Frequently Asked Questions

- - Q. Where does the program take place?
    
    The program takes place on the campus of the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation (ITCILO) which is located in Turin, Italy, along the Po River. The ILO is a UN agency that works to promote decent work throughout the world. The ILO and the Italian Government established the International Training Centre in 1964 in Turin, Italy to assist countries in their social and economic development through learning and training. The ITCILO campus has training facilities, accommodations, cafeteria, restaurant, bar, tennis courts, soccer field, health clinic, post office, laundry, travel agency, and a social activities office.
    ITCILO
    Viale Maestri del Lavoro,10
    10127 Turin, Italy
    Telephone: +39-011-693 -6486 (6568)
    Fax: +39- 011-693 – 6589
  - Q. In what language will the program be held?
    
    The 27th Annual Boulder Microfinance Training (MFT) will be in English and French.
  - Q. How much does the program cost and what does the fee cover?
    
    The tuition fee is € 3,100 euros (€ 500 non-refundable registration fee and € 2,600 course fee). The tuition fee primarily covers courses, daily coffee breaks, inauguration and closing gala dinners, and some extracurricular activities.
  - Q. What other costs will I need to cover?
    
    In addition to the tuition fee, participants are responsible for other costs including travel to Turin, visa fees, accommodations, meals, incidental expenses, excursions, and social activities, as well as any shopping in Turin.
    They also do not include airfare and other related travel expenses (transfer to and from your home airport, visa fees, travel insurance, etc.).
  - Q. Who should attend the program?
    
    The Boulder Institute programs are diverse in terms of regional representation, types of organizations, and experience level of our participants. We have over 7,000 alumni who have attended our programs, from 155 different countries. The program is aimed at professionals from microfinance institutions, commercial banks, central banks, government institutions, development organizations, and donor agencies.
  - Q. How do I register for the program?
    
    In order to register for a program you are interested in, complete the online ‘Save Your Spot’ registration form on our website. ITC-ILO staff will contact you to finalize the registration. Once ITC-ILO approves your registration and the tuition fee is paid, they will assist you in obtaining a Schengen visa if needed.
  - Q. Are discounts and financial assistance available for the program?
    
    Boulder Institute does not directly offer scholarships or discounts to attend the program. Most of the Boulder MFT participants, however, attend the program paid either by their own organization or through a partial or full sponsorship they secure themselves. We recommend that you talk to your employer, donor agencies working in your region, microfinance networks, and government institutions.
  - Q. What are the accommodations / hotel options?
    
    There are many options for accommodations on or off the ITCILO campus. Some people prefer to stay on the ITCILO campus, while others choose to stay in hotels near campus or in the City Centre.
  - Q. What is the program schedule?
    
    This intensive microfinance training program will take place during one full week. Classes start at 8:30am and finish at 5:30pm each day. There will be two coffee breaks and a lunch period. Participants should plan for one to two hours of course preparation and reading each evening, as well as participation in at least one lunchtime round table discussions, panels, or networking meetings. After class and on weekends, there are several social and cultural activities planned for participants.
  - Q. Is this program right for someone new to the Microfinance field?
    
    If you are a professional with some experience in the field of banking, finance, or development, this is a good program to familiarize you with the foundations of Microfinance.
  - Q. Is special food available for dietary restrictions (Halal, vegetarian, etc)?
    
    The ITCILO has a cafeteria with a wide array of food choices. Since the ITCILO is an organization that holds many international programs, they do try to offer food that meets the dietary restrictions of different cultures (i.e. vegetarian, halal, etc). Most participants will have their lunch on campus, and dinner depends on whether you are staying on or off campus.
  - Q. How do I get my visa to travel to Italy?
    
    If you are required to get a visa to enter Italy, you will need to contact your nearest Italian Consulate or Embassy and apply for a ‘Schengen Visa’. This process can take very long and therefore we strongly recommend you apply at least two months prior to the program in order to get your visa on time. In preparation for securing your visa, we encourage you to make sure that your passport is current and will not expire within 6 months of the program. It is also important that you know where the nearest Italian Consulate / Embassy is located.
    Once you have submitted your registration fee or full tuition fees (depending on the specific country requirements), the Participants Admissions and Travel Unit (visa department) at the ITCILO will provide you with special support including a letter of invitation to the appropriate Italian Embassy or Consulate. The document will be sent about 6 to 8 weeks before the program start date because this is what is generally recommended by the Embassies / Consulates.
  - Q. What are the health requirements for traveling to Italy?
    
    We highly recommend that you get travel insurance to cover your travel to and from Italy. During your time in the program, you will have health coverage through the ITCILO. If you get sick during your stay, you will be able to go to the on-campus health center to see one of the doctors, and they will provide you with the necessary medical attention. It is VERY IMPORTANT to note that you must be in good health before coming to the program. If you are sick before coming to the program, you must be seen by a medical provider to make sure that you are cleared to travel both for the sake of your health and the other participants in the program.
  - Q. What clothing should I bring for the program?
    
    July and August are the hottest months in Turin with temperatures ranging from about 18°C (65°F) at night to up to around 29°C (85°F) during the day. You should bring clothes appropriate for hot weather but also be aware that the training rooms have air conditioning and therefore can get a little chilly at times. During the past few years, there have been occasional heavy rain storms during these months and therefore it’s advisable to bring rain gear including an umbrella and rain jacket.
    For most of the program, you are free to dress casually, in clothing that is comfortable to you. There are a few special events where you will want to wear more formal attire including the opening ceremony and closing graduation dinner.
  - Q. Who can I contact to learn more about the program?
    
    If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at ask@bouldermicrofinance.org