Study visit in Brussels in the fields of higher education and vocational education and training

Applications are now open for a short-term study visit between 22 and 24 October 2024. The deadline for applications is 30 June.

This is a pilot three-day study visit that will focus on collaboration between the sectors of higher education (HE) and vocational education and training (VET).

From the HE perspective, the study visit is primarily intended at “professionally” oriented higher education institutions that cooperate (or are interested in cooperating) with VET schools and stakeholders. Specifically, the study visit targets internationalization officers, project managers from the rectorate, faculties and departments and other staff from these HEIs who are involved in or interested in internationalization in education.

From the VET perspective, the study visit is primarily intended for representatives of regional authorities responsible for the VET agenda and the internationalization of education at a practical level. The study visit targets representatives who function as project managers or support secondary vocational schools in their involvement in international activities, or other relevant staff who want to learn more about this topic.

During the study visit, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about EU policies on international education and the European Education Area as well as current strategies. They will also be able to delve deeper into the functioning of the Erasmus+ programme, focusing on activities that promote cooperation between HE and VET. The aim of the study visit is to give participants the opportunity to better understand the EU institutions, relevant European associations and their activities in the field of international education. The study visit will also introduce the approach of Belgian educational institutions to international cooperation in HE and VET and will enable the participants to establish contacts with relevant organizations.

The three-day study visit will consist of thematic meetings with staff of EU institutions, experts from the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU, representatives of Belgian educational institutions and other stakeholders active in Brussels. Throughout the study visit, participants will be accompanied by the CZELO office staff. The detailed programme will be specified, among other things, on the basis of the profiles of the selected participants and the current situation.  

The study visit will take place from 22-24 October, and applications can be submitted up to and including 30 June. Applicants will be selected on the basis of a motivation letter, which is included in the registration form. Information about the planned support for the cooperation of higher and vocational education and training should also be included in the motivation letter. As most of the study visit will be conducted in English, an English level of at least B2 is required. In total, 6-8 places are available, ideally equally divided between higher education institutions and regional representatives. At the same time, priority will be given to candidates so that each represents a different institution.

Candidates will be informed of the results by mid-July 2024 at the latest. A preparatory webinar will be held one to two weeks before the actual study visit, during which participants will learn more details about the program, the meeting schedule and expectations for a smooth running of the study visit. All participants are expected to actively participate, share experiences from their institutions and engage in discussions.

Participation in the study visit is free of charge; travel and accommodation costs are covered by the sending institution/participant. The cost of the study visit cannot be funded by the Erasmus+ programme.