Spark develops education and entrepreneurship so that young and ambitious people are empowered to lead their post-conflict society into prosperity. We build the capacity of local economic and educational institutions so they can empower their own populations. The organisation actively mobilises support for this within Dutch Society, especially with economic and educational institutions.
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Students Value Winter University
Student evaluations show that the recently held Winter University was a meaningful and valuable learning experience for the participants. the University included 129 students from all corners of Europe, 5 inspiring international professors and 5 equally inspiring local professors.
The Winter University in Mitrovica, the first of its kind after a series of successful summer Universities, gathered international and local students from all corners of the continent for a two week programme that did not only include an excellent learning experience, but also exposed the students to a unique and diverse learning environment. For local students from Mitrovica it was an excellent opportunity to broaden their horizons and explore different international teaching methods. Classes in cultural heritage, EU integration, environmental protection, entrepreneurship and negotiations & diplomacy, provided an inspiring platform for class discussions.
The Mitrovica Winter University relied heavily on the excellent contributions of international and local professors who teamed up in order to share their extensive knowledge and experience with the students. SPARK's local partners Jelena & Anzujska, with the help from a dedicated group of local volunteers and students, created a support programme packed with social activities. Through trainings, debates, movie nights, parties and excursions, students got to know each other both inside and outside the classrooms.
Students at the Mitrovica Winter University
Results
81 students completed the evaluation
of the 2010 Mitrovica Winter University. The results from the survey can be viewed in its entirety through this link. Some of the aggregate responses to key
questions are outlined below. A more detailed report regarding the Winter
University will follow at a later stage. The score on the table below is based on questions where students could choose to respond using a five grade scale where 1 is strongly disagree and 5 is strongly agree.
Student evaluation statements
MWU 2010
In this course I gained knowledge and skills
4.4
Participating in the MWU is important for my career and
will help me to find better jobs or opportunities for studying abroad
3.8
The MSC helped
me to establish an international network that can be important for my future
career
4
Overall Satisfaction (based on the statement ‘On the
whole, the quality of the course was high')
4.2
Overall Satisfaction (based on the average of all answered
questions)
4
About MWU 2010
The MWU 2010 is organised in the framework of Mitrovica Youth Programme 2010. The aim is to introduce youth in Mitrovica (primarily students) to recent developments in the field of European Integration and Higher Education. The programme will provide trainings to students and integrate them in regional and international academic and student networks. In addition to great academic programme, MWU 2010 also offers recreational programme for all the participants. It includes public debates, excursion, sports tournaments, pool parties and great parties with live music.
Registration is open for students from the region but also from South East Europe and EU. Approximately 150 students can participate at MWU 2010: 90 local students, 35 students from South East Europe and 25 from EU/other.
There will be no tuition fees for local students and for participants from South East Europe. Books, readers, accommodation and food will be provided free of charge and also travel costs will be remunerated. International students do not have to pay tuition fees. In addition, accommodation and food will be provided at a modest price. However, international students should cover their own travel costs.
Courses
MWU 2010 offers 6 intensive, academic courses of two weeks taught by international professors together with local professors.
The provisional courses to be offered are: Environmental Protection; Economy/Entrepreneurship; Peace Building/Conflict Studies/Diplomacy; Comparative Study of Balkan Countries and EU Integration; Cultural Heritage.
All courses will be taught in English, although for some courses translation into Serbian will be provided. Participants who attend at least 80% of their classes and successfully finish the assignments and examinations will receive an official “Winter University Certificate” with app. 3 ECTS credit.
Selection criteria
The following selection criteria apply to EU/other and SEE students:
• Course relevance: Students are only admitted to a course that is relevant to their studies at their home university, i.e. a course that fits into their study path;
• English language proficiency: When applying, you were asked to give an indication of your level of understanding of the English language. Note that the working language at the MSU will be English (although for some courses translation will be provided). Students whose English skills turn out to be too low will not be able to participate properly and, therefore, will be removed from class;
• Motivation letter.
How to apply?
The application period has now been closed.
For more information or in case of additional questions please contact myp@spark-online.org.
SPARK and Mitrovica project partners are happy to inform SELECTED students for the Mitrovica Summer University 2009 who signed and sent contract to SPARK Mitrovica Office, that you are SELECTED for the Mitrovica Winter University 2010 automatically! All SELECTED MSU 09 students will receive an e-mail with information about further steps.
For Teaching Staff
The call for professors and lecturers to teach at the Mitrovica Winter University 2010 is now closed.
The MWU 2010 will be held between 23 January till 5 February 2010 offering 6 courses. Each course will be co-taught by an international professor and a local co-professor. Additionally, an assistant professor will lead workshops in the afternoon for each course.
The MWU gives students the opportunity to learn and share experiences with the lecturers.
The following courses will be offered:
Environmental protection
Economy/Entrepreneurship
Peace Building/Conflict Studies/Diplomacy
Comparative study of Balkan Countries and EU Integration
Cultural Heritage
Web design
The course program and the course description will be determined by the professors. Thus, the topics listed above are tentative and will be confirmed. Professors teach pro bono and SPARK covers travel, accommodation and food during the two week stay.
All the courses will be taught in English some with simultaneous translation into Serbian.
For more information about the programme please click here.
Reports from pevious editions and additional information
