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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PROJECT

If we haven't managed to answer all your questions on this page, please don't hesitate to send us an email to summerschool@interacting.info

Who are Interacting?

For more than 20 years, Interacting has been creating innovative language training techniques for young language learners and teachers alike. Founders Ed Cousins and Patrick Deas believe that the acquisition and improvement of languages is fostered through comedy, drama, fun and participation: in short, by interacting! The method, based on professional drama techniques, has been applied successfully in training projects all around the world.

We work regularly with organisations such as the British Council, the European Union (through participation in Socrates funded events), the Spanish Ministry of Education (training teachers for the their bilingual programme) and the Government of Hong Kong (through its English festival for young learners).

Our events and courses have taken place in China, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Peru, Mexico, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, and Finland. We also collaborate with publishers such as Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press.

The process of official endorsement by the British Council for our summer course is under way.

What is Interacting’s experience with residential courses?

We have hosted Socrates visits (part of EU projects funded though the Socrates initiative) and Summer Schools for teachers in Northern Ireland. The evaluations form the participants of these courses have been outstanding as regards our reliability as good hosts.

Many of you have attended our residential courses, in Northern Ireland and elsewhere, and experienced the atmosphere and communicative spirit that we promote. Our track record and the outstanding credentials of the location at Campbell College Belfast makes us sure we are offering something special this year for students.

Where will the course be held?

The INTERACTING Summer School of English is held at the picturesque and historical Campbell College, Belfast, Northern Ireland (United Kingdom). Their website is www.campbellcollege.co.uk. Located in the heart of the university area of Belfast, Methodist College is one of Northern Ireland’s leading grammar schools and boasts superb on-site residential, academic and sports facilities. We chose Campbell as a tried and trusted partner for residential courses, based on the success of our teacher training courses.

Over the last ten years we have established an excellent working relationship with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, gaining their active support as partners in promoting quality events. Ireland in general and in particular the area around Belfast is a breathtakingly beautiful part of the world with rugged coast line, green hills and lakes. The summer weather is refreshingly mild and pleasant.

We recommend the Northern Ireland Tourist Board site for general information for visitors to Northern Ireland, particularly the downloads from “Maps and Brochures”:
http://www.discovernorthernireland.com

How is the course organised classes, timetable etc?

Students will be assigned to classes on the first day of the course according to level and age.

Classes will run from 9.30 am until 1300 with a half hour break. Morning classes will focus on acquisition of new language, vocabulary and structure. Lunch will be at 1300. After lunch, workshops designed to practice and improve communicative skills will take place. Also in the afternoons, sports and other activities will be organised, and at the weekend there will be excursions and visits.

Leisure activities, parties, discotheques, films and games as well as visits to local areas of interest will be organised in the evenings. Students will be accompanied by staff at all times when outside the college.

How many students are there to each class?

There will be a maximum of ten students per class.

Who are the teachers and staff?

Our teachers are fully qualified English teachers chosen from graduates of INTERACTING Teacher Training courses. INTERACTING teachers design and participate in the after-class activity programme to ensure that learning English continues well beyond the classroom.

The founders of Interacting, Ed Cousins and Patrick Deas, are overseeing the organization and content of the course and giving their direct input. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need more information.

Apart from teaching staff, trained and experienced monitors from Campbell College will be on duty looking after the students.

How can we travel to Belfast?

Belfast is served by flights into Belfast International Airport, Belfast City Airport and Dublin airport. Dublin airport is approximately 2 hours from the course location. BA, Aer Lingus and other airlines operate flights to Belfast and Dublin. There are direct flights from most European capitals, and services by low-cost airlines such as Ryanair.

As the dates of the course is high season for travel to Ireland we strongly recommend booking flights as soon as possible

How are the airport transfers organized?

There will be scheduled bus transfers to the college from the airports at Dublin or Belfast included in the course fee. An additional fee will apply to students who require transfers at other times outside the specified schedule. Please let us know on the booking form your child’s flight details.

Are there visa requirements?

You should check about the regulations for visiting the United Kingdom from your own country (British Consulate). Notice that students using Dublin airport may require a visa for entry to the Republic of Ireland. Both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom are part of the European Union, but are not Shengen Treaty countries.

What currency does Northern Ireland use?

Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling (£), the currency in circulation in England, Scotland and Wales. Unlike the Euro which is used in the Republic of Ireland, £ sterling is not linked to the Euro. The exchange rate is approximately £1 = €1.45.

Will I be able to use Euros in Northern Ireland?

Yes, in most high street stores.

How much money does my child need?

We recommend pocket money of around 10-20 pounds per day for snacks, drinks etc.

What differentiates this course form other summer courses?

Our unique two-week residential courses follow the INTERACTING method, which makes learning enjoyable, and provides students with the necessary skills to stand up and speak in English. All of our professional teaching staff are fully trained in this method.

A pillar of the philosophy of the course is that students will get to know and study with other students from different countries with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. English will be the common language for communication as we will have students form around 10 different countries or more.

Apart from language learning, what other activities will be available?

Our focus is on fun, motivation and participation, and we provide the techniques for promoting these. As such students will participate in a variety of activities, not just language classes. Excursions such as high street shopping, trekking, horseback riding, ice skating and visits to local places of interest will be organised as well as monitored sports activities: swimming, tennis, football, basketball, cricket and others. All sports equipment is included. Campbell College is situated in the heart of Belfast so students will be accompanied easily to cinemas and many other leisure facilities.

What about accidents or insurance?

Full medical coverage is provided at Methodist College should there be any accidents or a need for medical treatment. As a standard procedure, however, we recommend that students take out travel insurance to cover general incidences during their stay and during the travel time.

What will the weather be like?

Summers in Belfast are usually warm and pleasant with occasional showers. The average maximum temperature is 21ºC and minimum 11ºC. More information on weather at: www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides

What should my child pack?

Light, casual summer clothes, sports attire, a light jacket and sweater and a cagoule or rain jacket.

What about special dietary needs for students?

Please make sure you complete the relevant part of the booking form covering this so that these can be taken into consideration.

How about students who need help to take medicine?

Please make sure you inform us of any special needs regarding medicine on the relevant part of the booking form so that these can be taken into consideration.

How can parents contact their children during the course?

By email or telephone. Students will have access to Internet and telephone to make calls home at designated times.

What is the booking and payment procedure?

Our Course fee is €1,595. Students or parents who wish to enrol should complete our booking form and send this to us by email. A deposit of 15% of the total is due at the same time in order to book a place. The remaining balance should be settled no later than June 20th 2011. Receipts will be sent by email or post for all payments made.

Payment should be made by bank transfer to:
Interacting S.L.
Caja Madrid
Account number: 2038 1086 48 6000582930
IBAN: ES80 2038 1086 4860 0058 2930
BIC: CAHMESMMXXX

What happens if I am unable to attend after booking?

Our cancellation policy is as follows. If you decide to cancel you must inform us immediately in writing by email or fax. We will return your deposit if you cancel before 15th June 2011. If you cancel after 15th June 2011, the following cancellation charges will apply:

Up to 15th June 2011: Deposit Amount. Between 15th and 30th June 2011: 50% of total. After 30th June: 100% of total.

If your booking is for more than one student, these cancellation charges will apply pro rata.