Dimitris, 31, international studies
What did you learn/gain from this training program?
Through the programme “Steps to a career” we learned a great deal about European labor market and developed personal and professional skills. In my opinion, the most important and interesting part of the programme was the exchange of opinions and experiences that took place among the participants on work-related issues, something that gave us the opportunity to approach these issues through a wider, European prism.
The Programme included extensive references to online tools that can be used not only for finding a job, but also to get useful information on European labor market. The tools that we explored were LinkedIn and EURES. I think that the EURES presentation was quite illuminating, since provides answers and information on a series of practical and crucial issues such as employment rights at the EU level. As we live in a time where employment mobility is increasing, the knowledge of these online tools is extremely useful and, up to a certain point, necessary. As a person with a deep interest in youth policies, I intend mainly at the dissemination of these tools among young people.
The programme was mainly concerned with informal learning methods and how can be useful to relevant issues (such as finding a job and developing employment skills). Through this programme and personal experiences I firmly believe that informal learning can be beneficiary for the participants – either youth workers, or unemployed. The distinguished feature of informal learning (and this is where we see their significance as learning methods) is that they have multiple benefits. I.e. they are not confined in the particular learning subject, but include the active participation of the learners in engaging activities. This encourages the learners to develop important skills such as communication and creative thinking.
The project fulfilled its objective in a more than satisfactory way, and, personally exceeded my expectations. On this occasion, I would like to thank all people who were involved in its successful organisation. Through the programme youth workers gained knowledge and transferable skills that can contribute substantially on how to work guide young unemployed. The enhancement of our knowledge regarding European labor market, the detailed information about the possibilities offered by relevant online tools (e.g. EURES), the application in practice of what we learned in theory (e.g. how to build a good CV) and the information that was given to us by experts in labor market will significantly help youth workers in advising and work guiding young unemployed.
It was your first participation in an Erasmus+ Youth Project ; What are your impressions in general? Will you participate again in a similar action with InterMedi@KT?
This was the first time I participated in an Erasmus+ Youth Project. The impressions were extremely positive and they refer to the quality of the programme content as well as to the people who participated and mainly made it happen. Of course I would participate in a similar project and at that point I would like to thank the InterMedi@kt team for offering me the opportunity to be part of the specific project, for their support and their excellent, professional attitude.
Eleni, 23, business administration
What did you learn/gain from this training program?
The educational program gave me the opportunity to discover an new way of approach in subjects concerning new job opportunities but also careers. I managed to find more about myself and know better my possibilities. I developed leadership abilities and I explored new options. I learned to make hard decisions and trust my instinct. The program helped me improve my abilities and discover new possibilities. The contacts I had with new people from different nationalities helped me discover new ways of thinking and of course to work as a team.
We are Going through a difficult time in which finding a job is scarce for European citizens. The competition is very big because most people have a good educational attainment. But there are some tools that are important and can help in this problem. New technologies and digital media networking are some of those tools that can be used to attain it (Job). Well, using the various social media nowadays we meet new people, new career opportunities but also education. For example, the European Employment Services EURES (European Employment Services) that facilitate and provide information, advice and recruitment / placement to the employee and job seeker in another European country and employers seek resumes of candidates for work.
Learning has a personal and an individual character. Every person learns on its own unique way. Learning, of course isn’t completed only through a specific educational system, but through a continuing progress. Apart from the typical learning there is also an informal way of learning. The informal way of learning is the proceedings where every person throughout his life learns and acquires value, possibilities, abilities and knowledge from everyday experience ad influence he gets from the people around him (work, family, neighbors, leisure time activities, libraries. Means of communication, internet etc). So this way of learning addresses to people of different educational levels and depends on the individual needs.
The educational program managed to help the participants to change their way of thinking in plenty of subjects. It helped them in an attractive way to see work and also unemployment in a different way. They were informed about new trends but also the needs of the working market. They also managed to know themselves better and as a result become better people and be better prepared for the difficulties in the working market. Therefore all this information gave them new possibilities and abilities so they can be ready to advice and driven new unemployed people according to the European dimension of the working market.
It was your first participation in an Erasmus+ Youth Project ; What are your impressions in general? Will you participate again in a similar action with InterMedi@KT?
It was the first time participating in the project Youth Erasmus+ program and I can safely say that my experience has changed the manner in which i saw situations. It was a very worthwhile experience and I think I left from there with new approaches, more developed skills and abilities, but also with new acquaintances and friendships that definitely helped me become a wiser person. Romania was very nice and the different civilizations and different cultures left the best impressions. I would definitely like to participate again.
John, 27, business IT
What did you learn/gain from this training program?
It was without any doubt a very strong, interesting and beneficial experience. I had to coexist with many people from different countries so improve communication skills and I took so much knowledge about different countries I have not visited yet. The educational part of the program, helped me learn how is to work collaboratively and feel so creative with the whole process but with the result.
The job search in Europe is a demanding and complex process that needs proper information and tools. For example, the European Employment Services EURES (European Employment Services) that facilitate and provide information, advice and recruitment / placement to the employee and job seeker in another European country and employers seek resumes of candidates for work. I have the opportunity to register my CV on-line in any of the 26 languages of professional portal, so that employers can seek out, basis of qualifications and ability. Also I collect information on living conditions and the labor market in each country on the site, so as to be informed and prepared about the destination I have chosen.
The topics of the project was very well prepared, effective and targeted. Informal education was very creative and constructive. Apart from me who was enjoying all the time and leave me a very good impression, but I noticed and other participants told me that they like too. At first we were cautious but whenthe ice broke, it was the best part of education. I would also like to mention how important it was that we came into contact with people with special knowledge and experience. We had the opportunity to talk to us, to advise us, to share experiences and ask them that we want.
I can say with certainty that by participating in this program, I have skills and information that before I have not held and I intend to use them in the effort to seek work in a European country. After the experience of the Erasmus+ and what gained by, they have opened new horizons working and plan to look for in seeking job in another country. Following this experience, I believe that I can help people who would desire to do the same as I have complete experience, in theory and in practice.
It was your first participation in an Erasmus+ Youth Project ; What are your impressions in general? Will you participate again in a similar action with InterMedi@KT?
Yes it was my first participation in Erasmus+ program and I can say with certainty that ended with the best impressions. It was a unique experience. They say that it doesn’t matter in what city and country you are but it is more important with whom you are. This experience was unique because the participants and the organizers did. I met so many people from different countries, this in itself is a rich experience, even more when with these people, i will have to remember fantastic memories. If I attended again a similar action? I wish!