DZS Ambassadors is a new initiative launched by the Czech National Agency for International Education and Research (DZS) to further promote opportunities for studying, volunteering, and working abroad. The ambassadors will share their first-hand experiences and knowledge to inspire and support those who are interested or those who are completely unaware of the various options. Often it is the personal stories that help others take the leap or get curious. 

"DZS Ambassadors is an initiative that we launched last year. Our goal is to establish a long-term cooperation with graduates of international programmes. With their help, we hope to motivate those who are hesitant to take the leap and travel abroad to study, volunteer or do an internship. The ambassadors will also play an important role in raising awareness about our international programmes among the general public,” explained DZS spokeswoman Lucie Durcová. 

The ambassadors have already participated in several online events this year. They shared their volunteer experiences with the European Solidarity Corps in webinars for youth or attended an online public-speaking workshop. They will continue sharing their stories on DZS social media accounts as well as during press conferences. If the current pandemic situation allows, they will also participate in regional events or fairs. 

In the future, the DZS plans to start an Ambassadors Club, where graduates of international education programmes can meet, network and participate in PR events and courses. The first DZS Ambassadors were selected among the European Solidarity Corps volunteers, but the plan is to expand the pool to include other international programmes administered by the DZS such as Erasmus+, AKTION Austria-Czech Republic, CEEPUS or the EEA Grants.