10th European Summer School 2016

Turkey

Cognition & Behaviour: Changing patterns

Introducing the

European Federation of Psychology Students’ Associations

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In this Portfolio, we are pleased to introduce you to each

component of this worthwhile event, organised under the

following topics.

The European Summer School ...................................................... 3

The Parts that Make the Whole ................................................... 4

Blending Culture and Academics .................................................. 5

The Junior Researcher Programme .............................................. 6

About EFPSA......................................................................................7

Testimonials ...................................................................................... 8

ESS 2016 Scientific Theme............................................................. 9

ESS 2016 Turkey ...........................................................................10

ESS 2016 The Venue..................................................................... 11

ESS 2016 Teams ........................................................................... 12

The European Summer SchoolEvery summer, this unique academic and cultural event brings together students

and academics from across Europe to engage with psychology, culture, and

research in settings, far removed from typical university surroundings.

Representing the national and European diversity. Built on high-quality services, dedicated

member organisations of 32 European countries and regions, EFPSA prides itself on

multiculturalism, cultural representation and integrity, EFPSA is run by psychology students,

for psychology students.

The European Summer School, or ESS, is hosted in a different country or region each year and

aims to provide refreshing academic experiences to European psychology students through a

diverse range of activities including lectures, workshops and discussions.

At the core of the ESS are Research Projects. All participants join one of six groups being

supervised by a Ph.D. researcher. Projects place an emphasis on an inter-cultural investigation

and are carried out over the following 12 months.

This year, the ESS marks its tenth year, and is looking forward to building on recent

developments – not least of which is the Junior Researcher Programme, which shapes the

development of Research Projects once the Summer School has ended.

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The Parts that Make the WholeThe European Summer School is a dynamic event: every year its Theme, Lecturers

and Supervisors, Organising committee, Participants, and the Host country/region,

change. While this makes every ESS unique, there are several integral elements

going into every Summer School that participants can look forward to.

Ph.D. Airtime | With the knowledge

that the majority of ESS students are

interested in pursuing research in their

further education, we recognise the value of

having Ph.D. Supervisors share their

experience of research and Ph.D. life with

the whole group of Participants.

Contact & Supervision | Directly

supporting each Research Project is a Ph.D.

candidate, who remains with the group for

its duration. These experienced and

published researchers provide advice and

direction on a range of practical and

theoretical issues which groups are likely to

encounter.

Research Projects | Central to the

ESS is the opportunity for students to get

involved in planning and conducting

Research Projects under Ph.D. guidance.

Students will choose from six different

Research Projects and begin work on their

project at the ESS. Work on the Research

Projects then continues after the ESS under

the Junior Researcher Programme – you can

read more about this on the next page.

Academic Lectures | We invite

experienced researchers and practitioners of

Psychology to deliver lectures and host

workshops around the theme of the Summer

School.

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Blending Culture and AcademiaSince the ESS invites students at Bachelor and Master level, as well as Ph.D.’s and lecturers from

the length and breadth of Europe, the Summer School is naturally remarkably diverse. This

vibrant mix of people and backgrounds creates an atmosphere that remains lively and highly

engaging on both an academic and social level throughout the week.

Moreover, an ever increasing amount of research highlights the importance of cultural

differences in our psychological makeup. Many studies emphasize the role that such diversity can

play in the development of cognition, as well as our perception of the world around us. In light of

this, the ESS represents an ideal platform from which to launch into cross-cultural research.

An appreciation for cultural open-mindedness is ever-present at the ESS. This is particularly true

when it comes to the social programme of the week, where we do all we can to ensure

participants make the most of their surroundings.

A field trip is built into the ESS, where a day is taken out of the academic programme to explore

the local area. City trips, cathedrals, vineyards, and much more have previously provided exciting

grounds for these excursions. Of course, while learning about the national identity of our hosts is

important, we also know a break from the work is well-deserved half way through the week.

Another exciting element is Cultural Night – an evening devoted to celebrating European

diversity and one not to be missed, particularly for those keen to taste countless new foods from

across the continent!

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The Junior Researcher Programme

The Junior Researcher Programme is a unique scientific opportunity offered by

EFPSA - extending the European Summer School from a one-week event into a

fully-supported, 12-month research programme.

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Upon completion of the ESS, the student participants are formally introduced into the Junior

Researcher Programme (JRP). The main aim of the JRP is to complete and submit all research

projects for dissemination. The JRP aims to meet the needs of the ESS projects by supplying a

framework, guidance and academic support to students and supervisors throughout the duration

of the project. This support is given by JRP advisors, established psychologists who are

experienced in research and working with students. Centrally, the JRP represents the

opportunity for research groups to remain in contact after the summer school – allowing much

needed time to complete the projects.

Aside from offering guidance to students in their research projects, the JRP provides them with

an opportunity to present their findings at the JRP conference and further develop their skills at

the JRP internship. The person overseeing the organisation and hosting of the JRP conference

and internship is the JRP Team Mentor, who works closely with the JRP Team, led by the JRP

Coordinator.

The JRP has six stages:1. Attendance at the ESS and participation in the Gala Night presentations (JRP induction)

2. Completion of methodology papers (Work-in-Progress)

3. Submission of Work in Progress papers to the Journal of European Psychology Students

4. Presentation of research projects at the annual EFPSA Congress

5. Partake in the JRP Internship

6. Presentation of completed projects at JRP Conference

About EFPSA

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Established in 1987, EFPSA represents the largest student-led social and academic platform for

psychology students in Europe. The federation currently consists of 32 psychology member

associations and a highly diverse network of psychology students working on a voluntary basis. It

has positioned itself to provide the students with unique opportunities for academic, professional and

personal development. Our work is never over – stimulated by its mission, vision and values, EFPSA

continues to expand its presence and visibility within student communities. At the heart of all

EFPSA activities are four goals: to serve psychology students, to contribute to society, to improve

Psychology and to link professionals, academics and students.

EFPSA’s activities include organising six annual and one biannual events, one of which is the ESS.

EFPSA provides a platform for the development of academic skills not only through the events it

hosts, but also the services it offers. The Journal of European Psychology Students (or JEPS) is one

such initiative – offering undergraduates the opportunity to publish research manuscripts in a peer-

reviewed online journal. The highlight of the year is the EFPSA Congress – a large-scale congress

attracting over 350 participants, as well as lecturers and academics, to a new country each year. The

30th Annual Congress will be hosted in Vimeiro, Portugal, with the main theme “Decoding

Emotions”. As the first EFPSA Congress happened in Portugal, we are celebrating our 30th

anniversary back where it all started.

Testimonials

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Sylvana Mareva, BSc at the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom – ESS 2015

Participant

The ESS week in Spain was a terrific experience, which allowed me to meet a lovely bunch of like-

minded people from all over Europe. The host team did amazing job to support us, I felt very

welcomed and comfortable throughout. The nature of the research projects was very collaborative

and all students were encouraged to express and discuss their ideas. The atmosphere was bursting

with enthusiasm and good spirit, which was truly inspiring and great fun. I left Spain full of

beautiful memories and motivation to work. The experience helped me grow professionally and I now

feel more confident pursuing my interests. Our research project is still in progress and it has been an

ongoing learning experience. Honestly, I can’t recommend it enough!

nt

Max Korpinen, MSc in Graduate School of System Design and Management, Keio

University, Japan - ESS 2014 ParticipantFor me, the ESS was a week of pure inspiration. The chance to work on a topic you are excited about, together

with new friends from around the world who share your values, is really something. We worked hard and to

balance it out, we had a lot of fun. The venue and the surroundings were magical, the lectures and the

workshops really dived deep into the theme of the year, and the atmosphere where everyone was valued and

considered an important part of the bigger picture, felt warm and welcoming. We got quite close with our new

research group already in ESS, and the week was a great start for the whole JRP— and for my future career

for that matter, with all the networking and learning opportunities offered. The only negative thing about the

week was that there was only one of them.

Baran Metin, PhD Candidate at Utrecht University, The Netherlands - ESS 2014

SupervisorESS is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain knowledge, skill and abilities for conducting a well-

structured research. It is a wonderful one-week research camp, in which one gets a chance to meet with other

enthusiastic students with common interests, listen to influential lectures and learn the essences of empirical

studies with PhD candidate researchers. I encourage all to experience this unique cross-cultural event.

ESS 2016 - Cognition & Behaviour:

Changing patterns

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The relationship between cognition and behaviour has been a challenging and intriguing subject

ever since Psychology made its first attempts at becoming a measurable science. Scientific

research has a long history in trying to understand and predict human behaviour based on

cognitive processes. As the psychological and scientific understanding of the topic has expanded,

new methods and treatment procedures, that merge both cognitive and behavioural components,

have been discovered. All this information and knowledge is now applicable to many areas, from

psychopathology and psychotherapy, to installing new habits or adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Taking on the challenge of changing behavioural patterns and hence, we intend to put together a

diverse range of topics stemming from our theme. From educational interventions and

communication strategies, to clinical treatments and social interactions, this theme is open to

interpretation, yet is challenging and significant for the everyday lives of people around the

world.

İzmir ProvinceOne of the eight provinces in western Anatolia, Izmir resides on the Aegean coast. Izmir is one of the

most westernised cities in Turkey and the third most populous, after Istanbul and Ankara, the

country’s capital. Herodotus has written one of the most sublime descriptions of Izmir: “They have

founded the city under the most beautiful sky and the best climate that we know on Earth.” Besides

its scenic beauty, the city is also rich with historical landmarks and cultural heritage. One of the

most well-known touristic and historical attractions is the ruins of the ancient Ephesus

city. Kemeralti, the oldest and the biggest bazaar in Izmir is another symbol of the city.

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Located at the meeting point of the European, Asian and African continents, Turkey has a diverse

landscape filled with an extraordinarily wide spectrum of species, both in flora and fauna. European

Turkey comprises only 3 percent of the country and is separated from Anatolia (the Asian part) by

the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles. Within the contemporary borders of

Turkey, many empires have once thrived and expired: from the Sumerians and the Hittites, through

the Byzantines and the Ottomans. In 1923, Mustafa Kemal, also known as Ataturk (father of the

Turks) became the first president and founded the Turkish Republic as a democratic country. Today,

Turkey’s cultural variety is visible through many historical monuments and sites, open air museums,

countless unique delicacies and lively folk dances and songs.

ESS 2016 - Turkey

An hour away from Izmir city centre, Ozdere is a small resort town. While it has a permanent

population of only 15,000 people, its temperate climate and favorable location make Ozdere a local

center of tourism. Here one can glimpse back into the history by visiting the ruins of Claros or

meeting with the locals who still wear traditional clothes. At the place where one of the most

important trade routes have passed, the ESS 2016 participants will get the chance to exchange

exciting ideas surrounded by the scorching sun, crystal clear sea and pristine beaches.

The venue is owned by the oldest university in Izmir – the Ege University. With its stunning nature

and peaceful atmosphere, it serves as a great location for the students to both focus on their work in

peace and quiet, and to relax and enjoy their time together. In addition to the natural beauty, it has a

blue flag awarded beach just in front of it. There are 42 sweet bungalows at the venue, together with

beach volleyball, basketball, and football pitches just nearby.

ESS 2016 – The Venue

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ESS 2016 TeamsESS International Team

ESS Host Team

JRP team

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Duygu Kandemirci

Senior Coordinator

Ege University İzmir

Yeşim Üzümcüoğlu

Host Team Member

Middle East Technical

University

Anna Štekrová

Scientific Affairs Responsible

University College London

Jovana Gjorgjiovska

Marketing Affairs Responsible

St. Cyril and Methodius

University

Katarina VeličkovićSenior Coordinator

Maastricht University

Gabriela Constantinescu

Social Affairs Responsible

University of Bucharest

Özlem Torunoğlu

Financial Affairs Responsible

Koç University

Arınç Sönmez

Host Team Member

Istanbul University

Birsu Kandemirci

Host Team Member

University of Sheffield

Antoine Selim Bilgin

Host Team Member

University of Amsterdam

Zeynep Bostan

Host Team Member

Baskent University

A unique academic and personal experience offering psychologystudents from across Europe the opportunity to broaden their culturaland intellectual horizons through collaborative research intocontemporary fields of psychology.

The ESS Team 2016

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