CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN THE BALKANS PROGRAM

  Are there any scholarships available?

  Can I read some feedback about the program from past participants?

  Do we live in dormitories or with hosting families?

  How many students will be on the program?

  Is the academic offering for 2008 exactly the same as previous programs?

  Could you explain the “3 credits” per course – are those ECTS credits? American credits? How many contact hours per one credit?

  Is there a syllabus?

  How many contact hours does this program entail?

  Do you think the courses would be suitable for an undergraduate student?

  Do both recommendations on my application have to be from faculty members or could one be from a former employer?

  Are there any essentials I should bring with me that I would not normally need in the USA?

  What kind of clothing shall I bring?

  Will we be picked up from the airport upon arrival?

  Will I have any free time to travel on my own?

  How will I get from student accommodation to classes?

  Should I bring a laptop?

Are there any scholarships available?
Yes! Academic Solutions is offering two scholarships for summer 2008 and we expect that one out of every five or six students will benefit from one of these. Please visit scholarships at our website for full details. We also recommend that you check availability of financial aid and scholarships from your home institution, NGOs and other groups supporting peace and justice programs, as well as fraternal organisations like Rotary International.

Can I read some feedback about the program from past participants?
You can check out past student feedback at the Summer Program 06 and Summer Program 05 webpages. You can also read the Final Reports for past years where each part of the program is evaluated by the students as well as the program coordinators. Finally, we can provide you with email addresses of past students if you would like to communicate directly with them.

Do we live in dormitories or with hosting families?
Participants are housed with fellow students in residence halls next to the Faculty of Social Sciences, which is where all classes shall be held.  The Faculty is a quick bus ride from the city centre. For more details visit our website page on accommodation.  

How many students will be on the program?
It is designed for no more than 15 students though in past years we have had less than 10. The intense nature of the Program is best served by a high staff – low student ratio.

Is the academic offering for 2008 exactly the same as previous programs?
The Conflict Seminar and Study Tour remain though we are no longer offering optional coursework.  This allows us to shorten the program period as well as significantly lower the program fee.  We will also continue to offer official UN seminars on Peacekeeping in the former Yugoslavia and Global Terrorism.

Could you explain the “3 credits” per course – are those ECTS credits? American credits? How many contact hours per one credit?
The University of Ljubljana issues the transcript, which will show 6 ECTS credits per class, which is equivalent to 3 US credits per class. In any case each US credit is based on 15 classroom hours (or 30 field hours, or some mix of the two). You will receive a total of 3 US credits (6 ECTS credits) for your participation in the Program. 

Is there a syllabus?
Yes, there is. Please visit our website page on courses.

How many contact hours does this program entail?
The Program consists of several parts and each part has its own requirements. The orientation requires approximately 15 contact hours, the Conflict Seminar 60 contact hours, Program Review and Evaluation 6 hours.

Do you think the courses would be suitable for an undergraduate student?
Courses are designed for postgraduate students although it is possible your university will grant undergraduate credit for your participation in the Program.

Do both recommendations on my application have to be from faculty members or could one be from a former employer?
We accept recommendations from former employers; however, one of the recommendations must be from a faculty member. Recommendations have to represent your abilities in the academic sphere as well as your ability to live with fellow students and in a foreign environment.

Are there any essentials I should bring with me that I would not normally need in the USA?
You will need to bring an electrical adapter for any electrical appliances from the USA. Additionally, you might get homesick during your stay in Europe so we recommend you bring photos of your loved ones and favorite things to remind you of your home.

What kind of clothing shall I bring?
For the lectures and study tour casual attire will be fine. However we suggest you bring one formal outfit. Summer days are often hot yet cold rainy days are far from rare…so you need to prepare for weather that might range from 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Will we be picked up from the airport upon arrival?
No. However the airport is only 30 minutes away from the capital city centre and it is very easy and affordable to travel to the student housing in Ljubljana city centre by yourself. Program staff will meet you at your housing upon arrival.

Will I have any free time to travel on my own?
Due to the short nature of the program there will be very little free time on the weekends. We recommend you either arrive prior to the Program or extend your stay beyond the Program to ensure you have enough time to satisfy your personal traveling desires.

How will I get from student accommodation to classes?
It is an easy five-minute walk between your shared student accommodation and the Faculty of Social Sciences, where all classes shall be held.

Should I bring a laptop?
This may prove handy but please do NOT bring a laptop unless you take out an insurance policy that will cover any potential loss, theft or damage.

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