Apply now for CIT 2026 in Frankfurt and join the IE team of trainers
The next Certified Interpretive Trainer (CIT) course will take place in Frankfurt, Germany, from 2-6 February 2026. The CIT course will be led by Thorsten Ludwig and Valya Stergioti, who together train all IE trainers.
Could you become an IE Certified Interpretive Trainer?
To be eligible, participants must:
- hold an IE certification (any course) by the start of the CIT course,
- have experience in adult education, and
- be active in a relevant field (e.g. guiding, writing, planning).
But being an IE trainer is more than meeting criteria. It means joining a strong community of over 30 trainers who deliver courses across Europe, contribute to the development of IE’s training programme, and act as ambassadors of heritage interpretation. It is a role that offers professional growth, responsibility, and collaboration.
Course format and content
The CIT course combines five on-site days with four online preparatory sessions in the months leading up to the event. These online sessions will cover IE’s core interpretive qualities (heritage, participation, meanings and values, stewardship) and guide participants in preparing their papers and training sessions. These assignments form the basis of their engagement during the on-site course and are part of the final assessment.
Following the CIT course, participants may attend optional three-day trainer upgrades to qualify for delivering IE’s certification courses (e.g. CIG, CIW, CIP). Dates and locations for these upgrades will be announced separately, depending on interest.
Our venue: Frankfurt, Germany
The course will take place at the Jugendherberge Frankfurt – Haus der Jugend, a centrally located youth hostel overlooking the Main River. All participants will be accommodated in twin rooms with private bathrooms, and full board will be provided.
Curated study visits to local institutions will connect directly to the course content. These visits will explore core CIT themes, including:
- the four interpretive qualities,
- sustainability,
- conflict and dialogue,
- co-creation and local engagement.
Important dates
- Info webinar: 2 September 2025, 15:00–16:00 CET
(The session will be recorded – if you cannot attend live, you can request the link afterwards) - Application deadline: 9 September 2025
- First round of selected participants announced: 30 September 2025
How to apply
To apply, please:
- submit a motivational letter explaining your interest in becoming a trainer,
- provide proof of relevant experience,
- share a selected part of your IE certification homework, translated into English,
- complete the pre-course questionnaire
All documents must be submitted in a single email by 9 September 2025 and further information will be posted on the IE website.
For application and content-related questions, please contact Valya Stergioti – valya.stergioti@interpret-europe.net
For logistics and practical arrangements, please contact Andrijana Milisavljević – andrijana.milisavljevic@interpret-europe.net
