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Youth Work Jobshadowing Berlin-Groningen

2025-1-DE04-KA153-YOU-0003046612025Mobility of youth workersfinalized
Countries: DE|NL · Grant: €22,872
Quality and innovation of youth workDemocracy and inclusive democratic participationNew learning and teaching methods and approaches

Objectives

Over the years Clash! Exchange and Learning has build an extensive network of partner organisations operating in the social domain in Berlin. During regular projects we utilise these organisations to host Dutch students there for small internships (mostly social work students or other studies related to care). The idea behind these internships is to give students an insight into the social domain and increase their intercultural competencies. So far this exchange went mostly one way. The students would come and leave and take their knowledge back to the Netherlands. Over time more and more organisations became curious on how social work is organised in the Netherlands and politely asked if it was possible for them to visit the Netherlands at some point. Often these organisations don't have the capacity or resources to organise exchange projects themselves. Clash! has years of experience in organising international exchange projects. In the spirit of giving something back to these organisations we wanted to organise this project. Our project is designed to foster a rich, reciprocal international exchange between youth workers in Berlin and from the region Groningen in the north of the Netherlands. At its core, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between two distinct yet comparable socio- economic contexts in which the youth workers operate, enabling participants to share best practices, deepen their understanding of different educational and social policy frameworks, and ultimately build lasting professional ties. The project also aims to strengthen professional (international) networks by fostering deeper connections between Berlin youth work organizations and their Dutch counterparts. By facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration, the initiative will enhance long-term partnerships, creating a more sustainable and reciprocal framework for cooperation. This strengthened network will not only improve support for Dutch vocational students during their internships but also contribute to the professional development of all involved organizations through shared best practices and cross-border learning. For Dutch participants: Social Policy Overview: Presentations by Berlin youth workers will provide insights into German social policy, broadening their comparative perspective. International Exchange Opportunities: through networking, Dutch youth workers will explore further avenues for international exchanges to Berlin. Enhanced Knowledge Exchange: For Berlin organizations: Educational Insight: by visiting a Dutch vocational school with a focus on social work, Berlin youth workers will gain a clear picture of the Dutch educational context. Policy Understanding: an expert presentation on Dutch social policy will illuminate the influences shaping Dutch youth work. Practical Exposure: job-shadowing opportunities at various Dutch youth work organizations will showcase best practices in action and provide network opportunities Development of Intercultural Competencies: language animations and reflective sessions will be woven throughout the program to enhance intercultural skills, ensuring that participants not only exchange knowledge but also learn to navigate cultural nuances between the Netherlands and Germany effectively. Networking and Collaboration: The project will facilitate numerous networking moments, solidifying and expanding professional networks that might not have connected otherwise. These interactions are crucial for establishing enduring partnerships and fostering a culture of ongoing learning and collaboration.

Project partners (2)