The Erasmus+ support is the key to make exchanges possible. Our target is to offer the possibility of international experience for every student and staff member, equally. For students, international exchange periods improve feeling of independence, responsibility and self-esteem. A well-planned period abroad provides a wide understanding of European work-life, VET practices and sectoral needs for the participant. It also provides possibilities to learn and experience skills which might not be available in Finland. Students are also checking possible entrepreneurship pathways and experiences during their exchange period. For staff, international experience could work as a boost of work motivation as well as a chance to develop sectoral and work-based training and an option to personal professional development. Tredu is also an active receiving and hosting partner for many VET providers abroad. Accumulating results of international mobilities play an important role in multi-professional cooperation and new development ideas support local economic development in Tampere region. All international experiences will improve Tredu as an international college.
International mobility is a part of normal learning process in Tampere Vocational College Tredu. There are different exchange practices in different study fields of Tredu. Erasmus+ accreditation has been awarded to Tredu, and according to the action plan we implement student and staff mobilities with the support of Erasmus+ grants. The concept of Tredu’s international exchanges is wide as Tredu is a large VET provider. There are many sectoral work cultures and various development needs in the different study fields due to different student profiles and staff work situations. Tredu has 14 campus areas in the region and there are equal opportunities also for students with fewer opportunities to do exchanges abroad. Mobility periods are usually realized in the shape of work-based learning periods in local companies abroad. Tredu has launched a “staircase”. The aim is that all staff members recognize and evaluate their international skills during development discussions with their superiors. Staff mobilities are a goal-oriented way to proceed in the stairs. Other ways to develop internationalization in Tampere region are e.g. work-life exchanges and actively receiving international students to Tredu.