The purpose of the project was to offer students the opportunity of an internship abroad in a company from another European country so that they could compare and analyze their previous experiences with companies and their operations in Estonia and another European country. While preparing the project, we planned 40 study trips for students to 5 countries over two academic years. Project goals: 1. To develop the professional knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the rapidly changing labour market in Estonia and Europe. 2. To confirm the participants' theoretical knowledge acquired at school through practical activities in the work environment. 3. To support the key competencies of project participants (such as foreign language skills, science and technology foundations, use of information technology, learning skills, social and civic competence, initiative and entrepreneurship, cultural awareness and competence), developing social skills and attitudes (such as the ability to introduce oneself, adaptability, assert oneself, communication skills, teamwork skills and independent coping) and personal characteristics through mobility. 4. Increase study/work motivation and competitiveness through mobility.
Internships and learning through internships are essential parts of vocational education. The reasons are related to rapid changes in the economy and companies. As a result, learning in an internship is an opportunity to contribute to the growth of economic competitiveness and, on the other hand, to constantly develop the necessary competencies to adapt to changes and maintain your skills throughout your working life. Internships allow learners to understand what is happening in the world of work, improve their key competencies (e.g. communication and problem-solving, cooperation, management and learning skills) and create closer connections between what they learned at school and what happens in the world of work. On the other hand, the internship is a mandatory part of the curriculum. Achieving the learning outcomes described in the curriculum is only possible by completing the internship. Completing an internship outside of Estonia allows students to compare the work and work environment here and elsewhere, learn about other (working) cultures and customs, develop communication and foreign language skills, and have the courage to cope with new situations.