The Erasmus+ mobility project Let’s Network! approved in the call for 2020 – KA1 in the field of vocational education and training has been successfully completed. The project took 34 students on short-term and 5 students on long-term mobility, accompanied by 5 teachers, while 5 vocational teachers were on job-shadowing.
To say that implementation was challenging is an understatement. From the moment we applied for the project until the announcement of the tender results and the official start of implementation, a pandemic broke out, which immediately postponed all physical mobility activities. But trouble never comes alone, the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2021 forced us to change part of our partners. Despite all the obstacles and adversities, after a public call and competition for accompanying students and teachers, selection of candidates, and extensive language, cultural and professional preparations, the first group of students left in April 2022, while in August 2023, the last students who were on long-term mobility. In total, 6 short-term and one long-term mobility were carried out: Portugal – Povoa de Varzim, Spain – Sabadell, Slovakia – Sturovo, Slovenia – Ptuj, Spain – Seville, Austria – Vienna, Spain – Dos Hermanas.
In terms of work experience, for many participants this was the only opportunity to see the real working environment in companies, because the regular curriculum does not include (except for the profession of electrical technician) professional practice outside of school. All the more, Erasmus+ is an invaluable experience because, in addition to learning and strengthening practical skills, it allows students to gain a clearer idea of the direction their personal and professional life could go, to increase the possibility of enrolling in the desired college or finding a job. Some students attended internships in small companies where they came into contact with all business segments and thus learned about the entrepreneurial way of thinking, while others were in large and modern companies that use the latest technologies, which allowed them to evaluate and see what they had learned so far how much more they have to learn and progress in order to be able to meet the challenges of constant changes and improvements.
In addition to improving professional skills, Erasmus+ mobility projects also offer participants the opportunity for personal growth. Students are taught to live independently, to organize time and space, as well as to be responsible for work duties.
Living and working in another country (and for many it was the first time to travel outside the Republic of Croatia) enriches and broadens horizons. Students become aware of the European Union and the values it brings and represents, they get to know other and different cultures, customs, languages, religions, climate, gastronomy…
And the greatest experience that everyone shares is that, leaving the familiar environment and comfort zone, they first of all learned a lot about themselves.
And every inquiry from a student from the Erasmus+ family, “Will we be able to go on an Erasmus internship this year?” and every positive feedback is a reward for everyone involved in the preparation and implementation of each individual mobility.
“My Erasmus+ experience was excellent. It gave me the opportunity to test my English, but also learn some Spanish. Living in an apartment with other students gave me the feeling that I was grown up and independent. I had the opportunity to see what it’s like to work in a company in Spain. We had an office in our building, just like other employees, and everything was organized and tidy. I met a lot of new people who helped me at work and were very kind to me.” Bruno, participant of a two-week short-term mobility
“Erasmus experience in Slovenia was unforgettable. We spent twenty days in the wonderful city of Ptuj, where we got to know the rich Slovenian culture. At work, I encountered challenging tasks that provided me with exactly what I wanted to experience during Erasmus. We used the weekends to visit Ljubljana and Graz, which allowed us to experience the diversity of the region,” Stjepan, participant of the three-week short-term mobility.
“This year’s Erasmus+ will be an experience of a lifetime. I am warmly surprised by my stay and practice in Spain. The internship, although it was not 100% directed towards my ocupation, definitely still helped me learn and perfect a lot. I suggest to everyone who thinks they want to go, not to be afraid and take the chance, because you really won’t regret it.”, Toni, participant of long-term (Erasmus Pro) mobility.