BECOME AN ASSISTANT AT THE EFA26
Do you still reminisce about the conversations, ideas, and exchanges during the Seminar Days in Alpbach? Now is your chance to return as an assistant and help shape the experience for the next generation of participants during the Academy Days.
Each year, the EFA brings together a diverse group of scholarship holders to participate in the Academy Days, where participants explore the key European challenges in an intensive learning environment.
To support this experience, we are looking for assistants who help facilitate the exchange between participants and chairs and contribute to creating an engaging and collaborative group atmosphere.
Apply until 27 April 2026, 2 PM (CEST).
Your Role
Assistants play an important role in shaping the experience of the Academy Days. They support the seminar and studio sessions, help create a positive group dynamic, and serve as a link between participants, chairs, and the EFA team.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Helping create an open and respectful discussion environment
- Encouraging exchange among participants
- Acting as a bridge between participants, chairs, and the EFA team
- Supporting organisational aspects of the sessions
- Supporting the facilitation of sessions together with the chairs
- Contributing to the documentation and evaluation of the programme
Seminars and Studios
During the Academy Days, assistants support both seminars and studios.
- Seminars focus on in-depth discussions on specific topics related to major European challenges.
- Studios provide interactive spaces where participants collaboratively explore ideas, questions, and perspectives in a more experimental format.
Assistants help support the learning process in these sessions and contribute to creating a constructive and engaging group experience.
Preparation Workshop
To prepare for the role, assistants are required to participate in a mandatory online preparation workshop (approximately two hours) before the Forum.
The workshop introduces the responsibilities of assistants and offers guidance on facilitation, group dynamics, and practical aspects of the role during the Academy Days.
Who Can Apply?
You are eligible to apply if you:
- have previously participated in the European Forum Alpbach (main target group: former scholarship holders)
- born after 4 September 1990
- have not been an assistant at EFA before
- have a strong command of English (minimum B2 level)
Experience in assistant-related or leadership tasks (work experience or extracurricular involvement) is a plus
What You Receive
Selected assistants receive a returnee scholarship, which includes participation in the European Forum Alpbach 2026 as well as accommodation during the Forum.
Should remaining costs during the stay (food, transportation, special needs, etc.) pose a financial burden, applicants may apply for additional support. The allocation of such support is subject to the availability of funds and relies on the solidarity of other participants.
In line with the principle of solidarity, applicants who have sufficient financial means are kindly encouraged to cover their own accommodation costs of €49.00 per night, i.e. a total of € 539 for the 11 nights of EFA26 (with bookings arranged by EFA). By opting out of accommodation coverage, you contribute to making participation at the Forum possible for individuals from less privileged backgrounds.
If any of the above cases applies to you, please reach out via email at seminars@alpbach.org.
Application Process
Applications are open from 7 April 2026, 2 pm (CEST) to 27 April 2026, 2 pm (CEST).
Applications are submitted through our online application platform. Please note that applications received by other means cannot be considered.
You will be required to provide information about your educational and professional background, extracurricular activities, and answer two questions as part of your motivational statement.