EXCHANGE PROGRAM FOR REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN EAST ASIA AND EUROPE (EPRIE) 2015, JULY 17 to 27, in Japan and South Korea

70 years after the end of World War II and 50 years after the Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea the relations among neighbors in East Asia are tense and far away of being “normal”. The Exchange Program for Regional Integration in East Asia and Europe (EPRIE) aims to activate a transnational dialogue through a comparison of the situations of historically burdened neighbors in Europe (Germany, France, and Poland) and East Asia (China, Japan and South Korea).

Special topic in 2015 will be “nations and identities”, where concepts of nations, states and identities will be discussed. Transnational concepts will be also considered. Which factors play a relevant role for the creation of a national or a regional identity? Which factors can foster mutual understanding? Experts from science, politics, and civil society will introduce their perspectives and discuss it with the participants.

We are seeking advanced graduate students, early postdoctoral researchers, and young professionals, who have special interest in the topic. Candidates should be of German, French, Polish, Japanese or Korean nationality and be between 25 and 35 years old. Because English will be the language of the program, candidates are expected to speak English fluently.

Prosperous Applicants are invited to join us for a unique intercultural experience in this summer school, which will be held in Japan and Korea. In addition to gaining specialized knowledge through a comprehensive content, participants will develop intercultural competences. Through intensive dialogue in international groups, the seminar will encourage participants to build an enduring network to facilitate long-lasting cooperation.

All basic expenses during the program (like hotel, transfers, and meals) will be covered. However, participants are expected to cover the costs for their journey from their home destination to the conference location in Tokyo and back from (Seoul; South Korea) themselves.

The organizer of the program is the Korea Verband , a politically independent association in Berlin. The program is supported by Robert Bosch Stiftung, a private German foundation engaged in international understanding, and the Japan office of Friedrich-Ebert Foundation in Tokyo.

Application period will be from March 15 to April 19, 2015. Further information like application and recommendation forms can be found on EPRIE website (www.eprie.net ). We kindly ask applicants to fill in and send the required documents to info@eprie.net . Only complete applications are accepted.

Best regards,

Nataly Jung-Hwa HAN, Chairwoman of Korea Verband

Rita ZOBEL, Ph.D., EPRIE Head of Project

Korea-Verband e.V., Rostocker Str. 33, 10553 Berlin, Germany