This is our first informal meeting. The IRSchool gathers participants from all around the world. We have a lot in common, but in many ways we are different, too. So how to understand each other? What is important to consider when communicating and interacting? This training will help you answer these questions. Besides, it is also a great opportunity to meet new people, learn a lot of interesting things about each other and simply have fun together.

Participation: Compulsory for all.
Dress code: Up to you. It is a good idea to wear something comfortable that lets you move freely
How to prepare: You only need to bring your smile and good mood.

This is a key moment at the beginning of the School. The tutors will personally tell you what they will do with their project groups in the course of the IRSchool. After that the participants will have to make their final choice on which project to join and immediately inform their delegation leaders on their decision.

Participation: Compulsory for all
Dress code: Formal clothes
How to prepare: Read the project summaries on our website in advance and select the 1-3 ones, which you will find the most interesting for yourself. It is always best to have an alternative, because, according to the IRSchool regulations: according to the IRS regulations, no more than one person per project group are allowed! We really want all the teams to be as international as possible. If there are difficulties, we normally conduct additional interviews with participants, as we always try to meet their interests. In any case, do not be afraid to try something completely different. Who knows when you get a second chance!

Every morning in order to wake up, cheer up and create a good mood for the whole day to come, we exercise. After a short warm-up, we play an active game, brought by the IRSchool participants from different countries and regions of Russia. The day, on which your delegation will lead the morning exercises will be defined by drawing lots at the beginning of the School.

Participation: Compulsory for participants. Optional for tutors and delegation leaders
Dress code: Sports clothes.
How to prepare: Think of an exciting active game, popular in your country or region. Describe its rules in simple words in English, so you can quickly teach participants from different countries to play it. The game should not last for more than 7 minutes and should be designed in such a way so that 60-80 people can take part in it at the same time. Finally pick a fun fast piece of music and the objects that may come in handy for the game ( do not bring balls - we have a lot of them).

During the Open-space time participants, tutors or leaders themselves offer ideas for spending time together in the evening. For example, you have an activity that you would like to share with your new friends: singing songs to the guitar, creating handmade presents, etc. Maybe you want to share some knowledge or skill: teach people how to weave bracelets or even teach some words or letters in your language. If you have such ideas you may become a host of the workshop! Please think in advance (preferably before your arrival to IRSchool) what activity you would like to offer to the participants of your workshop. The activity should be interesting for the participants and useful for the IRSchool. For example, it may be a rehearsal of a song or dance, which can be shown at the Farewell party or making gifts for the participants who have birthdays during the IRSchool. Also decide what materials (and in which amount) you need to prepare. If you need something unusual (for example, threads for weaving bracelets) and if it is possible, please take the materials with you. We may provide paper and stationery.

We will announce in advance when the open-space time will be held at the IRSchool. If you want to host a workshop you will need to fill out a form on the bulletin board with the following points:
- Name of the workshop;
- What will the participants do;
- Who leads;
- Where it takes place (playground, hall, class, etc.);
- Who may participate (participants / leaders / tutors / all), number of people;
- Who will participate ( the participants will write their names here).

After dinner you prepare space for the workshop and welcome your guests! Ten workshops are held simultaneously in one evening in different places on the territory of the IRSchool.
If you want to be a participant of the workshop, you need to write your name in the specific form on the bulletin board, go to the appointed place and get ready to enjoy the activity!

Participation: Optional
Dress code: Up to you.

Participation: Optional
Dress code: Sports clothes

The Buluus Glacier is a unique natural phenomenon. Located on a forested plain, this massive ice accumulation does not melt even in high summer temperatures. Its total area exceeds 1,100 hectares, and the ice thickness reaches up to 3 meters. In the warm season, a network of tunnels forms inside the glacier, creating a crystal-like labyrinth. Meltwater from the glacier is so pure that you can drink from any stream.

Important!

• This tour is designed for participants from other regions and countries.
• For the trip, wear closed toe sports shoes with thick, sturdy soles — trekking shoes are ideal.

Exhibition "Treasury of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)
The complex was opened in 1992 as a branch of the Diamond Fund of Russia. The Yakut subsoil is rich in precious stones, amazing with their splendor. The Treasury presents unique nuggets, as well as jewelry and art works created by local jewelers.

Geological Museum of Diamond and Precious Metal Geology Institute, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (Geology tour)
The Yakutsk Geological Museum, established in 1958 by Arkady Sergeyevich Kashirtsev, serves as a vital repository of natural objects that represent the geological richness of the Yakutian region. Officially opened to the public in January 1960, the museum has evolved from presenting initial paleontological finds and mineral samples to housing an extensive collection, showcasing unique minerals, rocks, and jewelry from Yakutia. Geological hass exhibits include significant mineral collections, such as a unique charoite specimens.

Mammoth Museum
What comes to you mind when you hear the word MAMMOTH? Probably, something like “Oh! That big fluffy sort-of-an-elephant.” Well, in the myths and legends of the Siberian native peoples they are described as mysterious creatures living underground. And this is partly true as no one has seen a mammoth on the surface for several thousand years now, only in the soil can we find the evidence of their presence on our planet. In the Museum of Mammoth of the Northeastern Federal University the participants will be able to know how mammoths are studied, get acquainted with the features of their anatomy and physiology, and also learn a lot about the climate, geology, flora and fauna of the past.

Geological Museum of Diamond and Precious Metal Geology Institute, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (Paleontology tour)
The Yakutsk Geological Museum, established in 1958 by Arkady Sergeyevich Kashirtsev, serves as a vital repository of natural objects that represent the geological richness of the Yakutia region. Officially opened to the public in January 1960, the museum has evolved from presenting initial paleontological finds and mineral samples to housing an extensive collection, showcasing unique minerals, rocks, and jewelry from Yakutia. Paleontology hall exhibits include a preserved mammoth leg and complete skeletons of Ice Age animals.

The History of Permafrost Study Museum
Permafrost in Yakutia has been studied since the mid 19th century. Research was first conducted by enthusiastic amateurs and later by professional scientists. Since permafrost covers a vast area in Russia, it must be carefully studied to understand its nature and properties — and to develop new technologies for the sustainable development of these territories. At the Museum of the History of Permafrost Studies, visitors will learn about the region's permafrost research, see scientific equipment, and view personal belongings of the scientists who advanced this field.

Tourist Complex "Kingdom of Permafrost"
A non melting glacier and an ice sculpture exhibition. A place where everything is made of ice — sculptures, furniture, cutlery, and even an ice aquarium. Inside, you feel as if you have entered the very permafrost that covered the earth millions of years ago. This is the home of the Yakut Father Frost, Chyskhaan. In the center of the snow hall stand a real ice throne and even a bar, where tourists love to take photos as keepsakes. all is a real ice throne and even a bar, where tourists happily take photos as souvenirs.

National Art Museum of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)
The National Art Museum of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) houses a collection that tells the story of the Yakut people and the development of Russia's northern territories. Founded in 1928 with 27 paintings from the Tretyakov Gallery (including works by Levitan and Polenov), the museum later expanded to include Asian art. In 1962, Professor Gabyshev donated a major collection of Western European paintings. The museum's highlights include Russian art from the 18th to the 20th centuries, folk crafts, and a key section on Yakut professional art — shaped by founders Popov, Nosov, and Romanov.

Khomus Museum
The museum tells the history of the khomus (jaw harp). It is one of the most ancient musical instruments – almost 5,000 years old! It has a collection of jaw harps from different countries of the world. Now there are more than 162 varieties of this wonderful instrument.

Museum of Music and Folklore of The Yakutia People
The Museum of Music and Folklore of the Peoples of Yakutia is a unique institution founded in 1989 on the initiative of the distinguished musicologist and folklorist A. P. Reshetnikova. Its mission is to collect, preserve, study, and revive the material and spiritual culture of the indigenous peoples of Yakutia—the Yakuts, Dolgans, Evens, Evenki, Yukaghirs, Chukchi, and Russian Arctic Old-Timers. The museum's collection introduces visitors to the worldview, rituals, holidays, and symbols of these peoples and includes unique phonograms, musical instruments, household items, and works of art.

Here the project groups present the results of their work and answer questions from other participants of the School, experts and invited guests.

Participation: Compulsory for all
Dress code: Formal clothes
How to prepare: Please remember that you are going to tell about your project not only to the experts but also to other IRS participants and guests. Try to make your presentations as accessible as possible, so not only specialists can understand you.