Professional Exchange – Funding of International Projects for Vocational Schools

The Foundation for the Promotion of International Youth Exchange in Bavaria enables cross-border educational experiences for trainees and teachers at vocational schools, vocational colleges, technical schools, business schools, technical academies, technical secondary schools (FOS), and vocational secondary schools (BOS) in Bavaria through the "Professional Exchange" program. Through start-up and interim financing, international projects are initiated that promote innovative learning methods and cooperative partnerships. The goal is to build long-term networks and impart competencies in intercultural collaboration and professional project work to trainees and teachers. Applications can be submitted at any time, allowing for flexible planning in a variety of countries.

Examples of funding include short internships, interdisciplinary projects involving multiple vocational schools, joint events, or preparatory visits by teachers and youth work professionals. An application requires that the project offers an innovative added value, that the destination country aligns with the project focus, and that the results are disseminated with public impact. Sustainability is also emphasized: a lasting continuation should be achieved and a viable network established. Evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, suitability of the destination country, public impact, sustainability, and network development. Through continuous support of model initiatives, impulses for the internationalization of vocational schools throughout Bavaria are generated, and long-term synergies with the EU program Erasmus+ are created.