Milica Čvorović: “August is the time for the European Forum Alpbach!”

  

Every year, students and other young people from Montenegro receive scholarships for the European Forum Alpbach. Each new scholarship holder from Montenegro is yet another proof that we can boast with many smart and talented people, ready for new knowledge and experiences.

 

Among scholarship holders is Milica Čvorović, who decided to write a few words on her experience at last year’s Summer School on European Integration. We are publishing her writing in its entirety:

“In a wish to fulfil my free time with many quality activities, ever since high school, I’ve been using every opportunity to apply for participation in summer schools, student exchange programs, seminars and specialisation trainings. So, when you are willing to expand your horizons and gain new friends outside Montenegro, it is simply impossible not to learn at some moment of the European Forum Alpbach. I applied last year for the Alpbach Summer School on European Integration and got a scholarship.

Although I find it admirable that there is an event which is organised since 1945, as an idea of young people willing to change the world, I thought that the “spirit of Alpbach”, as participants describe the Forum and their experiences, was overrated.

However, when you appear for the first time in the idyllic fairy-tale village, suddenly you realise why exactly this small Tyrolean place was chosen to become world-known “village of thinkers”. Already in the bus from Brixlegg to Alpbach, Mira (one of new friendships which would mark my stay in Alpbach) and I get to know our first companions in a new adventure, with common thrill and enthusiasm.

Organisers always try to accommodate people from different countries in the same house, so I met some of my “household” members at the welcome reception. During the entire Forum, you meet new people and already in first contacts with these young, successful people who come from various backgrounds, when you feel you are in the right place, suddenly Gandhi’s statement “Be the change that you wish to see in the world” becomes crystal clear. As an individual, you can contribute to realisation of certain values and goals, with support of network of people who share your dreams.

Beside the formal program of the Forum (Seminar Week, symposia and summer schools), various events are being organised, such as receptions, concerts, fireside talks with interesting speakers, daytrips etc. You can have an opportunity to speak with Nobel Prize winners, presidents of states, international organisations and other prominent personalities from the entire world. A particular event is the International Evening, during which we presented initiative groups and clubs, at the same time promoting our countries (and homemade rakija :)).

Although the Summer School on European Integration was academically more challenging because we had an obligation to pass exams, it was not such a good excuse for missing receptions, concerts, fireside talks and other events, among which many are organised spontaneously. Equally, going to one of many parties is not reason enough to miss early morning hiking (read 5AM :)), where the first sun rays shine down upon you on the mountaintop.

If you wish to acquire an exceptional experience, meet great people and get the chance to speak with world leaders, and have a great time in the meanwhile, then you know August is the time for the European Forum Alpbach!”