IPC projects Director: Ben Thorne

Ben works with teachers and IPC Local Organisers in schools throughout Europe to promote our courses. He also keeps abreast of developments with EU funding, and promotes IPC Teacher Training courses. If you are interested in becoming an IPC Local Organiser, proposing a project or in collaborating with IPC on any of our existing projects, please contact Ben. Lili (5) and Fred (3) lay claim to most of Ben's spare time. When they are asleep in bed Ben can focus on preparing for his next half marathon. Ben is the third most successful member of the IPC Charity Running Team. There are three members.

Teacher Training Coordinators: Cathy and Carol

Between them Carol Waddington and Cathy Pickles have more than 20 years' experience of leading teacher training courses with IPC. They have inspired, enthused and empowered many thousands of teachers from all over Europe. Both Cathy and Carol continue to lead courses themselves - Carol specialising in our Primary, CLIL and Literature courses, Cathy in our British Institutions, CLIL and Secondary courses - whilst also managing the IPC teacher training programme, developing new courses and developing our very special team of trainers. Carol dances the Salsa, makes soup and enjoys singing. Cathy loves her Mini, flamboyant shoes, boots and scarves and enjoys family life with Richard.

STUDENT COURSE COORDINATOR: jULIE aLLEN

Julie trained as a state secondary school teacher then moved into EFL and worked for many years at the International School in Exeter before joining IPC. Julie recruits and leads our teaching team for student courses, Language Projects and IPC Summer School. She works with student Group Organisers to tailor IPC language training to the needs of each visiting group. Julie is a former life guard and still enjoys serious swimming and keeping fit when she can spare the time. She is currently studying for the Diploma in ELT Management.

IPC Accommodation Officer: Clare Dowell

Clare knows Exeter and Exeter life very well, having grown up in the city and run some very well known city centre eateries. Clare enjoys working with our team of host families and enjoys the challenge of finding the right homestay host for each of our visiting students and teachers. Clare is proud to uphold our motto for host families. 'Friendliness and Cleanliness' is what Clare looks for when she visits new families who hope to host for IPC. Outside work Clare loves cooking, her dogs, Exeter Society and family life.

IPC Projects Coordinator: Rosie Hawkins

Our new Projects Coordinator, Rosie Hawkins, took over from Ali Willkinson in March 2011. Rosie worked as an Activity Leader for IPC for three summer seasons and also helped out in the office. She now returns to work with IPC after successfully completing a degree in Event Management and gaining work experience in the Press Office of a Japanese car manufacturer and Oxfam's Festivals team. Rosie is the main point of contact for School Projects and Summer School and is looking forward to meeting our group leaders and summer school local organisers.

IPC Enrolments Officer: Dr Nick Floyd

Nick assists teachers from all over Europe as they enrol for IPC courses and apply for EU funding. Nick will always do what he can to assist you with your application or any questions relating to your course. He will answer your e-mails as swiftly as possible - usually within two working days. He will also meet you at the Big Red Door when you arrive for the first day of your course with IPC in Exeter. He will hand you a folder with your name on it. Nick is a former scientist and though not a medical doctor spent a brief spell as IPC's Senior First Aider. Nick enjoys cricket, good coffee, horse racing, film and West End theatre. In his spare time Nick is working on his first novel.

IPC SENIOR GUIDE: Roger Watson

Roger's aim is to show our course participants the most impressive and attractive parts of our region and this he does with great style and panache. Roger's tours are very carefully researched and offer our course participants a unique insight into the people and places of the South West of England. In addition to his guiding, Roger also leads sessions on our Literature and British Institutions courses and addresses meetings of teachers across Europe to promote IPC courses.

IPC Junior Group Guide: Bob Stock

Bob has many years' experience of leading young people on excursions and in sports activities. A former Devon County Council Youth Worker, 'Big Bob' has worked with student groups from all over Europe. His favourite trips are Tintagel and Lynton and Lynmouth - both very special days out, especially if you are with Bob. He also enjoys helping students find their way up to the top of Haytor on the Dartmoor trip, from where they will have a fantastic view of the South West coastline. Outside work Bob may be found singing with his wife Sue or out with the family, watching the Exeter Chiefs, or on one of his many caravan-ing adventures. Bob and Sue are also one of our most popular host families.

Sophie Larkin: Teacher Trainer

Sophie (pictured right awarding certificates)is a very popular teacher trainer. She has experience of working in the UK and overseas and enjoys meeting teachers form many different countries. Sophie loves dancing and keeping fit and at IPC she take special responsibility for the social programme of our teacher training courses. Sophie will encourage you to join a red coat guided tour or to go along to salsa night on the quayside on a Sunday night - even though you have to be up nice and early for your lesson son Monday morning !