NAME OF THE PROJECT: Early years education in EuropeBACKGROUND:Regular internships and practical training form an integral part of the curriculum of the College of Nursery Education. An internship in another European country is not compulsory. However, excellent students of 4th grade are highly encouraged to take the opportunity and gain experience abroad. An internship in the field of early years education in a foreign country is advantageous for the students' future career and should foster independence. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:* Application and improvement of knowledge, skills and qualifications acquired in education and training; * Enhanced chances on the national, European and international job market* Promotion of flexibility and mobility * Development of life skills, personality and independence* Growth of responsibility and self-determination * Coping with duties and challenges in a foreign country and a multicultural workplace * Improvement of communication and English language skills* Learning basic phrases in Swedish, Finnish and Spanish* Promotion of intercultural dialogue* Forming of friendships* Encountering new organisations, cultures, working processes and structuresNUMBER AND PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTS:Nine students will complete a two-week internship in different European countries in summer 2016, between 27 June 2016 and the end of August 2016. The destinations are Spain, England, Sweden and Finland. These countries have been chosen by the students in order to improve and apply their language skills and to learn about new pedagogic concepts and structures. Persons involved: Headmistress Margit Gangl, project coordinators Christiane Gassenbauer & Renate Loidl, English teachers: Ulrike Haas und Angelika Mittendorfer, geography teacher: Peter Atzmanstorfer, kindergarten didactics and practical training: Ingrid Edelmann, Brigitte Merlotti, Rosa Huber, Sabine Feichtinger and Romana Stadler.ACTIVITIES:The aim of the institutionalised practical training and internships is to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the subjects pedagogy and didactics as required by the job profile of a nursery teacher. The students will gain experience in the field of observation and the planning and conducting of learning incentives, especially the fostering of motor skills, artistic skills and language development. PROJECT MANAGEMENT MEASURES & TOOLSProject management tools include ECVET Elements (Learning Agreement, Cooperation Agreement).The Cooperation Agreement forms the basis of the cooperation between our organisation and the partner organisations. It contains the criteria for a successful cooperation and the duties of the project partners.The Learning Agreement provides more transparency and ensures that the trainee only has to complete tasks in compliance with her education, skills and knowledge. The trainees have to document their experiences and hand in a final report. EVALUATION AND IMPACT:The trainees will acquire life skills e.g. self-confidence and self-management and will broaden their horizons, which will have an impact on the education and training provided at our school. They will be aware of the importance of language learning and will be more motivated to learn new languages. The exchange of ideas and pedagogic concepts and structures will further and improve practical training at our school.Students and parents are increasingly aware of the importance of this project concerning chances on the job market and starting a career in pedagogy. Our long-term plans regarding the dissemination and promotion of this project are information meetings for parents and students and presentations for other classes. Furthermore, the project will be presented at the school's Open Day.