Better Society Academy FAQs
Joining a Better Society Academy masterclass
No specific qualifications or degrees are required to participate in our masterclasses. However, applicants will be selected based on their experience and passion for the theme of the specific masterclass: Travel and Exploration, Social Impact, Arts & Culture, Health & Wellbeing, and Entrepreneurship.
We’re looking for passionate and committed people that already play an active role in addressing pressing societal issues. This could be environmental advocates, ethical campaigners or those challenging the political status quo. You might work as an entrepreneur, volunteer, freelancer, or employee at a non-profit organisation, educational institute or socially conscious private sector business.
Unfortunately, not. The Better Society Academy is an in-person programme and requires you to attend all sessions on site.
Participants not only enjoy an immersive 3.5-day learning experience, but also receive a four-night hotel stay at The Social Hub host property. All course materials, community activities, and group meals during the programme are also covered.
Travel expenses to and from your masterclass host city are not included; you must arrange your travel and pay for this yourself.
Application process
Our masterclasses are all about collaborating and co-creating to make an impact. With limited spaces available, we’re looking for purposeful participants with the dedication and skills to craft creative, pragmatic ideas and solutions to build a better tomorrow. The application process helps our team curate a group with both thematic alignment and a diverse range of talents and perspectives, where everyone brings something unique to the table.
The application process closes five weeks before the masterclass start date.
Applicants will be informed about their acceptance within five days after the closing of the application.
All accepted applicants will receive an acceptance email with a link for a confirmation form. We will also ask for travel confirmation within three days of completing the confirmation form. Ahead of the programme, you’ll be invited to join one of our online kick-off sessions to optimise your learning experience.
Each masterclass has been designed to minimise its demand on your time ahead of its start date. Nevertheless, there may be some optional mini tasks and reflective exercises you can undertake to prepare for it. There will also be a pre-programme introduction call, during which you’ll familiarise yourself with the programme structure and meet your peers.
Financing
The Better Society Academy is free of charge to all participants. However, since we’re a foundation, we welcome voluntary contributions, whether they are individual or from an institution with which you’re affiliated. Your ability to contribute has no influence on the status of your application. If you’re employed in the public or private sector, you might be able to expense the cost of the learning programme to your company’s learning and development (L&D), corporate social responsibility (CSR) or diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) budget.
If you indicated an ability to voluntarily contribute to the Better Society Academy on the application form, a payment request will be sent after your confirmation of acceptance to the programme and prior to the masterclass itself.
During the masterclass
Our programme has been carefully designed to build a sense of community and to create a meaningful learning environment. Unlike a conference, this means full participation and involvement is necessary to get the most out of your masterclass. If you do need to miss a session or activity due to unforeseen circumstances, the on-site Better Society Academy team will be able to advise you.
The Better Society Academy is all about creating a safe learning space where you can truly be yourself. We prioritise making you feel welcome and appreciated. Immersive learning happens when attendees feel comfortable and can freely contribute to an equitable learning environment. Our on-site team will be available throughout the programme to guide and support you. If you need any specific accommodations or have any concerns about accessibility, please let us know when filling out your acceptance confirmation form.
The nature of our programme means you’ll organically network with fellow participants. While there are scheduled moments for mentorship and networking throughout the program, we understand that participants may want to foster further relationships with the instructors, speakers, and panellists. We encourage you to speak to the facilitators when an appropriate opportunity presents itself during the masterclass.
Accommodation
We know how important moral support can be after a long day of immersive learning and social activities, but we want you to be fully present, build impactful relationships and play a key role in our cohesive group. In the spirit of the programme, therefore, guests aren’t allowed to spend the night in your room. Of course, exceptions can be made for those with special needs. If this is the case, reach out to us via bettersocietyacademy@thesocialhub.co.
To truly immerse yourself in the masterclass, we strongly recommend you spend the nights at our hub. We’re more than just a hotel, we’re a hybrid hub designed to strengthen connections, encourage collaboration and inspire ideas. Part of the experience is built around sharing meals, prepping together and becoming a tight-knit group.
Accreditation
Learners who attend the entire programme will receive a certificate of attendance. Those who complete the masterclass are free to share this certificate on LinkedIn.
Cancellations
We want to fully invest in our Better Society Academy attendees, providing learning and networking opportunities without mandatory participation fees. Due to the limited amount of space available, we kindly ask that you only confirm your participation if you're fully committed to attending the programme. If you are unable to attend, let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to another applicant. Rest assured, you'll be missed, and we'll hope to see you at an upcoming masterclass instead.