We probably never told you that IFA – International Fachkräfteaustausch was the first sending organization we cooperated with in 2018 for an Erasmus+ VET project for Young Learners in Gran Canaria and we are happy that our partnership has been renovated for the second year.
Just a few months ago we implemented a project of Vocational Training in Las Palmas under Erasmus+, but this time our partner trusted us even more, including us into a bigger network and allowing us to take part in a very challenging experience.
We are glad to announce the launch of “Let’s Walz”: an Erasmus+ Project for the Vocational Training of young Learners implemented in partnership with IFA – International Fachkräfteaustausch and the Economic Chamber of Lower Austria.
About the Erasmus+ Project “Let’s Walz”
The participants of the “Let’s Walz” project were selected from different parts of Austria to be involved in 4- weeks work placements in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in different professional fields, according to their education and previous work experience in their home country.
Following the main goal of the Erasmus+ Program, the project is aimed to
- offering to young boys and girls a working experience abroad
- promoting the free movement of people within the European Union
- developing soft and transversal skills.
The commitment of the intermediary organization
For most of them it was the first experience abroad alone and this can be very exciting but also very overwhelming. People are not all the same, people do not react in the same way to changes, so it’s our commitment as intermediary organization doing our best to make their stay as easy and pleasant as possible.
To achieve the purpose, there are two important moments that we cannot miss once a new group arrives in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria:
- Welcome Meeting with the incoming tutor from INTERMOBEX: the meeting is aimed to provide participants with full information about host companies, accommodation, public transports, city facilities and services, cultural activities or mandatory meetings, and to solve any doubts they may have.
- First Cognitive Meeting at the host companies: this is a very important step to ensure that the traineeships start in the best way and that participants get oriented in this new experience, meeting their supervisors and setting working schedules and training goals.
As part of their cultural integration, during the first week of stay the Austrian group completed an intensive Spanish course provided by our partner Nika Teacher – Language School.
An Erasmus+ project for young learners
This first edition of the “Let’s Walz” Project counted with 9 participants working in a variety of local companies:
- Lena-Marie Stollwitzer, professional photographer working at Estudio Nani;
- Stephanie Steininger, hairdresser and wig-maker working at Peluquería Ricciolo;
- Jennifer Böck, hairdresser and wig-maker working at Salón de Bellenza ZEN by Mijin;
- Nadine Vater, cake and pastry baker working at Cafetería Heladería Sottozero;
- Dominik Jankowicz, metal technology specialist working at Rodritol;
- Michael Priplata, electrical engineering working at Rodritol;
- Marcel Steiner, motor vehicle engineering working at Atlántico Autocentros;
- Matteo König, office clerk working at Climbo Adventures;
- Meriam Abdi, cook working at Gastrobar De Cuchillo y Tenedor.
Pros and Cons of an Erasmsus+ experience
Doing an apprenticeship abroad is not always easy, we cannot deny it. Personal and professional expectations can be disappointed, the communication in a foreign language can be hard, the cultural shock is behind the corner (even if it’s still European Union).
Nevertheless, people who decide to participate in an Erasmus+ Mobility project know that the experience will worth it, because going abroad is not only working, learning and training:
it’s exploring a new country
it’s doing new experiences
it’s visiting new places
it’s having fun!
And despite the difficulties they went through, we know for sure that the participants of “Let’s Walz” project cannot be more agree!