into consideration that English is not your mother tongue; however, a good command of English is required.

Financial Support

• If you are from Ukraine, South Caucasus or Western Balkans: Your travel costs, accommodation and meals will be fully covered. However there is a participation fee 60 EUR and you should pay your visa if required by yourself.
• If you are from V4 country: Your accommodation and meals will be fully covered. However there is a participation fee 100 EUR and you should pay your travel cost by yourself.
• If you are from any other country: You will have to cover all the expenses of your participation at the Summer School. It amounts to 290 EUR + travel cost.

E-mail: school@cenaa.org

Mobile: +421 949 341 304

Website: http://cenaa.org/en/publications/summer-school/

Transparency International Summer School on Integrity

Applications are welcome for the Transparency International Summer School on Integrity that will take place in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 8-14 July, 2013. The Summer School is designed for students, graduates and young professionals. 

The aim of the Summer School is to provide student leaders from across the region with an opportunity to learn first-hand from professionals working in the anti-corruption field. The School seeks to provide students with a peer-to-peer learning and integrity-building platform that links international experience with transparency and integrity to the current situation in post-communist countries and beyond.

Participants of the Transparency International Summer School on Integrity  learn about the causes of corruption and practical ways in which societies can become more transparent and accountable.

 

The School staff  offer students state-of-the-art professional guidance and compelling case studies showing long-term sustainability through transparent and integrity. Led by leading anti-corruption professionals, the School seeks to create an environment that brings discussions about transparency and integrity from a high public policy level into the classroom and the everyday life of students.

University students earn 6 ECTS credits upon successful completion of the course.

Course Programme 

The TI Summer School consists of three teaching modules covering the public sector, the private sector and civic empowerment. Each module will include theoretical definitions of corruption as it affects different parts of society, and how anti-corruption tools are used in practice.

• The public sector module covers abuse of office, nepotism, public procurement and accountability mechanisms for public institutions.
• The private sector module focuses on international anti-corruption mechanisms, corporate reporting standards, media accountability, and corruption in different industry sectors.
• The civic empowerment module addresses the role of citizens in monitoring the activities of the state and explores ways in which people can become involved in the public decision-making process, in reporting corruption, and in anti-corruption activities.

Students will be introduced to new online mobilisation methods, falling under the “web 2.0″ rubric, used by organisations such as Sunlight Foundation, My Society and will receive a training on media literacy, i.e. how to critically read and work with news.

Application Process

Applicants wishing to apply shall submit the following documents:
1) Application form (save as.doc)
2) Europass CV.

The completed application form with the CV should be sent to admissions@transparencyschool.org. Only fully filled applications will be considered. The copies of the diplomas and letters of recommendations are welcome but not compulsory. The final deadline for the submission of application documents is 1 May 2013.

Fees

For 2013 the course participation fee is set at 400 EUR. The fee covers accommodation, meals, study material and extra-curricular activities. Participants are expected to cover their own travel expenses (including visas, insurance, etc.). Students may be granted (partial) tuition fee waivers in exceptional cases.

Scholarships

A limited number of competitive scholarships is available. Full scholarships cover transportation, tuition and board expenses. Students seeking a scholarship are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Students may be also offered partial scholarships that cover a part of their expenses.

Students from the following countries can apply for a full scholarship (the full list of eligible countries is to be confirmed by 1 April 2013): Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Egypt, Estonia, Georgia, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Moldova, Morocco, Palestine, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Syria and Tunisia.

For further questions regarding the application procedure, fees, scholarships or general inquiries, please contact at admissions@transparencyschool.org
 

Web-site: http://transparencyschool.org/

European Forum Alpbach 2013

"Experiences and Values" is the general topic of the European Forum Alpbach 2013 which will take place from August 12 to 31, 2013 in the village of Alpbach in the Tyrolean mountains. The three-week event offers an opportunity to enter into discussion with renowned personalities. In a unique atmosphere, speakers from a wide variety of disciplines will discuss burning issues of our times with the participants. An extensive social programme offers opportunities to continue debates outside the conference and seminar rooms. This special nature of the European Forum attracts around 4,000 participants from more than 60 countries every year.

To enable young people to share in this experience, the European Forum Alpbach Non-Profit Foundation under Private Law, supported by many sponsors, makes scholarships available for students and recent graduates. Last year, more than 600 students and recent graduates from 47 countries were able to take part in the Forum thanks to scholarships.

Scholarships for the Symposia of the European Forum Alpbach

Scholarships for the European Forum Alpbach 2013 are available for students and recent graduates up to 30 years of age. We welcome applications from all countries and academic disciplines. Our main objective is to ensure the participation of many young people in the entire event. The combination of academic seminars followed by symposiums and short courses on specific topics reflects the special character of the European Forum Alpbach.

Please take into account that there are different scholarship programmes for the Alpbach Summer Schools on European Integration 2013 and on European Health and Social Systems, and that you can apply only either for the European Forum Alpbach or for one of the Summer Schools.

Deadline for scholarship application: May 2, 2013 (postmark).

Scholarship Value 
A scholarship includes the participation fee for all events of the European Forum Alpbach 2013 (August 12 to 31, 2013) worth 550.00 EUR.

Should you not have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your stay in Alpbach, there is the possibility to apply for an additional amount for accommodation and board. Please fill out the financial statement form and include it in your application if you wish to be considered for this extra sum. If you have any proof of financial support for your studies, you do not need to explain your financial situation in writing but only include the corresponding forms (e.g. the confirmation that you are receiving the Austrian "Studienbeihilfe" or any other study grants). Travel costs cannot be refunded.

Students and young graduates who have been scholarship holders in the past may apply for a return scholarship. The scholarship comprises 90% of the participation fee; 10% of the fee as well as the costs for board and lodging have to be covered by the scholarship holder. If you apply for a return scholarship, you need to hand in the application form and a letter of motivation only.

Application Requirements 
Please make sure that the application submitted is complete and that you send all documents by regular mail.
Applications via e-mail cannot be accepted.

-Motivation statement-

The essential features to be included in the motivation statement (one-page text) are:
a) A comment on your personal thoughts and ideas about the topics of the current programme.
b (1) An exploration of your views and ideas concerning the European integration process, and of the fundamental ideas of the European Forum Alpbach;
OR
b (2) All applicants composing a contribution to the project “Europe 2057” or the "Science Slam" at the Built Environment Symposium will be allowed to limit the letter of motivation to the personal part (a), if the project contribution is attached to the application.

-Curriculum Vitae-

In addition to listing your academic education, the curriculum vitae should give evidence of your practical experience and extra-curricular activities.

-Certificates and Transcripts-

Copies of relevant school and university certificates, as well as a transcript covering all credits obtained during the last academic year, in order to prove your academic progress. If your transcripts/certificates are made out in a language other than German or English, you need to submit a translation. This translation need not be certified.

-German or English Proficiency-
(non-native speakers only)

Please enclose proof of your proficiency in German or English (minimum: European level B2 or IELTS 6.5). Any conclusive proof will be admitted. If your certificates are made out in a language other than German or English, you need to submit a translation. This translation need not be certified.

Selection Procedure 
All applications will be assessed through careful consideration of the documents submitted. The candidates will be selected by a committee chaired by Prof. em. Erich Gornik, former Vice-President of the European Forum Alpbach.

The following criteria will be taken into account: content of the motivation statement, academic achievements, professional experience, extra-curricular activities, and overall appearance and orderliness of the application. 100 points can be achieved. For every failed application in the past 5 points will be added, for every successful application 10 points will be subtracted.

Scholarships for the Alpbach Summerschool on European Integration

Scholarships for the Alpbach Summer School on European Integration 2013 are available for students and recent graduates up to 30 years of age.

To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants must either have a degree from a university or a specialised institution of higher education, or be near completion of their studies (preferably in law, economics, social or political sciences), and are required to produce evidence thereof (certificates, etc.). In exceptional cases, mature students may also be eligible.

Deadline for scholarship application: May 2, 2013 (postmark).

Scholarship Value 
A scholarship includes the participation fee for the Alpbach Summer School on European Integration 2013 (August 12 to 27, 2013) worth 500.00 EUR.

Should you not have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your stay in Alpbach, there is the possibility to apply for an additional amount for accommodation and board. Please fill out the financial statement form and include it in your application if you wish to be considered for this extra sum. If you have any proof of financial support for your studies, you do not need to explain your financial situation in writing but only include the corresponding forms (e.g. the confirmation that you are receiving the Austrian "Studienbeihilfe" or any other study grants). Travel costs cannot be refunded.

Application Requirements 
Please make sure that the application submitted is complete and that you send all documents in duplicate.
Applications via e-mail cannot be accepted.
-Letter of Motivation
-Curriculum Vitae
-Certificates and Transcripts
-Two letters of recommendation of relevant academic teachers, especially university professors
-German or English Proficiency (non-native speakers only)
Please enclose proof of your proficiency in German or English (minimum: European level B2 or IELTS 6.5). Any conclusive proof will be admitted. If your certificates are made out in a language other than German or English, you need to submit a translation. This translation need not be certified.

Selection procedure 
All applications will be assessed through careful consideration of the documents submitted. The academic director of the course will select those applicants who appear to be best qualified to complete the course successfully taking into account both their prior educational record and their language skills.

Selection results 
The scholarship holders will be informed via e-mail in the middle of June at the latest. Please make sure to mention an e-mail address in the application form that is valid from March to August. The European Forum Alpbach disposes of an adequate allocation of student accommodation and will handle your room booking if you are granted a scholarship. Therefore, it is not necessary for you to reserve accommodation prior to the announcement of the selection results.

Postal Address:

European Forum Alpbach

Franz-Josefs-Kai 13/10

1010 Vienna 

Documents and application forms can be downloaded here.

Official Website: http://www.alpbach.org 

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.

World Perspectives: Minority Voices

World Perspectives: Minority Voices – a conference for young media makers that will take place in Budapest, Hungary, on 22-28 April, 2013 – will bring together 26 young media makers, from across Europe, to study how the international news media portrays issues affecting minorities, migrants and refugees. Participants will learn through practice based training, to critically analyse different forms of news media and also to further develop their own skills to more effectively participate in the creation of responsible media. In particular, the study session will motivate and enable young media makers to develop strategies to ensure minorities, migrants and refugees are themselves able to influence how issues affecting them are portrayed in the news.

Project Aim

The project aims to support civil society in the participants’ countries by raising their awareness about biased information presented in mass media and developing their competences as young media makers.

After the study session, participants will:

• Have greater awareness of issues affecting minorities, migrants and refugees in Europe.
• Know how to recognise and quantify biases that appear in the media and in political discourse.
• Be able to apply improved media and journalistic skills to develop responsible and balanced news media.
• Be able to develop improved strategies to ensure the participation of minority, migrant and refugee communities within mainstream media.

The study session will also seek to work with participants to establish a platform for young media makers in Europe, working on issues relating to minorities. As well as develop networking opportunities between young media makers.

Participant Profile

The study session is planned for 26 participants. This call is open to legal residents in countries which are members of the Council of Europe. We aim to give priority to participants from the following countries: Belarus, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, The Netherlands, the Russian Federation, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and Ukraine. Young media makers of minority backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. Participants should be between 18-30 years old. Participants should be active or able to show a demonstrated interest in any of the following; journalism and media, working with young people, human rights, issues relating to minority, migrant and refugee communities and also the Middle East and North Africa. These can include, for example:

• Young journalists and media makers, working in the field of news media
• Representatives of civil society and youth organisations, working to involve young people in different forms of media
• Representatives of civil society organisations working on human rights issues, especially those related to minority, migrant and refugee rights
• Young leaders from minority, migrant and refugee communities, who wish to learn how to better represent their community in the media

Priority will be given to those applications from participants, who, as well as showing an active commitment to the study sessions topics, can demonstrate they are able to act as multipliers and are able to develop effective strategies to share their learning with the organisations and communities they represent.

Selection of participants will take into account both geographical and gender balance, and will seek to ensure a diverse range of participants. We actively encourage applications from participants from minority, migrant and refugee communities, in particular those from Middle East and North African backgrounds.

The language of the study session will be English; therefore participants should feel confident in working in English, including drafting articles and other media.

Financial Information

The study session is supported financially by the Council of Europe and will be held at the European Youth Centre in Budapest. International travel costs will be covered 100% and reimbursed to participants during the training. Accommodation, all meals and local transport will also be provided for in Budapest.

A 50-Euro participation fee will be charged by the European Youth Centre and will be deducted from the participant travel reimbursements. Although travel costs will be reimbursed, participants will be expected to make and book their own travel arrangements.

Application and Deadline

Deadline: February 3rd, 2013, 24:00.

Please submit the following:

• Your CV
• 2 media clips (of any type) (media clips that are not in English should have an English summary).

to Katarzyna Mortoń at k.morton@youthpress.org 

The study session is organised by European Youth Press - www.youthpress.org, Minority Rights Group Europe – www.minorityrights.org, and Concordia International in cooperation with the Youth Department of the Council of Europe.

Civil Society Transformations on the Way to the European Union

The general objective of the project Technical Assistance for Civil Society Organisations (TACSO) is to strengthen the civil society within a participative democracy, to stimulate a civil society-friendly environment and culture, as well as to strengthen the overall capacities and accountability of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) within the IPA beneficiaries (Western Balkans and Turkey - WBT), to guarantee the quality of service of CSOs and a sustainable role of CSOs in the democratic process.

An important cross-cutting component of the project is to contribute to strengthening the civil society of the WBT within the EU accession process and on this occasion TACSO Croatia, in cooperation with other TACSO offices, is organising an international conference: Civil Society Transformations on the Way to the European Union: Looking at the past, present and future of civil society in Western Balkans and Turkey to be held in Zagreb, Croatia, on 17-19 April 2013.

Objectives and Focus 

The EU enlargement processes considerably influenced the development of CSOs in the Western Balkans and Turkey. The aim of this conference is to identify the key challenges faced by the CSOs in the framework of the EU enlargement process and to present the changes that CSOs and other actors in the field went through during that process. 

The main objective is to articulate the lessons learned in the course of the accession process, especially during the four years of TACSO’s presence in the region, and to assist CSOs in the Western Balkans and Turkey to cope with the challenges ahead.

The conference will bring together civil society entrepreneurs, activists and researchers to discuss, learn and reflect on the following issues:

· What is the impact of the EU accession process on civil society in the WBT?

· Is there an impact, and what it is, of civil society on the EU accession process?

· What to expect from the process and what are the lessons learnt from the accession to the EU?

· What is the future for the civil society from the WBT?

Who Can Apply? 

Representatives of CSOs and CSO networks, including independent civil society experts and researchers, based in IPA countriesand involved with the EU enlargement issues. The applicants need to be fluent in English to the extent that they can actively participate in the conference. 

Each country will be represented by 5 participants (4 CSO representatives, including 1 representative of the TACSO Local Advisory Group, and 1 media representative), except for Croatia. Since the concept of the conference puts Croatia in the focus, it is expected that participation of Croatian CSOs will be greater than of CSOs from other IPA countries. 

Application Procedure 

Interested applicants are requested to submit:

·  Short bio note

· Motivation letter in which they describe their expectations from the conference, what specific knowledge and experience they will share with other participants, how will their organisation and the civil society sector at large benefit from their participation in the conference. The letter should also clearly state how is the applicant’s organisation involved in EU enlargement issues.

·  Application form

The completed application needs to be sent to the e-mail address of your national TACSO office (contact details for all TACSO countries listed below) by 21 January 2013with the subject heading: CONFERENCE - Civil Society Transformations. The selection process should be completed by 31 January 2013. Please note that only selected applicants will be contacted.

For selected participants, the organiser will provide travel costs (including cost of visa, if applicable), accommodation, meals and refreshments during the conference.  Further information can be obtained from the TACSO website (http://www.tacso.org/news/training-opp/?id=8440). 

If you have any additional questions on the conference, please contact the local TACSO offices.

TACSO local contacts:

Albania - info.al@tacso.org ­| info.albania@tacso.org

Bosnia and Herzegovina - info.ba@tacso.org

Croatia - info.hr@tacso.org

Kosovo - info.ko@tacso.org

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - info.mk@tacso.org

Montenegro - info.me@tacso.org

Serbia - info.rs@tacso.org

Turkey - info.tr@tacso.org

CEU Summer University 2013

The Summer University (SUN) is an academic program for courses for graduate students, university teachers, researchers and professionals in the social sciences and humanities. In 2013, the summer program (June 3 – July 26, 2013) offers a series of intensive one- and two-week courses in the social sciences and humanities to encourage and promote regional academic co-operation and curriculum development by drawing together young faculty in lectures, seminars and workshops. The language of instruction is English.

Financial aid / scholarsips are available. Applications should be received no later than February 15, 2013.

 In 2013 we offer the following courses:

Research-Intensive courses

- Adaptation Governance: Spatial, Temporal, and Cultural Constraints and Opportunities

- Comparative Regionalisms: Changing Forms of Governance in Asia, Africa and the Americas and the Effects on the World Order

- Constitution-building in Africa

- Documentary Cinema in the Digital Century

- Justice: Theory and Applications

- Medieval Codicology and Palaeography

- Moral Intuitionism: Epistemological and Ethical Aspects

- Reading Old Bodies: New directions in the bio-archaeological heritage

- Religion and Realism in Political Thought - Historical Perspectives and Recent Developments

- The Politics of Citizenship

Policy and Training courses

- Drug Policy and Human Rights

- Green Industry: Pathways Towards the Industry of the Future

- Innovative Financing for Education: Arguments, Options and Implications

- Internet Governance, Civil Society and Public Policy Advocacy

- LMI-Integrity Education: Teaching Integrity and Improving the Integrity of Higher Education

- LMI-SME’s and Social Enterprises - Doing Business with Integrity in Emerging Markets

- Mediation and Other Methods to Foster Democratic Dialogue

- Mental Disability Law in Practice

- Strategic Human Rights Litigation

- Sustainable Human Development: From International Frameworks to Regional Policies

For further information applicants can contact the SUN office (summeru@ceu.hu), or visit the SUN website (www.summer.ceu.hu) where they can find the description of each course and apply. 

Applicants are encouraged to apply online at https://apply.embark.com/NonDegree/CEU/13  and submit the attachments by the mentioned deadline.

"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