Language - Mobility - Foreign Countries. Practical-learning in the undertaking.

The project

For the fourth time the submission for approval of the Leonardo da Vinci Mobility project of the Foreign Language School Heilbronn was successful. This enabled 30 graduates of the Foreign Language School to make a practical training in France or Spain. 

The graduates received a stipend which covers the costs of travel, lodging and insurance. The practical training had a span of 3 to 6 months and took place in the most varying of organisations. For example, some of them were placed in the German Tradeworkers Organisation in Barcelona, in a cosmetics company, in the administration of a clinic and in departments of the European Parliament. During the practical training the graduates received guidance via e-mail, telephone or fax. 

The placements lead to experiences and competences pure classroom learning cannot offer. The profession based supplemental education strengthens chances in a profession in a lasting way. They enhance their attractiveness as potential employees because they can show, through the practical training that they have a command of a foreign language, can assert themselves in new situations, are capable of successful contact with people and have a firm knowledge of approaches to work and living specific to a country. Their work in a foreign country is proof of their engagement and openness. In personal regards, self confidence and independence are demanded. Most of the graduates were young and for many their stay in a foreign country was a completely new experience. In the foreign country, one had to plan independently one’s daily routine. 

Also for the Foreign Language School of Heilbronn the profit was significant: the evaluation of the practical training offered the possibility of checking the schools education programme and of adapting it to meet the demands of the European job market. 

Project Execution
Kolping-Training Association Wuerttemberg , Foreign Language School Heilbronn

Partner organisations
Institucio Cultural del CIC in Barcelona, Spain
Eurocentre in La Rochelle, France
Institut Rue Monsieur in Paris, France
Paris Langues in Paris, France

Contact person
Helena Strümann, Head of Foreign Language School Heilbronn
helena.struemann@kolping-bildungswerk.de 

EU Funding Programme
Leonardo da Vinci - Mobility

Sum of Funding
93,300 €

Period of Funding
01.10.2007 - 28.03.2008