9 Months – 12 Scholarships – 17 Goals

The International Sustainability Academy (ISA) is a 9-month program, where 12 Young Professionals come together in Hamburg in order to find solutions for the greatest challenges of the planet earth. We are united in the deep conviction that we will make an important contribution to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE ISA SCHOLARSHIP

On 15.02.2021 until the 15.03.2021 the application period for the ISA Scholarship 2022  (15.02.2022- 15.11.2022) will be opened on our application platform application.isa-germany.com. 

All requirements for participation in the program can be found on the platform as well as here.

SCHOLARSHIP AT THE ISA IN HAMBURG

During the period of sponsorship until 2022, the ISA offers up to 12 students and professionals every year (see requirements) an 8-month research stay in Hamburg, together with a further month of sponsorship in their home country in order there to complete and customize the results of the research report. The primary focus is on the close exchange of know-how amongst the scholarship holders during their individual research work. Further focal points of the program are training courses and internships developed together with the scholarship-holders, visits to Best Practice companies and institutions. Students will be supervised and supported in the subject matter by the ISA and selected universities and research centers.

THE SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE

Beginning and duration (Round 3 2021/22): 15th Mai 2021 to 15th February 2022, 9 months

Location: In the WÄLDERHAUS in Hamburg/Wilhelmsburg, Germany

Sponsorship: The costs for accommodation in flat-shares, the work station, the costs of return flights, health insurance and a 10-week German language course will be taken over. In addition each sponsorship-holder will receive an amount of money for the research work.

THESE CONDITIONS MUST BE FULFILLED

Application Requirements:

• Applicants must come from countries or regions on the DAC list
• Evidence of English skills of at least B2 or better
• Evidence of university degree and/or relevant professional experience
• Applicants must already be working on a project or research in their home country, ideally on the theme of climate protection which they can further consolidate in Germany. It is important that the benefits to the home country can be seen
• The project must be attributable to one or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDG ́s)
• You must apply for a visa at the Germany Embassy in your home country
• There is no age limit for applicants.
• Selection is based on the following requirements and the dimensions deduced from them:
  • INTELLECTUAL ABILITIES – Specialist qualification – general education/ open-mindedness and interest/ creativity;
  • VALUE ORIENTATION / RESPONSIBILITY – standpoint and tolerance – independent thinking
  • GENERAL environment policy commitment – volunteer activities taking into account own artistic or scientific performance
  • PERSONALITY – motivation – potential – personal presentation – social competence

Application documents for the pre-selection procedure:

• Evidence of educational qualifications, diploma, Bachelor degree or equivalent
• Letter of motivation, 1,000 characters
• A typed or word processed, formulated, 3–4 page curriculum vitae with date and signature (not tabular, written on one side only and not tacked together)
• Evidence of English skills (min. B1)
• Project description, 1,500 characters
• Eligibility for a stay abroad (matriculation, authorization from employer)

Selection criteria and procedures:

• Applications are to be made using the form on this website that will be released about 10 months before the beginning of each of the courses. Documents required for the application can be uploaded directly into the template.
• Please note that only complete application documentation can be taken into account
• During the applications phase the project team is available for your questions per e-mail, phone or video conference. Closing date for applications as a rule is 6 months beforehand.
• A telephone interview will be conducted with interesting candidates. In the selection process not only Project Leader and Educational Specialist take part but also two independent representatives, for example, from a company or an educational establishment.

Förderung

• Costs of the stay will be paid
  • € 1,300 per month expenses (includes own research and as applicable, excursions and internships)
  • Health insurance
  • accommodation (private, furnished flat-share room (ca. 12m²) with shared bathroom and kitchen)
  • return flight (Economy Class (max. three stopovers, flight from home country airport) (airport transfer in home country may be granted under justified circumstances)
  • airport transfer in Hamburg with public transport
  • season ticket for the use of public transport in Hamburg
  • costs of group excursions
• BMZ sponsorship regulations apply

For more information please open this link

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

All the important aspects of ISA, summarized here. Your question is not answered here? Then contact our team at any time.

What is the ISA?

The International Sustainability Academy is a 9-month program for the support of committed people in their projects and research into the implementation of global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Who is the target group?

The program is aimed at people who are already involved in activities in connection with SDGs. These could be students or career starters or Start-up founders. Those taking part come from countries which are on the so-called DAC list (Development Assistance Committee of the OECD).

When and where does the program take place?

From the fall of 2019 there will be a program course every year. Hamburg as the second largest city in Germany offers countless possibilities for the further development of individual projects. The central contact office for those taking part is the WÄLDERHAUS in the city district Wilhelmsburg.

What are the components of this program?

Each participant has an individual program based on the chosen research or business project. The main focus is on the close exchange amongst the scholarship holders during individual research work. Program modules are practical training sessions of weeks or days in companies and institutions, Best Practice visits in Hamburg and elsewhere in Germany, Master Classes by international networked speakers and cooperation with selected universities. A 10-week German language course rounds off the program.

Which organization is behind the ISA?

The ISA is a project of the none-profit organization Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald Landesverband Hamburg e. V. (SDW).

How can I apply?

An application is only possible online using the template on the website. Closing date for applications is 6 months before the beginning of the respective program course.

What are the criteria for the selection of applicants?

Selection is based on the following requirements and the dimensions deduced from them:

• INTELLECTUAL ABILITIES – Specialist qualification – general education/ open-mindedness and interest/ creativity;
• VALUE ORIENTATION / RESPONSIBILITY – standpoint and tolerance – independent thinking
• GENERAL environment policy commitment – volunteer activities taking into account own artistic or scientific performance •
• PERSONALITY – motivation – potential – personal presentation – social competence

When will I receive notice of acceptance or rejection?

Response to the applications will be sent out at the latest two weeks after the deadline for applications

Do I need proof of language skills?

Yes, the minimum requirement is English knowledge to level B1. This proof can be by means of an internationally recognized certificate (e.g. TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, Cambridge). If no certificate is available there will be an individual examination to decide if, for example, stays abroad or English-speaking university courses are sufficient as evidence.

Is a German language course offered?

Yes, at the beginning of the program we offer a 10-week German course.

What costs can I expect?

This is a scholarship which includes the costs of living. For participation in the program and accommodation there are no costs incurred to the scholarship-holder.

Do I receive support in my application for a visa?

Yes, participants will receive an official invitation and a Scholarship Agreement that can be submitted for the visa application.

How do I find an apartment?

The ISA provides fully furnished shared apartments for the whole duration of stay.

How do I find the right flight?

The ISA pays the costs of the return flight and arranges the booking.

What happens after the program ends?

All those taking part will receive a certificate in order to be able to verify the specialist knowledge and intercultural experience they have acquired. We also remain in contact after the end of the program via a digital Alumni network.

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