Periods of stay abroad hold many benefits for a vocational training with the future in mind. They prepare people for the requirements of the international world of work. They enable (more intensive) learning of:
- foreign languages
- intercultural competence
- special techniques in the skilled trades and industry
- social and personal skills
Taking on the skills shortage through mobility periods abroad
Nowadays in particular, there is an urgent demand for apprentices. The chance to gain experience abroad during training has also become a deciding factor for young people – not only with regard to the choice of training employer, but also in choosing between vocational training and university study.
This is why the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) supports people in vocational education and training (VET) who wish to go for a period of learning abroad. We want to increase the number of apprentices with international experience. This is an explicit aim of the BMBF’s Initiative for Excellence in Vocational Education and Training.
What ways are there to gain international experience?
Training under the dual system combines learning at a part-time vocational school with work in a company. This way apprentices can apply their acquired knowledge quickly.
An internship abroad is the appropriate format for a period abroad because apprentices can apply and enhance their knowledge in an international work environment.
Guidance and funding
Apprentices and those responsible for training at vocational schools and companies receive support and guidance when planning stays abroad. Many funding programmes are available to provide financial aid.
We support experience abroad with five central programmes
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For apprentices, vocational school students
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If you are an apprentice in training and would like to go for a stay abroad, have a look at the www.MeinAuslandspraktikum.de service portal. It has all the information you need about doing an internship abroad. The website’s scholarship finder tool is a collection of all the funding programmes available. Have a look at the reports from other apprentices for inspiration!
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Information for trainers
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Thinking about opening up ways for apprentices to go for a stay abroad? The www.Auslandsberatung-Ausbildung.de service portal has information for training staff in training companies and at vocational schools. Besides explaining the benefits of a stay abroad, the portal offers tips for planning and practical examples. The scholarship finder directs you to all the funding programmes for mobility periods abroad in vocational education and training.
Editorial deadline for this text: 01.11.2024
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Global learning with the AusbildungWeltweit (VETWorldwide) programme
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The VETWorldwide programme offers funding for learning experiences worldwide lasting from three weeks to three months. It enables apprentices in the dual VET system, vocational students and trainers to gain experience in international companies - which the companies providing training also benefit from. The vocational school, the host company or the chamber makes the application for funding. Arrangements can be made to visit the partner institution in the host country to help with overall planning.
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Learn in Europe with Erasmus+
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Erasmus+ has supported mutual learning and collaborative work in Europe since 1987. During vocational training, apprentices, students at vocational schools and graduates in the first year after gaining qualifications can do an internship in one of the 33 countries participating in the Erasmus+ programme. During their stay, young people learn skills for their future work life and experience how it is to live together in Europe. The BMBF coordinates implementation of the programme for Germany. To find out all about the programme visit www.erasmusplus.de. For information about vocational education and training (VET) visit www.na-bibb.de.
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ProTandem: Franco-German exchange
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The group exchange programme lets apprentices and continuing education learners do part of their training in the partner country France and thus experience other educational programmes in a new sociocultural environment. Working together helps to overcome language barriers, and young German and French people and adults can make new contacts. The institutions and companies involved also stand to benefit from the exchange of experience.
Terms and conditions, first steps
At first glance, organizing a stay abroad can seem a bit overwhelming. We explain a few basic issues here to make planning a bit easier.
Does a stay abroad mean an interruption of training?
The Vocational Training Act (Art. 2(3) BBiG) allows for periods of training abroad. The law establishes a maximum period equivalent to one quarter of the period of training. The subject matter taught during the stay abroad must be aligned with the training curriculum.
What should I do if I want to go abroad during my training period?
Talk to your teachers at your vocational school and the trainers at the company providing training. They must give their support for your period of learning abroad to ensure that it doesn’t count as an absence. Together you should consider where and when the internship abroad can take place.
When is a good time to go for an internship abroad?
Doing an internship abroad – provided you have the agreement of the company providing training and part-time vocational school is possible at any time. The ideal point in time is after Part 1 of the final examination or intermediate examination and a school-free phase. This way you won’t miss much classroom instruction.
How do I integrate periods of stay abroad in my training programme?
Training companies, vocational schools or chambers should consider basic conditions as a first step. For example:
For which target group do you want to enable a period abroad?
Is there a partner institution which can take in your apprentices?
What are the learning goals to be achieved? Which host country and length of stay are appropriate?
The answers to these questions define next planning steps and suitable funding programmes. The www.Auslandsberatung-Ausbildung.de service portal provides further guidance.
What about insurance?
You must have sufficient insurance coverage for the time spent abroad to ensure that any incurred costs are covered. Insurance should cover illness while abroad and repatriation, workplace accidents and liability insurance for damages (in a private or company environment).
Editorial deadline for this text: 01.11.2024