Academy of Critical Thinking
About the Program
American Councils in Hungary is proud to organize a free Academy of Critical Thinking program. It offers 20 Hungarian high school students an opportunity to attend an interactive weekend workshop led by one of America’s best professors in Budapest, and share their newly gained knowledge in their own communities. Participants will be able to improve their critical thinking abilities by receiving practical tools and firsthand experiences in the capital city. Additionally, they will gain further confidence in English language communication and presentation.
Goals
Gain awareness of 21st-century skills, and increase competence in critical thinking, creativity, communication, media literacy, public speaking among high school students, which will help them become more successful students and adults in an ever-changing world.
Gain experience and confidence in English language communication skills for participants.
Expose peers and teachers of the workshop participants to key concepts of critical thinking through the follow up activities.
What does the program include
A three-day workshop to gain awareness of the importance of 21st century skills and develop essential skills related to critical thinking, while increasing your confidence in English language communication.
Attend lectures by world-renowned American professor, Dr. Sam Potolicchio in Budapest
Peer-to-peer exchange: 20 Hungarian students in 9th and 10th grade from across the country can participate, who have a strong interest in media literacy, critical thinking, and gaining tools for understanding the world.
Follow up activities: Participants deliver follow-up activities in their communities to disseminate what they have learned.
A project mentor will help brainstorm and design the follow up activities in local communities.
Project closing event: At the end of the project, participants and project staff will get together for an online event. Students will have the opportunity to showcase their follow-up activities besides reflection and review of project experiences.
All expenses covered, including travel to Budapest, accommodation, meals and programs.
Adult supervision provided 24/7 (Hungarian staff member).
Meet the Trainer
Dr. Sam Potolicchio is an award-winning American professor and Executive Director of American Councils’ Center for Global Leadership. He was named one of “America’s Best Professors” by the Princeton Review. Potolicchio teaches in Executive Education EMBA programs at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown Univeristy and at the Mannheim Business School (Germany). Potolicchio has delivered lectures in over 85 countries, from Oxford, and Cambridge to Yale.
Eligibility criteria
Attend any type of high school anywhere in Hungary, except Budapest
Attend grade 9 language, 9th or 10th in school year 2023/2024
Intermediate level of English communication skills (no language exam is required)
Interest in critical thinking and media literacy
Agrees to attend the interactive workshop in Budapest and share their newly gained knowldge in their school or community, with mentoring support
Date and place
The workshop will take place on January 18-20, 2024 in Budapest.
Application deadline: November 30, 2023
Apply here: https://ais.americancouncils.org/act
How to apply
1. The application form consists of personal data, open-ended questions, and one video recording.
2. Record a short video of why you want to participate in the program.
3. The application is sent only after you confirm its completion by clicking “submit” at the end of the form.
4. Information about the results will be sent to all applicants after December 15, 2023 when recruitment is over.
In case of any questions, please contact us at hu@americancouncils.org email address
Additional Information
The program is funded by the US Embassy in Budapest.
Contact American Councils project staff at hu@americancouncils.org or +36 30 979 0314