Cultural Diplomacy in Europe: A Forum for Young Leaders (CDE) 2011

The forthcoming weeklong seminar for "Cultural Diplomacy in Europe: A Forum for Young Leaders" (CDE) will take place in Berlin, on July 4th – 10th, 2011. In addition to looking in greater detail at the history and development of cultural diplomacy, the next CDE Weeklong Seminar will focus in particular on the following theme "The EU as a Global Actor – From the Inside Out: The Internal Development of the European Union and its Future Role in an Interdependent World".

Cultural Diplomacy in Europe: A Forum for Young Leaders (CDE) is a network of young, influential people from across the world, who have an interest in exploring and strengthening relations between European States. The program is based on the recognition that the increasing economic and political integration of the European Union must be accompanied by sustained activity to ensure that public opinion and relations between individual member states, and between member-states and non members states, remain positive and constructive at the grass roots level.

Individuals can join the CDE Forum by taking part in one of the CDE Weeklong Seminars, which are held in Berlin every 4 months. Each CDE Weeklong Seminar will be focused on a specific theme related to Europe and the goals of the Forum. These Weeklong Seminars include lectures, seminars, and workshops lead by experts from the fields of politics, academia, and civil society, as well as cultural and social activities and provides an opportunity to network and experience Berlin.

Once they have joined the CDE Forum, members are supported by the ICD in organizing leadership initiatives, conducting academic research, and are invited to join the ICD Online Forum - enabling them to share information and communicate with likeminded individuals across the world.

Joining 2011 Forum

The program is open to applications from young professionals, students and scholars, civil society practitioners, private sector representatives, journalists, and other interested stakeholders from across the world. If you would like to be considered for a place in the Weeklong Seminar please complete the online application form.

Participation Costs

The participation cost for the program is 195 Euros. If offered a place in the program, applicants are then required to transfer the participation cost to reserve their position.The ICD is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization and the Participation Cost goes towards the cost of developing and running the program.

The participation cost for the program includes:

• Program Components - Participation in all Programs' Components and Certification of Participation
• Berlin Excursions - Cultural and Social Excursions such as sightseeing, Guided Tours and visits to key Cultural Institutes and Exhibitions
• ICD House services - Free use of Wireless Internet at the ICD House, Information and Support Center and Cloak Room
• Refreshments - Unlimited Coffee, Tea, Water and Light Refreshments (Served throughout the day at the ICD House)
• Social Activities - Evening Social Activities such as Concerts and Live Performances, Film Evenings, Embassy Receptions, and Party Nights across Berlin.

Accommodation

As a not-for-profit organization the ICD is able to book accommodation for your time in Berlin at sponsored rates. For example, we are able to book accommodation for participants in the hotel "Motel One" Berlin, a short distance from the ICD conference facilities.

The ICD is able to book this accommodation for the following sponsored rates:

1. Single Room: 59 Euros per night, including breakfast.

2. Double Room (to be shared with another participant): 37 Euros per night, including breakfast.

To read more and apply, please visit: http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/cde/index.php?en_about-cde

All questions and comments regarding this event are to be adressed to: europe@culturaldiplomacy.org

10 Tips for Learning Another Language

“Estoy muy embarazada!” said a woman in front of a group of Spanish-speakers. Then, pointing to the man that had asked her to speak in front of them, she said, “Y es su culpa!”

Some of her audience gasped in shock, others only laughed. The woman thought she said she was very embarrassed. What she had really said was, “I’m very pregnant, and it’s his fault!”

Studying abroad can cause a number of unique challenges for students — especially if you are immersed in a culture that speaks a different language. Developing skills in another language will not only benefit you now as you try go grocery shopping in Paris, but will be of use throughout your life.

Here are ten tips that will help you learn faster:

1. Be proactive — It doesn’t matter how many classes you take, learning a language is something that requires effort on your part. Take personal responsibility for learning the language. Capitalize on any chance you get to learn more.

2. Take notes — During the day, write down words you didn’t understand or the names of things you don’t know the name of. You can use this later to help with your vocabulary.

3. Listen attentively — Actively listen and try to pick out sounds. When you hear a word you don’t recognize, don’t hesitate to ask what it means. Keep a pocket dictionary on hand and promptly look up words you don’t know.

4. Practice practice PRACTICE! — Although listening is important, the best thing you can do to improve your language skills is open your mouth and speak. Don’t worry about forming each phrase perfectly. If you don’t know a word, you can often work your way around it by asking something like, “what is the big yellow thing in the sky?” or “how do you say the thing that gives the time?” You must be willing to sound ridiculous.

5. Watch movies — Put on a movie with dialog you are familiar with. Because your mind already knows what the characters are saying, it will help you to associate new words with the dialog that you already remember. Besides, you’d be surprised how many opportunities you find to say, “May the force be with you.”

6. Learn vocabulary — Try learning vocabulary related to a certain task you will be performing, like making lunchtime conversation or asking for directions to get somewhere. Memorizing words that you can immediately apply in a practical situation will help you to remember them. Once you learn a word or phrase, practice it! (see tip #4)

7. Learn grammar — Learning the basic grammatical structures of a language will help you to speak more fluently. Once you know “the order of things”, you will find it easier to understand what other people are telling you. Believe it or not, learning the grammar of other languages will help you better understand your own language.

8. Read and write — Reading and writing will help reinforce the grammar principles you are learning as well as the vocabulary. Try to read a variety of different publications. When I was learning Spanish, I read primarily religious literature. When I tried to pick up Harry Potter y las Reliquias de la Muerte (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), I had trouble catching some of the unique vocabulary that was used. Newspapers, novels, instruction manuals, phonebooks etc. can all provide you with new vocabulary to learn. One of my roommates that wanted to be better prepared for his trip to Brazil changed the settings on his computer to Portuguese. Read whatever interests you. Again, keep a dictionary handy to write down words that you don’t understand.

9. Learn the culture — Become an expert on the culture you are trying to learn about. Talk to native speakers and ask about their country’s history and culture. Learn about the politics, local customs, geography, interesting quirks, native animals or whatever other subject you find interesting. Whatever you learn can make great starting points for conversations.

10. Be reasonable — I once spoke with a guy who speaks seven languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, Hebrew, Italian, German, and French). In his opinion it takes 10 years of total immersion and active study to completely learn a language. Most of us don’t have that long. Make sure you set goals which are low enough to achieve yet high enough to be a challenge. Don’t expect to wake up tomorrow morning being fluent in Mandarin if you just started learning it yesterday. Be patient and enjoy the ride and the mistakes you make along the way.

About the Author

Derek Gurr is a writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers helps people determine if an online education is right for them and helps them search for online degrees that can help them reach their goals.

Joint Master’s Programme in South-Eastern European Studies

The Universities of Graz, Zagreb, Belgrade and Skopje are pleased to announce the call for applications for the new Interdisciplinary Joint Master’s Programme in South-Eastern European Studies. This two year MA programme is offered as a joint degree between the four partner universities commencing in the autumn semester (from October 2011).

The Interdisciplinary Joint Master’s Programme in South-Eastern European Studies was developed as a part of the JoinSEE Tempus project and it is run by four consortium members (University of Belgrade – Faculty of Political Sciences (Serbia), Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje (Macedonia), Karl-Franzens-University Graz (Austria), University of Zagreb (Croatia)) and six partners for the purpose of student (and staff) mobility: University of Bologna (Italy), University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), University of Novi Sad (Serbia), University of Poitiers (France), University of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), South East European University in Tetovo (Macedonia).

The mission of the Interdisciplinary Joint Master’s Programme in South-Eastern European Studies is to provide an international and interdisciplinary master’s programme in social sciences and humanities of the highest quality, which enables participants to effectively understand the interrelationship between law, politics, economics and culture with strong emphasis on the regional dimension of South-Eastern Europe. The master’s programme promotes the capacity for scientific analysis, especially by applying an inter- and transdisciplinary approach which includes areas of legal, political, economic and cultural studies. One of the aims of the programme is also to strengthen the gender sensitivity of students. The master’s programme prepares students for further PhD studies and professional life in a variety of fields.

Students enrol in and spend the first year at their home university:

* Karl-Franzens-University of Graz

* University of Zagreb

* University of Belgrade

* Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje

In the second year, students spend at least one semester at a partner university. In addition to the four consortium partners (Graz, Zagreb, Belgrade and Skopje) a number of other universities shall accept mobility students within the framework of the joint degree programme including the universities of Bologna, Ljubljana, Novi Sad, Poitiers, Sarajevo and South East European University, Tetovo.

The Interdisciplinary Joint Master’s Programme in South-Eastern European Studies seeks to provide an international and interdisciplinary master’s programme in social sciences and humanities of the highest quality which enables participants to effectively understand the interrelationship between law, politics, economics and culture with a particular emphasis on the regional dimension of South-Eastern Europe. The programme prepares students for doctoral studies and professional life in a variety of other fields including work in international, local governmental and non-governmental organisations, journalism, business, scientific research, and consultancy.

Eligibility

The Interdisciplinary Joint Master’s Programme in South-Eastern European Studies welcomes individuals holding an academic degree of at least 180 ECTS credits (bachelor’s degree or equivalent programme of at least 180 ECTS) who can demonstrate a grounding in social sciences or humanities, (e.g. law, political science, sociology…) and who have some general insight in South-Eastern Europe (the Balkans).

Application Procedure

Deadline: 30 June 2011

The full application should consist of:

* completed application form (PDF / MS Word)

* at least one letter of recommendation (preferable from a university professor or employer)

* certificate/diploma obtained at the undergraduate level (notarised translation into English)

* transcript of records obtained at the undergraduate level (notarised translation into English)

* letter of motivation (statement of purpose)

* proof of proficiency in English language: IELTS (required minimum score: 6.0), a TOEFL (required minimum score: 210 on the computerized test, 547 on the paper test, 78 on the Internet test), a Cambridge Exam (required level: FCE) or an equivalent certificate

Prospective students should apply by post to the institution they wish to attend. Admission to the home university for successful applicants is, upon request to the legally competent body, a separate process according to the local procedures for enrolment. Students begin their studies at the start of the following academic year.

Students completing the Interdisciplinary Joint Master’s Programme in South-Eastern European Studies earn the degree “Master of Arts”, abbreviated MA. The joint degree is awarded, signed and stamped by all four partners (subject to the specifications of the home university).

For general enquiries please refer to the programme website or contact:

Rory Archer

Centre for Southeast European Studies

Karl-Franzens University of Graz

RESOWI K3 Universitätsstr. 15

A-8010 Graz, Austria

Tel. +43-316-380-6824 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            +43-316-380-6824      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

rory.archer@uni-graz.at

Website

5 Ways to Get Started in a Career in Financial Planning

Financial planning can be a very lucrative and rewarding career, especially for those who like dealing with money. Financial training is only one element of building a successful career. Often when we get started in something new, it is the foundation and the way that we start that can have a large impact on our progress and development, in terms of both speed and quality. Don't confuse issues of speed and quality; some people just manage to do things faster and better at the same time. Just because something is taking you a long time, does not mean that you are doing it better. Here are some of the issues that you should consider.

·  Networking. Can either be in the physical sense and/or online. It may be hard to build your network of people and groups before you are involved in the industry, or due to your location in the beginning, and so take advantage of online social networking and online professional networking sites to rapidly develop your network and pick up knowledge of your new found career path.

· Online research. It is amazing what you can research, read and study for free, informally and formally online. Some formal education programs can be lengthy, a good example is that of traditional universities. The same amount of study of a 3 year degree could be executed by an intelligent adult in a number of weeks if they were dedicated. Increase your own knowledge with unlimited information at your own pace.

·  Education. Financial courses are extremely important, in terms of your abilities in a specialised field and in the legal requirements that you will need to operate. You may need a certain amount of education in your region to operate on your own or inside a large company. Find out the legal requirements and get the education that you need. Education does not have to be limited to that. Education is always ongoing, and so keeping up-to-date with constant study is a must-do issue for anyone who is serious.

· Work experience. Hands on experience in any existing business to get a feel for your direction and the real day-to-day issues can be of great benefit. Getting the right work experience is essential. Work experience does not have to mean free, and if you are serious, an internship is another option. Converting your existing experience in business and the workplace may not be as difficult as you assumed.

·  Entrepreneurial. Many financial planners operate as individuals or in smaller companies. Even those working in larger companies are often expected to develop their position much like someone operating their career as if it was a business inside a business. Getting entrepreneurial skills and knowledge will probably highly assist you with your career and development. Whether it be maintaining existing relationships, seeing and knowing how to convert them, and all importantly, closing deals.

Use all the resources that you have now, and are available, and make a radical change in your career or start a new one.

Please quote and link to Scholarships, Grants and Events Abroad if you are republishing this article!

European Youth Week in Novi Sad - actWins 2011

eYouwins - The European Youth Week in Novi Sad is the one of the first and the largest youth festival with a thematic focus in Serbia. eYouwins is dedicated to youth in Serbia, Europe and worldwide, and its mission is to promote the spirit of cooperation, to link cultures, ideas and, above all, people. Festival has started in 2006 and in short time has gained popularity among young people all over Europe. During the last four years more than 5000 young people were involved in the Festival events and almost 400 guests from 25 countries visited Novi Sad and Serbia.

The sixth European Youth Week in Novi Sad, Activism Week - actWins 2011 - will be held between 16th and 23rd August 2011. Central activities will be organized in Novi Sad. Accommodation and food will be organized in student dormitories, and student restaurants. The organizer of the Festival is the Creative Educational Centre Novi Sad, in cooperation with the Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad.

The Festival focus is every year on current topic of interest for youth in Serbia, region and the world. It fosters real-life intercultural dialogue, exploration of cultural diversity, development of knowledge, personal skills and attitudes. The aim is to promote and encourage active participation of young people in all aspects of society and help equipping them with necessary knowledge, skills and competences for current and future challenges. eYouwins offers experience of meeting different cultures and becoming more open towards them in order to contribute in battle against all existing borders, especially intolerance and prejudices. Promoting communication, acceptance of differences and tolerance among youth, enabling to meet as many young people from other cultures and other nations as possible enriches experience of young people and result in highly demanded skill in modern society – skill of intercultural dialogue.

Participation fee for actWins is 60 EURO for international participants and there is a reduced participation fee for the participants from Serbia.

The participation fee covers accommodation, and meals during the Festival (light brekfast, lunch and dinner per day), organised excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and free participation in trips, conference programme, cultural and sport events of the Festival. Travel costs and personal expenses are not included! Accepted participants will pay the participants fee on arrival, at the registration.

Deadline for applications is July 15th, 2011.

Read more and apply: http://www.eyouwins.com/

Summer Academy for NATO and EU Common Foreign and Security Policy

Summer Academy for North Atlantic Treaty Association (NATO) and European Union Common Foreign and Security Policy (EU CFSP) will take place on 14 – 30 August 2011 in Prishtina (Kosovo) – Skopje (Macedonia) – Tirana (Albania) – Podgorica (Montenegro) – Prishtina (Kosovo).

The NATO and EU are the most prominent examples on how regional integration works. For 28 Euro-Atlantic member states, respectfully 27 EU members states supranational policy-making determines not only their political and security systems; the global challenges of the 21st century illustrate the limitations of power of individual governments, these requiring common approaches. As a consequence, integration is also considered important for European security policy.

This summer academy provides students with 4 Bachelor ECTS, and 2 Master ECTS.

The students of this Summer Academy will be divided in two classes.

Class 1: The Transformation of NATO: From Defense Alliance to Security Management Institution.
Class 2: Past, present and the future Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union.

The objective of this summer academy is to provide students a broad understanding on the historical development, the security, social, political and philosophical dimensions of the Euro-Atlantic integration process. Further, the course analyses NATO's role as an international political and economical factor and its relations with different countries and regions of the world. 

Based on an interdisciplinary approach the courses combine different methodologies such as lectures, round-table discussions, group-work and students' presentations along with excursions to meet politicians, as well as professionals from Kosovo, Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro. 

Target Group
Students with different academic backgrounds and a general interest in Euro-Atlantic integration will benefit from each other in an intercultural and interdisciplinary learning process. Former classes consisted of regular students and practitioners such as civil servants, communication experts, young politicians and even parliamentary officials. 

The course does not require special knowledge about NATO policies and institutions, European politics, law, history or culture, but participants should be interested in more than just their field of specialization. In class participation, especially in the discussions with experts, is essential for the course success and plays an important role in grading.

Tuition fee:
Tuition fee for Kosovo student is 95 euro;
The tuition fee for non Kosovo students is 620 euro.

This tuition price includes:

• Tuition (all lectures, workshops, discussions as mentioned in the program)
• Culture and social events (as mentioned in the program)
• Reading materials (on-line version will be at your disposal after confirmation of your participation with students IP).
• Housing and 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) 
• Health insurance (during the whole Summer Academy)

Accommodation, meals and reading materials are prepared for you, so you don't have to worry about anything. You can concentrate only on studying and enjoying yourself. The only cost not included in the price is travel expenses.

Lectures, presentations and examinations will be held in English.
 
For more information’s, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
Mr Artan Arifi
application@yata-kosova.org  
www.yata-kosova.org

How to Write a Successful Scholarship Essay

What makes you so special? Competition can be fierce these days for finding financial assistance for your education. Everyone has characteristics and experiences that make them unique. In order to win a scholarship, you must not only learn to recognize these differences in yourself, but be proud of them.

Here are some tips for writing a successful scholarship essay:

1. Know the topic. Many scholarship applications require that the essay portion answer a specific question. Stick to the topic throughout the entire essay.

2. Organize yourself. The best way to present and prove your point is by writing a clear and concise argument.

3. Know your audience. If you are applying for a scholarship with the Coca-Cola company, don't write an entire essay about how much you love to drink Pepsi. Go to the website of the scholarship and read their mission statement and goals. This will give you a guide to know what kind of emphasis to put on your essay.

4. Start Strong. There are several methods you can use to capture your audience's interest from the very beginning. You may try starting your essay with a question, an interesting fact, a short and shocking statement, or a short personal narrative.

5. Make your writing interesting. Don't be afraid to let your personality show through in the kinds of words you choose to use. Although, be cautious and don't make your writing too informal or full of slang.

6. Be honest. You don't need to make up facts about yourself to sound interesting. Your unique perspective is what makes you interesting. Those reading your essay can tell when you are being sincere.

7. Check your grammar and spelling. This step is extremely important! Proper grammar and spelling will show that you are serious about your education and won' waste the money they are hopefully about to give you. Ask family, friends, or teachers to read over your essay and double check for any errors.

This is just a quick summary of things to keep in mind when writing a scholarship essay. But most importantly, have confidence in yourself. Work on writing so that the real you can shine through.

About the Author

Natalie Clive is a writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers helps people determine if an online education is right for them and helps them search for online degrees that can help them reach their goals.

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