Intro Program
Our Introductory Course to Effective Altruism takes place twice a year. In this free 8-week course, you will learn about the most important ideas of Effective Altruism (EA) and how you can help others effectively.
The next round of the Intro Program will probably take place in summer 2026. You want to be informed when the applications open? Then sign up for our newsletter to never miss any news or application deadline.
“The Effective Altruism Introductory Program was super useful to me because it gave me a close-up look at some of the main problems out there. I particularly liked the fact that our group was small so everyone had the chance to talk and ask questions. […] It was really a valuable experience and I feel like I’m in a better position to make a positive contribution to the world now.”
Will J., participant in summer 2025
What’s it about?
You want to help others effectively and make a real difference in the world – but how?
In the Intro Program, you will get to know the most important ideas of Effective Altruism in a compact format. In this free course, you will identify global problem areas such as poverty, factory farming, and the risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI), future pandemics or climate change – and learn about possible solutions. You will discuss questions such as How can I personally make a positive difference in the world? and How can I truly help others?.
All the Info at a Glance
- Program dates: the next round will probably take place in summer 2026
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Format: Online or in-person (in certain cities)
- Language: Written communication and reading materials are in English. The weekly discussions can be held in German or English
- Time commitment: ~3-4 hours weekly (~2 hours preparation + 90 minutes group discussion)
- Fee: Participation is free
How does the course work?
For the Intro Program, we from Effektiver Altruismus Germany are working with the Centre for Effective Altruism (CEA). This way, we can offer you even more flexibility:
- You can participate online or in-person (if available in your city).
- For the weekly discussion groups, you can choose between German or English (reading materials are in English).
- There are various time slots available, to make sure the sessions fit your busy schedule.
What we offer you
- You’ll be grouped with 4-8 participants and an experienced facilitator to have a weekly 1.5-hour discussion online or in-person.
- Before each discussion, you’ll spend approximately 2 hours completing a set of interesting readings, podcasts, or videos.
- Successful participants receive a certificate of participation (Attendance at a minimum of 7 meetings).
- After the programme, you will receive an offer for a personal chat as well as national and international networking with experts.
The Intro Course also provides the basis for further programmes and enables you to participate in national and international multi-day events such as the EAGxBerlin conference.
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What are the topics?
- Week 1 – The Effectiveness Mindset
- Week 2 – Differences in Impact
- Week 3 – Radical Empathy
- Week 4 – Our final century?
- Week 5 – What could the future hold? And why care?
- Week 6 – Smarter than us
- Week 7 – What do you think?
- Week 8 – Putting it into Practice
You can find more info on the program contents on CEA’s website.
Your requirements for participation
- Interest in the question How can I do good systematically?
- Curiosity and critical thinking
- Moderate understanding of the English language (written communication and resources are in English)
Questions?
Send us an email: intro-program@effektiveraltruismus.de
Application as a group facilitator
Have you already delved deeper or completed the Intro Program? Then apply to be a facilitator and lead a small group through the programme in the winter cohort.
You are interested in facilitating a group in the future? Then write to us at intro-program@effektiveraltruismus.de!
Want to get active in a different way?
Explore our programmes, events and funding opportunities for projects or groups.
In addition, the Centre for Effective Altruism offers the Intro Program more frequently as an online-only format – you can check this page for future dates.