Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) Seminars at the International Academy for Leadership (IAF) Gummersbach, Germany

APPLICATION GUIDELINES LOGISTICS - EXPECTATIONS

www.visit.fnst.org www.fnfasia.org www.fnfmalaysia.org

All applicants must have excellent command of the English language, an interest in politics and liberalism as well as dedication to democracy, protection of human rights, rule of law and market based economy. Seminars are open to anybody, especially to those who are engaged in pushing for greater freedom in their country, for example by working for liberal political parties, NGOs, foundations and media-organisations. Liberal, reform-minded employees of government agencies are also welcome.

Content 1. List of seminars 2. Application deadlines 3. Application procedures 4. Notification 5. Air- and Train-Ticket 6. Visa Application 7. Visa Fee 8. Your financial contribution 9. Before your departure to Germany 10. Departure to Germany 11. Arrival in Germany 12. Climate 13. Your stay at the IAF: Accommodation, Meals and Services 14. Leisure Activities 15. Internet 16. Pocket Money / Means of Payment 17. The seminar in Gummersbach / Replications in mind 18. After your return: Feedback 19. After your return: Replication 20. IAF Alumni Network

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1. List of seminars Please have a look at the current list of IAF seminars in Germany: DATE / LOCATION TITLE LANGUAGES English TARGET GROUPS Young leaders from politics, justice, administration and NGOs CLOSING DATE 14.12.2012

12.02. - 24.02.2012 Strategic

Planning
04.03. - 11.03.2012 Strategic Political English

Communication
18.03. - 30.03.2012 Political

Leaders and communication 09.01.2012 officers of parties and NGOs Communication officers of 23.01.2012 parties and NGOs, some basic user knowledge of IT and social media required, but no experts and computer whizz kids Young leaders from 09.01.2012 politics, business and administration

English

Communication in the ITAge/Social Media

15.04. - 27.04.2012 Liberalism today (Exkursion vom freedom first 20.-23.4. zum (e-Academy) BPT)

English

Online
06.05. - 13.05.2012 International

English

Staff Training Workshop

20.05. - 27.05.2012 Political

FNF staff working in policy research and event management Party representatives, who have acquired a leadership position (up to 3 years of experience) but no old hands! NGO representatives in leadership positions Leadership personnel from politics, administration, research and private sector

12.03.2012

English

26.03.2012

Leadership

03.06. - 10.06.2012 Leadership in the English

09.04.2012

NGO sector
24.06. - 01.07.2012 New Public

English

30.04.2012

Management
15.07. - 27.07.2012 Liberalism and

English

Religion
09.09. - 21.09.2012 Human and Civil English (Koop mit Uni Rights Gieen) (e-Academy)

Online

Young leaders from 21.05.2012 politics, NGOs, business and administration Human rights activists, 05.06.2012 lawyers and politicians active in this field Young party and NGO activists, preferably a party and an NGO representative 13.08.2012

07.10. - 19.10.12

Politics and civil society: political parties and

English

DATE / LOCATION

TITLE NGOs

LANGUAGES

TARGET GROUPS (two from each country)

CLOSING DATE

Climate change English and resource management: a liberal consensus? 25.11. - 07.12.2012 Strengthening English Political Youth Online Organization (e-Academy)
04.11. - 16.11.2012

Leadership personnel and activists from politics, administration, research and private sector Activists of political youth organizations from the age of 18 onwards

10.09.2012

13.08.2012

For more information about the content of the seminars, please go to www.visit.fnst.org/webcom/show_article.php/_c-1171/_nr-13455/i.html and click abstract. As you can see from the list, three types of seminars are available: two-week-long seminars in Gummersbach, Germany. FNF will select participants from the pool of applicants week-long seminars in Gummersbach, Germany. FNF will select participants from the pool of applicants two-week-long seminars in Gummersbach, which start online. These seminars are open to anyone and have three phases: phases I and II via the internet, followed by a seminar in Gummersbach, Germany. Initially, participants will login to the IAF online platform, receive study material, get assignments and discuss/chat with other participants from around the globe. The participants performance will be assessed by FNF. Those who do best in online phase I will be invited to take part in online phase II and to later travel to the seminar in Gummersbach, Germany. In order to have a chance to make it, please complete all assignments and participate actively in all online-discussions. Having studied the list, please choose and apply for ONE seminar which a) interests you, b) you are suitable for and c) will benefit you and/or the organisation you work with.

2. Application deadlines The closing dates (deadlines) for applications in the list in this document (see above) differ from the dates mentioned in the list that is available at http://www.visit.fnst.org/webcom/show_article.php/_c-1160/_nr-12679/_lkm-970/i.html. Here is why: The deadlines in the list that is available online refer to the days applications need to be received in Germany. However, we kindly ask you to send your application to FNF staff in Asia a few days before the Germany-deadline. There will be a screening and ranking of applications at the FNF Regional Office in Bangkok. We need a few days for this, we then forward all applications to Germany. The list in this document (see above) includes

your all important Asia-deadline, and it also includes more specific information regarding the phases of the seminars which start online. So please use the list in this document for your reference. Needless to say: The sooner we receive your application, the better. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered. 3. Application procedures Your application must include a) Curriculum Vitae (CV) with one photo (4x6) b) Motivational letter: appr. 300 words, telling us WHY you would to attend the particular seminar you are applying for and HOW it will benefit you as a person and/or the organisation you work with c) Filled out IAF registration form (we will send you the form). Please note that if you are applying for a seminar which starts online, you only need to send us your CV to get started. In case you do well in the online phase I and are invited to the online phase II and to the following seminar in Germany, we will then need you to fill out the IAF registration. Online-start: No motivation letter is needed. Malaysia: Please send your application (email attachments) to Nattipa (nattipa.chuenpirom@fnst.org) Cambodia: Please send your application (email attachments) to Khim Sophanna (khim.sophanna@fnst.org), Neang Sovathana (nana_neang@yahoo.com) and Nattipa Chuenpirom (nattipa.chuenpirom@fnst.org) Myanmar: Please send your application (email attachments) to Aye Mya Hlaing (aye.m.hlaing@gmail.com) and Pharot (Pharot.Tubkrai@fnst.org)

4. Notification The final decision regarding who gets to participate in the seminars is made in Germany. Due to limited space at the seminars and due to regional quotas, only about 25 percent of the applications we receive in Bangkok are awarded places in any given IAF seminar. We will inform you whether your application for regular seminars was successful or not and whether or not your performance in seminars which start online was good enough to advance or not. In case you were not successful: Please have another look at the list of IAF seminars, choose another seminar and apply/try again. Not having been chosen may not be related to you and/or your qualifications but simply to the fact that space is limited and quotas (Asia, Africa, America etc.) must be kept. We therefore strongly encourage you to keep trying/applying. In case you are notified that you are invited to Gummersbach, please read and follow the information on the next pages.

5. Air- and Train-Ticket You may fly to Frankfurt or to Cologne1. If you fly to Frankfurt, you may take a high-speed train to Cologne usually this is the fastest option as many flights arrive in Frankfurt, the train conveniently leaves from the airport and it only takes about 55 minutes to Cologne. However, we will not be able to provide you with a train ticket up front, you will have to purchase it yourself and you will get reimbursed. A roundtrip train ticket Frankfurt Cologne costs 85 122 Euros, depending on the time of the day. Sometimes cheaper deals are available. Should you not have enough money to be able to purchase a train ticket yourself, please look for a flight to Cologne. Usually participants travel abroad for the duration of the seminar in Germany. Should you wish to extend your stay abroad beyond the timeframe of the seminar (at your own expense), please inform Nattipa (nattipa.chuenpirom@fnst.org) about your preferred/proposed travel dates RIGHT AWAY (before the air-ticket is booked/purchased). Once the ticket is booked and paid for, we usually cannot accommodate changes. FNF will not cover charges that might arise due to changes. In case a participant does stay longer in Europe, his/her actual flight cost will be compared with the cost of a flight to Cologne for the seminar period. FNF will only cover the cost of a flight to Cologne for the seminar period, additional costs need to be covered by the participant. FNF will provide and pay for your health insurance for the duration of the seminar only. Should you want to extend your stay, you need to buy your own health insurance for the extra-days. Reservation - Booking - Payment Malaysia: Please provide Nattipa with your proposed travel dates and three quotations from three airlines (through websites or travel agents). Nattipa will choose one flight. Please book and pay the ticket and send the original invoice and the receipt to FNF. We will reimburse you right away. Train tickets Frankfurt (Frankfurt(Main)Flugh) Cologne (Kln Hbf) may be purchased online (www.bahn.de) or be bought at the ticket counter in the railway station at the airport. Again, we will reimburse you. Please send your bank account details to Nattipa. Cambodia: Please get in touch with Neang Sovathana (Nana) to discuss the dates of your flights. Nana will look for three quotations, then she will book and pay for your flight and give you your ticket. Train tickets Frankfurt Cologne may be purchased online (www.bahn.de) or be bought at the ticket counter in the railway station at the airport. Again, we cant give you a train ticket up front, please buy it yourself, you will get reimbursed. Should you not have enough money to be able to purchase a train ticket yourself, please look for a flight to Cologne. Myanmar: Please provide Pharot with your proposed travel dates. Pharot will get three quotations for you, book a flight, pay the air ticket and send it to you. Train tickets Frankfurt (Frankfurt(Main)Flugh) Cologne (Kln Hbf) may be purchased online (www.bahn.de) or be bought at the ticket counter in the railway station at the airport. Again, we cant give you a train ticket up front, please buy it yourself, you will get
1

Or, upon notification and as an exception to the rule, to Dsseldorf.

reimbursed. Should you not have enough money to be able to purchase a train ticket yourself, please look for a flight to Cologne.

6. Visa Application Apply for a Schengen-Visa at the nearest German Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible. Please fill out the visa application form (you can download it from the website of the nearest German Embassy) and bring all necessary documents to the embassy when you apply, including passport (has to be valid for at least six months from the date of departure), passport pictures, letter of employment etc. (please check details on the website of the German Embassy). You will also need a) Invitation letter to Germany (we will send it to you) b) Proof of travel/health insurance (we will arrange coverage and send you proof) c) Roundtrip Airplane-Ticket to Germany (see above)

7. Visa Fee There will not be a visa fee. Should you have problems at the Embassy in this regard, please contact us.

8. Your financial contribution FNF covers all cost (air/train tickets, seminar-costs, room and board in Gummersbach etc.), but we kindly ask you for a small contribution of your own: Malaysia: Cambodia: Myanmar: 260,- Euro 75,- Euro 75,- Euro

The contribution only applies for those who actually travel to Gummersbach and is not asked for at the start of seminars which start online. In case you are unable to provide such contribution, please notify us. We will work something out. Malaysia: Please give your contribution 260 Euro directly to the Academy in Gummersbach Cambodia: Please give your contribution 75 Euro directly to the Academy in Gummersbach Myanmar: Please give your contribution 75 Euro directly to the Academy in Gummersbach

9. Before your departure to Germany Malaysia: Should we not have had a chance to speak before or during the application process, please get in touch with Moritz Kleine-Brockhoff (moritz@fnst.org) or Wolfgang Heinze (wolfgang.heinze@fnst.org) before you depart. We would like to meet you or at least talk to you over the phone about expectations. Cambodia: Should we not have had a chance to speak before or during the application process, please get in touch with Khim Sophanna (khim.sophanna@fnst.org) or Sovathana Neang (nana_neang@yahoo.com). We would like to meet you or at least talk to you over the phone about expectations. Myanmar: Should we not have had a chance to speak before or during the application process, please get in touch with Moritz Kleine-Brockhoff (moritz@fnst.org), Wolfgang Heinze (wolfgang.heinze@fnst.org) or Aye Mya Hlaing (aye.m.hlaing@gmail.com). We would like to meet you or at least talk to you over the phone about expectations.

10. Departure to Germany Transport to your Airport (hometown): Please use public transportation. Should it not be available, a taxi is ok. In any case: Please get and keep receipts. PLEASE KEEP ALL RECEIPTS (public transport, taxi etc.) AND ALL BOARDING PASSES. HAND THEM OVER TO US. WE NEED ORIGINALS!

11. Arrival in Germany Arrival at Frankfurt Airport, connecting flight to Cologne: at Frankfurt airport, you need to go through immigration first and then find your departure gate for your domestic flight. Your luggage will likely be checked through to Cologne, but please make sure it really will be when you check-in in Malaysia/Cambodia/Myanmar. Arrival at Frankfurt Airport, continuing by train to Cologne: at Frankfurt airport, you need to go through immigration, get your luggage and go through customs. Find the airport train station for long distance trains (look for signs: Fernbahnhof) you will have to leave the main terminal and walk a bit, just follow the signs. If you have not purchased a train ticket online, train tickets to Cologne are sold at a ticket office in the train station (Fernbahnhof). Arrival at Cologne train station: you will be met by a FNF staff member. Please go to the McDonalds inside the train station that is located at the exit Breslauer Platz (not the exit that faces the huge church but the exit at the opposite end of the train station). The FNF driver will expect you in front of the McDonalds and take you to the IAF Gummersbach. Arrival at Cologne Airport: you will be met by a FNF staff member. The FNF driver will wait for you at the exit of your respective arrival gate with a sign stating FriedrichNaumann Foundation. He will take you to the IAF Gummersbach

Should you fail to meet your driver or face any other problems during your journey, e. g. flight or train delays, please call the IAF academy at +49(0)2261 3002-0 or the driver at +49(0)170 234 84 41. We can only respond to the change and take you to the academy if we learn in time about problems. Please let us know as early as possible about any change or any problem. As we do provide transport to the IAF from your arrival point in Cologne, we will not refund taxi receipts to the IAF.

12. Climate Please check the weather report for Germany before your departure. Most times of the year you will need to bring warm clothes.

13. Your stay at the IAF: Accommodation, Meals and Services We want to make the stay at the IAF as pleasant and informative as possible for our seminar and conference participants. Here are a few pieces of advice which you might find useful. The International Academy for Leadership (IAF) is located in the Theodor-Heuss-Academy in Gummersbach, a quiet, small town in the countryside about 45 min by car from Cologne. Participants will mostly live in single rooms, and partly in double rooms. Any expenses for bed and board will be covered by the academy. The meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are usually in the academy with the exception of meals served in other places within the seminar programme. Should you have any special wishes (vegetarians or special diet) please indicate them on the registration form. You will be put up in modern rooms with television, radio and telephone. Calls from outside can reach you directly in your room (phone number: +49-2261-3002 plus the three-digit extension indicated on the phone in your room) or through the reception desk (phone number: +49-2261-3002-0), from where calls will be put through to you. You can dial into the international network directly from our phones at any time. At the reception you can also buy international calling cards, which make international phone calls much cheaper. There is also a laundry (washing machine + dryer) which you can use for a fee of 2 . Should you have any questions or need help with anything, the reception will be at your disposal between 08:00 am and midnight. They speak English and German.

14. Leisure Activities In our leisure room we have table tennis, pool billiard and table soccer facilities. In the hall there is a reading corner where international papers are available. In addition a selection of videos and board games can be obtained from the reception for a deposit. During summer tennis courts are also available. You can contact the reception if you wish to book a court.

15. Internet Feel free to use our computers in the internet corner or use our W-LAN in the hall.

16. Pocket Money / Means of Payment We recommend you to bring enough money for your personal expenses (e. g. bar, cigarettes, telephone, postcards, stamps, laundry, etc.). Smaller amounts can be changed at the academy in cash or in traveller cheques made out in Euro.

17. The seminar in Gummersbach / Replications in mind You will receive all relevant information and teaching material in Gummersbach. Seminars are usually attended by about 25 participants from around the globe. One or two resource persons will conduct the seminar. Participatory methods and group work are frequent. Please be punctual at the seminar and at all events. During the seminar, please ask plenty of questions, participate actively in discussions and share experiences from your country! Please pay close attention and all times and collect all teaching material and your notes. Participate and learn in a way that enables you to later pass on your new knowledge to others back home. We would like you to do just that.

18. After your return: Feedback Please contact us when you are back home. We would like to get feedback: what was good, what was bad? We like to meet you or at least talk to you over the phone. Malaysia: Please get in touch with Moritz Kleine-Brockhoff (moritz@fnst.org) or Wolfgang Heinze (wolfgang.heinze@fnst.org) when you are back home. Cambodia: Please get in touch with Khim Sophanna (khim.sophanna@fnst.org) or Sovathana Neang (nana_neang@yahoo.com) when you are back home. Myanmar: Please get in touch with Moritz Kleine-Brockhoff (moritz@fnst.org), Wolfgang Heinze (wolfgang.heinze@fnst.org) or Aye Mya Hlaing aye.m.hlaing@gmail.com) when you are back home.

19. After your return: Replication If possible, we would like you to replicate the IAF seminar you attended or parts thereof in your home country. You will be the resource person. It could be just a one day seminar, reflecting the most important aspects of what you have learned. Or it could be longer. The target group could include colleagues from your organisation, staff of (another) NGO or other interested groups or persons. Cambodia has a fixed event for this: IAF dinner meetings. Participants from Malaysia and Myanmar have also shared their newly acquired knowledge

in the past, but in those two countries we do not have regular avenues/events for such events yet we improvise. In any case: FNF will cover the expenses.

20. IAF Alumni Network Over the years, more than 200 participants from Malaysia, more than 60 from Cambodia and more then 15 from Myanmar have attended IAF seminars. In all three countries, we have established IAF Alumni Networks. Malaysia (FAN Malaysia) is most active, Cambodia (IAF Cambodia Alumni) has regular events, Myanmar (IAF Alumni Network Myanmar) recently got started. The networks bring together people from different walks of life, who push for more freedom in their country and work for democracy, the protection of human rights, the rule of law and a market based economy. The level of activity of the Alumni Networks very much depends on the enthusiasm of their members. FAN Malaysia has organised political events, such as panel-discussions in the past. They also publish an annual calendar with varying themes (2011: human rights). IAF Cambodia Alumni get together every month to discuss political issues. Sometimes movies are shown. The young IAF Alumni Network Myanmar has also published a calendar (theme: democracy/elections), followed by two social gathering. All events are not only open to IAF alumni, but also to those who are thinking about applying in the future. Contacts for IAF Alumni Networks: Malaysia: Wolfgang (wolfgang.heinze@fnst.org) and Nattipa (nattipa.chuenpirom@fnst.org) Cambodia: Khim Sophanna (khim.sophanna@fnst.org) and Nana (nana_neang@yahoo.com) Myanmar: Amy (aye.m.hlaing@gmail.com), Moritz (moritz@fnst.org) and Wolfgang (wolfgang.heinze@fnst.org) We encourage you to be an active member of your alumni network. You will be invited to events: please attend and bring your liberal friends. Should you have ideas for events/activities: Great. FNF will make it happen and cover the cost.