We are glad to welcome you to AIM 2010 in Berlin, Germany. We hope that you find the following information helpful in making your plans to attend the AIM. The staff has attended many IBMs/AIMs and consists of experienced CISVers, fully complementing each other concerning age, roles in CISV, and gender.
We start here with an Overview giving you more Information on the Theme, Dates and Deadlines, Costs and Forms, Site address, contact persons and the staff.
We have created an extra page for the AIM Site. There you will find more information about Arrival by car, Accomodation and Meals. Plenary and Meetingrooms and Equipment have their own page.
You can find all information about Travelling to Germany later on this page. We cover general information about Germany, Visa Requirements, Customs Information, Weather and Clothing, as well as Currency, Electricity, and Vaccinations. We have added a section Berlin - Germany to our website. Here you will find some information about sightseeing, you can learn some German, and you have links to book accommodation for your additional days before or after AIM. Detailed travel instructions have their own page. You might want to print that page and take it with you while you are travelling.
Registration and Costs is given it's own page. Please have a look for the following topics: AIM Application Form, E-Mail Distribution of Registration Information, Deadlines, Registration Confirmation, Registration Priority, Waiting List, Accommodation Costs, Membership and Participation Fees, Payment of Deposit, Cancelation/Refunds, Full Payment of AIM Account, and Insurance
The chapter Observer Program contains information on the observer agenda, the theme breaking down walls, and CISV's focus area diversity. Our exciting Excursions can be found on a separate page and Information about Risk Management is at the end of this page.
Overview
Theme
We have chosen "Breaking Down Walls" as our theme. We feel that this theme is suitable for us as an organisation, since we work for breaking down walls in our minds, as well as for Berlin as the venue, since the Berlin Wall was breaking down about 20 years ago (see www.mauerfall09.de/en/home.html). We are glad to announce that Klaus Wowereit, Governing Mayor of Berlin, agreed to be the patron of our AIM.
During AIM we are using the theme as tagline for the observers workshops, we are going to relate some of our excursions towards it, and we have used it it as a sponsoring activity since 2009, the Steinpatenschaft.
Dates and Costs
| Type | Dates | Accommodaion | Prices |
| IJBC | 31.7. dinner - 4.8. breakfast |
dorm |
196€ 300€ 380€ |
| IJBC & AIM | 31.7. dinner - 10.8. breakfast | dorm triple double |
490€ 750€ 950€ |
| IEC & IO | 31.7. dinner - 10.8. lunch |
single |
1200€ 950€ |
| EEC | 1.8. dinner - 10.8. breakfast | single double |
1080€ 855€ |
| PreAIM & AIM | 2.8. dinner - 10.8. breakfast | single double triple |
960€ 760€ 600€ |
| AIM | 4.8. dinner - 10.8. breakfast | single double triple |
720€ 570€ 450€ |
| Extra Night | single double triple dorm |
120€ 95€ 75€ 49€ |
Important Deadlines and Forms
- 01.12.2009 Begin of Application Period
- 15.01.2010 Latest Day to send AIM Application Form
- 15.01.2010 Deposit to be paid (250€ for AIM, 150€ for IJBC)
- 15.02.2010 Confirmation of participation sent out by AIM staff
- 30.06.2010 Latest day to send AIM Travel Information Form
- 15.07.2010 Full payment due
- 31.07.2010-4.8.2010 bring Legal Insurance Form and Health Insurance Certification
Site Address
We have chosen the Johannesstift in the Northwest of Berlin as AIM site. The Johannesstift in Berlin is a protestant foundation, founded on 25th of April 1858 by Johann Hinrich Wichern, a theologist. The aim of Johannesstift was to support the poor, the disabled, and children. Nowadays the site consists of over 50 buildings including a hotel (Hotel Christopherus) and a conference centre. The Hotel Christophorus is located at Schönwalder Allee 26 in 13587 Berlin, www.hotel-johannesstift.de/.
Contact Persons and AIM Staff
- AIM Coordinators, Ute and Frank, aim2010.coordinator@de.cisv.org
- IJBC Coordinator, Karo, ijbc2010.coordinator@de.cisv.org
- AIM/IJBC Registration, Peer-Ole and Urs, aim2010.registration@de.cisv.org
- AIM Treasurer, Klaus-Peter, aim2010.treasurer@de.cisv.org
- Travel Information, Heike, aim2010.travel@de.cisv.org (available by mobile +49 157 7971 8215 on travel days)
- Committee Contact, Heidi, aim2010.committees@de.cisv.org
- Visa Invitations, Patrice, president@de.cisv.org
- National Secretary, Swantje, secretary@de.cisv.org
- More information and all AIM/IJBC contact persons
AIM Shop = big flea market
We are sorry, there won't be an AIM-Shop in a way you know from past years. We learned that the AIM Shop business is quite disappointing. So we will not take your CISV stuff and sell it for you. But we are going to set up a big room with tables in one of the lunch or dinner breaks. There you can put the items you brought from your NA and sell or swap it with all the other AIM participants. You decide the price, you can bargain, you can swap, you can even give it away for free. With this we hope to offer you a perfect platform to sell all your CISV articles within two hours. Lunch or dinner will be served nearby, so no one is able to escape from the flea market. Happy selling and swapping.
A small shop is located near the plenary and we intend to use it as the main contact point for your needs. Thus, we will help you getting things you need urgently. Further we are going to sell cold drinks and candy in the shop throughout the day and turn the shop into a bar in the nights.
Opening hours will vary but we intend to open from breakfast until midnight.
Travelling
About Germany
Germany is located in Central Europe. But don't expect us to write here what others can do much better. Why don't you have a look at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany
Germany is involved in CISV since 1951, when a delegation from Hamburg was invited to the first camp. Today, CISV Germany consist of 10 chapters, distributed through the whole country. See map with chapters here.
We have added a section Berlin - Germany to our website. Here you will find some information about sightseeing, you can learn some German, and you have links to book accommodation for your additional days before or after AIM.
About Berlin
Berlin became the Capital of the Federal Republic of Germany again after the Wall opening. A good overview is given again at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin. Further Berlin information, events, places to see, etc., is given here: www.berlin.de/international/index.en.php. Have a look.
Transportation to AIM Site
We expect you to arrive by air, train, bus, bike or car. At your point of arrival by air, train and bus, we will have CISVers welcoming you and guiding you to the train station of Berlin-Spandau, from where we plan to offer a shuttle service to the camp site. Since public transportation is quite convenient in Berlin, we recommend you to use it, you can save a lot of money. Our signposts will help you to buy tickets and find directions. Further, we can help you to joining other CISVers and sharing a taxi to the site. We also offer a pick-up service from the airports for 25€ one way on the main arrival and departure days. Please sign up for it during registration.
Berlin offers two Airports, Tegel (TXL) and Schönefeld (SXF). Information on both airports can be found at www.berlin-airport.de/EN/index.html. The journey from Tegel to the AIM site is about 30 minutes (Taxi 25 Euros), while from Schönefeld it takes more than an hour (Taxi 55 Euros). Several Low Cost Carriers take you to Schönefeld. Other International Airlines prefer the Tegel airport. There are only a few direct international connections from Tegel. Most international carriers will bring you through one of their big hubs in Europe or through Frankfurt or Munich in Germany.
Berlin offers several train stations. If your train stops in Berlin-Spandau, please get off the train there. You are just 15 minutes away from the AIM site. International trains and trains from the South of Germany will stop at Berlin-Hauptbahnhof, central station. You will have to change here to go to Spandau. We will provide CISVers, who will help you to find the correct connection. Deutsche Bahn offers a quite good website including international trains. Have a look: www.bahn.de/international/view/en/index.shtml
Traditionally Berlin has good bus services from Eastern Europe, but you can also travel from almost everywhere in Europe to Berlin, have a look at www.touring.de. Busses will arrive at ZOB, the central bus station. From there it is about 1 hour to the AIM site.
Please find driving directions under AIM Site. Please have a look at the page with detailed travel instructions. You might want to print that page and take it with you while you are travelling.
Visa Requirements
- Please find the current visa information at the website of our Federal Foreign Office (Auswaertiges Amt) www.auswaertiges-amt.de/diplo/en/WillkommeninD/EinreiseUndAufenthalt/StaatenlisteVisumpflicht.html
- Please note that generally speaking all visitors from Non-EU and Non-EEA (European Economic Area) countries need a visa. Please apply for a Schengen Visa (valid in 24 Schengen countries for a stay up to 90 days)
- Apply in time, getting a Schengen Visa might take a couple of weeks.
- If you need a letter of invitation, please let us know in the AIM Application Form. The contacts for Visa are our National Secretary Aninia and our CISV President Patrice.
Customs Information
Entering the EU is quite strict and you need to follow specific Customs Regulations. In general, you can take your personal belongings, a camera and your computer. But bringing alcohol is limited to one litre and bringing cigarettes is limited to 200 cigarettes. The German word for customs is Zoll. They have a great website explaining all details on duty-free items and bringing endangered species: http://www.zoll.de/english_version/a0_passenger_traffic/index.html. Especially for EU citizens travelling to the Schengen Area, other limitations are valid. Please check it out.
Weather and Clothing
July and August are summer for us, so we expect temperatures of 22°C (72°F) during the day, sunshine and some clouds. Since this is not quite predictive, you should come prepared with a sweater and a raincoat. In some years our summer is between 13-19°C (55-66°C) constant clouds and quite some rain. In some years our summers are quite warm with 30°C (86°F).You'd better check for yourself: www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/GMXX0007
Often CISVers wonder what to wear for Welcome and Farewell Party. Don't bring something too elegant. We plan to have a rustic Welcome Party, most probably outside, so jeans and sweater would be fine. The Farewell Party will be held inside and we expect you to come a little more elegant, but not too formal and not overdressed, business casual would do fine.
Currency
The local currency here is the Euro (€). Any Exchange rate given would be outdated, when you read this. Please have a look at: http://finance.yahoo.com/currency-converter. Usually most European currencies, as well as USD, Yen, Canadian Dollar will be exchanged. When you arrive at the airport (www.berlin-airport.de/EN/ReisendeUndBesucher/AmFlughafen/Wechselstuben/TXL/index.html) or the train station (www.reisebank.de/sixcms/list.php) please use the currency exchange there. Using a normal bank is possible, but will create additional effort. Also banks have limited opening hours and will accept a limited number of currencies only. ATMs are available close to the AIM site.
Some Prices
| Eat and Drink | |
| Bar of Snickers | 0,60 |
| Can of Coke | 0.60 |
| Coke in a bar | 2,50.5,00 |
| Can of Beer | 0,50-1,00 |
| Beer in a pub | 2,50-5,00 |
| Big Mac | 2,99 |
| Pizza in a restaurant | 6,00-10,00 |
| Meal in a restaurant | 20,00-40,00 |
| Scoop of ice cream | 0,80 |
| Travel | |
| Public Transportation one day pass for an adult | 6,10 |
| Train tickets from Berlin to Hamburg, Dresden, Munich, Frankfurt | 68/36/120/111 |
| Flight tickets (Lufthansa) from Berlin to Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt | 88-170 |
| Flight tickets (Lufthansa) from Berlin to Rom, Paris, London | 834/700/150 |
| Flight tickets (low cost carrier) from Berlin to Rom, Paris, London | 80/84/100 |
| Sleep | |
| Night in a Youth Hostel (Including all meals) | 30,00 |
| Night in private Bed and Breakfast Single Rooms Double Rooms | 27,00 – 48,00 41,00 – 68,00 |
| Night in Globetrotter Hostel (Dorm) | 16,00 |
| Night in a middle class hotel Double Room | 80,00 |
| Night in the famous Adlon in Berlin (first class hotel) Double Room | 460,00 |
| Misc | |
| Stamp for international Mail | 0,70-1,70 |
| Public Swimming Pool | 4,00-5,00 |
| Cinema | 6,00-12,00 |
| iPod (80 GB) | 200,00 |
| BMW X3 3,0i | 50000,00 |
Electricity
In Germany we use 230 Voltage with 50Hz. We use "Schuko-Stecker" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets#Type_F). If you are from Great Britain, the Americas or Asia-Pacific, you will definitely need an adapter. Most Europeans might be lucky because of the norming process.
Vaccinations
It is unlikely that you may need any vaccination to travel to Germany. If in doubt, check with your National Health Authorities.
Travel and Tourism
Here we have some useful Websites for you:
- Youth Hostels: www.berlinermaueronline.de/berlin-guide/jugendherbergen-berlin.htm
- Bed and Breakfast: www.bed-and-breakfast.de/regional_e/berlin.html
- Tourist Information: www.visitberlin.de/index.en.php
- Berlin Information: www.berlin.de/international/index.en.php
- Public Transportation: www.bvg.de/index.php/en/Bvg/Start
- Lonely Planet: www.lonelyplanet.com/germany/berlin
We have added a section Berlin - Germany to our website. Check it out.
Risk Management
IEC Reminder
IEC reminds all NAs & PAs that at the AIM:
- Trustees are the contact people for their NA delegations and will be asked to address Risk Management issues with their delegates. They also assume responsibility for stressing the need for behaviour, which complies with local laws, safety procedures and CISV rules.
- Trustees are also asked to take responsibility for making sure that their delegations have an appointed place to meet in case of emergencies on site.
- Participants must be responsible in their consumption of alcohol. The abuse of alcohol is specifically prohibited by CISV rules (Info File R-7). It will be the policy that anyone underage found drinking and anyone whose consumption is considered to be excessive will be asked to leave early at their own expense.
- It is also essential that we ensure that the Legal and Insurance forms used for all other CISV programmes be used for AIM and IJBC. All participants must bring properly signed forms.
Insurance
It is your personal responsibility to obtain health / accident insurance valid in Germany and whatever other coverage you feel is necessary.
All participants, irrespective of age, attending the AIM or IJBC must provide proof of valid health/accident insurance at registration. Without proof of coverage, you will automatically be invoiced for AON insurance coverage at the time of registration.
Neither CISV Germany nor CISV International is responsible for lost luggage/articles or for health/accident expenses of the participants.
Legal Drinking Age
Legal drinking age in Germany is 16 years old for wine and beer. For stronger alcohol the age limit is 18 years. All participants are reminded of Info File R-7 – Behaviour & Cultural Sensitivity.
Smoking
It is forbidden by law to smoke in indoors in public areas, such as government buildings, schools, restaurants, public transportation. On the AIM site smoking is only allowed outdoors where ashtrays can be found. If your building is not equipped with an ashtray outside, smoking in front of that door is not allowed. At the Hotel there is a special outdoors area assigned for smoking as well as at the plenary. Please note that the legal age for smoking is 18 years!
Medications
In case you need special medication, please bring it from your home country. It's often not easy to find the exact foreign medication here.
Drugs and Narcotics
Production, sale and possession of drugs or narcotics other than prescribed medicine is not allowed in Germany. AIM & IJBC meetings are CISV Programmes governed by the rules of CISV Info File R-7 which forbids the use of drugs & narcotics. As such, anyone found using or in the possession of drugs and/or narcotics during the IJBC and AIM will be immediately required to leave the meeting on his own costs and will not receive any refund.
Further
During your stay in Germany, before and after the AIM/IJBC, you are ambassadors of your country and for CISV & the ideals of CISV projects. Any inappropriate behaviour not only reflects badly on your country but also on the host country and the organizers that are trying their best to create a wonderful AIM.