Apply for Summer School on Federalism in Switzerland!

Deadline: 31 March 2014
Open to: advanced students (completed BA) of law, political science, economics, journalism or other related sciences and young professionals. Scholarships for non-EU citizens, as well as participants coming from Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Venue: 18 August – 5 September 2014, Fribourg, Switzerland

Description

Today’s world faces numerous conflicts, most of the conflicts being within a country’s border. Federalism and decentralisation are powerful tools for conflict resolution. The Summer University  at University of Fribourg, Switzerland enables students to enhance their knowledge about power sharing (e.g. federalism and decentralisation), especially its chances and limits in relation to conflict resolution. Each year, around 40 persons from all over the world take part in the programme, over the last 25 years, more than 1000 participants attended the Summer University.

Teaching will be a mix of lectures, case studies, self-study and group work. Prior to the Summer University, participants are required to write a paper and comment on another participant’s paper:

• Preparation (approximately 80 hours);
• Write a seminar paper (up to 10 pages), check the guidelines HERE;
• Write a commentary on another’s participant paper (1-2 pages);
• Study the preparatory reading (examination in the first day);
• Participation in the Summer University (approximately 90 hours);
• Written examination from preparatory reading (in the first day);
• Active participation in the lectures and group work;
• Final exam (in the last week).

Upon successful completion of the course (paper and commentary, active participation, compulsory attendance and exams), participants will be awarded a diploma by the Institute of Federalism and the University of Fribourg as well as ECTS conferred by the University of Fribourg.

Eligibility

The Summer University is aimed at advanced students (completed BA) of law, political science, economics, journalism or other related sciences and young professionals keen to improve their knowledge of federalism, decentralisation and conflict resolution. A good knowledge of English and a strong interest in the topics of federalism, decentralisation and conflict resolution are preconditions for applying.

Costs

For participants coming from countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe (non-EU countries) the Institute of Federalism can offer the course free of charge, due to a programme contribution from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The covered costs include tuition, course materials, accommodation with half board, excursions and the farewell dinner.

Please note: Travel costs to and from the course location, lunch, visa costs and health insurance are at the expense of the participants. Because the course is supported by the SDC (agency within the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs) some consulates may exempt you from the visa costs. Please check with the consulate in your country when you apply for a visa.

For participants from the European Union, EFTA, North America, Australia and New Zealand the costs are:

• 1200 CHF (approx. 1000 Euro/ 1300 USD) for accommodation with half board;
• Lunch (individual, about 8-10 CHF/meal);
• Travel costs to and from the course location, visa costs (if necessary) and health insurance;
• The tuition and course materials, excursions and the farewell dinner are covered by the Institute of Federalism.

For participants from the University of Fribourg, the Summer University is free of charge.

Application

Applications are accepted via the online application form. Before starting, please have the following documents in electronic format ready (pdf, jpg, jpeg): copy of your highest educational diploma, one letter of reference, copy of your passport, one passport size photograph. Be aware that it is not possible to save and continue later. Participants must agree to the Terms of Participation.

Important dates:

• Application deadline: 31 March 2014;
• Confirmation of participation: 16 April 2014;
• Deadline for paper submission: 16 June 2014;
• Deadline for paper commentary: 07 July 2014;
• Summer University: 18 August – 05 September 2014.

For any additional questions check the FAQ section or write to summeruniversity@unifr.ch.

The official web-site.