This is a series of highly
successful courses conducted at Cambridge University for senior staff in
universities and schools, and for senior civil servants. Participants come for
a week’s intensive practical training in order to become more effective in
collaborating with partners and colleagues across the European Union.
The aim of the course is to enhance vital
communication skills using a foreign language. Primarily for English, these can
also cover Italian, French, German, and Spanish – ideally a combination of
several languages.
The skills that are practised include speaking,
presenting oneself, telephoning, taking part in meetings, controlling meetings,
writing clearly and persuasively, emailing, creating really effective
PowerPoint presentations, video-conferencing, and designing and creating EU
projects.
During the course, each participant plans, designs
and creates their own EU project and presents it to the rest of the group. Then they divide into syndicates of 3 or 4.
Each syndicate discusses and chooses one of their projects to form their
“syndicate project”. They then develop it together, negotiating the details
with their colleagues, and finally present it to the rest of the group. They
support it with a PowerPoint presentation, each member of the syndicate
presenting one aspect of the project. The group then discusses it, asking
questions and offering constructive criticism.
Throughout the course great stress is laid on
speaking clearly, with good diction and pronunciation, in both formal and
informal interactions. Intercultural awareness plays an important part in all
the activities.
The various sessions are supported by printed
information sheets. These include detailed summaries of each stage in creating
an EU project including hints and tips on how to give them the best chance of
success.
The course gives practical hands-on training in the
vital skills that are needed in order to participate fully and successfully in
the new Europe and the wider world.
A software program based on these courses is now
included in the Tick-Tack DVD. A copy of the latest version of the DVD is given
to each participant to take home with them.