With the project "Austrian Rural Youth goes Europe", the Rural Youth wanted to promote language acquisition and linguistic diversity, as well as the European spirit of the young people. In order to be able to shape the global market in the future, knowledge of English and intercultural understanding are basic requirements - also in the agricultural sector. The international internship combines these competences and therefore contributes the development of the young people. The students are forced to integrate into a foreign family with cultural differences. As a result, they learn to use the language confidently and learn new technical vocabulary, as well as valuable soft skills such as respect, understanding and tolerance of other cultures. Another goal is the acquisition of agricultural know-how. The students experience intensive training in the main areas of plant production, livestock management, organic farming, etc. Through the internship, they can apply the theoretical knowledge they have learned in a practical way and also experience insights into other farm systems.
As the largest youth organization in rural areas, "Landjugend Österreich" (LJ Ö) carries an essential contribution to the development of young people. In order to intensify the understanding of interculturality, "Landjugend Österreich" would therefore like to provide access to international activities. Since 2001, "Landjugend Österreich" has therefore been an applicant for Leonardo da Vinci or Erasmus+ funding. With the project "Austrian Rural Youth goes Europe", "Landjugend Österreich" wants to support students from all secondary agricultural schools and agricultural colleges in Austria during their compulsory internship. During their education, the students have to complete a compulsory internship between 1 and 12 months, depending on the type of school. This can be completed in other European countries. With this project "Landjugend Österreich" can support the students to get an easier access to such internships. Through international mobilities, students learn many valuable key competencies that they can use to shape our living space in a sustainable way.