Politeknika Ikastegia Txorierri (P.I.T) is currently participating (2009-2011) as a partner in the IOA2 Project (International Operations Agent), which is funded by the European Community.  The main objective of IOA2 is to develop the professional competences of VET teaching staff and coordinators who work in an international context.  The project partners which include Spain (P.I.T), Holland, Finland and Lithuania, have developed a self evaluation tool and an online training course in English.  The course also offers three face to face sessions.  In the first session, participants receive information about the course and the self evaluation tool using Moodle.  A key part of the training is based on the direct transfer of knowledge. Professional staff with accumulated experience in international coordination act as mentors to those new to the field.

The second session offers the possibility of international interaction, knowledge exchange and best practices as the 3 day course is given to three participants from each of the project partners’ countries (Holland, Finland, Lithuania and the Basque Country) at a chosen destination.  This session took place in Zwolle, Holland from the 11th-14th January 2011.  The third session will take place at the beginning of March and will allow the participants to reflect on, debate and evaluate the course.

During the pilot course, three teachers from HETEL, Ane Ruiloba (from San Viator), Nekane Ugartemendia (from Salesianos) and Joseba Ramos (from Goierri Eskola) were invited to participate.  They relate:

 “It’s been an intense and enriching experience, not only because of the professional training but also because of the personal experience.

Professionally, we’ve been able to observe how each country has its own reality and needs in international relations work.  While initially this may seem to be obstacle, we have found that diversity has been truly positive. More than that: Diversity is an opportunity!”

We see it as necessary to have internationalisation integrated into the curriculum. That way, students would be able to have intercultural experiences that they will never get from a textbook.  Centres should also aim to raise awareness among staff of the importance of internationalisation.

On the other hand, personally, it has been an opportunity to get to know another country, another culture and to share enriching experiences with participants from other countries.

It’s gratifying and encouraging to see, that in spite of coming from different cultural contexts, we all share the same aims and dreams which are, as staff and students to be professionally and interculturally more competent.”