Why to apply for a mobility experience abroad (international work placement experience)?

Benefits for the trainees:

• Improved language competences
• Improved self-confidence and personal development
• Enhancing/improving professional skills in relation to the formal study or training programme
• Improved ability to work autonomously
• Key skills (intercultural, digital competences, etc.)
• Improved opportunities on both the domestic and the international labour market

• International experience and awareness of the social, political and cultural environment of a foreign country

Who can apply for a working or learning experience abroad?

• Trainees, apprentices and students in vocational education and training
• People with a vocational degree or for University graduates, employed or not
• Professionals in vocational education and training, such as teachers and trainers, staff dealing with vocational education and training issues, and guidance specialists

How to apply for mobility experience abroad (international work placement experience)?

Applying for a mobility grant

In most European countries individual students/learners cannot apply.

All students interested in performing mobility activities abroad can apply for a grant through their own institution and according to the internal procedures of each institution. In some countries it is also possible to apply directly at the national organization, especially in case of apprenticeship.

Students can also ask at school if there is an internship coordinator for Leonardo da Vinci Mobility projects.

More information can be obtained from the National Agency in each country.

List of Leonardo da Vinci National Agencies at: http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/leonardo/new/leonardo2/nalist2_en.html

Which documents are necessary to apply for a mobility grant?

The documents needed for applying for a mobility experience abroad very from country to country.

Most of the time it is a CV (Europass CV) and a Letter of motivation highlighting the reasons why to be selected to go abroad

Sometimes applicants are asked to fill in an Application form.

• Students can get the details from the teacher/tutor/coordinator at school
• People with a VET degree, University graduates and teaching staff/VET professionals can get information on the application documents at "International Mobility Opportunities" on E.R.M.E.S. homepage.

When the opportunity of going abroad becomes real

Only selected trainees of one of the projects hosted in E.R.M.E.S. Mobility Portal can register in the reserved area.

Registered members will benefit of the following information and tools for the different stages of the mobility experience:

Before – Preparation of the mobility experience

• Preparation before departure tailored to the specific needs and covering cultural, pedagogical, legal and financial aspects
• Pre-departure assessment of language and intercultural communication skills
• Logistical support concerning travel arrangements, insurance, social security and health assistance abroad
• Information about the hosting training organisation/company abroad
• Learning Agreement to be signed by the student/learner, the sending and hosting organisations

During – Implementation of the mobility experience

• Hints for a successful mobility experience
• Online forms that are needed during the mobility experience abroad
• Formats for writing daily/weekly reports
• A forum/discussion board where participants can send text messages, carry out conversations, post videos and pictures
• Self-assessment of the mobility experience by trainees

After – Assessment of the mobility experience

• Formats for writing the mobility experience final report
• Online final assessment of the mobility experience by trainees
• European Certificate (Europass Mobility, Europass Language Passport)