Evaluation Results 76th International Session of the European Youth Parliament in Barcelona, Spain 25th July to 2nd August 2014
Dear reader, This document contains the delegates’ and teachers’ evaluation of the 76th International Session of the European Youth Parliament in Barcelona, Spain. As you can see, the evaluation shows that the event has been a success. However, we invite you to study the document carefully to identify what we can learn for future sessions. The evaluation is divided into two sections: I.) Delegates’ Evaluation overview II.) Delegates’ Evaluation by countries. The overview part depicts the evaluation of delegates concerning different aspects of the session. The answers are represented as diagrams and, when thought useful for the purpose of comparison, accompanied by the answers from previous International Sessions. For a better roundup of the evaluation, we included the most often stated comments and suggestions at the end of each aspect. The quotes at the end should give you an overall impression of the delegates’ evaluation of the session and bring back some memories. In general, the participants underlined their enthusiasm about being part of the session. They expressed their appreciation of the academic preparation and the setting of the session in a summery Spain. The second part of the evaluation portrays the delegates’ responses according to their country of origin. The diagrams represented in this section are meant to provide each National Committee with an evaluation of their work in support of the IS in Barcelona. For this purpose, questions regarding the preparation for the session and the future engagement in EYP are included. The delegates’ evaluation is based on 142 returned questionnaires. Due to the incomplete amount of returned questionnaires from the delegates and the absence of the nationality information on some filled-in questionnaires, we were not able to provide an evaluation for all countries taking part in the IS in Barcelona.
If there should be any comments or questions about the evaluation, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@eyp.org. The International Office of the EYP
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DELEGATES
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I. Evaluation Overview 1. Preparation and information It was easy to find information material for my committee topic. 5% No No opinion Yes
95 %
I received letters and information soon enough. 3% No No opinion 97 %
Yes
I knew what to expect from the session, therefore preparation proved to be easy.
6%
92 %
2% No No opinion Yes
I could reach the EYP contact persons without problems. 3% 8%
89 %
No No opinion Yes
„Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 94% Tbilisi 97 % Zurich 90 % Munich 91 % Amsterdam 82 % Tallinn 82 % Istanbul 86 % „Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 82% Tbilisi 77 % Zurich 80 % Munich 88 % Amsterdam 67 % Tallinn 68 % Istanbul 68 % „Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 79% Tbilisi 80 % Zurich 82 % Munich 81 % Amsterdam 69 % Tallinn 76 % Istanbul 72 %
„Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 94% Tbilisi 86 % Zurich 88 % Munich 91 % Amsterdam 73 % Tallinn 79 % Istanbul 64 %
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I visited the session website before the event. 6% No
The session website provided me with all necessary information. 3%8% Yes No
94 %
89 %
I had problems with finding funding and sponsoring for the travel costs and participation fees.
No opinion
I do consider the participation fees as reasonable regarding the offerings of the session. 6% 3%
35 % 41 % 24 %
No No opinion Yes
I used the links in the "Academic Preparation Kit" to prepare my committee topic. 10 %
90 %
No No opinion Yes
I knew that I was meant to prepare the topic and had informed myself appropriately. 3% 1% 96 % No No opinion Yes
I used the topic overview to prepare my committee topic. 3%
97 %
No No opinion Yes
91 %
No No opinion Yes
„Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 89% Tbilisi 87 % Zurich 90 % Munich 90 % Amsterdam 90 % Tallinn 90 % Istanbul 87 %
„Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 95% Tbilisi 98 % Zurich 89 % Munich 89 % Amsterdam 89 % Tallinn 89 % Istanbul 89 %
My participation in this session motivated me to get into topics that were new to me. 8% 3% No No opinion 89% Yes
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How would you rate the topic overviews in the Academic Preparation Kit on the following aspects? 12 %
83 % 6%
1% 5%
After having read an overview carefully I knew what further research I still needed to conduct to‌
13 % The overviews were too long.
Helped me to understand the core conflicts inherent in the topics.
1% 0%
5% 81 %
94 %
99 %
Provided easily accessible information on the topics
100 % 90 % 80 % 70 % 60 % 50 % 40 % 30 % 20 % 10 % 0%
Yes No opinion No
Comments & Suggestions: Personally, I can only encourage giving delegates assignments in advance, as it motivated me and helped me grasp the topic earlier on. The month in advance was exactly the few days I had for preparation and the second assignment helped refresh it. I think illustrative prep videos are very helpful but do require quite a lot of time to make. The only improvement I can recommend is that pictures or/and videos may be an alternative or extra material that would help delegates better understand the topic, taking in mind of course that such sources may be limited. Not at all, I found that this particular Academic Prep Kit was outstanding, with very detailed overviews giving you a clear, coherent understanding of that topic. I think it's important for delegates to do some research on basic topics such as the EU Institutions or competences that are related to their committee topic. I was more than satisfied with the preparation. A more unified policy between the chairs regarding what preparation they request from their delegates: some chairs asked the bare minimum of preparation, while others expected very elaborate preparatory tasks. This to improve the sense of equality and equal knowledge among the delegates.
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2. Teambuilding Teambuilding helped to build mutual trust and to form a real team. 89 %
At Teambuilding, we got to know each other and overcame original hesitations. 8%
11 %
No
No No opinion Yes
No opinion Yes 92 %
The mixture of youngsters from different countries in my committee helped me to get an idea of their country, culture and way of living.
Teambuilding helped to develop a feeling for the diversity of cultures and opinions in Europe. 8% 3%
4%
No
1%
No opinion
No opinion Yes
89 %
No
95 %
Yes
Comments & Suggestions: Teambuilding was perfectly organized at this event. Congrats! Wonderful time! Maybe use a little less time for it and include a common trip or else instead. Since this is very subjective to the respective chairperson, the only general improvement I would suggest is to include the Journalists a bit more. Since I've chaired a few sessions before I always found it very helpful and benefitting for the committee to have a strong Journalist who's involved in Teambuilding not only there to take nice pictures. The opportunity to relax and simply hang out during the TB that we had, such as the pool in Cadona on this session, actively helped in getting closer within the commitee. As far as the organising part goes, we had everything we needed, including all the necessary facilities AND the access to a pool. What's not to love? Also, I would like to mention the fact that I very much liked the fact that the Teambuilding was in a completely different place than the rest of the session and thus there was a clear divide between Teambuilding and Committee Work, which I believe improved its overall quality.
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3. Committee Work In my committee, we exchanged very different perspectives and opinions. 10 %
During Committee work, I have learned to recognise and respect different perspectives. 4%
1%
2%
No No opinion Yes
No No opinion Yes
94 %
89 %
We have been able to conciliate our different points of view in a common resolution in a peaceful way.
I went through a truly democratic decision making process. 16 %
12 % 2%
86 %
3 % No No opinion Yes
No No opinion Yes 81 %
I learned to appreciate democratic decision making processes.
I have experienced the advantages of combined expertise from different European countries. 7%
6% 6% No No opinion Yes 88 %
The committee topics were relevant for me.
6% 87 %
I felt that the topic was relevant to European Politics today.
8% 6%
1% No No opinion Yes
86%
97%
My committee topic was interesting.
5% 94 %
1%
No No opinion Yes
No No opinion Yes
2% No No opinion Yes
„Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 95% Tbilisi 97 % Zurich 94 % Munich 94 % Amsterdam 94 % Tallinn 91 % Istanbul 89 %
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Our work was guided by tolerance and respect. 10 % 90 %
No No opinion Yes
Comments & Suggestions:
Make it longer. The IS setting is great and I believe that everybody should make to most out of it. No, it was really good! No improvements possible, my chair was the best chair ever and our committee really worked well even with strong ideological differences. Short energiser every 45 minutes - to keep the tired delegates awake. Committee work is the easiest part to lose focus (fall asleep) on. The chairs should take action if someone from the committee is rolling over everybody's ideas and therefore the decision making is not democratic. In this situation other delegates may become more passive, since they don't feel that their opinion matters. No at all. I thoroughly enjoyed CW at Barcelona. It was possibly one of my favourite parts!! I felt that the later stages of Committee Work felt slightly rushed and we had a noticeable time pressure. Although this is understandable and perhaps inevitable however long we were given, it did mean some of our decisions were less democratic and there was less time to hear everyone's opinions. So perhaps even half a day longer to spend on committee work would be useful.
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4. General Assembly (GA) The GA preparation on Thursday was very useful for a good quality of the debates. 17 % 11 %
I have experienced the attractiveness of political debates and active participation. 3% 3%
No No opinion Yes
72 %
94 %
I have experienced in GA how democratic debate works. 3% 3%
I have understood better how a parliamentary debate works. 4%
No
7%
No opinion Yes 94 %
It is important that the European Parliament as well as EU Institutions and other political decision makers take our resolutions into consideration. 9% 2%
No No opinion
89%
No No opinion Yes
Yes
No No opinion Yes
89%
„Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 94% Tbilisi 96 % Zurich 88 % Munich 92 % Amsterdam 89 % Tallinn 82 % Istanbul 91 %
Comments & Suggestions: GA prep was well meant but too short. Maybe find more time for shorter breaks as all debates are interesting in their own way and delegates truly want to follow all of them. However, the setting of GA usually motivates more to take a rest or disconnect from the outer world as it is the end of a long week and everybody is exhausted. Having 5-10 min after every debate to quickly energise and have a glass of water or similar could improve the general atmosphere a lot in my eyes. I like it how it is. The new improvements about French language exclusion and 2 Attack Speeches are to the better, I think. Student Speaking Seminar was a success, the speeches had a better quality than in previous IS's. Have rounds of debate focus on specific aspects of the resolution. We would then have more of a debate and less of a random selection of remarks.
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5. General Programme There was a good balance between socialising and serious work all through the session. 4% 96 %
No No opinion Yes
The atmosphere all through the session gave me the impression to attend a very special and unique event. 3% No No opinion Yes
97 %
During the session, I have had various opportunities to get to know the fears and visions of the other participants. 9% 2% No No opinion Yes 89%
I feel I have become more interested in Europe than I was before the session. 12 %
79 %
9%
No No opinion Yes
„Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 95 % Tbilisi 96 % Zurich 30 % Munich 92 % Amsterdam 92 % Tallinn 84 % Istanbul 92 % „Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 96 % Tbilisi 96 % Zurich 77 % Munich 93 % Amsterdam 93 % Tallinn 79 % Istanbul 93 %
The interaction during the session has helped me to get to know better the point of view and situation of youngsters in the other European countries.
1%
2% No No opinion Yes
97 %
This event and its preparation have improved my knowledge and awareness of cultural diversity in Europe. 3% 1% No No opinion 96%
Yes
With this session, I learned to appreciate the values of freedom, liberty and diversity. 3% 8% No No opinion Yes
Intercultural dialogue and European co-operation have been promoted and lived during this session. 3% 3%
89%
94%
No No opinion Yes
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I would have liked to receive more input on my topic during the session, e.g. experts, additional information material, etc. 31% No No opinion Yes 56% 13%
I would have liked to have more time for political debates. 43%
46% No No opinion Yes
11%
The quality of the evening programme was good. 11%
89%
No No opinion Yes
I would have wished to have more free time. 25%
9%
66%
No No opinion Yes
„Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 67 % Tbilisi 70 % Zurich 46 % Munich 62 % Amsterdam 62 % Tallinn 62 % Istanbul 62 % „Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 66 % Tbilisi 52 % Zurich 47 % Munich 62 % Amsterdam 54 % Tallinn 58 % Istanbul 62 % „Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 79 % Tbilisi 87 % Zurich 36 % Munich 85 % Amsterdam 85 % Tallinn 54 % Istanbul 85 %
„Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 74 % Tbilisi 64 % Zurich 55 % Munich 71 % Amsterdam 84 % Tallinn 84 % Istanbul 81 %
The total duration of the event was good. 10% 1% No No opinion Yes 89%
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Comments & Suggestions: The sessions should be longer and include free time for participants to discover the hosting city. I don't think the sessions should be shorter. It could even be a few days longer, but 10 days is good as well! As to the general programme, too much club music for two ears, personally. A delegation dinner instead of one party might have been better, or, since pubpeople are a minority, a pub night close to the club venue would have been awesome. But other nights were great and the programme was interesting and entertaining. It is hard to make a session longer so that a wider variety of participants can be achieved, mixing the slightly older delegates with younger ones. It was a miracle that I could get 10+1 days off from work for the session, and am extremely happy for the session length. I missed the farewell party, though. The EuroConcert should not be just before the first day of GA because it is an event that takes a lot of time and that finishes too late to be followed by the GA prep during the night. It was perfect. I must thank all those who made it. It was beautiful. I must say, and I'm sure many EYPers will agree with me, I wish the sessions were longer! I realise that's difficult to do, but maybe one or two full "free days" in the middle between CW and GA to break it up would be lovely. If GA could be spread over 3 days perhaps, so that everyone got a longer, more fruitful debate. Sessions should be longer with more free time. The only remark I have is related to the evening programme, which followed immediately after committee work, with no time for us to go back to the hotel, leave our stuff and change our clothes. Let's say that clothes were not such a big problem, but carrying the laptop and the other personal committee work materials was pretty annoying, especially when we were taken into clubs. Of course, we all wanted to dance and party, so therefore, I had to leave the laptop while going on the dance floor, which was pretty stressful. Fully satisfied, it would be too exhausting if it has lasted any longer, and it was too beautiful to have lasted any shorter. Everything was perfect, but we might have needed a little more time to sleep.
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6. Personal development My participation in this session helped to improve my language skills.
1%
10%
7%
83%
No No opinion Yes
My participation in this session made me aware of the diversity of cultures, thoughts, opinions and orientations in Europe.
1%
My participation in this session helped to improve my knowledge and understanding of different cultures.
96 %
My participation in this session helped to improve my knowledge of the functioning of the European Parliament.
7%
5%
No No opinion Yes
97%
My participation in this session helped me appreciate cultural differences. 4%
3% No No opinion Yes
2%
3% No No opinion Yes
93 %
My participation in this session helped to obtain a better understanding of current political developments in Europe.
4%
5%
No
No
No opinion Yes
88%
My participation in this session has raised my preparedness and willingness to be and become an active citizen.
3%
No opinion
My participation in this session helped me to become aware of the active role I can play in the European society.
7%
4%
93%
No No opinion Yes
91 %
3%
No No opinion Yes
5%
88 %
My participation in this session helped to improve my participation skills. 6%
Yes
91%
No No opinion Yes
My participation in this session made me aware of the activities of the session partners. 19 % 7%
No No opinion Yes
74 %
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7. The Future I would like to attend EYP-events in the future. 1% 1%
No
I will share my experience and insights among friends and fellow students once I am back in my home town. 1%
No
No opinion
No opinion
Yes 98 %
99 %
I want to start an initiative in my school/city/country to promote the awareness for European issues.
I would like to get involved into my national EYP association. 5%
22 %
20 %
91 %
I would like to get active as a volunteer. 6%
89 %
4% No No opinion Yes
No No opinion Yes 58 %
Yes
5% No No opinion Yes
I raised my readiness to contribute to the development of society through active participation after the session. 4% 9% No No opinion Yes 87 %
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8. Chairs, Journalists and Organisers
Organisers
I was always able to find an organiser when I needed help. 10 % 1% No No opinion Yes
89 %
The organisers were friendly. 6% 2% No No opinion Yes
92 %
82 %
The organisers were always able to give me clear and detailed information. 17 % 1% No No opinion Yes
„Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 90 % Tbilisi 86 % Zurich 81 % Munich 97 % Amsterdam 89 % Tallinn 86 % Istanbul 81 % „Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 85 % Tbilisi 96 % Zurich 91 % Munich 99 % Amsterdam 91 % Tallinn 85 % Istanbul 79 % „Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 87 % Tbilisi 64 % Zurich 65 % Munich 94 % Amsterdam 83 % Tallinn 83 % Istanbul 63 %
Punctuality
The events and travels during the session happened on time.
59 %
40 %
1%
No No opinion Yes
„Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 61 % Tbilisi 43 % Zurich 88% Munich 96 % Amsterdam 78 % Tallinn 69 % Istanbul 15 %
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Chairs
Our chair facilitated our work as a committee. 95 %
5% No No opinion Yes
Our chair was competent and knew what to do. 99 %
1% No No opinion Yes
Our chair spent a lot of time with us. 76 %
„Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 96 % Tbilisi 96 % Zurich 88 % Munich 96 % Amsterdam 93 % Tallinn 90 % Istanbul 94 % „Yes“ answers of previous sessions: Riga 96 % Tbilisi 99 % Zurich 94 % Munich 97 % Amsterdam 97 % Tallinn 92 % Istanbul 97 % Our chair had adequate knowledge of our topic.
20 %
1% No No opinion Yes
4%
No No opinion Yes
99 %
Journalists
I read every issue of the session newspaper. 49 %
4%
46 % No No opinion Yes
5%
I would have liked the newspapers and videos to be more entertaining and less informational. 33 %
8%
The output of the media team was of a high quality.
59 % No No opinion Yes
92 %
4% Negative No impact Positive
The newspaper contained articles that were interesting and relevant to the session and its participants. 4% 10 %
86 %
No No opinion Yes
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The session newspapers contributed to the quality of Committee Work and General Assembly.
28 %
The session newspaper helped me understand the theme more. 49 %
30 %
No
No No opinion
No opinion 54 %
18 % Yes
The journalists were present and involved.
14 %
3%
No No opinion Yes
21 %
I knew who the journalists are and was able to approach them for questions or comments. 10 % 2%
88 %
83 %
Yes
No No opinion Yes
I had the feeling that the chairs, organisers and journalists treated me respectfully.
3%
96 %
1% No No opinion Yes
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9. Rating
Teambuilding Low
No opinion
Eurovillage
High
Low
89 %
91 %
96 % 2%
2%
Overall impression - how did you like it?
8%
No opinion
7% 4% Overall impression - how did you like it?
1%
Importance for the Intercultural dialogue.
High
92 % 6% 2% Importance for the Intercultural dialogue.
Opening Ceremony Low
No opinion
High
80%
93% 3%
81% 13% 12%
4% Overall Importance for impression – how the intercultural did you like it? dialogue.
7%
7%
Importance for the development of a feeling of democratic citizenship.
18
Committee Work Low
89%
93% 6%
3% 8%
No opinion
High
91%
96% 3%
5%
1%
4%
1% Overall impression “ Importance for the Importance to raise Importance for the how did you like it? intercultural my awareness of development of a dialogue. European issues. feeling of democratic citizenship.
Committee Dinner Low
88%
No opinion
High
7% Overall impression – how did you like it?
Low
88% 8%
5%
4% Importance for the intercultural dialogue.
EuroConcert No opinion
High
95%
82%
2% 3%
11% 7%
Overall impression – how did you like it?
Importance for the intercultural dialogue.
19
General Assembly Low
91%
94% 3%
No opinion
High
96%
96%
5%
3%
3%
4%
1%
1%
3% Overall impression – Importance for the Importance to raise Importance for the how did you like it? intercultural my awareness of development of a dialogue. European issues. feeling of democratic citizenship.
Farewell Gala Dinner Low
No opinion
High
42%
41%
28%
28%
30%
31%
70% 93% 2% 5%
18% 12%
Overall impression Importance for the Importance to raise my Importance for the “how did you like it? intercultural dialogue. awareness of European development of a issues. feeling of democratic citizenship.
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Description Sentences (selected): "Barcelona IS has been like spending ten days with your chosen family, EYP.” Delegate, Spain
"Wonderful, warm, wickedly mind-blowing, never to be forgotten.” Delegate, Norway
"Organisational excellence, incredible venues, food for the mind and a lot of smiles.” Delegate, Belgium
"A long-lasting feeling of happiness has filled up my lungs, and I don't want to exhale.” Delegate, Czech Republic
“Cultural diversity brings a lot of new friends and new perspectives." Delegate, Czech Republic
"The reason I feel European.” Delegate, Estonia
"Young people, sleepless nights, vibrant memories.” Delegate, Finland
"It was absolutely magical, an unforgettable once-in-lifetime experience that I will treasure forever.” Delegate, Ireland
"Once you've lived it, it all belongs to you. It's a part of you.” Delegate, Romania
"An amazing opportunity for personal development.” Delegate, Sweden
"We all inspired each other during this high-quality session.” Delegate, Switzerland
"Best experience of my life.” Delegate, Serbia
"It was an unforgettable experience." Delegates from Armenia, Greece, Portugal, Ukraine, Spain
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COUNTRIES Number of replies per country (number of participants for this country): Albania: 0 (3) Armenia: 4 (5) Austria: 5 (6) Azerbaijan: 1 (3) Belarus: 4 (4) Belgium: 4 (4) Cyprus: 4 (7) Czech Republic: 6 (8) Estonia: 5 (8) Finland: 6 (9) France: 8 (9) Georgia: 5 (7) Germany: 6 (9) Greece: 2 (9) Ireland: 6 (9) Italy: 4 (9) Kosovo: 0 (1) Latvia: 6 (9) Lithuania: 1 (1) Norway: 2 (6) Poland: 6 (8) Portugal: 6 (9) Romania: 4 (9) Russia: 4 (5) Serbia: 7 (9) Spain: 7 (10) Sweden: 6 (6) Switzerland: 2 (6) The Netherlands: 4 (9) Turkey: 4 (9) Ukraine: 2 (8) United Kingdom: 3 (4) Unidentified: 8
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II. Evaluation by Countries 1. It was easy to find information material for my committee topic.
It was easy to find information material for my committee topic. 100 %
50 % Yes No opinion 0%
No
2. We received letters and information soon enough.
We received letters and information soon enough. 100 %
50 % Yes No opinion 0%
No
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3. I knew what to expect, therefore preparation proved to be easy.
I knew what to expect from the session, therefore preparation proved to be easy. 100%
50% Yes No opinion 0%
No
4. We could reach the EYP contact persons without problems.
We could reach the EYP contact persons without problems. 100%
50% Yes No opinion 0%
No
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5. I have visited the session website before the event.
I have visited the session website before the event. 100% 80% 60%
Yes
40%
No opinion
20%
No
0%
6. The session website provided me with all necessary information.
The session website provided me with all necessary information. 100%
50% Yes No opinion 0%
No
25
7. We had problems with finding funding and sponsoring for the travel costs and participation fees.
I had problems with finding funding and sponsoring for the travel costs and participation fees. 100%
50% Yes No opinion
0%
No
8. I do consider the participation fees as reasonable regarding the offerings of the session.
I do consider the participation fees as reasonable regarding the offerings of the session. 100%
50% Yes 0%
No opinion No
26
9. I used the links in the research document to prepare my committee topic.
I used the links in the research document to prepare my committee topic. 100%
50% Yes 0%
No opinion No
10. I knew that I was meant to prepare the committee work topic and had informed myself appropriately.
I knew that I was meant to prepare the topic and had informed myself appropriately. 100%
50% Yes 0%
No opinion No
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11. I would like to attend EYP events in the future.
I would like to attend EYP events in the future. 100%
50% Yes No opinion
0%
No
12. I will share my experience among friends and fellow students once I am back in my home town.
I will share my experience among friends and fellow students once I am back in my home town. 100%
50% Yes 0%
No opinion No
28
13. I want to start an initiative in my school/city/country to promote the awareness for European issues.
I want to start an initiative in my school/city/country to promote the awareness for European issues. 100% 80% 60%
Yes
40% 20%
No opinion
0%
14. I would like to get involved into my national EYP association.
I would like to get involved into my national EYP association. 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%
Yes No opinion No
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15. I would like to get active as a volunteer.
I would like to get active as a volunteer. 100% 80% 60% 40%
Yes
20%
No opinion
0%
No
16. I raised my readiness to contribute to the development of society through active participation after the session.
I raised my readiness to contribute to the development of society through active participation after the session. 100% 80% 60% 40%
Yes
20%
No opinion
0%
No
30
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