Intro Program
In our free introductory course, you’ll get to know the key ideas of Effective Altruism (EA) over six weeks. Together with a facilitated small group, you’ll explore pressing global problems and the question of how we can use our time, skills and resources as effectively as possible.
The next round of the Intro Program runs from
30 November 2026 to 31 January 2027.
Applying takes only about five minutes.
Application deadline: 15 November 2026
“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 key info at a glance
- Course period: 30 Nov 2026 – 31 Jan 2027
- Duration: 6 weekly sessions (with a 2 week holiday break)
- Format: Online or in-person (depending on where you live)
- 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 is completely free of charge.
Only takes 5 minutes.
Select “June-July” cycle.
How does the course work?
- You can take part online or (where possible) in person where you live.
- For the weekly discussion sessions, you can choose between German and English (the reading material is always in English).
- Various weekdays and times are available, so the group discussions will definitely fit into your schedule.
What we offer you
- Weekly 90-minute discussion groups, in person or online, in small groups led by an experienced facilitator.
- Before each discussion, you’ll spend about 2 hours engaging with interesting texts, podcasts or videos, e.g. on the question “How can we compare the impact of charitable activities?”
- Participants who complete the program receive a certificate of participation (attendance at at least 5 sessions).
- Afterwards, you’ll be offered a one-on-one conversation as well as connections with experts nationally and internationally.
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: Why is it important to think carefully about how you invest your time and money to help others?
- Week 2 – Differences in impact: How can we assess and compare the impact of different charitable activities – e.g. in fighting poverty?
- Week 3 – Radical empathy: What are the reasons for helping not only humans, but animals too?
- Week 4 – Our final century?: Which existential risks threaten humanity – e.g. future pandemics and advanced artificial intelligence?
- Week 5 – What do you think?: Your chance to read and discuss criticisms of Effective Altruism and develop your own perspective.
- Week 6 – Putting it into practice: How can we apply the principles of Effective Altruism concretely in our lives – especially in our career choices?
You can find more info on the program contents on CEA’s website.
What you bring
- 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
Only takes 5 minutes.
Select “June-July” cycle.
Application as a group facilitator
For the winter round, we’re also looking for people who’d like to facilitate a small group. You’ll receive a facilitation guide, prepared materials and a joint kick-off training. The expected time commitment is about 2–4 hours per week.
The application deadline for facilitators is 8 November 2026.
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.