With this new update we address a question we receive very frequently from those who approach our world: how to choose a good European design course?
Let us try to respond with a necessary preamble and some suggestions!
Can you recommend a good europlanning course? How to choose a good European design course?
A necessary preamble. We prefer not to recommend specific europlanning courses, knowing that:
- There is a very wide range of them, which we cannot monitor and especially test to be able to guarantee their quality. Nor is there, to date, an official register that defines objective criteria with which those working in this field must comply. In addition, any specific recommendation we make could exclude a number of equally good and worthwhile courses. We don’t want to give unreliable advice (all the more so since courses can be fee-based) or discriminate against excellent courses that we are not fortunate enough to know!
- Europlanning activity is by nature very broad and multi-sectoral. Each course usually covers a certain sectoral area or a specific type of funding most effectively. Theapplication of europlanning techniques can also be very different depending on the level of knowledge of the subject and the type of work done (freelance, association, public body, university, private company, etc.). It is difficult to find a course that is really suitable for everyone!
- Europlanning is by nature a very practical and constantly updating activity. A course in European design can provide excellent general guidance, effective techniques and interesting insights, but the most important aspect remains direct experimentation, possibly in one’s own sectoral and professional field. A course is important, but it is equally important to jump in, document and try!
- Our Guide itself is a self-training tool, the contents of which take up many aspects covered in europlanning courses. We therefore recommend making the most of the potential of our Guide as a supplementary tool to a good course.
With that due, let us answer more directly the second part of the question: what criteria can define a “good course” in European design? We also recommend you take a look at some of our other “frequently asked questions” related to the world of European projects.
- Consider the “track record” of the organization delivering the training: if the organization is recognized and has been holding europlanning courses for many years, holding up to the “test of time,” it is likely that the course you want to enroll in is interesting and effective;
- Evaluate the curriculum of the faculty members who will teach the course.: have they conducted similar training activities before? Do they have direct, up-to-date, and (possibly) successful experience in designing and writing European projects? Please feel free to ask specific questions about their experience (and the organization’s experience)!
- Consider whether the course includes (beyond the topic of europlanning) a stated thematic scope, or whether the organization and the lecturers teaching the course have (through past experience) a specific thematic inclination. That is, are the organization and faculty active in areas and on types of projects that interest you? Europlanning is an activity that needs practical and thematic application. It is easy for the “slant” that will be given to the course to reflect the previous experience of the organization and faculty: so consider whether this is in line with your interests!
- In addition to simple knowledge, a europlanning course must impart operational skills: therefore, assess the extent to which the training program includes moments of practical practice on concrete cases: this is a principle also applied by the various initiatives promoted by the Guide’s partners.. If you have the opportunity, give preference to a course that includes workshops and the preparation of one or more projects, as an example during the training and/or supporting the preparation of your own “real” project at the end of the course;
- Consider the level of depth of the course with respect to your knowledge. A basic level course may be boring for those already familiar with the subject matter, while an in-depth level course may be hostile in the absence of an appropriate foundation. In addition to the detailed course schedule, when possible, also evaluate the number and experience level of the people who will attend.
These are the main criteria we feel we can recommend to guide your choices. Can you think of any others? Tell us about your experience with europlanning courses on our Facebook page!
