A Brief Insight into the Teacher and Student Mobilities: Non-Formal Education and Career Orientation
In today’s rapidly changing world, traditional classroom learning often falls short in preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce. This is where the IN-VET project comes in, bringing a fresh perspective to vocational education and training through innovative teacher and student mobility programmes. Focused on non-formal education and career orientation, these experiences are not just about travelling abroad—they are transforming how teachers teach and students learn.
When teachers become learners
Ever wondered what happens when teachers step into a new version of a classroom, not as educators but as learners? That’s precisely what the IN-VET teacher mobility programmes are all about. Imagine a Georgian teacher in a Hungarian training room, observing how role-playing games are used to teach teamwork or how entrepreneurial skills are nurtured through project-based learning. Through job shadowing and international training sessions, teachers experience these modern methods firsthand.
They don’t just watch; they participate, ask questions, and take these innovative ideas back home. One teacher from Armenia reflected:
“It’s not just about teaching students how to get jobs anymore; it’s about showing them how to create opportunities.”
These mobility programmes don’t just enhance teaching techniques—they empower teachers to become mentors who can inspire confidence and curiosity in their students.
Learning beyond the classroom
For students, the mobility experience is a game-changer. Think about stepping into a real workplace in a foreign country, working alongside professionals, and solving problems that matter. That’s what IN-VET internships offer—a chance to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Take the story of a Moldovan student who spent three months in Romania learning about traditional and green hospitality practices. Experiences like these help students see how their skills can make a real-world impact.
But it’s not all work. Students also participate in cultural immersion activities, as well as ideathons and hackathons, using creative thinking to solve challenges.
Breaking barriers and building futures
One of the most inspiring aspects of the IN-VET project is its focus on inclusivity. Many participants come from disadvantaged backgrounds, including rural areas or ethnic minorities, and would never have had the chance to explore such opportunities otherwise.
To ensure they’re ready, students undergo language training and cultural preparation before their journey. A simple Duolingo session or a crash course in cultural norms can make all the difference. Teachers, now equipped with mentorship skills gained during their training, provide ongoing support to these students, ensuring they thrive abroad.
And the best part? These experiences don’t just benefit the participants. When students return home, they bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to their communities, inspiring others to dream bigger and aim higher.
Why It Matters
The IN-VET project is more than just a mobility programme; it’s a movement to redefine how we think about education. By combining hands-on experience with non-formal learning, it equips students and teachers with the skills they need to thrive in the modern world.
For the students, it’s about becoming job-ready—or even business-ready. For the teachers, it’s about evolving as educators who can inspire the next generation. And for the VET systems in countries like Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova, it’s about creating pathways that make education more relevant and impactful.
So, the next time you think about education, remember: learning doesn’t always happen in a classroom. Sometimes, it happens in a bustling office in Budapest or on a nature trail in Slovakia. And sometimes, it’s not about what you learn—it’s about who you become.
Join the Journey!
The IN-VET project is setting an example for how we can reshape education through collaboration, creativity, and courage. It’s a journey worth following—and one that’s far from over.
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