As part of our new format for Global Perspectives in Real Estate, we will regularly highlight more CIPS program initiatives—not only CIPS course offerings beyond just the calendar, but also new, enhanced educational products and services. This information is important for CIPS candidates and students and designees alike.

In his column on page three of this issue, 2008 International Operations Committee Chair Tony Macaluso, CIPS, addresses the “after-the-pin” member services, pointing out that opportunities for ongoing education and training abound. He encourages all CIPS designees to take advantage of those opportunities. One way to do this is to participate in a course that you may not have taken for your CIPS requirements, such as the “Middle East/Africa” and “Doing Business in Mexico” courses.You might even retake a course you had previously completed—a refresher course is a good way to brush up on a topic and meet and network with a new group of international practitioners.

Combine Travel with Training & Networking in June

Whether you’re completing your CIPS course requirements or have already completed them but want to continue learning, attending a CIPS course is a great way to sharpen your skills, extend your network, and enjoy touring a city or country you haven’t previously visited. Several upcoming programs are scheduled in locations that would offer a new experience for many CIPS Network members.

Whether your travel preferences lean more towards the east or west, June is good time to plan a get-away to combine some business with pleasure. Dublin, Ireland and Sofia, Bulgaria will each host a CIPS Institute, in English, in June 2008. Both cities are bustling, modern capitals offering a wide array of the old and new.

Sofia dates back to the 8th Century BC. You can enjoy charming old towns, pastoral valleys, stunning mountain views and, of particular interest to international specialists, the hot Black Sea real estate resort market.
In Dublin, you’ll find traditional Irish charm interspersed
with trendy shops and clubs in a fast-growing city that
continues to boast a brisk real estate market. The traditional
green countryside for which Ireland is so well known is only a short drive out of Dublin.

The Sofia course is June 9-15; the Dublin course, June 23-28. For information on either program, visit the CIPS course schedule page at www.realtor.org/international. Inquire with the course sponsor about discounts that may be available for CIPS designees who do not need the courses for designation credit.

Calling all Seafaring CIPS Members

If sun and fresh air are more your style, plan now to join your fellow CIPS Network members on a Caribbean Cruise in January 2009. The trip offers both a CIPS Institute training track and a professional development track that is ideal for CIPS designees or those who are completing the CIPS course requirements. Both provide opportunities to learn about Caribbean real estate markets through property tours in Grand Turk, San Juan, and St. Thomas, and to network with other real estate specialists on land and at sea. A detailed program and registration form can be accessed under “Featured Content” at www.realtor.org/international. The cruise, co-sponsored by NAR and the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS^®, is scheduled for January 17-24, 2009.

CIPS Investment & Financial Analysis Course Online

Depending on when you’re reading this issue, the CIPS Investment & Financial Analysis for International Real Estate course is now, or very soon will be, available on the Internet. Set to go live in mid-January, the addition of this course to REALTOR^® University completes the availability of the entire CIPS course curriculum online at REALTOR^® University. Costs are comparable to classroom offerings.

Online courses are ideal for you if you need one or two courses, but can’t easily travel and have no local offerings available. If you’re already a CIPS designee, they can serve as an easy way to refresh your knowledge of a particular region or topic. If you were working primarily in Latin America at the time you earned your designation, for example, but recently have begun to pursue business in Asia, here’s a good way to take a refresher course and brush up on the business culture of Asia.

Access online course registration at www.learninglibrary.com/RealtorUniversity.


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