Where to Attend In-Person IB Workshops in Europe and the Middle East
Teachers seeking face-to-face International Baccalaureate (IB) professional development can attend official workshops at partner schools in Dubai, UAE, and Prague, Czech Republic. Ibicus Ltd organizes these IBO-certified events, providing a direct pathway for educators to meet in person, share resources, and complete required training. This guide details the specific venues, workshop categories, and booking logistics for the 2027 academic year.
Approved Regional Providers
An approved regional provider is an organization authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to deliver official professional development workshops. Ibicus Ltd has held this authorization since 2003, allowing it to run the full range of certified PD workshops. This status ensures that the training you receive counts toward school authorisation and evaluation requirements. The provider is responsible for recruiting qualified workshop leaders and managing the administrative side of the event.
When selecting a provider, educators should look for a track record of running workshops in their specific region. Ibicus operates in over 130 countries, but its in-person offerings are concentrated in key hubs to ensure high-quality interaction. The company maintains a low cancellation rate, which is a critical factor for teachers planning travel. By choosing a provider with a strong regional presence, you ensure that the workshop will actually take place as scheduled.
Why Certification Matters
Official IB workshops are distinct from general seminars or masterclasses. Only workshops authorized by the IBO carry the certification required for IB World Schools. Ibicus ensures that all its in-person events meet the rigorous standards set by the IBO. This includes the quality of the workshop leaders and the structure of the curriculum. For schools undergoing evaluation, attending these specific certified sessions is often a mandatory requirement.
Middle East Venues: Dubai
Dubai serves as the primary hub for in-person IB workshops in the Middle East. Ibicus partners with established international schools to host these events, ensuring a professional and conducive learning environment. The current schedule for 2027 includes two major face-to-face sessions in the city. These events bring together educators from across the region and beyond, fostering a strong professional learning community.
The first major session is scheduled for January 2027 at Raffles World Academy. Located in Umm Suqeim, this venue is in association with Innoventures Education Training Centre. The second session is planned for April 2027 at Dubai International Academy Al Barsha. This location is close to the Mall of the Emirates and numerous hotels in the Al Barsha area, making it easily accessible for international travelers. Both venues offer full resources, great food, and refreshments throughout the workshop days.
January 2027: Raffles World Academy
The January 2027 workshop series takes place from 29 to 31 January. The timings are 08:30 to 16:30 on Days 1 and 2, and 08:30 to 12:15 on Day 3. This format allows participants to finish by lunchtime on the final day, providing flexibility for travel arrangements. The standard fee for these face-to-face workshops is £940, plus 5% UAE VAT. A late booking surcharge applies to reservations made within 21 days of the start date.
April 2027: Dubai International Academy Al Barsha
The April 2027 series is scheduled for 23 to 25 April. Similar to the January session, the timings are 08:30 to 16:30 on the first two days and 08:30 to 12:00 on the third day. This venue is well-known in the IB community and offers a comfortable setting for intensive learning. The fee structure remains consistent with the January dates, ensuring transparency for budget planning. Teachers can book multiple subjects or workshops for their colleagues during these sessions.
European Venues: Prague
For educators based in Europe, Ibicus offers in-person workshops in Prague, Czech Republic. This location serves as a central hub for schools across the continent. The 2027 schedule includes a session at the International School of Prague. This venue is chosen for its high standards and its ability to host a diverse group of international educators. Attending a workshop in Prague allows European teachers to connect with peers from neighboring countries without the need for long-haul flights.
The Prague workshop is scheduled for 26 to 28 February 2027. The fee for this location is £900, plus 21% Czech VAT. If a booking is made within 21 days of the start date, the fee increases to £1000 plus VAT. This pricing structure encourages early planning and helps the provider secure the necessary resources. The workshop format in Prague mirrors that of the Dubai sessions, with intensive daily sessions designed to maximize learning retention.
Accessing European Workshops
European schools can book places for their staff through the Ibicus online portal. The search function allows you to filter by location, specifically selecting Prague for the 2027 dates. This ensures that you are viewing the correct in-person events rather than virtual alternatives. The International School of Prague provides a professional backdrop for the training, with access to modern facilities and a supportive environment for collaborative work.
Understanding Workshop Categories
IB professional development is structured into three distinct categories, each serving a different stage of a teacher's journey. Understanding these categories is essential for selecting the right workshop. Category 1 workshops focus on IB philosophy and implementation, making them ideal for new teachers or schools preparing for authorisation. Category 2 workshops are for educators with at least one year of IB experience, focusing on specific programme delivery. Category 3 workshops offer a deep dive into specific subject areas or topics, such as assessment or leadership.
It is important to note that Category 2 workshops generally require that you have previously attended a Category 1 workshop. This ensures a foundational understanding of the IB mission and learner profile. Category 3 workshops, however, can often be attended without prior Category 1 or 2 completion, as they focus on specialized topics. Ibicus offers a wide variety of workshops across all three categories in both Dubai and Prague, ensuring that there is a relevant option for every educator.
Category 1: Foundation
Category 1 workshops provide the essential knowledge for anyone new to the IB. They cover the history, mission, and curricular model of the programme. These sessions are crucial for candidate schools and are often a prerequisite for other advanced training. In the 2027 schedule, subjects like Arabic A and English A are offered as Category 1 workshops in Dubai.
Category 2: Delivery and Assessment
Category 2 workshops are designed for teachers who have prepared students for at least one exam session. The focus shifts to teaching, learning, and assessment practices. Subjects such as Economics, Biology, and Chemistry are available as Category 2 workshops in both Dubai and Prague. These sessions help teachers refine their classroom strategies and align them with IB standards.
Category 3: Specialized Topics
Category 3 workshops allow for a deep exploration of specific areas. Examples include "Agency, action, engagement" and "Assessment for learning in the DP/CP." These workshops are ideal for experienced teachers looking to deepen their expertise in a particular niche. They often span multiple programmes, such as DP and CP, providing a holistic view of the topic.
Booking and Logistics
Booking an in-person IB workshop with Ibicus is a straightforward process. You can search for workshops by subject, location, or programme using the advanced search tool on the Ibicus website. Once you have found the right workshop, you can add it to your cart and proceed to checkout. You will be asked to provide contact details for the coordinator and each participant. This information is used to communicate important updates and send the final confirmation.
After booking, you will receive an automatic booking acknowledgement and an invoice. Once the workshop is confirmed to go ahead, you will receive a confirmation email with an information pack. This pack includes all the details you need to know about joining the sessions, such as the links to join if it is a hybrid event, or the specific room details for in-person sessions. For in-person workshops, the links to join any virtual components are sent around two days before the sessions start.
Payment and Cancellation
Payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card. The standard fee for face-to-face workshops in Dubai is £940, while in Prague it is £900. Late bookings made within 21 days of the start date incur a surcharge. Cancellation policies are strict to ensure the viability of the workshop. If you cancel after receiving confirmation that the workshop is going ahead, the full fees are still payable, though you may nominate an alternative participant. Alterations made more than 15 days in advance incur a £50 administration fee, while changes within 15 days incur a £150 fee.
Key Takeaways
- Ibicus Ltd is an IBO-authorized provider running official workshops in Dubai and Prague for 2027.
- Dubai hosts two major in-person sessions in January and April 2027 at Raffles World Academy and DIA Al Barsha.
- Prague offers a European hub for workshops in February 2027 at the International School of Prague.
- Workshops are categorized into three levels: Category 1 (Foundation), Category 2 (Delivery), and Category 3 (Specialized).
- The standard fee for face-to-face workshops is £940 in Dubai and £900 in Prague, plus applicable VAT.
- Late bookings within 21 days of the start date incur a surcharge, so early planning is recommended.
- Official IB workshops are required for school authorisation and evaluation, making them essential for IB World Schools.
- Booking is done online, with automatic acknowledgements and invoices sent upon confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend an IB workshop?
Anyone can attend an IB workshop, regardless of whether they work in an IB World School. However, Category 2 and 3 workshops often have prerequisites, such as having attended a Category 1 workshop or having specific teaching experience. Ibicus workshops are open to teachers and leaders from both IB and non-IB schools.
Are Ibicus workshops official IB certified workshops?
Yes, all Ibicus workshops are fully authorized and certified by the IBO. You will receive an IBO Certificate of Attendance by email within 7 days of completing the workshop, subject to payment of the invoice. These certificates are recognized for authorisation and evaluation purposes.
Which workshop should I attend?
The right workshop depends on your experience level and subject. Category 1 is for new teachers or schools applying for authorisation. Category 2 is for experienced teachers focusing on delivery. Category 3 is for deep dives into specific topics. If you are unsure, you can contact Ibicus for advice on choosing the best workshop for your needs.
What is the difference between virtual and face-to-face workshops?
Virtual workshops are delivered via Zoom and are more affordable, typically costing £595. Face-to-face workshops are held at partner schools in Dubai or Prague and cost more, around £940 or £900. Face-to-face workshops offer the opportunity to meet participants in person and access exhibitors, while virtual workshops are more convenient for time zones.
How do I book a place on an Ibicus workshop?
You can book by searching for the subject or location on the Ibicus website. Once you find the workshop, click "Add to Cart" and enter the contact details for the coordinator and participants. You will then receive an invoice for payment. If you are booking as an individual, enter "INDIVIDUAL" as the school name.
What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
You may cancel at any time, but if you cancel after receiving confirmation that the workshop is going ahead, the full fees are still payable. You can nominate an alternative participant, subject to administration fees. Changes made more than 15 days in advance cost £50, while changes within 15 days cost £150.
Where are the face-to-face workshops held in 2027?
In 2027, face-to-face workshops are held in Dubai, UAE, and Prague, Czech Republic. In Dubai, the venues are Raffles World Academy (January) and Dubai International Academy Al Barsha (April). In Prague, the venue is the International School of Prague (February).