The basis of this project was to raise professional competences in students in order to achieve their competitiveness in the European labor market. The implementation of the project ensured better competences in students with a purpose of their personal development and competitiveness in the labor market, provided them the opportunity to actively use foreign languages and they improved their professional and communication skills, developed a sense of tolerance and acceptance of diversity. Through participation in this project, the students actively participated in formal and non- formal education, got acknowledgment of the competencies developed during their stay abroad, which will further contribute to their ability to work internationally. Through direct contact with clients, students increased their self- confidence and to put the acquired theoretical knowledge into practice in real business situations, acquired their knowledge, skills and competences.
The reason for this project application was the fact that the students would acquire new skills in their work in hotels and restaurants abroad. After conducting the analysis in the school year 2019/2020, it was evident that 38% of students did their summer internship in inadequate workplaces, because there is only one hotel in Bjelovar. It was also evident that the students did their summer internship in fast food restaurants and cafés, which does not comply with their future profession. Because a large number of students training in hotel and tourism technician program did not have the opportunity to do their internship in hotels and restaurants for aforementioned reasons, as well as the inability of the students’ parents to pay for accommodation and food in other locations in order for the students to work in other cities, the school decided to provide several students with this opportunity. The project motivated students and increased their interest in education and work in their future profession and they understood the value of their education, gained new experiences and better vocational education, new social values and enhanced their social skills.