- In the context of an increasingly internationalized working world in which communicatively competent, qualified specialists are becoming increasingly important, the project was meant to promote the development of the occupational, foreign language and intercultural skills of participants. Added value was supposed to result from knowledge of typical operational processes in foreign companies + awareness of differences and similarities in processes compared to training companies in Germany. - The development of intercultural professional competence also includes raising awareness of cultural differences between Ireland and Germany which go beyond the professional environment, as well as an understanding of the way of life in Ireland being a result of historical and socio-political processes. Through direct exchange with Irish colleagues and host families, the participants were supposed to develop an insight into cultural differences and how to deal with them. This would not only benefit the participants in the short term, but also in the context of lifelong learning. - The experience of self-efficacy when navigating in the foreign language was meant to contribute to individual development + personal development of participants.
- to prepare young people for a globalized world: Especially in a structurally weak region like the Neckar-Odenwald district, it is important to broaden the horizon of participants, to reduce fears + to make opportunities for professional mobility recognizable - to increase language skills: in exchange with people, companies and institutions in another country; in language courses at the partner college - to prepare for the demands of the global economy by immersing participants in a new work culture - to give impetus for lifelong learning: participants + training companies benefit from new knowledge and skills - to promote equal opportunities + inclusion: even students with poorer academic performance / with a lower standard of living can gain experience abroad + improve English skills -> better long-term career opportunities - personal competence: contact with people in the host country was meant to enable participants to experience a united Europe. Friendships/social contacts in the host country was meant to promote the personal development, social skills, independence and self-efficacy of participants. They were supposed to take these contacts home with them and make "Europe" tangible for those around them.