By taking into consideration differences between practical sports education at Landstede and more theoretical education at HHK, we aimed to exchange pedagogical and didactic techniques and an impact on teaching approaches and structural arrangements. By spending a short period in another EU country and interacting with people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds, both teachers and students were expected to become more open to participation in similar international initiatives in the future. Furthermore, we aimed to be inclusive. By involving all students of the 5th year of the sports studies at HHK and all candidates from Level 4 at Landstede, we wanted to enhance team spirit and the relationship between students and teachers.
In 2021-2022, sports studies were launched in the third year at Heilig Hartinstituut Kessel-Lo (HHK). The intention was to gradually extend this program up to the sixth year. At HHK, sports studies are offered in the second and third grade of secondary education (14-18 years old). HHK already collaborated with Landstede for other projects and aimed to learn from their expertise in the field of sports education 16 to 20 year olds. Both HHK and Landstede had several needs at the basis of this application. The primary need was to better align sports education with sports-related studies in higher education and with the job market. Additionally, we aimed to professionalise sports teachers, gain insight into students' intrinsic motivation, and foster an international mindset among teachers and students. Inclusion was also a crucial need. We wanted to ensure that all students had the opportunity to participate in this international project regardless of their background, religion, skin color, or financial situation.