This congress sounds great, where can I register?

Online! You can find a registration form on this website. If you have any questions about it, you can email us directly at congress2012@youngsietar.org

What is included in the registration fee?

This would depend if you choice the option with or without accommodation. he registration fee with accommodation includes full access to the four-day congress, accommodation (Wednesday night through Sunday), meals (except for lunch on day one), coffee breaks, conference materials, proceedings, congress map and much more. The option without does not include accommodation or breakfast.

Is there anything that I need to bring?

Yes it is very important that you bring the following; your own sleeping bag and pillowcase as well as a towel. You would also need to bring your own cutlery, cup and plate/bowel for breakfast.

It would be advised to include a warm pullover, some good shoes for local touring & a raincoat (this island is famous for its 4 seasons in one day!)

Can I get any discounts?

Yes and no, the organizing committee has tried to bring the prices down as much as possible and cannot provide many reductions. There are however some possibilities. The first one is by becoming a YS member. This entitles you to the reduced Young SIETAR member fee. The special reduced fee of 120 euro is available to Young SIETAR members on application under special circumstances. If you apply for the reduced fee, we expect you to explain why you should be granted this special reduction. We will get in touch with you for additional clarification and/or with the Congress Team decision regarding granting the reduction. If granted the reduction, you will probably be expected to perform some voluntary work concerning the Congress organization prior to or during the event and/or the documentation of the Congress after the event.

Also, if you already are a YS member, you can apply to attend the congress free of charge. Your fee will be covered by our sponsors, the Friends of Young SIETAR. On the registration form, you would indicate this option and provide an explanation. See the “Congress Fee and Registration” page for more details.

Can I pay when arriving at the congress?

Unfortunately this isn't possible as we rely on the congress fee for its preparation. Also it is the responsibility of the participant to cover the fees that may occur with paying via international bank transfer or paypal. If paying via paypal 7 euros will be added to the congress fee to cover transfer costs.

Can I get a receipt?

No problem, you will receive a receipt on arrival at the congress. If, however, you need this receipt beforehand, please send us a request to treasurer@youngsietar.org 

When I have filled in my form via the website, does this automatically mean that I have registered?

Sorry, not yet. The registration is processed once the payment has been received.

When can I expect the confirmation?

The day that your payment has been received by the ABN-AMRO bank or via paypal, one of the congress organizers will contact you via email and confirm your participation.

Is there a maximum number of participants?

Yes there is, we have set the maximum number of participants for this year’s event at 70 for participants needing accommodation.  This means that registration will be handled on a first-come first-served basis. So if you want to be sure not to miss this year’s exciting event, please register soon.

Sleeping arrangements: where can I get a place to sleep?

Your accommodation is included in the congress fee (if you choice this option) and arranged for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. If you are planning to arrive before or stay longer you will have to arrange for your own accommodations. More information regarding the accommodation venue will be posted soon.

What should I bring for pocket money?

Well that's a very good question. It all depends if you enjoy socializing or not, but, as this event focuses on students and young professionals, you could expect some nights out. Although we are currently trying to take care of as much as possible, you'll probably need some money for cultural tours of the city etc ….. Also you will need to cover the cost of your own lunch on day one of the congress.

What is the currency of Northern Ireland?

The official currency of Northern Ireland is the British Pound otherwise known as Pound Sterling. Even though some larger stores accept Euros it is wise to have a few British Pounds with you. The British Pound bills in Northern Ireland look different than the ones in Great Britain and are also only accepted in Northern Ireland.

Should I take out Travel Medical Insurance?

Yes, we would recommend it.
For EU citizens: Since Northern Ireland is  part of the EU, your EU Health Care Card will  cover you should you need to avail of medical care.

What will the weather be like?

The weather in Belfast can change very often due to the city’s closeness to the coast. September can bring a mix of various weather systems ranging from sunshine to rain. Belfast is a city of surprises, so do check the forecast while packing.

Will I need a Visa for Northern Ireland?

Citizens from European and most Western countries normally do not need a visa. To check it out if you need a visa to travel to Belfast please contact the British Embassy of your home country. Alternatively you can look it up on the website  of the Home Office UK Boarder Agency http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/do-you-need-a-visa/. And don’t forget to check that your passport is valid for your dates of travel!

Sorry, YS cannot help in obtaining the Visa for Northern Ireland. We can only send out an official letter of invitation (once you register for the congress and we receive your congress fee payment), should this be needed.

Who can I contact in case of an Emergency?

It is advisable to come to Northern Ireland equipped with the contact details (address and telephone number) of your country’s embassy or consulate.  Also check on the website of your embassy what the procedures are, in case of an emergency occurring in Belfast.

Will my mobile phone work in Northern Ireland?

If you have international roaming activated on your cell phone, you shouldn’t have any problems, as Northern Ireland has wide mobile coverage networks. We advise you to double check with your mobile operator.

What time zone is Belfast in?

Belfast is part of the in GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) zone

I would like to prepare for my trip to Belfast. Are there any guidebooks, literature or websites that are recommended for first-time visitors to Northern Ireland?

A good start would be to explore tourism websites like www.worldtravelguide.net, www.lonelyplanet.com, and www.wikitravel.org.

For further reading, check out the recommended books and links listed on the ‘Belfast’ page of this website.

What electricity current is used in Northern Ireland?

Electrical voltage in Northern Ireland  is 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs, like the ones used in Great Britain and Ireland, are the standard. Participants  will need an adaptor/transformer to convert their two-pin plugs to three-pin plugs.

Except for the congress what can I expect?

All people that register for the congress make a commitment to take part in a full-time program, so don’t make any other plans for those four days, and just expect a great time! The academic part is of course just one side of the Young SIETAR congress You'll also get to make tons of new friends, you'll get to visit the wonderful city of Belfast, and of course you will enjoy our "intercultural nightly gatherings."

*But please remember that the congress program will keep you pretty busy for the four days; so if you want to do actual sightseeing in the city, you may want to lengthen your stay in Northern Ireland, as you will not have much time to sightsee during the congress.

My English is not very good but I am very interested in attending the congress. Is there a high level of English needed to follow the lectures and the workshops?

First of all, we wouldn't like that to be a barrier for you, so we would say no. English is the main language there, but you'll soon realize that you aren't the only one whose English isn't as good as an Englishman’s. All workshops are in English, but often there is someone willing to translate something you don't understand, and speakers are always trying not to use a too-specific vocabulary. Just give it a try!