CALL FOR APPLICATION: BECOME THINKING OF EUROPE-FELLOW!

The Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft seeks to encourage young people to actively engage within society and politics and become changemakers. Education is key for this purpose, as it equips young people with the tools and skills they need to become engaged. Therefore, we are happy to announce that the 2023 call for the Thinking of Europe-Fellowship is now open! Apply now until January 29, 2023!

As in previous years, the fellowship enables young Europeans to develop and improve new methods in peer-education and to contribute to the wider Understanding Europe Network that fosters education from young people, for young people. The fellows can choose from a range of topics, including Europe, (digital) participation, social justice and/or climate justice.

In cooperation with the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe, the Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft awards four fellowships for the 2023 cohort.   

What is the aim of the fellowship 2023? 

The fellowship programme 2023 will be a bit different than before. In the last years a lot of innovative new workshops and methods have been developed. At the same time, it is a challenge for network members to implement the new course topics. Therefore, this year each of the four fellows will work in a more holistic way on one of the following course topics: Europe, participation, social justice and climate justice. Based on an analysis of the needs within the Understanding Europe network, the fellow will update the courses (on the basis of the UE toolbox structure) with new perspectives, examples, methods, and inclusive approache. For the fellows, the programme offers a distinct opportunity to professionalise in the area of diversity-oriented non-formal education, format development, and to contribute to the success of the UE course offer for schools. 

Who can apply? 

• You are between 18 and 27 years old and you are part of the UE network 
• You have first experiences in developing educational content for young people 
• You have expertise and interest in one of the four topics mentioned above in order to bring your passion to the Fellowship programme 
• You are willing to reshape and restructure the already existing materials in a diversity-oriented way and based on the needs of the network 
• You speak, write and read English at B2-level 
• First hands-on experience in the usage of audio-visual media and digital tools is a plus 

What are the conditions that the fellowship offers?  

• You receive a financial support of 2700 Euros (450 Euros a month, March-August) 
• All travel, accommodation and food costs for events in person are covered. 
• You are provided with technical equipment and software. 
• Your fellowship is compatible with your vocational training/apprenticeship, studies or work (approximated 30 hours a month) 

What are your personal outcomes? 

• You will strengthen your skills in developing the restructuring of an UE Crash Course with a focus on Europe, Participation, Social Justice and Climate.  
• You will be supported with pedagogical training, coaching and mentoring. As well as with the assistance of network members providing their input on the needs of the project. 
• You gain hands-on experience by testing your formats in different learning settings.  
• You get the opportunity to publish your work as an Open Educational Resource.  

What are your obligations as a fellow?

• You are required to update one of the four UE courses in English, based on the needs analysis that will be carried out with the network. 
• You will have to test your workshop at schools and with the network. Afterwards a re-evaluation will take place (approx. 10 hours). 
• You are required to participate in the three main events: 
• The kick-off seminar (March 3-5, in Berlin)  
• The digital reflection seminar at the end of June/beginning of July 
• The European Summer School (August 24-27 in Berlin) 
• You are in regular contact with other fellows and the project manager and you receive counselling by mentors (5-10 hours a month) by
• You produce monthly short videos or social media posts about your fellowship and your focus topic for the communication channels of the Schwarzkopf Foundation and the Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft.
• You will support the publishing process of your educational material in English in September/October.  

How do I apply? 

Please apply until January 29, 2023, using this online form and attaching the following documents:  

• A sketch that embodies your ideas for adjustments and view on the current issues and challenges that the existing materials are faced with focusing on the course topic you are interested in (Europe, Participation, Social Justice or Climate Justice). Please write approx. half a page or make a 3-4min video statement. You can find a current overview of our materials and some inspiration here.  
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume and proof of experience related to the abovementioned topic and/or educational work (e.g. certificates, letter of reference, your own educational material, social media links) 

We welcome applications from all interested persons, regardless of their origin, religious affiliation, sexual identity or disability. As a positive measure against socially existing disadvantages (§5 Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz), we particularly welcome applications from Black people, people of colour, people with experience of racism or antisemitism and/or applicants with a history of flight or family migration. 

The results of this year’s application process will be published by February 3, 2022. If you have any further questions regarding the fellowship, application process, accessibility, diversity and inclusion, please do not hesitate to contact Christopher Büdeker.  

We look forward to getting to know you! 

Voices from fellows

Have an insight and read personal statements of fellows from 2022 and get an impression about their motivation here.