The goals depend on the target group and obviously differ: For the students it is in the first place the enhancement/acquiring of intercultural competence as well as being able to quickly adjust to a new operational surrounding. A pleasant demeanour, capacity for teamwork and politely asking for alterations if something is not up to ones expectations are further important apects. Especially for students doing a full-time-school scheme (vocational college: commercial assistants, childcare assistants, assistants to old people's nurses) an intership abroad could mean for them to actually working in real vocational surrounding for the first time - sometimes even having to use a foreign language. For our teachers the goal is rather further education and a slight enhancement of vocational knowledge, the exchange among international colleagues,new ways of applying digitalization in teaching. Last but not least, taking a constructive-minded view on our institution.
In a globalized world of work the BBZ Norderstedt has set itself to make it possible for students and teachers alike to experience this atmosphere in hands-on mobilities in the ERASMUS plus - scheme. This also means to apply the strategy for internationalisation which we have dedicated ourselves to in our Mobility Charta. This strategy has meanwhile been revised for our - successful - application for accreditation in the ERASMUS 2021 - 2027 scheme. Even before this revison it was important to us that young people with a not so promising socio-economic background were offered the chance of participation in international vocational internships. As we offer vocational education in the dual system as well as in a full-time-school scheme, especially the second group these internships abroad have a crucial effect: at least some of the students find themselves in real companies for the first time during their education - and this even abroad. Our teachers always return inspirated and motivated - with a solid positive effect on their working life and - as a side effect - on colleagues and students. This is not only true for language teachers.