Is there a limit to the number of students from any university/country/continent?
No, there are no participation limits. Students will be selected by their applications.
When will I receive a confirmation or refusal for my application?
You will receive an email regarding your application by the end of January 2010. Please check your emails frequently around this time!
What will the procedure after my application be like?
After receiving your application, you will get a confirmation email from us. We will be reviewing your application in January 2010 and will send you an email to confirm or decline your participation. If selected, you will be asked to log into your application account, send us your flight details as soon as possible, and transfer the participation fee within 14 days or you will lose you spot in the convention.
When can I apply for the 13th World Business Dialogue?
The application process for the 13th World Business Dialogue is open from Monday, October 12th, 2009 through Thursday, December 31st, 2009.
What is the sponsorship?
The sponsorship is an opportunity for the students of the convention to have their travel costs paid for by the OfW e.V. The sponsorship will cover the cost of the participant to fly/arrive by train from a major airport/train station to Cologne.
How many sponsorships will be awarded?
Because of the current financial crisis, we have a limited number of sponsorships. We cannot give a definitive number of sponsorships that will be awarded. We will try to award as many sponsorships as possible.
Who will receive a sponsorship?
You must apply separately with sponsorship material when you submit your scholarship application. We will be awarding the sponsorships to the students who submit the best additional material. Only the additional material will be considered when deciding who will receive the sponsorships.
Is there a separate due date for the sponsorship application?
No. The sponsorship application must be submitted with your application, so it is also due on December 31st, 2009.
What is the dress code?
The dress code for all official events (Career Fair, World Business Dialogue, Get Together) is business formal, which means suits, dress shirts, and ties for men and suits and blouses for women. For all other events, like the supporting program, feel free to dress as casual as you like.
Is there a time to talk to the keynote speakers, panel speakers or any of the company participants?
As some of the speakers are limited in time, we cannot guarantee that you will have the opportunity to talk to everyone. There will be Question & Answer sessions during workshops and after some speeches to hopefully answer all questions that you have.
In what language is the convention carried out in ? Do I need to speak any German?
No, it is not required to speak any German as the entire convention is held in English.
Where will the 13th World Business Dialogue take place?
The 13th World Business Dialogue will take place on the campus of the University of Cologne in Germany. You find a map of the convention?s area here.
Is there a way for me to meet other participants before the convention?
We highly encourage you to join our Facebook fan page: World Business Dialogue. This will allow you to meet other students that are attending, in addition to receiving updates from us.
Will I receive a certificate of participation?
Yes, upon successful completion of the 13th World Business Dialogue, each student will receive a certificate of participation.
How can I pay the participation fee? Where do I transfer the participation fee to?
Please transfer the participation fee to our account. The only way to transfer the participation fee to us is PayPal. We will provide you with all the information in your invitation email.
What kind of expenses will be covered by OFW?
We will cover the expenses of the supporting program, food, lodging and public transport in Cologne from March 15th to 19th.
What happens if I do not transfer the participation fee on time?
Unfortunately, if you do not transfer the fee on time, you will not be able to attend the event. So please take note of the fee due date!
How do I get from the airport to the hostel?
You will be picked up from the airport/ train station by the World Business Dialogue shuttle service.
Who organizes the visa? Where do I get it?
If you come from a non-EU-country please check with your embassy if you will need a visa for your stay in Cologne or if a valid passport is adequate.
Students needing a visa will have to apply for it at the German embassy in their country of residence. You should do this immediately upon the confirmation of participation as it may take several weeks before your visa is granted. Please contact the responsible embassy as soon as possible to ask what documents will be required. Please give us their contact data so we can send them the necessary documents to prove you are attending the 13th World Business Dialogue. These expenses will not be covered by the OFW.
For more information visit the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs (Auswärtiges Amt): www.auswaertiges-amt.de/diplo/en
What do I do if nobody is waiting for me at the airport?
In case nobody is waiting for you at the airport or at the station platform, please call the contact person, whose number you will receive with your electronic ticket.
What happens if I miss my flight?
If you miss your flight, we will not refund your participation fee, so please make sure that you will arrive at the airport on time.
How do I get to the 13th World Business Dialogue?
What kind of insurance will I need? Who will pay for it?
It is required for your visa that you have a health insurance for Germany that covers a minimum of 30,000 Euros. Please ensure that you have a valid policy before applying for your visa.
The OFW also recommends a travel cancellation insurance and liability insurance.
Is there any kind of vaccination required when travelling to Germany?
Unfortuneately, we are unable to advise you on such matters. Please consult a doctor or vaccinator to ask for any medical advice.
Are the Career Fair/Supporting Program/Company visits mandatory?
The Career Fair is the only other mandatory event for every student. You must attend it in order to be able to participate in the convention that takes place over the following two days. The supporting program, as well as the company visits, are not mandatory. Nevertheless, if you have agreed to participate in these events before your arrival, you must attend them.
What exactly is the supporting program?
The supporting program will take place the day before the Career Fair (Monday, March 15th, 2010) and the day after the convention (Friday, March 19th, 2010). The program consists of get-togethers for the attending students including sightseeing, company visits and parties in the evening. It is highly recommended that you attend these events, although it is ultimately your decision if you would like to participate.
What is the Career Fair?
The Career Fair is the recruiting event of the 13th World Business Dialogue. Here you have the opportunity to meet our partner companies from various industries. It will take place on Tuesday, March 16th, 2010, one day before the convention. This event is mandatory for all students.
Is there any leisure time during the stay in Cologne?
Yes, you will have some free time in the evening, but not during the convention days.
What happens if I arrive late at the daily meeting point?
You should always be on time. If you are late, you will unfortunately not be allowed to take part in the daily programs.
How do I indicate that I am interested in participating in the Supporting Programs?
While applying for the 13th World business Dialogue, you will have the opportunity to indicate whether or not you wish to participate in the Supporting Program.
Is there anything specific that I should be bringing to the convention? Do I need to bring my résumé?
We highly suggest that you bring your résumé, especially to the Career Fair. We will be giving participating companies your résumé, but we suggest you have it anyway. We would also suggest a camera for sightseeing, an umbrella for all the rain Cologne receives, and a little bit of spending money for snacks and souvenirs.
What does the accommodation look like and where is it located?
You will stay in a youth hostel in Cologne Riehl or Cologne Deutz, which are both approximately 10 minutes away from Cologne Central Business District.
Does the hostel/convention/university provide internet?
Both hostels do provide internet lounges. In addition, you will find several internet cafés in the city.
Who do I contact if I get lost? Who do I contact in case of an emergency?
If you get lost, you have to call one of the members of the OFW Team. You will receive their numbers upon your arrival. In addition, we will provide you with a city map and there is a quite strong public transport network in Cologne.
The German emergency phone number for the police is 110 and that for the ambulance and the fire department is 112.
How much money do you recommend for the 5 day stay in Cologne?
We recommend you take around 100-150€ with you. This should be enough for the evening social events, snacks in-between and some souvenirs.
