Good skilled workers are highly demanded in the region. After their stay abroad, our students will have a unique opportunity to develop skills and competence that are in demand on the job market. They will learn to relate to people from different nations, and with strengthened English skills be better equipped to work in an increasingly international environment. Participation in international projects will encourage more students to take a certificate of apprenticeship and will also encourage many students to continue with further studies. Work experience in various institutions will also give new knowledge to students who get this opportunity. This will add valuable expertise to local trade and industry. By observing the students' practice, the accompanying teachers will acquire knowledge in their field, gain an insight into new working methods, materials and tools, and strengthen their English skills, in addition to increasing their digital competence through preparation and follow-up work and contact with partners. It also helps to increase their motivation for the work, strengthen the bond with the students, and it increases the opportunity and interest in creating varied and differentiated teaching.
Over a period of ten years, Olav Duun upper secondary school has carried out international projects where students have gone on exchange stays abroad and we have had students from different countries at our school. The internationalization work is thus well-rooted in the school, and we have experienced how the mobility projects the students get to participate in help to create increased understanding and motivation for their own vocational education, in addition to providing learning outcomes in general subjects. We therefore believe that the opportunity to participate in international projects increases the students' ability and motivation to take vocational qualifications, to complete upper secondary school and to study further. The projects have gradually become an integral part of the school's toolbox to contribute to increased quality in the pupils' education, in addition to providing competence development for the teachers. The aim of this application was to build on our international collaborations and experiences. We wanted to continue to strengthen the pupils' subject competence, language and cultural understanding, especially since internationalization is increasingly relevant for those going into working life.