FAQ
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 with professional experience, career starters, Start-up founders or entrepreneurs. Those taking part come from countries that are on the so-called DAC list (Development Assistance Committee of the OECD).
The program is aimed at people who are already involved in activities in connection with SDGs. These could be students with professional experience, career starters, Start-up founders or entrepreneurs. Those taking part come from countries that are on the so-called DAC list (Development Assistance Committee of the OECD).
Can I apply if my current activities are not sustainable?
If your organisation, activities, or projects are not sustainable or do not have a sustainable component you can apply if you plan for its sustainability. If you plan to make your present activities more sustainable then ISA is the right program for you. During your application, ensure that your ISA project proposed is orientated towards the sustainable component you plan to create.
When and where does the program take place?
From the fall of 2019, there will be a sequence once every 9 month. 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 non-profit organization Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald Landesverband Hamburg e. V. (SDW).
How can I apply?
An application is only possible online using the template on this website. Closing date for applications process is 7 months before the beginning of the respective program course. Please read the Selection process for detailed information.
Selection is based on the following requirements and the dimensions deduced from them:
If your organisation, activities, or projects are not sustainable or do not have a sustainable component you can apply if you plan for its sustainability. If you plan to make your present activities more sustainable then ISA is the right program for you. During your application, ensure that your ISA project proposed is orientated towards the sustainable component you plan to create.
When and where does the program take place?
From the fall of 2019, there will be a sequence once every 9 month. 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 non-profit organization Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald Landesverband Hamburg e. V. (SDW).
How can I apply?
An application is only possible online using the template on this website. Closing date for applications process is 7 months before the beginning of the respective program course. Please read the Selection process for detailed information.
Selection is based on the following requirements and the dimensions deduced from them:
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INTELLECTUAL ABILITIES – Specialist qualification – general education/ open-mindedness and interest/ creativity;
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VALUE ORIENTATION / RESPONSIBILITY – standpoint and tolerance – independent thinking
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GENERAL environment policy commitment – volunteer activities taking into account own artistic or scientific performance •
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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 three weeks after the deadline for applications. For more details on dates and deadlines read the Selection Process.
Do I need proof of language skills?
Yes, the minimum requirement is English knowledge to level B1. This proof can be either an internationally recognized certificate (e.g. TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, Cambridge) or an English proficiency from an institute of higher education (e.g. the University in which you completed your studies). 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. You don’t need the German language for this Scholarship program.
Is a German language course offered?
Yes, at the beginning of the program we will offer a "A1" German Course of aprox. 150-200 lecture hours.
What costs can I expect?
- This is a scholarship, which includes the costs of living in Germany. For participation in the program and accommodation there are no costs incurred to the scholarship-holder. ISA covers the following cost:
- € monthly stipend (includes own research and as applicable, excursions and internships)
- Health insurance
- The accommodation (private, furnished flat-share room (ca. 12m²) with shared bathroom and kitchen)
- The return flight (Economy Class (max. three stopovers, flight from the home country airport) (airport transfer in the home country may be granted under justified circumstances)
- Airport transfer in Hamburg with public transport
- Monthly ticket for the use of public transport in Hamburg
- Costs of group excursions
- Additional personal development budget
BMZ sponsorship regulations apply
Do I receive support in my application for a visa?
Yes, participants will receive an official invitation letter 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 is the duration of the ISA program?
The ISA is a 9-Months program with two-phase. Phase 1 is completed in the first 8 months of the program within Germany. Phase 2 (implementation) is completed in the 9th month of the program in the country of origin. The second phase may be extended up to four month and concludes with the submission of the final report.
Can I make private trips during my ISA placement?
Unofficial trips are trips outside the ISA context and can only be planned for on holidays assigned by ISA. In general, most weekends are considered as ISA holidays but there could be some exceptions.
What is the duration of the ISA program?
The ISA is a 9-Months program with two-phase. Phase 1 is completed in the first 8 months of the program within Germany. Phase 2 (implementation) is completed in the 9th month of the program in the country of origin. The second phase may be extended up to four month and concludes with the submission of the final report.
Can I make private trips during my ISA placement?
Unofficial trips are trips outside the ISA context and can only be planned for on holidays assigned by ISA. In general, most weekends are considered as ISA holidays but there could be some exceptions.
What happens after the program ends?
All those taking part will receive a certificate 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.
Can I submit an application directly by email?
Please, only apply via our job portal and refrain from making applications through the post or by email.
Technical questions about the online application
What happens to my data?
When you enter your data, a profile will be automatically created with us. Your data will be saved in our applicant database during the process.