The primary goal was to provide all students with the chance to enhance their abilities to work at an international level, adopt best practices and new working methods, gain quality work experience, and develop a better understanding of the economic situation of the host country. A secondary objective was for students to acquire and develop communication skills in interaction with people from other cultures and use professional terminology in a foreign language. This was crucial for developing independence and confidence in students. Additionally, efforts were made to boost their critical thinking, curiosity, creativity, initiative-taking, problem-solving, collaboration, effective communication in multicultural environments, adaptability, and entrepreneurship. Another objective was to strengthen European identity among the students. The aspiration was to promote a culture that supported human rights, peace, and global development among young Europeans. Overall, the objectives aimed to provide students with a well-rounded experience that encompassed both professional and personal development, preparing them for the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.
The context of our project revolves around addressing the challenges faced by vocational education at our school, specifically the decline in student enrollment in vocational programs. This decline is partly due to negative demographic trends and a prevailing perception that vocational careers are inferior choices. The school has extensive experience in European projects, crucial for its internationalization, participants' personal development, and its reputation. Our goal is to motivate students and improve their quality skills for the European labor market. The project aims at professional internships in specialized environments, where students gain better experiences and skills, fostering love for their future professions and competitiveness in the European job market. Locally, there are insufficient employers to provide quality practical training, worsened by the economic crisis and Covid-19, reducing employer interest in hosting students. Many students live in remote areas with limited transportation to training sites, posing a significant challenge. Internships abroad are therefore an excellent alternative and opportunity for students to gain practical skills.