The course did not impress me, but the people did. Why were they the biggest benefit of my mobility?

Within Erasmus+, our colleague Radka Vajgelová attended a course on global competences in Brussels. Why didn’t she like the course? And why were the people she met the biggest benefit of her mobility? Read below.

My five days in Brussels enriched me with new experiences, international contacts, and, above all, a stronger conviction that international cooperation through Erasmus+ projects makes real sense, both for individuals and for educational institutions.

I attended the School Internationalization: Building Global Competencies course with high expectations. The curriculum seemed ambitious, and I was particularly interested in learning how to systematically build an international community and develop the character of a European organization in the field of education.

Our school has long been one of the leaders in adult language education in Slovakia, and in recent years we have also been intensively developing our children’s department. A natural part of our direction is the effort to share our know-how beyond the borders of our country. We do this through volunteer activities, high-quality webinars, practical e-books, and an annual conference for foreign language teachers. We share our deeper expertise through teacher training courses and online CPD programs.
That is why I participated in the mobility program. I wanted to clarify how to build international cooperation and identify the directions in which we can further develop as an organization within the European context.

Although the course content itself was not the main benefit for me, the mobility experience clearly highlighted something equally important: the value of high-quality lecturers and professional guidance in adult education. It also provided space for reflection and comparison, which made me even more aware of how essential it is to offer education that is not only relevant in content, but also practical and inspiring.

The greatest enrichment, however, came from the people. The course participants, experienced teachers, coordinators, and Erasmus+ project experts, brought a wealth of real-life experience. Through informal discussions and the sharing of good practice, I fully realized the impact that exchanges and international projects can have on schools, teachers, and students. Erasmus+ brings fresh perspectives to institutions, opens minds, and supports a culture of cooperation.

Beyond the professional program, Brussels itself was a wonderful bonus to the overall mobility experience. The city offers a unique combination of history, European identity, and a multicultural atmosphere. Exploring local landmarks, cuisine, and everyday life naturally broadened my horizons and reminded me that international education is not only about projects, but also about interpersonal and cultural understanding.

After returning home, I reflected on how we can contribute to the international community of schools and educational institutions. We have the know-how, experience, and willingness to try new approaches. The key, however, lies in clearly defining priorities and setting a long-term strategy, starting from within and gradually moving outward.

Topics and areas we aim to further develop and share internationally include:
Cognitive fitness in adults and students, with a focus on building cognitive health
Coaching skills for teachers and students, particularly coaching focused on EQ development
The HLT project, Humanizing Language Teaching
Green skills for teachers and students, supporting sustainable environments in schools

Erasmus+ offers many opportunities to connect institutions, share experience, and find common synergies. Open dialogue, partnerships, and cooperation allow us to test our ideas in a broader international context while continuing to grow.

My time in Brussels provided space for reflection, new inspiration, and valuable know-how related to the preparation and submission of Erasmus+ projects. Each country and institution has its own specifics, priorities, and direction, and it is precisely this diversity that represents the greatest strength of international cooperation.

Text: Radka Vajgelová/Edited by: Kamila Jančíková/Photos: Radka Vajgelová

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Národná agentúra programu Erasmus+ pre vzdelávanie a odbornú prípravu (SAAIC). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.