Stellenbosch University – KU Leuven Student Think Tank
The Think Tank is a unique initiative between Stellenbosch University and KU Leuven in Belgium which focuses on student engagement and co-curricular learning.
The programme is an annual initiative that runs from January to December with selection for the next year taking place in November. The programme includes 15 students of each institution who are mentored by the Resident Representative and other staff members (academic and non-academic).
The programme annually picks a theme that is topical and innovative for discussion from multiple perspectives, facilitated simultaneously through online mechanisms. Group meetings take place bi-weekly, exploring the theme selected, with guest speakers addressing the group from time to time. The Belgian students travel to Stellenbosch University for a short one week visit to explore the theme with colleagues. The conversations continue via Skype and other online platforms throughout the year. The programme culminates in a face-to-face workshop at the end of the year at Stellenbosch University or KU Leuven.
The students (15 each) are selected from the Top 10% from Honours and Masters (at Stellenbosch) and Master’s students (KU Leuven). This may also include recently graduated Bachelor students. The selection committee will also take into consideration:
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Diversity – society, academic disciplines
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Interest in societal issues and desire to make impact on society
Who can participate
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Students who are pursuing a career and working full time will not be eligible to apply
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Students have to be full-time students and be expected to attend sessions on the Stellenbosch Campus bi-weekly.
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Students are expected to make a full year commitment, from Feb – Nov 2019
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Students who do not complete and withdraw from the programme have to pay back the travel bursary component that was received for the visit to Belgium. This will be loaded onto a student’s account automatically.
For more information please email Werner de Wit at wdw@sun.ac.za