FAQ
APPLICATION PROCESS:
- Who is eligible to apply to be a MARA participant?
- When will I obtain final confirmation as to whether I will participate in MARA 2006?
DURING MARA 2006:
- What will happen during the “MARA Training Phase”?
- What is the “Applied Research Phase”?
- What is the “MARA Documentation Phase”?
- In which organisations will participants work during MARA 2006?
- As a participant, is it possible to choose a particular organisation?
- When will I know which organisation I will be working with?
- Can I work on an academic contribution during MARA (Thesis/Diplomarbeit/Coursework)?
- Is there a “dress code” for the project?
- Will I obtain a certificate of participation in MARA?
- Will I be paid for my work in MARA?
- Does the MARA team assume responsibility for accidents or other unforeseeable events?
PRE-DEPARTURE:
- Will you offer any assistance in finding accommodation?
- Who books the flights?
- When would I need to arrive in Berlin at the latest? Will I be picked up at the airport?
- Do I need a visa for Germany?
- What do I need to take to Germany from abroad?
- Do I have to get health insurance? How can I get medical care in Germany?
OTHER INFO ON GERMANY/BERLIN:
- In what time zone is Germany?
- Are living costs in Germany high?
- How can I obtain cash in Germany?
- What will the weather be like in Germany during MARA (June to September)?
- What is the public transport system like in Berlin?
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Who is eligible to apply to be a MARA participant?
We are looking for students (preferably in their final year of BSc, Diploma, Masters or PhD level) and young professionals from different academic/professional backgrounds and nationalities who have:
- A strong interest in decision analytic methodologies and their application to real-world cases,
- work and/or study experience in an interdisciplinary and international environment,
- an aspiration for excellence in work and study projects,
- English language proficiency.
Click on this LINK for more detailed information.
When will I obtain final confirmation as to whether I will participate in MARA 2006?
This will depend on the country from which you are applying, as recruiting processes are scheduled differently in different countries. For German and UK applicants, we will organise assessment centres in Berlin and London where interviews will be conducted. Confirmations for participation will be sent out shortly after these interviews (approx. April). Applicants from the US, Argentina, France or any other country will have personal or telephone interviews and receive notification about their participation in MARA shortly afterwards.
For further information, please contact recruiting(at)cdna-online.org.
DURING MARA 2006:
What will happen during the “MARA Training Phase”?
During the Training Phase (17th June – 4th July 2005), we will organise a series of workshops and lectures related to decision-analytic methodologies, consulting/research skills as well as cultural events. This will include an intense 10-day training outside of Berlin conducted by international experts in the field of Decision Analysis (see “news” section on website). For interested participants, we will also offer help in organising German language classes.
What is the “Applied Research Phase”?
During the Research Phase (5th July – 10th September), our teams will analyse resource allocation processes and develop models to help partner organisations improve strategic decision making. During this phase, the teams will also present their work at internal progress meetings to allow for knowledge and experience to be exchanged with the other teams
What is the “MARA Documentation Phase”?
To conclude MARA 2006, we will organise a final conference in Berlin on the 15th of September 2006. For this event, the teams will compile their results in the form of a project report and present their results to a public audience. Additionally, we plan to subsequently publish a book on MARA.
In which organisations will participants work during MARA 2006?
During the Applied Research Phas of MARA 2006, five to seven research teams will work within organisations in the public and private sector in Germany (mainly in Berlin). These project partners will be published on our website as soon as we receive confirmation from them.
As a participant, is it possible to choose a particular organisation?
Unfortunately, it isn’t. We will ask you for your preferences and certainly try to take these into consideration when staffing the teams. Our goal will be to create international and interdisciplinary teams and to match team members who complement each other and at the same time promise a good “personal fit” within the team and the client.
When will I know which organisation I will be working with?
The allocation to research teams will be completed at the beginning of the MARA training phase (approx. end of June). This will allow us and the participants to get to know each other before final staffing decisions are taken.
Can I work on an academic contribution during MARA (Thesis/Diplomarbeit/Coursework)?
Yes, and we would even like to encourage all participants to do this. In particular, Masters students from the LSE (MSc Decision Science) will be able to write their final thesis during MARA 2006. We attach great importance to supporting this work – especially in view of the fact that participation in MARA is unpaid. Additionally, we offer support for writing Diploma theses, course work, academic papers, etc.
Is there a “dress code” for the project?
Yes. Please bring along appropriate business clothes. You can also buy business clothes in Germany. A good quality suit will cost around 300 EUR.
Will I obtain a certificate of participation in MARA?
MARA is organised by the Centre for Decision and Negotiation Analysis e.V. (www.cdna-online.org). The CDNA will issue a certificate on the entire project and one on the methodological training week. These documents may also include references to the LSE and other institutional partners.
Will I be paid for my work in MARA?
MARA participants will not be paid. MARA is a non-profit project and our team of approx. 20 people has been preparing the project for approximately one year on a voluntary basis. Participants can, however, apply for funding for transport and accommodation on a needs and qualification basis.
For further information please contact recruiting@cdna-online.org
Does the MARA team assume responsibility for accidents or other unforeseeable events?
The MARA team does not assume responsibility for any unforeseeable events of any kind. When confirming their participation in MARA, each participant agrees to act on his or her own account and to arrange his/her own travel and medical insurance cover (Accident, Medical, Baggage, etc.). We emphasise in particular the importance of getting an insurance policy which covers medical expenses.
PRE-DEPARTURE:
Will you offer any assistance in finding accommodation?
We are currently researching accommodation options (mainly flats to be shared by several MARA participants) and will try to arrange accommodation for all participants who need assistance. Rent for a room in a shared flat in Berlin should amount to approximately 250-300 EUR per month.
Who books the flights?
Please do not book flights without prior notice from us. You will receive further information on this shortly after receiving confirmation of your participation.
When would I need to arrive in Berlin at the latest? Will I be picked up at the airport?
We ask all participants to arrive in Berlin by the 15th of June at the latest. Earlier arrival is, of course, recommended to give participants time to take language classes and to get accustomed to Germany/Berlin before the start of the project.
You will, of course, be picked up at the airport.
Do I need a visa for Germany?
As a rule, all foreigners require a visa for stays of more than 90 days.
Not subject to this requirement are citizens of the EU, the EEC countries and of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland and the United States of America, who may obtain any residence permit that may be required after entering Germany.
Citizens of all other countries who intend to come to Germany for such a stay must apply for a visa at the competent mission, i.e. its embassies and consultes-general, before arriving in the country. Visa are issued by the mission responsible for the area where the applicant has his/her ordinary residence or domicile.
The approval procedure may take up to three months.
Depending on your nationality, you may be required to present the following documents:
- fully completet application form (permanent residence permit) and required declaration
- an invitation from the host – the CDNA will provide one
- valid national passport
- two passport photographs
- confirmation letter from your health insurance stating coverage with a minimum of 30.000 Euro and one copy
- evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while staying in Germany and one copy
- visa fees
Further details on the documents to be presented with your application are often available on the webpage of the competent German mission abroad:
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/www/en/adressen_html
If you have been invited to participate in MARA 2006 and you need a visa, please contact us at mailto:recruiting(at)cdna-online.org and we can jointly discuss further steps.
What do I need to take to Germany from abroad?
In addition to your passport, we would recommend an EC/Maestro/debit and a credit card. It would also be very useful if you could bring a laptop with you. We will try to ensure that there is an internet connection in all flats shared by MARA participants. Additionally, if you have literature (articles, books, etc.) on decision analysis, in particular resource allocation methodologies, please bring these along. Electronic devices in Germany are NOT compatible with the UK or US power supply system (however they should be compatible with the Argentinean system). You will, therefore, need an adapter, which can be purchased in Germany.
Do I have to get health insurance? How can I get medical care in Germany?
See also above on responsibility of the MARA team for accidents
As health coverage is one of the requirements for a visa application, all participants and team leaders have to take up health insurance. Please check carefully whether your medical insurance will cover costs for medical treatment abroad. We recommend all other international and national participants and team leaders to take up health insurance as well. In general, most major insurance companies in your home country should offer appropriate health cover.
Medical care in Germany is amongst the best in the world. However, any prescribed medication needed by a participant should be brought from his/her own country. The MARA team cannot cover the consequential costs arising from any illnesses accidents, etc.
OTHER INFO ON GERMANY/BERLIN:
In what time zone is Germany?
Berlin is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean time. Therefore London (UK) is one hour behind, Buenos Aires (ARG) is four hours, New York (USA) is six hours and Los Angeles is nine hours behind.
Are living costs in Germany high?
Living costs are comparatively low with regard to other European cities.
- a furnished room in a shared appartement would cost between 150 and 400 Euro,
- a monthly ticket (fare zone A and B) for adults costs 67,00 Euro,
- weekly cost (food, toiletries, leisure, and miscellaneous) amount to approximately 70-100 Euro
Economically speaking, you could manage with approximately 600-900 Euro a month (including accommodation, food, leisure,…).
Current Exchange Rates:
- UK: 1 Euro = 0,69 Pounds; 1 Pound = 1,43 Euro
- US Dollar: 1 Euro = $ 1,21; $1 = 0,82 Euro
- Argentine Peso: 1 Euro = 3,81 ARS; 1 ARS = 0,26 Euro
(Source: www.x-rates.com on 1 April 2006)
How can I obtain cash in Germany?
Banks branches and cash machines/ATMs can be found all over the city. For the latter you either need an EC-card or a credit card (VISA, Master Card etc.). For withdrawing money from a different bank than your own, usually fees have to be paid. Some banks, such as Citibank, have their own branches in Berlin at which money can be withdrawn from a foreign Citibank account at no additional charge. Likewise, customers from the Bank of America (USA) and Barclays (UK) can withdraw money from Deutsche Bank ATMs at no additional charge.
What will the weather be like in Germany during MARA (June to September)?
July and August are summer months in Germany. The summer in Germany is fortunately very sunny. June and September can also be quite warm. From June to August daily-temperatures reach on average 22-23 °C (72°F), but there are also days with temperatures above 30°C (86°F). Please bring along summer and swimming clothes.
What is the public transport system like in Berlin?
Berlin's integrated public transport system is the best way to get around. One ticket allows travel on all trains, trams and buses run by the public transport authority (BVG). Cycling is highly recommended in Berlin, as it is easy and fairly safe. If you like cycling, Berlin is a cyclists' paradise so don't miss the opportunity to explore Berlin by bike. TAXIs are numerous and available at (almost) all times. Taxi Fares start at € 2.50 and € 1.53 per km; Short Ride (Kurzstrecke): a € 3 ride for up to 2 km drive if you hail the taxi from the street.
