COMENIUS CONTACT SEMINAR-Informations

COMENIUS CONTACT SEMINAR
Promoting entrepreneurship and learning communities: Challenges of the school in the XXI century
15 –19 November 2010
Bilbao (Spain)

WHAT IS A CONTACT SEMINAR?
A contact seminar is a networking event organised by a National Agency. It aims at bringing together people from organisations which share common interests and would like to develop European cooperation projects/partnerships in the field of education and vocational training. It is a great 'partner-finding' opportunity that will also allow you to:

 receive more information on the Lifelong Learning Programme and the sub-programme you are interested in;
 receive information on good practice examples and meet people from organisations which have already developed European cooperation projects;
 get to know suitable partner organisations;
 take part in workshops where you can draft your future project/partnership;
 receive advice from NA staff and other experts on how to draft a successful grant application;

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE SEMINARThe seminar, organised by the National Agency in cooperation with the Educational Regional Authorities in the Basque Country, is aimed at primary and secondary schools wishing to establish Comenius School Partnerships in order to stimulate the creation of learning communities which can handle the complex challenges that today's schools present. It is now essential for schools to collaborate with other schools and the rest of stakeholders that can contribute with resources and connections which are essential to bringing about a positive, fundamental change in education.


LOCATION AND TRAVEL INFORMATION Bilbao is the core of a metropolitan area with more than one million inhabitants. Since its foundation, more than 700 years ago, it has been the fundamental factor and the main socio-economic axis around which the Vizcaya region has set its modernisation process in motion.
Bilbao Airport lies 12 kilometres away from the city, in the Loiu district. The Vizcayan capital and its airport are linked by highway, and bus and taxi connections to the centre of the city are available very easily.
Specific details on the chosen hotel, as well as further information will be communicated at a later stage to the participants.


WORKING LANGUAGE: English.
CONTACT SEMINAR FEE: 650 EURO
It will cover costs of accommodation, meals, documentation and possible participation in organised cultural events. This payment should be made by bank transfer. The participants will be given concrete details on the account number, payment deadline, etc., once their registration is accepted.


HOW TO GET FUNDS?
To attend a contact seminar, your organisation shall apply for a Preparatory visit grant. For detailed information on grant application form, deadlines and any other requirements applicable at national level, please contact the National Agency in your country.

WHAT TO PREPARE?
We encourage all participants to bring with them some materials that represent their schools, namely in relation to any aspect of the teaching and learning approaches, methodology, organisation and activities as well as the involvement of the local community (posters, brochures, photos), together with some information on their regions.

We also ask all participants for their collaboration in the organisation of a European buffet on the first evening, so everybody is invited to bring some typical culinary product from their countries or regions (anything edible / drinkable is welcome) to share with the group.

WHO TO CONTACT?
For any further information contact the Comenius team at the Spanish NA by phone

Contact persons:

Ana Carmen del Canto
Tel. + 34 91 5065737
Fax + 34 91 5065689
Mail: anac.delcanto@oapee.es


Montserrat Cortes
Telf : +34 91 5065645
e-mail : montserrat.cortes@oapee.es