Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Department of Journalism and Mass Media at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki offers a practical training program for its students. The program aims to provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their field of study, applying the knowledge they have acquired during their academic coursework.

Benefits of Participation

Participating students can benefit from the program in several ways:

• First contact with the professional environment and acquisition of the necessary extroversion.
• Familiarization with market trends and the skills required.
• Application of the knowledge acquired at the university to the workplace.
• Familiarization with various objects in the professional field, enabling them to choose the one that offers the most benefits at a professional and personal level.

Types of Practical Training

The practical training at the Department of Journalism and Mass Media can be conducted in two ways:

1. Through Entrepreneurial Programs: This type of training is part of the undergraduate program and is funded by the university.
2. Practical Training with Funding from Host Organizations: This type of training is also part of the undergraduate program but is funded by the host organization.

Practical Training through Entrepreneurial Programs

General Information

The practical training program through entrepreneurial programs is a compulsory course for undergraduate students at the Department of Journalism and Mass Media. The program is funded by the university and has a duration of three months. Students participate in the program during their 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th semester.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the program, students must:

1. Have completed their first two years of study without any pending courses.
2. Be ranked based on their academic performance, using the formula: M = 0.5 x (total number of courses passed) + 2 x (average grade).
3. In case of a tie, students are ranked based on their average grade and then by their semester of study.

Application and Selection Process

Students apply for the program through a specific process and within a certain timeframe, which is announced on the department's website. The selection of students is made by a committee appointed by the department.

Responsibilities of Students

Selected students must:

1. Follow the instructions provided by the Practical Training Office.
2. Submit the required documents, including:
   • Entry registration form
   • E3.5 start form
   • Two original copies of the cooperation protocol
   • Weekly electronic calendar
   • Electronic evaluation of the program
   • Exit registration form
   • E3.5 end form
   • Electronic evaluation of the host organization and the student

Duration, Working Hours, and Training Periods

The practical training has a duration of three months, with a full-time working schedule of 30-40 hours per week. The training periods are usually December-February and April-June.

Host Organization Selection

Students select a host organization in consultation with the Academic Supervisor of the practical training program. The host organization can be a media company, advertising agency, public relations office, or other relevant institution.

Contract and Insurance

Students sign a contract with the Special Account for Research Funds of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, which is their employer during the training period. The host organization is only responsible for providing the training environment. Students are insured against work accidents, with a monthly premium of 10.9 euros.

Leave and Termination

Students are entitled to one day of leave per month during the training period. The leave can be used for personal reasons, health issues, or educational obligations. If a student fails to notify the Practical Training Office two days in advance, the leave will be considered unjustified and may result in termination of the contract.

Payment

The student's compensation is determined by the entrepreneurial program and is paid approximately one and a half months after the completion of the training period.

Certificate of Participation

Upon completion of the training period, students receive a certificate of participation, which is issued by the Practical Training Office.

Practical Training with Funding from Host Organizations

This type of training is also part of the undergraduate program but is funded by the host organization. The training period is usually three months, but it can be extended to six months. The compensation for the student is determined by the host organization and must be equal to or higher than the compensation provided by the entrepreneurial program.