TELL 2027 ELBE PARKS Network

Hosted by TRANSECTS, the Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve and the Lower Saxony Elbe Valley Biosphere Reserve and the Biosphere Reserves Institute at Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE)

A fully funded learning experience in Germany and the Czech Republic for Master’s students, designed to build transdisciplinary competencies through collaborative learning and practical experience.

The TELL provides participants with the opportunities to strengthen their professional, relational, and intercultural skills and to learn how to incorporate the “Rights of Rivers” approach, and use evaluation as a tool to support international cooperation among the protected areas, formally connected via the ELBE PARKS network.

  • Work onsite at the Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve Brandenburg, Lower Saxony Elbe Valley Biosphere Reserve, the Krkonoše National Park and the Eberswalde University of Sustainable Development with a team of trainees, mentors, and practitioners.
  • Virtually connect with TELLs in South Africa and Germany, offering unique opportunities for international collaboration and shared learning.
  • Develop a deeper understanding of evaluation, transdisciplinary research and practice, and the “Rights of Rivers” approach.

Participation requirements

Accepting active students (Master’s) enrolled at the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) during the TELL. Online participation (May 10-28), onsite participation (Mai 31 - June 12) and presentation day (Beginning of July) are required. This includes field visits, with overnight stays, Kayak/Canoeing and hiking trips in Germany and Czech Republic.

The online portion of TELL will consist of a virtual, part-time, webinar series running from May 10 to 28, 2027. Active participation is required for all webinars (If you have conflicting schedules with other modules, please speak the organizers at HNEE). During the three week time window, ca. 7 sessions of between 2-2.5h sessions will be held in the afternoon/early evening in Germany (CST/UTC+2). Specific dates and times will be provided closer to the start of the program.

The onsite portion of the TELL includes a two-week, full-time program, taking place from Mai 31 -June 12 and a presentation day at the beginning of July 2027. This includes multi day field trips and requires participation in activities outside of regular working hours.

Location

  • TELL 2027 will take place in Germany and Czech Republic, with activities hosted at the Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve Brandenburg, Lower Saxony Elbe Valley Biosphere Reserve, the Krkonoše National Park and the Eberswalde University of Sustainable Development, during the onsite program from Mai 31 to June 12. The presentation (Examination) will take place at the Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve Brandenburg, Beginning of July 2027. The exact date will be announced closer to the start of the program.
  • While TELL 2027 will be connected with partner TELL programs in Canada and South Africa, participant exchanges will occur virtually. Selected applicants will remain in Germany and Czech Republic and will not travel to the other TELL locations. 

Cost

Expenses for travel and living in the region will be covered by TRANSECTS. Participants will also receive a two-week stipend for local transportation, meals, and other additional costs of participation during the onsite portion of the TELL.

Admission Requirements

Strong English skills, both written and spoken. Good Swimming Skills.

Your complete application package submitted within the given deadline including the application form, transcript of records from your undergraduate studies or your last degree and the motivation letter (see checklist on the application form!).

After notification of successful application (by the end of 2026) select the TELL as an elective module during the HNEE module registration period in January 2027.

Credit

HNEE students that have successfully applied have to select the TELL specialization module as an elective during the registration phase in January 27. It is a 6-credit course.

Apply

Accepting applications: November 9 – 15, 2026. Download the application package above.