The aim was to create opportunities for pupils from underprivileged backgrounds, who have never been abroad and have little or no opportunity to do so during a regular (school) career. We wanted to familiarise pupils, teachers and parents alike with the concept of Erasmus, by explaining to pupils and teachers the purpose of Erasmus and having them carry it out during a work placement abroad. This gave pupils the opportunity to use their organisational and social skills in an authentic working situation. We wanted to increase their motivation to follow the extra 7th specialisation year, so that they get a secondary school diploma (EQF level 4). For all parties, the aim was to increase pupils' ownership of their own potential and their own growth by letting them map this out for themselves. This was a challenge for us as a school to put this in their hands.
In the years leading up to this Erasmus project, we had already submitted an application and ongoing project to offer students an international experience. Pupils from vocational education often feel inferior about not having the opportunity like higher-educated pupils to have an experience abroad. Often, the financial aspect also plays a role here. We noticed in the course of our first project that the ball got rolling and students motivated each other to apply to go on an internship abroad. Giving them such an opportunity offers them countless new insights in terms of work, communication, culture and socio-emotional. We also wanted to give them the opportunity to set their own goals and work points and reflect on them.