Introduction
The increasing globalization of economic relations, technology transfer, social and cultural interactions profoundly impacts on lives of more and more countries and individuals. Although global economic growth has contributed to better living standards in many countries, it is failing to reduce poverty in the least developed parts of the world. For example, over the last 30 years, GNI for the Africa’s Sub-Saharan region has more than doubled, but the poverty rate remains constant at about 50% of population. At the same time, current consumption patterns in both developed and developing countries, together with shifting production and current technological developments bring about new environmental and social challenges. The development studies is therefore a crucial field to be investigated as it still lacks a shared academic understanding. How can we address the complex issue of development, so that we understand the global impact of development and ensure that even failures lead to constructive and working solutions?
This summer school will take a multidisciplinary approach to the concept of development in a globalized world and it will give you the opportunity to get your bearing in a growing and very complex field of study. Through debates and teamwork with other international students, experts and researchers, and by looking in detail into selected real-world case studies you will gain both the theoretical knowledge necessary to understand economic, social and environmental challenges related to development, but also the ability to apply that knowledge in real world settings.
Come to a beautiful city of Prague to:
- Contribute to the discussions on new tasks for the global developmental with prominent academics and leading professionals from NGOs and industry
- Become a part of a team creating innovative solutions for the development of local communities in need
- Challenge the existing truths with your own knowledge and experience and be challenged by others
- Meet fellow students – future pioneers of socially and environmentally sustainable globalization
- Support with 5% of your program fee the self-sustaining kindergarten in Kibera slum, Nairobi, Kenya
Objectives
The program is conceived within a broader intellectual framework. We strongly believe that the multidisciplinary approach of the summer school is indeed the key to better understanding the underlying drivers as well as impacts: it is only by addressing the full set of political, economic, technological and environmental aspects connected to development cooperation, that we can conceptualize a successful way forward.
We will look into the frictions between globalization, development and sustainability created by international trade, multilateral system of global rules, and business and NGO activities in developing countries
Through case studies, participants will understand how development and sustainability function in a real world context and how different concepts actually work in practice. This objective will be achieved by using case studies and looking into various aspects of development moving towards creating social development and businesses that are sustainable both financially and environmentally.
The summer school will also provide a unique opportunity to discuss the reality of international development and moving towards sustainable models with practitioners such as Daniel Ogola, founder of successful Matibabu Foundation which provides health and education services in rural Kenya and Kibera, one of the largest slums on the planet. CNN presented Daniel Ogola as an agent of change seeing the opportunities instead of the obstacles and making difference in physical and economic health of the community and his story and experience are of great value to anyone studying sustainable development. Visit ACADEMICS to find out more about the program.
Program History
Since 2003 Prague Summer Schools brought to Prague more than a thousand outstanding students from all over the World for an intensive academic week to learn and discuss various topics. In 2013, SCHOLA EMPIRICA launched the first Prague Summer Schools on Globalization and Development. In 2016, a new summer school on sustainability was founded. Inspired by our discussions among the students and teachers on the interrelatedness of development, sustainability and globalization, we decided to create a new program which will address the development challenges through a multidisciplinary approach.
Application Procedure
Although there are application deadlines, students are accepted on rolling basis. In order to allow time to carefully review all student application materials, an e-mail notifying the application status to Prague Summer Schools will be sent to applicants approximately 14 days after the application is received. Applications received by the early bird application deadline of January 31st will receive preference in admission decisions. Late applications may be considered. However, late applicants run the risk of finding the program full. All students will be informed about admissions decisions by April 1. Participants will be selected according to the following three criteria:
- Educational Background (Year, Grade Point Average and Area of Study)
- Statement of Purpose
- Level of English (if applicable)
Approximately 30 students will be admitted to every program of Prague Summer School. We intend to restrict the class size to ensure interactive courses and discussions. We aim to create a truly international student body. Students must be currently enrolled in a college or university or be recent graduates. The Prague Summer Schools admit both undergraduate and graduate level students. Priority will be given to students with at least some academic background related to the topics of Prague Summer Schools. Nevertheless, students of other academic backgrounds, but with strongly demonstrated interest in the Summer School topic, will be considered on an equal basis. Students admitted to Prague Summer Schools are expected to participate fully in the program by attending all classes, lectures and social events.
Program cost
The program fee for early-bird applications: 720 EUR
The program fee for students who submit their applications after January 31st: 790 EUR
The program fee covers:
- Tuition and reading materials
- Accommodation in double rooms for one week
- Half board which includes breakfasts, dinners and coffee breaks
- Prague public transportation tickets and maps
- Site visits, social program, and cultural and special events (e.g. boat tour on the Moldau River, tours of Prague by a local homeless and farewell dinner).
Students are responsible for their travel to Prague, lunches and personal expenses. You can find more information about eating out in Prague here.
The individual deadlines for the receipt of payment will be stated in the official letter of acceptance. Payment plans can be arranged. The final deadline for receiving payments is 1 May.
Scholarships
Unfortunately, as a non-profit organization, SCHOLA EMPIRICA is not able to provide students with financial aid. Nonetheless, we do encourage students to explore funding opportunities available through their home universities, non-governmental organizations and government sources.
Who can apply?
PSS are open to students (both undergraduate and graduate level) and recent graduates who wish to deepen or broaden their knowledge in a specific field.
You need to apply through the online application which you can find in the homepage of the announcement.
For more information click "Further official information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://praguesummerschools.org/development/