ARC4 Students Forum

University-Business Partnerships:
Asia and Europe Seeking 21st Century Solutions
23-24 March 2015
Hangzhou, China

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

GENERAL
What is ARC4 Students Forum?
Platform for students from all 51 ASEM member countries to develop innovative solutions to
higher education challenges in Asia and Europe. It provides a unique opportunity to bring in the
students voice into the ASEM Education Process. Chance to formulate recommendations from
the students perspective for the ARC4 and the 5th ASEM Education Ministers' Meeting (ASEM
ME5) in April 2015, Riga, Latvia.
What is the ASEM Rectors Conference (ARC)?
The ASEM Rectors Conference (ARC) is recognised as an Official Dialogue Partner of the ASEM
Education Ministers Meeting (ASEM ME). The 4th ASEM Rectors Conference (ARC4) delivers
policy recommendations directly to the 5th ASEM Education Ministers Meeting (ASEM ME5) to be
held in late April 2015 in Riga, Latvia.
What is the ASEM Education Ministers Meeting (ASEM ME)?
A Conference of Ministers responsible for Education (ASEM ME) is held every second year. Its
main role is to facilitate political commitment, set the policy agenda and steer the activities of
this dialogue process. Each Ministerial Conference is prepared during two Senior Officials
Meetings, which are chaired by the host country of the respective Ministerial Conference and
supported by the ASEM Education Secretariat (AES). In the Ministerial Conferences, only the
Heads of Delegation have the right to speak. Observers (e.g. international organisations) may
attend the meetings on invitation of the host country.
Get an overview of past Asia-Europe Meetings of Ministers for Education (ASEMMEs).
What is the ASEM Education Process?
The ASEM Education Process is mainly based on the cooperation and partnership between Asia
and Europe in the field of higher education and lifelong learning.
To find out more about the ASEM Education Process, please visit the website of the ASEM
Education Secretariat.

ARC4 Students Forum FAQ

as of 9th January 2015

ARC4 Students Forum

University-Business Partnerships:
Asia and Europe Seeking 21st Century Solutions
23-24 March 2015
Hangzhou, China
What are the ASEM Member Countries?
ASEM Countries include 51 Asian and European countries, namely: Australia, Austria,
Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia,
Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, the Lao PDR, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia,
Malta, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines,
Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Viet Nam.

TRAVEL AND OTHER COSTS

Are there any application or participation fees?
No. There are no application or participation fees.
Are the travel costs for the participants covered?
Full reimbursement for the most direct economical connection will be provided for participants
based outside Hangzhou.
How does the travel cost reimbursement work?
All of the confirmed participants are responsible for purchasing their own return trips to
Hangzhou, China. Flights need to be via the most economical direct route (with layover permitted)
to Hangzhou or Shanghai. The costs of the travel will be reimbursed to the participants after the
conference upon ASEF receiving the required travel claims. Reimbursements might take up to 6
months after the end of the Forum.
Is accommodation provided?
Yes. Hotel accommodation in Hangzhou will be provided. In most cases it will be twin-bedroom
shared with a participant of the same gender.
Are meals provided?
Yes. Three meals per day will be provided during 23-24 March.

ARC4 Students Forum FAQ

as of 9th January 2015

ARC4 Students Forum

University-Business Partnerships:
Asia and Europe Seeking 21st Century Solutions
23-24 March 2015
Hangzhou, China
APPLICATION PROCESS AND ELIGIBILITY
Who is eligible to apply?

Citizen of any of the 51 ASEM member countries listed above

Currently-enrolled university student between 18 and 30 years old
Fluent in English (verbal and written)

What are the selection criteria?

Participants will be selected based on their profile, motivation, as well as geographical

and gender balance

I am an ASEM country national studying in a non-ASEM country. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes. If you are an ASEM country national, you may apply regardless of your country of residence.
I am a non-ASEM country national studying in an ASEM country. Am I eligible to apply?
No. Only nationals of the 51 ASEM member countries are eligible to apply.
Are graduate students eligible to apply?
Yes. Graduate students (Masters or Doctoral Degree) are welcome to apply.
I am a student older than 30 years. Am I still eligible to apply?
If you believe that you meet the other criteria and have the suitable profile, you may still apply
and your application will be considered on an exceptional basis.
I am a recent university graduate (or waiting for my examination results). Am I eligible to apply?
Yes. However, kindly note that recent graduates are only eligible to apply as Rapporteurs. Please
indicate this on the Application Form by ticking the relevant box.
Rapporteurs will be responsible for taking good notes and consolidating information discussed
during the working groups.
I have not been directly involved in university-business partnerships. Would I be disadvantaged in
my application?
No. However, please note that experience in university-business partnerships will be an asset.

ARC4 Students Forum FAQ

as of 9th January 2015

ARC4 Students Forum

University-Business Partnerships:
Asia and Europe Seeking 21st Century Solutions
23-24 March 2015
Hangzhou, China
When will I know the outcome of the selection?
All of the applicants will be notified of their application result in February 2015. The outcome will
be communicated by email. Please check your email account regularly.

PRE-EVENT PHASE
Is there any preparation to be done prior to the Forum?
Yes. The preparation will involve research, online discussions and short written assignments.

ON-SITE PHASE
I was allocated to a different Focus Group than the one I have chosen on the Registration Form.
We will try our best to allocate each participant to their preferred Focus Group. However, please
note that due to the limited places of each Focus Group, the preferences may not be
accommodated in all cases.

POST-EVENT PHASE
Are there any commitments after the Forum?
After the Forum, we expect you to fill in the feedback form which will be disseminated during the
conference. You will have the chance to become a part of the ASEF young leaders network and
keep in touch with us to have the chance to participate in future youth projects.

ARC4 Students Forum FAQ

as of 9th January 2015