Íslensk útgáfa hér Do you want to better understand your strengths, enhance your network, and simultaneously learn how to apply your knowledge and ideas for the benefit of society? Would you like to work with a diverse group of students on new solutions to contemporary challenges, such as climate change and social well-being? This spring, the University of Iceland offers Spark Social, a course for students from all disciplines and from universities across Europe. The course is intended for students in their final year of undergraduate studies as well as master's students. In the course, students will gain a deeper understanding of contemporary challenges and work on solutions for them. Course dates: On 13th to 17th May 2024, there is a five-day on-site session. Students are required to be present from 9 AM to 4 PM on these days. To prepare for the on-site session, students will participate in five virtual sessions in Feburary to May. Students can choose to attend these either on Thursdays or Fridays 2024, that is, they can choose either: Thursday sessions from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM: 8th Feb, 29th Feb, 21st Mar, 11th Apr, 2nd May Friday sessions from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM: 9th Feb, 1st Mar, 22nd Mar, 12th Apr, 3rd May Course registration for University of Iceland students: Students at the University of Iceland who meet the course prerequisites (are in their third year or in a master's program) can register for the course during the revision period of registrations for the spring semester, or until and including 21st January. The course is worth 6 ECTS credits and is recognized as an elective course with the approval of the student's department. Registration can be done in two ways: Registration via Web Form: You can request registration using a simple registration form here. Direct Registration in Ugla: You can search for the course in the course registration section in Ugla and register there (to find the course, it may be useful to have course information from the teaching schedule at hand). (There is no need to register in both places) What is Spark Social? Spark is a hybrid (both virtual and on-site) course and event where students from all Aurora universities come together. The course structure is threefold. Innovation - Students apply innovative thinking to tackle challenges in close collaboration with their fellow students from other Schools. Career development - Students prepare for the challenges facing them after graduation, get to know people from industry and get training in networking. The Global Goals - The challenges facing students in this course are directly linked to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals, which are becoming more and more integrated into the private and public sector. Important dates: February - May 2024: Virtual sessions 13.-17. of May, 2024: Five-dar On-site Capstone Session At the end of the on-site session, student teams will present their own solution. The presentation will be attended by the organizers of Startup Social, an accelerator focused on social ventures, and successful teams will receive support to prepare an application to the accelerator. Students will also have the opportunity to submit their solutions to the SEISMIC Awards. Finally, students will receive a diploma confirming their participation and successful completion of the program. Practical information Registration closes December 31st, 2023. Students are strongly encouraged to register before December 10th, 2023, to qualify for the early decision process (and get a notification of acceptance before 22. December 2023). Students who participate in the event and complete the required groundwork receive a transcript of records confirming the completion of 6 ECTS credits. The student selection will aim at creating a diverse student body. The course is an Erasmus+ programme (BIP) and fulfils the requirements for an Erasmus+ student mobility grant. Please check with your home university whether you can apply for Erasmus+ or other mobility grants to attend the course. A more detailed course description will be published soon. Spark provides students with the opportunity to: take part in a course that is different from all other courses learn about networking and expanding your network connect innovation and the global goals work with students from other Aurora-universities get input from a varied group of influential people in Icelandic society enhance their employment prospects facebooklinkedintwitter