Project: "VEED" Cooperation: Friedrich-List-Schule Ulm / Germany and Lycée Émiland-Gauthey Chalon-sur-Saône / France (Organization of an exchange for vocational schools / un partenariat avec une école de commerce allemand) Friedrich-List-Schule Ulm, Kornhausplatz 7, 89073 Ulm / Donau, Tel.: 0731 / 1613882, www.fls-ulm.de Lycée Emiland Gauthey, 23 place du Collège, BP 10113, F- 71321 Chalon-sur-Saône Cedex, Frankreich, Tel.: 00333.85.42.47.20, Fax: 00333.85.42.47.17, E-Mail: 0711729u@ac-dijon.fr Concept: The main focus of the project is the preparation of the students for the European labour market. At the host school, appropriate tandem partners from different training areas are being chosen by job interviews. The students work in tandem and take part in daily work in a business administration department. Consequently, students gain an insight into other operating structures and work routines. During the stay in the host country, the students from the partner schools should get to know the different school systems and the world of work. The focus lies on the capacity to act. The students should develop the latter and learn how to deal with challenging situations, including language difficulties (solution: the use of the English language). The exchange promotes the students’ independence and also helps to develop the ability of problem-solving further. The students should learn to think critically. Mobility: Mobility plays an increasingly important role in the labour market. Students should take the chance to experience new situations and to show commitment by gathering learning experiences abroad, which can also be important for the further professional life experiences. Learning and working in Europe can be a big advantage in the student’s application - whether at home or abroad. Reducing barriers - strengthening self-confidence - showing commitment: Students should gather learning and working experience abroad / France. Their age and the level of acquired competences do not matter at all. The exchange shall promote the development of their own self-awareness and encourage the students. The learning contents of the stay were discussed with the French colleagues in Chalon-sur-Saône beforehand (visit of school and company). Experienced teachers in France, also speaking German, provide support. Competency goals of the exchange programme are: • Promotion of intercultural competence: The students open up to other cultures, develop tolerance and acceptance concerning other ways of thinking and behaviour. They are sensitized with regard to differences in mentality; they integrate within the host family, the class and the company and get into contact with others. They are open to new ideas. • Enhancement of professional skills: Students learn special working and learning techniques. They communicate directly or by phone with clients and colleagues in a foreign language, and use their knowledge practically. • Strengthening of social and self-competence: The students overcome language barriers. They strengthen their personality and gain confidence. They inform themselves independently of work routines. • Acquisition of the Euro passport mobility: The exchange takes place once a year per partner school (in February/March and March/April). The group size or the maximum number of participants per exchange is approximately 10 students. These 10 students are accompanied and looked after each time by 2 French or rather by 2 German teachers. At each school, there are 4 teachers involved in the project. Apart from a visit of school and companies there are city tours and excursions taking place to discover art and culture as well as the country and its people. These trips are important for the general education of the students.