In general, agreements were made regarding expectations, responsibilities, classroom organization, and the use of teaching methods and forms at each respective location in Denmark and Sweden. Above all, the teaching initiative CLIL (former: English as a working language), which is firmly anchored in the HTL curriculum, will play a key role, as every exchange of social and professional information is based on this principle. Within the framework of job shadowing, contact persons were identified and instructed, who will be in charge of the planning and implementation of potential exchanges. Due to the project, it is more obvious to consider the European and international dimension in the HTK education and to promote cultural knowledge that goes beyond Austria. International references as well as the value of European citizenship have consequently become an issue in many subjects, whereby partnerships with foreign institutions are no longer uncharted territory. This project could be the cornerstone for long-term school partnerships that transport the respective culture through student exchanges and thus contribute to a stronger sense of European identity.
Our decision to dive into Erasmus+ was triggered by a visit from Danish teachers who motivated us to take part in the initiative. Based on the education objectives in the curriculum, which require graduates to be able to plan, implement and optimize operational processes, and through in-depth language training in English for access to international business activities, it is essential to strive for contacts abroad. One reason for our participation was to observe teaching methodology and classroom interaction in Scandinavia, to learn from it and then implement the successful concepts at HTK. As far as the wood industry, education policy and the use of English are concerned, Scandinavia plays a pioneering role. Another reason for this specific project was to get to know possible partner schools and appropriate contact persons in order to initiate student exchanges in the future. For starting a cooperation it is a priority to get acquainted with the partner institution(s), the circumstances, the expectations and the objectives.