M100 Youth Media Workshop

Reach the people! How can we encourage young people to read?

In recent years, tremendous efforts have been made (by politicians, foundations and educational institutions) to reach poorly educated and politically distant social groups. Unfortunately, the success remained mostly moderate. Instead many young people seem to turn away from politics and the participation in social discussions, obtain less information from newspapers and rather visit chats and forums.

This development poses big challenges for politics as well as for journalism. Nowadays, media producers (regardless of the genre) are also faced with the question of how to reach people - how to encourage them to read their news and editorials?

These issues will be addressed at the four-day-long M100 Youth Media Workshop that takes place in Potsdam on 21 – 26 August 2011 for the 7th time this year.

During the workshop, targeted at young journalists and emerging editors between the ages of 18 and 26 from all over Europe, various questions will be pursued and analysed:
1. What are the options to reach poorly educated and politically distant social groups via media and to engage them with political topics?
2. Are there approaches and examples to solve these problems in the participants’ home countries? If so, elaborate.
3. Does the issue have a high significance in the participants’ home countries and how is it dealt with?
4. Are there studies about the proportion of poorly educated social youths in the participants’ home countries’ population?
5. How do the participants aim to reach this particular target audience with their journalistic work?

Aim of the workshop is to use the diverse experiences, backgrounds, ideas and visions of the participants from many different countries to create a wide-ranging view on the topic for the whole of Europe. Based on their shared knowledge, methods and a precise format will be developed during the workshop to tackle the issue of how the various media can reach poorly educated and politically distant social groups and generate their interest in political topics.

Prior to the workshop the selected participants will be asked to exchange ideas, experiences and research as well as start to discuss different approaches in a blog.

Conditions for participation:

Young journalists between 18 and 26 years old from all over Europe can apply with a short text in English (three pages max.) on the topic Youth and politics in my country – how journalism can reach poorly educated and politically distant youths.

Following questions should be included:
1. How serious is the issue in your country?
2. Is it considered to be a problem?
3. Are there approaches on how to solve the issue?
4. Do you think journalists/ blogger/ media producers have any possibilities to reach poorly educated and politically distant social groups?

Please include a brief CV and motivational statement in the application that state the reasons for applying to this particular workshop. The workshop will be held in English.

The organisers of the M100 Youth Media Workshop cover accommodation and board during the workshop. A travel allowance of up to 250 € is provided for.

20 to 25 participants will be selected from all applications and invited to Potsdam from 21st (arrival) to 26th August 2011 (departure). The workshop is supported by the City of Potsdam, Federal Foreign Office, the ZEIT Foundation, Bertelsmann AG and Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg; co-operation partners include UFA, Intajour - International Academy of Journalism, European Youth Press and the German Commission for UNESCO.

Please send your application until 6th July 2011 to: s.sasse@m100potsdam.org

European Youth Media Convention 2011 - "Whistleblowing - A New Competition for Journalists?"

Journalists are facing competition: Platforms like wikileaks reveal scandals, allow unprecedented insights into political strategies, and begin to impinge on the role of the journalist. Apparently, the public receives an additional level of control and knowledge.But is unconditional transparency of political systems, that so-called whistleblowers usually strive for, always beneficial for democracy? And how should journalists respond if they want to prevent a takeover of their distinctive role?
 
During this year's European Youth Media Convention, which will take place between the 3rd and the 6th of August in Berlin (Germany), we will try to find answers to these questions and outline the future for young media makers. Participants will have the opportunity to meet up with 39 other young media makers from all over Europe and outline the situations of their own country.

You can attend lectures and discuss with experts. In addition, you will get the chance to produce journalistic print-, video-, audio- or photography content according to your interest at the event.
  
Costs
There is no participation fee. Free board and lodging is provided. Travel costs are not reimbursed.
  
Application

If you want to be a part of the convention, already have experience in journalism, and if you are between 18 and 25 years old then apply online by sending us a short motivation letter to participateEYMC2011@jugendpresse.de

The application deadline is the 30th of July, 2011. 

For further questions about your application or the event, do not hesitate to contact Sebastian Schütz (s.schuetz@jugendpresse.de).

International Summer School “Beyond Enlargement. The Wider Europe and the New Neighbourhood”

The 17th CEI International Summer School “Beyond Enlargement. The Wider Europe and the New Neighborhood” CEI International Summer School will take place in Faenza, Italy, from Sunday 4th to Saturday 17th September 2011.

Since 1995 the “Europe and the Balkans International Network – Centre for Eastern European and Balkan Studies”, established by the University of Bologna, has been organising a yearly Summer School for post-graduate students from Eastern Europe and from the European Union. Up to the ninth edition, held in 2003, the School was entitled “Post-Communist Transition and European Integration Processes”. Starting from 2004 the School has the title: “Beyond Enlargement. The Wider Europe and the New Neighbourhood”. This title change is explained by the enlargement of the EU towards ten East European Countries in 2004, seven of them belonging to the CEI area that represents the conclusion of the so called “post-communist transition”, at least for this part of Eastern Europe.

The recent policy of the EU on “Greater Europe and the New Neighbourhood” offers new rooms for an interaction between the CEI and the EU strategic goals, and this will be taken into serious consideration in the School programmes as well as in the selection of the students.

The aim of the summer school is to help participants learn about democratic developments, human rights, peace and security issues, and European integration.

In particular the 2011 will offer an arena for exchange experiences as well as tools for strengthening the actions of activists in the Central and SEE Region, for fighting against discrimination (within the broader framework of Diversity Management) and spreading new sense of economic development (with a special reference to Green Economy and Sustainable development).

Program

The 2011 School will offer 2 different courses:

Course A: Diversity Management, Governance and the Role of Civil Society Networks


  • CSOs Network: challenges and perspectives on the CEI area
  • The Role of Deliberative Forums in deeply divided societies
  • Civil Society Organisation contribution to EU Regional strategies
  • Fighting against discriminations: The Rule of Law and CSO ‘dog-watching’ activities
  • Fighting against discriminations: Gender Policy and Nationalism
  • Fighting against discriminations: Diversity management in multi-religious countries
  • Fighting against discriminations: the Roma in the Western Balkans

Course B: Sustainable Development, Green Economy and the Role of Civil Society Networks


  • Awareness-raising impact of CSOs Network on Sustainable Development
  • Climate Change and CSOs in a European Perspective
  • Sustainable Energy Governance in the Western Balkans
  • Cross-border cooperation (CBC) initiatives: a civil society paradigm
  • Regional economic strategies: the Danube Cooperation Process, the Central European initiative and the Adriatic Ionian Initiative
  • European Investments opportunities for a sustainable economy
  • Sustainability issues in rural and agricultural policy
  • Territorial capital and diversification for a new rural paradigm
Participants will attend the courses split in two groups, one per area. Courses will be held in Faenza (Ravenna), Italy, and will include 70 hours of lectures, seminars and workshops. Moreover, both courses will be supplemented by some interdisciplinary events, scheduled inside the courses calendar. The subjects of these meetings will concern topics of politics, international dimension and the role of the European Institutions, potential cooperation with New Neighbourhood Eastwards and inter-regional relations in South East Europe.

The students whose overall performance is positively evaluated by their tutors will receive a certificate endorsed by the University of Bologna, with 6 ECTS credits. 

Eligibility, Scholarships and Fees

Scholarships: only participants which are representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and NGOs and with citizenships from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo Turkey, are eligible for scholarships that cover both the course fees and the board and lodging (in double or triple rooms). The candidates with citizenships from above-mentioned countries which are also currently representatives of CSOs will be automatically considered for scholarships. The scholarship covers accommodation expenses (board and lodging) in Faenza starting from the dinner of September 4th to the breakfast of September 17th included and contribution for the travel expenses. Additional overnight stays or additional meals must be paid directly by the participants.


Fees: € 950 fee is applied for EU and Overseas participants. The fee includes: board and lodging expenses in Faenza (from dinner in the evening of September 4th to the breakfast of September 17th), didactic materials, tuition, and free access to Internet. Please note that the travel expenses must be covered separately by the admitted students themselves.

How to Apply

Deadline for application: 28th June 2011 is the strict deadline set for receiving the properly completed:
  • Application form,
  • Curriculum vitae European Format,
  • Letter of endorsement from your CSO.
Interested applicants can register and apply on the website of the summer school.

Further information:
Ms. Dessislava Krasteva
e-mail: dessislava.krasteva@unibo.it
Ms. Luciana Moretti
e-mail: luciana.moretti@unibo.it

Centro per l’Europa Centro-Orientale e Balcanica
CEI International Summer School
via San Giovanni Bosco, 1, Faenza, Italy
Phone: +39 0544 937 950 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            +39 0544 937 950      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

How to Decide if You Should Study Abroad

The decision to spend a semester or summer abroad is one that shouldn’t be taken lightly; however, if you decide to do it, it helps to know what to expect. Many colleges have special resources that can help you decide what kind of program to choose, and will help you prepare for living abroad. Don’t be afraid to utilize these resources if you are thinking of studying abroad.

Studying abroad is a great way to learn about other cultures and to master a new language. Learning French or Spanish in the classroom is one thing, but it is quite another to be completely immersed in a non-English speaking country. You will also have the opportunity to meet new people and learn about their culture first-hand.
One aspect of traveling abroad that many people are concerned about is homesickness. It’s understandable. Being away from home is hard, but in this day and age, living abroad for a semester is a bit easier, due to new technology that allows us to communicate with our friends and loved ones back home. Emailing, IM, and software like Skype can help to ease the transition. Besides, being away from home is a part of growing up. Think of the new-found independence you have to gain, and all the things that you will learn—about the world and about yourself. You may find that you never really knew certain aspects of yourself until you are thrust into the world, surrounded not by the familiar, but by new and challenging situations.

Traveling abroad is also a good career move, and will look impressive on your resume when it comes time to apply for a job, or even for grad school. A semester or summer abroad illustrates how adaptable and mature you are—two qualities that employers put great value on. You may find that traveling abroad better prepares you for the job world, because you will build interpersonal skills take courses that may not be offered at your college.
That being said, there are aspects of traveling abroad that are hard on some people. You should realize before you leave that you will probably experience some culture shock. You should also make sure that you won’t face any academic credit transfer issues if you plan on graduating in four years. By speaking to a counselor at your college, you can get a better idea of where you stand, and whether or not a semester abroad is the right choice for you.
About the author: Jenni Sunde is a freelance fashion writer and pop culture junkie. Jenni specializes in all things lifestyle-related. From home and design to health and beauty. With her love of art and all things beautiful, she delights in sharing her sense of style from her life to your computer monitor. Her title pegs her as an editor at a website that specializes in providing people with car insurance quotes, but her passion leads her into writing with a little more substance and a lot more heart.
Please quote and link to Scholarships, Grants and Events Abroad if you are republishing this article!

Student Congress "United Unique – Searching for a European Identity"

SFE - Students for Europe - kindly invites you to apply for the 17th International Student Congress to he held in Krakow on October 6-9, 2011 under the general topic "United Unique –  Searching for a European Identity".

Benefits for You:
  • Meet over 100 highly motivated students from all over Europe!
  • Listen to speeches of a variety of European personalities!
  • Engage in controversial discussions combined with a personal atmosphere!
  • Enjoy the city of Krakow through city tours and evening activities!
  • Participate in our Essay Challenge and win extraordinary prices (e.g. reimbursement of attendance fee)
  • Meet company representatives of our partners!
Since 1991, the SFE Congress has been solely organized and held by students from Germany. The annual congress has a strong emphasis on political subjects relevant to the European Union. This year we also want to put attention to economic and social European topics.

Against the backdrop of an economic relaxation, national budget crises, and international crises we would like to discuss together with you, your fellow students, and selected specialists about current and future strengths and challenges of our continent. The 17th SFE congress will be held in Kraków, Poland. With this venue we want to place emphasis on the European East, as a new driving force within Europe.

It is an outstanding possibility to get in touch with people from all over Europe, broaden one own‘s horizon by interesting and different positions being discussed, and learn about the culture and history of SFE's host country. Our congresses are based on the idea of European integration achieved by exchange of opinions and cultures. Our participants are aware of the upcoming challenges of peacekeeping in an international environment, where national interests interfere with international ones, resources are limited and so far trusted systems, as only happened in the financial crisis, might collapse all of a sudden. We believe that Europe will only survive in long term if all countries work together and at least try to understand the fears and changes faced by other members of the EU and its citizens. Interaction, knowledge and compromises will be the key to understand other European nations and their culture in order to be able to form a corporate identity.

Beside interesting discussions there will also be a cultural and evening program, such as a guided city tour, a gala dinner and a Goodbye party. As soon as possible, we will give you the chance to apply online. In the meantime, we invite you to participate in our online community on Facebook or reserve your place as participant in advance. You will then receive further information about the progress of planning and the final application. 

Participation Costs 

Have three amazing days in an amazing city with amazing people for only 125€ (incl. Hotel room, Breakfast, Lunch, Gala-Dinner).

Essay Competition and Grants 

The 2011 SFE Congress will feature a unique opportunity for all participants. Together with our sponsor Procter & Gamble we have developed an essay competition that is open to all students taking part in the congress. In order to motivate and recognize all entrants to hand in exceptional papers, we can provide the three best contestants with a full refund of the congress fee as well as attractive and valuable prices and an official winning certificate. 

Apply here: http://www.studentsforeurope.eu/contact.php

Contacts: http://www.studentsforeurope.eu/contactus.html

Education Abroad and Its Value on the Job Market

If you want to get ahead in today’s competitive, global job market, you need to have an edge. Studying abroad in college can give you that edge by helping you stand out from other job hunters. Plus, it’s an experience that can really open up your career path.

According to a study by The Institute for the International Education of Students, covering 3,400 people who had studied abroad, “eight out of ten students who had interned abroad said that they had acquired skill sets that influenced their future career paths, such as working for a multi-national organization, getting a job overseas or volunteering internationally.”

Here are just 5 of the many useful skills you can pick up on a study abroad trip that will better prepare you for the job market.


1.      Gain foreign language skills.
Foreign language skills are a huge plus on any resume. You can learn to speak a foreign language better from studying abroad than from taking classes in your home country. One reason is that you’ll be able to practice almost 24/7, instead of just a few hours per week.

You will also learn to sound more like native speakers. In publishing, one popular saying is, “by the time it’s in print, it’s obsolete,” and that definitely applies to slang and informal speech. It’s hard to learn foreign slang or accents in class for that reason, but you will pick those things up on your own abroad. Even if you’re traveling to another English-speaking country, you will learn different ways of speaking, which will help you better understand people from that country.

2.     Prove your independence.
Employers want workers with leadership skills. These employees have to be able to think independently and make tough choices. Studying abroad shows you’ve taken the lead by leaving home for a semester—or longer—to get the most out of your education.

3.   Show your interest in managing diversity.
Today, every employee needs to be able to handle cultural diversity. Many big companies require diversity training for workers. Employees who aren’t sensitive to co-workers or clients from other cultures can give the company a bad image.

If you study abroad, you’ll learn to get along with people from other cultures, showing that you are ready to join a diverse workplace.

4.      Learn about different business practices.
Every country has different business customs and laws. International companies need to be able to understand those that are written and unwritten. By showing that you have experience with how business is done abroad, you will make yourself more attractive to these companies. You will also make yourself a better choice for expatriate assignments later on, which usually pay very well.

Also, by understanding international business practices, you will better understand the laws and customs of your own country.

5.      Improve your ability to adapt.
Business moves at a faster pace today than ever. Major changes in technology mean that companies always need to adapt to stay up-to-date. Employees that are tied to their old ways of thinking won’t be able to move the company forward.

You, on the other hand, will have already shown that you aren’t afraid of change. If you can adapt to life in a different country, you’ll be better prepared for anything, and employers will know it.

Your ability to adapt can also help you look into new career paths that you explore while abroad. According to the IES study, of the 596 study abroad students who responded that they had interned abroad, 70 percent “agreed that the experience had sparked an interest in a career direction they ended up pursuing after their experiences abroad.” Having a more diverse background, like one that includes study abroad, gives you more options.

There are many more skills you’ll gain or improve while studying abroad, but these are some of the easiest to apply to any job. You’ll be able to describe yourself to companies as “bilingual, independent, open-minded, internationally-educated, and adaptable,” with plenty of examples of back those claims up. You will bring new skills home with you and see your possible career paths in a new way. That’s a sure-fire way to boost any resume!

Daniela Baker is a blogger at CreditDonkey, where she compares student credit card application to find the best value for college students.

Liberty Seminars 2011

This fall the Lighthouse Association will organize the 4th edition of Liberty Seminars, held on September 13-26, 2011 at Lake Bohinj, Slovenia.

1) Liberty Camp 2011 is a week-long seminar that actively explores the historical, philosophical and economic foundations of a free society through engaging lectures, small group discussions, movie screenings, debates and presentations. In an intellectually stimulating environment, develop a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Europe today. Explore and discuss a range of issues:
• The origins, meaning and theories of individual rights
• The rule of law and property rights in a free society
• Government’s powers and its limitations
• Theories of justice
• The nature of a liberal democracy
• Ways of strengthening civil society


Who should apply?
College students or recent graduates who are interested in understanding foundational principles of a free society.

When?
September 13-19, 2011

Where?
Hotel Jezero, Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

2) Freedom and Transition 2011 is a unique week-long seminar, dedicated to the advanced study of liberty in European transition countries. Debates and lectures will take you beyond the basic principles of classical liberal thought, while examining the breadth and depth of two decades of economic and political developments in post-socialist Central and Eastern Europe. Join other intellectually curious individuals in applying classical liberal insights into the range of transition issues including:
• Economic and political institutions
• Informal rules, the rule of law, and economic growth
• Governance and corruption
• Public sector transparency
• Markets and morality
• Crony capitalism
• Failed vs. successful privatization

Who should apply?
Graduate students, junior scholars, young professionals and advanced undergraduate students who are well versed in the principles of the free society and would like to spend an unforgettable week with other individuals who share similar interests in freedom and how to advance the ideas of liberty effectively in the region.

When?
September 20-26, 2011

Where?
Hotel Jezero, Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Additional Information

Participation fee for either seminar is only 200 euro, which is due to the generous support of our private donors wishing to encourage a better grasp of the ideas of liberty enables us to offer the Liberty Seminars at significantly discounted cost to the participants (please note that the cost of attending the seminar is 600 euro per participant). This means that each applicant that is accepted to the seminar automatically receives a scholarship that reduces his or her fee to 200 euro. The participation fee of 200 euro guarantees participant’s entree to all activities of the academic program of the seminar, accommodation and meals at Hotel Jezero, field trips to Castle Bled and Waterfall Savica, outdoor activities (canoeing, camp-fires, etc.), books, CDs and other material.

Participants are responsible for their travel costs to/from the seminar. We do not offer travel grants.

Only the first 40 qualified applicants will be invited to attend each seminar.


Deadline: July 1, 2011

We welcome you to join us for these interesting seminars.

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships 2011-2012

The Heinrich Böll Foundation grants scholarships to approximately 1,000 undergraduates, graduates, and PhD students of all subjects and nationalities per year, who are pursuing their degree at universities, universities of applied sciences (‘Fachhochschulen’), or universities of the arts (‘Kunsthochschulen”). We expect our scholarship recipients to have excellent academic records, to be socially and politically engaged, and to have an active interest in the basic values of the foundation: ecology and sustainability, democracy and human rights, self determination and justice


Eligibility

A) By 1 September 2011 (postmarked) applications can submitted by:

1. German students and students who have received their university entrance qualification from a German school (‘Bildungsinländer_innen’) and are pursuing their FIRST university degree

* all subjects; university, university of applied sciences (‘Fachhochschule”), or university of the arts (Kunsthochschule)
* degrees: Bachelor’s, Diploma or State Examination

• You can apply for a scholarship before your begin your studies or within the first three semesters (at the time of application).
• We especially encourage first-generation students, students with a migrant background and students at universities of applied sciences (‘Fachhochschulen”).

2. German students and students who have received their university entrance qualification from a German school (‘Bildungsinländer_innen’) and are studying a MINT subject (mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, or technical subjects), especially with an environmental focus (e.g. climate studies, renewable energies etc.)

* all subjects; university or university of applied sciences (‘Fachhochschule”)
* degree: Master’s (you must already have obtained a first university degree)

• You can apply before you begin your Master’s programme or within the first semester (at the time of application).

3. Students from the EU (regional focus: Central and Eastern Europe)

* all subjects; university, university of applied sciences (‘Fachhochschule”), or university the arts (‘Kunsthochschule)
* degree: Master’s (you must already have obtained a first university degree)

• You can apply before you begin your Master’s programme or within the first semester (at the time of application).
• Proficiency in German is a requirement.

4. Doctoral students from Germany or the EU (regional focus: Central and Eastern Europe)

* all subjects

• Applicants must provide proof that they have been accepted as a doctoral student by a German institution of higher education.
• Preference will be given to dissertation projects related to the working areas of the Heinrich Böll Foundation.
• Proficiency in German is a requirement.

B) By 1 March 2012 (postmarked) applications can be submitted by:

1. German students and students who have received their university entrance qualification from a German school (‘Bildungsinländer_innen’) pursuing their FIRST university degree

* all subjects; university, university of applied sciences (‘Fachhochschule’), or university of the arts (‘Kunsthochschule’)
* degrees: Bachelor’s, Diploma or State Examination

• You can apply for a scholarship before you begin your studies or within the first three semesters (at the time of application).

2. German students and students who have received their university entrance qualification from a German school (‘Bildungsinländer_innen’) and are studying a MINT subject (mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, or technical subjects), especially with an environmental focus (e.g. climate studies, renewable energies etc.)

* all subjects; university or university of applied sciences;
* degree: Master’s (you must already have obtained a first university degree)

• You can apply before you begin your Master’s programme or within the first semester (at the time of application).

3. Students from the EU (regional focus: Central and Eastern Europe)

* all subjects; university, university of applied sciences (‘Fachhochschule’), or university of the arts (‘Kunsthochschule’);
* degree: Master’s (you must already have obtained a first university degree)

• You can apply before you begin your Master’s programme or within the first semester (at the time of application).
• Proficiency in German is a requirement.

4. Students from outside the EU (regional focus: Central and Eastern Europe, CIS, Middle East, conflict regions around the globe)

* all subjects; university, university of applied sciences (‘Fachhochschule’), or university of the arts (‘Kunsthochschule’);
* degree: Master’s (you must already have obtained a first university degree)

• You can apply before you begin your Master’s programme or within the first semester (at the time of application).
• Basic knowledge of German is a requirement (if a scholarship is granted, additional German courses can be financed).

5. Doctoral students coming from countries outside the EU wishing to do their PhD studies in Germany (regional focus: Central and Eastern Europe, CIS, Middle East, conflict regions around the globe)

* all subjects

• Applicants must provide proof that they have been accepted as a doctoral student by a German institution of higher education.
• Preference will be given to dissertation projects related to the working areas of the Heinrich Böll Foundation.
• Basic knowledge of German is a requirement (if a scholarship is granted, additional German courses can be financed).

Scholarships

The maintenance scholarships which are awarded to German citizens, EU citizens and students who have gained their university entrance qualifications from a German school will be calculated on the same basis as BAföG, depending on your parent’s income and/or your own income and personal assets. Irrespective of this, an independent book grant of 150 € per month will be awarded to all successful applicants.

You are entitled to receiving a scholarship if you are enrolled at a state or state-recognized institution of higher education (university, college or equivalent) in Germany, Switzerland or in a member state of the EU.

Application Procedure. How to apply - please read here.

Contacts
Scholarship Department
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
Studienwerk
Schumannstr. 8
10117 Berlin
E-Mail: studienwerk@boell.de
Fax: 030/285 34-409

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.
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)