Erasmus+ "Waves of Learning": international mobilities that broaden horizons
As part of the Erasmus+ project "Waves of Learning", students of our school took part in vocational mobilities in Portugal, Italy and Turkey, where they had the opportunity to gain new professional knowledge, develop practical skills, get to know different education systems and experience the richness of European and international cultural diversity.
During the mobility in Portugal, from 19 to 30 January, the students stayed in Setúbal. Through cooperation with the company Rotas do Sal, they had the chance to learn how work is organised on tourist boats, tour the engine room and control systems, and take part in vessel maintenance and preparation. Through practical tasks they developed skills in knot tying, safety equipment checks and the application of basic procedures for safe work at sea. A particular highlight was the cooperation between students of the nautical and marine engineering programmes, which enabled an exchange of knowledge and experience and further enriched the learning process. Alongside the vocational activities, the students got to know Portuguese culture through visits to Setúbal, Lisbon and Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe.
After Portugal, a mobility in Italy followed in March. From 16 to 27 March the students stayed in Pescara and attended daily classes at the maritime school Istituto Tecnico Nautico Statale "Leone Acciaiuoli" in Ortona. There they worked on navigation simulators, learned about collision avoidance procedures at sea, shipboard safety procedures and modern technologies used in the maritime industry. A particularly valuable experience was the visit to specialised maritime safety training centres and companies involved in offshore engineering. The mobility was further enriched by cultural activities and time spent with Italian students.
The final mobility of this project took place in Antalya, Turkey, from 13 to 24 April 2026. It was carried out in cooperation with the partner school Fettah Tamince Mesleki ve Teknik Anadolu Lisesi. The students took part in lectures and workshops on engine components, shipbuilding, technical drawing in SolidWorks, the MARPOL Convention and marine environmental protection. They were especially interested in working on the Transas simulator, learning about safety procedures at sea and taking part in practical firefighting exercises. In the second week of the mobility (from 20 to 24 April) they were joined by two vocational teachers on a job shadowing assignment, Jere Bilan (marine engineering) and Tomislav Klarin (nautical studies). The teachers had the opportunity to get to know the Turkish education system and the specific features of vocational education in Antalya. During their stay, both students and teachers explored Turkey's rich history and natural beauty through visits to the cultural and natural landmarks of Antalya and its surroundings.
All three mobilities confirmed the importance of international experience for the development of students' professional, language and personal competences. By working in real conditions, cooperating with peers from other countries and getting to know different cultures, the participants gained knowledge and skills that will serve them well in their further education and professional development.
At the end of the programme, the students and teachers returned home richer for new experiences, friendships and memories they will treasure for a long time. The Erasmus+ project "Waves of Learning" has once again shown that international mobilities are a valuable step towards better education, personal growth and a more successful professional future for our students.
We thank the European Union, the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes, and all the partners and hosts who made these valuable mobilities possible.
