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Caux Scholars

Transforming conflict: From personal to global change

Applied studies in peacemaking

The Caux Scholars Program (CSP) is now in its twentieth year; having graduated over 360 leaders from 88 countries. Twenty students from around the world are invited to Initiatives of Change's international conference center to learn and participate in conflict resolution. CSP offers a multi-disciplinary approach to personal introspection, conflict transformation, transformational justice, and principled leadership. CSP involves training with a strong emphasis on the psychological and relational aspects of conflict and the necessity of personal transformation for true reconciliation and sustainable solutions to conflicts. The program emphasizes the role and responsibility of the individual in conflict transformation. Through class sessions, sharing with their fellow students and participating in the Initiatives of Change conferences, the Caux Scholars learn how to welcome personal change in order to initiate a global change for peace. 

CSP teaches students to analyze a conflict, to understand the factors that create and sustain conflicts, and provide practical understanding of approaches to resolving conflicts, conflict prevention, negotiation and transitional justice. Dr. Carl Stauffer, a renowned expert on transitional justice from Eastern Mennonite University, Virginia, is the Academic Director.

The four weeks course will hold approximately 40 hours of academic classes, seven hours per week of “Service for Leadership” practical work, a field trip to Geneva and participation in the Caux Forum for Human Security. Environmental degradation, wounded memories, armed conflict and economic, cultural and religious factors are some of the main causes of human insecurity. For one week, Caux Scholars will have the chance to interact with peacebuilders and representatives from international organizations as they address these issues.

CSP has an active alumni network. Alumni are active in many areas of life—academics, politics, international organizations, grassroots initiatives.

Target group: young professionals and students ages 20-35

When: from July 1st - 29th, 2012

Where: Initiatives of Change's international conference center,Caux, Switzerland

Tuition cost: $3,400 (includes room and board at Caux).  Application fee is $25.

Application process: CSP is now accepting applications for the 2012 summer program. Application deadline is February 15th, 2012 if applying for a scholarship. More information about the alumni scholarship can be found under the alumni scholarship tab. You can download the 2012 application form here.  Please supply two written references, including at least one academic reference.These written references may be sent directly to us or with your application in a sealed envelope.

2012 Caux Scholars Program brochure
2011 Caux Scholars Program report
See also news from the 2010 course by clicking here.  2011 CSP Faculty>>

Please read FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for more information.

Interested in learning what past Caux Scholars think about the program? Click here for recent interviews.

Our address is:
 
Jitka Hromek-Vaitla
The Caux Scholars Program
1625 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 601
Washington, DC 20036-2244
USA
Telephone: 202-872-9077
Fax: 202-872-9137
Email here

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International Civil Servant

What is an HR person to do? The doctor and I stood outside and realized that we would have to go back in to find people. Other colleagues were at hand to assist and went in selflessly, not afraid to die in pursuit of the living. So we did. It's something you have to do in spite of the fact that you do not really know how safe the building is - would the structure hold? Would there be another bomb? Ranya Kargbo shares what her job means to her, working as a United Nations International Civil Servant.
Deep listening, trust and serendipity

We were stunned to silence as a hushed whisper fell over the meeting hall. Representatives of the “enemy” village had just walked in unexpectedly, interrupting a community peace meeting we were facilitating. Dr Carl Stauffer writes about a transforming experience in South Africa.
New Program Director for the Caux Scholars Program

Jitka Hromek-Vaitla has an interesting name that reflects a history full of stories. Born in Czechoslovakia, she grew up under the communist regime and was 11 when the “Velvet Revolution” ushered in a new era of democracy in 1989. Jitka brings her personal experience to her role as the new Program Director of The Caux Scholars Program. “It is so important for young people from emerging democracies to meet the world at Caux and learn skills that they can apply to post conflict societies,” she says.