Introduction

In this module you will find useful tips that you can use when starting and taking part in an internationalisation programme. Every part of organising a program has its difficulties and pitfalls. For example, you cannot just assume that your partner is skilled in using email or wikis. Also some schools may not have enough computers to allow all students to take part in the project. Successful projects rely on careful attention to details such as these.

Case

Summary

Resources

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

To Start

• Do take initiative
• Do search in http://e-twinning.com
• Do contact the foreign school

ICT

• Take into account the fact that you use computers so you need to know how to work with them.
• Make sure that the computers work and are available.  
• Make sure that you have technical back-up.
• In advance think of which ICT tool you want to use during the project (e.g. website, wiki, video conference) and make sure they are available.a
• Ask yourself what the value of the tool you choose will be for pupils and teachers. 

The Basics

• Identify the need for an international project in your school.
• Consult with the ICT group to ensure the most effective use of technology.
• Develop partnerships with colleagues in your school.
• Make sure you have the backup of the schoolboard and the principal.
• Inform parents and colleagues about the project at your school using print and online publications.
• Set individual and joint objectives. 
   

Scenario

• Contact international partners and select a project.
• Decide when the project will take place.
• Establish a planning schedule.
• Make a programme booklet.
• Apply for financial aid on time.
• Conduct regular meetings at your school.
• Maintain regular contact with partner schools.
• Provide information in advance for parents, pupils and colleagues.
• Make a website for information during the project.
• Evaluate the progress of the project.

Self contemplation  

• Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in relation to the project.

Organisation  

• Agree on methods of communication, tasks and responsibilities.
• Identify target groups for the project based on educational level and language of communication.
• Facilitate teachers participating in the project.
• Visit the future partner school in advance to allow for clarification of any concerns about the project.
• Notify the administration that you and your pupils will be absent.
• Start simple!
• Listen and look at what your colleagues do.
• Check if visitors to the Netherlands need a visa.
• Check if visitors to the Netherlands need health insurance.  

Project content

• Clarify if the project is subject based or not.
• Develop a project based on at least two subjects to encourage teachers to work together.

Cultural differences

• Respect the school culture (give each other enough space, time and possibilities).
• Take into account the cultural differences and educational systems.  
• Provide an opportunity for a language  teacher in the host school to teach the pupils some basic words to use when they visit the foreign school.

Financially

• Apply for the Financial aid for the exchange a year in advance at the European Platform; under the name BIOS

Physical exchanges

• When making the programme take into account that the guests also want some spare time.

Information

• A lot of information can be found on the net, e.g. Kennisnet (a lot of projectideas; emailprojects to… Learning Circle)
• Do search in e-twinning.com
• Just send an email to make contact. My experience is that Canadian colleagues are often very enthusiastic.

Dont's:

• Don’t just think that everyone will do what must be done.
• Make sure that you get things done
• Don’t push things through
• Don’t let the same teachers go on each exchange
• If you don’t have ict experience, do not start working on a big ict-project
• Don't underestimate the time involved
• Don't underestimate the joy you share in Internationalisation
• Don't lose any time, hurry up in finding a partner for international projects.