The PRESSing Issues – Youth Exchange in Slovakia

Published by rosica

Deadline: 20 August 2018
Open to: young people ages 16-18 from Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta
Venue: 14-20 October 2018, Bratislava, Slovakia

Description

The PRESSing Issues (TPI) is an Erasmus+ youth exchange co-funded by the European Union in co-operation with the U.S. Embassy Bratislava. The exchange will take place in Bratislava, Slovakia on October 14 – 20, 2018, and will bring together 24 participants from Croatia, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia.

The aim of the youth exchange is to explore media production, investigate media consumption, analyse media bias, and understand the relationship between media, society and government.

The media is integral to any well-functioning democracy: it is the bridge between governmental structures and the people. At the heart of The PRESSing Issues (TPI) lies a passion to help young people recognise the importance of media that are unbiased, scrutinizing and ethically produced. For young people to recognise that the viability of democracy’s strength also depends on their thorough and analytical consumption of media.

The organisers are an informal group of youth whose passion for media led them to design a week-long programme tackling vital contemporary issues. Among these are media production, consumption, bias and propaganda, and the relationship between media and government.
This program aims to equip participants with the tools to discuss this pressing issue. Furthermore, it aims to instil an appreciation for current trends of media consumption, and how these affect our political landscape.

Eligibility

Applicants must be 16-18 years of age from Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta. A good command of English is essential. Ideal applicants are active in their communities and should exhibit a passion for contemporary issues and current affairs. 6 participants are invited from each country, so this is a highly competitive experience.

Costs

The exchange will take place in a hotel in Bratislava’s city centre. Workshops will be held in conference halls inside the hotel.
What is covered by the programme:
  • Travelling costs
  • Accommodation
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Tea & Coffee
Travelling arrangements will be made by the organisers after the successful applicants have been selected. A chaperone may accompany participants to Bratislava.
Participants must be in possession of an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), formerly E111.

How to apply?

  1. Fill in the Application Form, answering all questions provided. Only one form per person will be considered. DEADLINE: 20/08/2018 11:59pm
  2. Write your 450-word essay in a word-processing application. Copy and paste the text into the Google Form.
  3. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a short Skype interview.
  4. Successful applicants will be invited to attend The Pressing Issues.
Submissions will be judged mainly on the answers given in the application form and on the essays. Previous experience in debating or activism should be noted in the application form and will also be considered.
For more information please visit the official facebook page of the event.