Autor: esmoadmin

5-step method to prepare and support our participants in their intership in Valencia.

We have news! The development of a new way of preparing and supporting our participants. This method is called the ESMOWAY, and it is an adaptable 5-step process that we are implementing with our students, which lets them capitalize on their internship in Valencia from the very beginning of their stay.

This method was born from the recognition of the importance of actively cultivating transversal skills during the entirety of the participants’ stay.

Why the need of ESMOWAY?

Here in ESMOVIA, we keep up with the times. We know that in our post-covid world, it is more important than ever to place focus on transversal soft skills like adaptability, resilience, and self-awareness; capabilities that can truly help individuals navigate the complexities of the world nowadays.

During our years of expertise as a mobility provider, we have also identified five universal capacities which heavily influence if the students feel satisfied overall, both personally and professionally, during their stay abroad. These five universal capacities are the following:

  • Attitude
  • Autonomy
  • Adaptation
  • Awareness
  • Intercultural Abilities

Most young people are currently having difficulty in the process of managing themselves and the direction they are going, but even more, managing why they are going in this direction. Having a toolkit and training can make all the difference.

To whom is addressed?

We work with students from the age of sixteen to their early twenties. Young adults from a variety of European countries, having their first work experience in internships, but not only this, their first work experience in another country. We believe you can imagine that this experience is both extremely enriching and utterly challenging for these young adults.

How do we do this?

Through different group dynamic activities, this method focuses on increasing the self-awareness and self-confidence of our students, so they can be more critical, more capable of handling the ups and downs of the experience and ultimately be happier and more empowered during their journey; both here and when they go back home.

The steps to the ESMOWAY method are the following five:

  • Step 1 – Understand and Recognize
    • The focus of this step is for our students to understand the process of culture shock and be able to recognize where they place themselves in the process. Conversations are stimulated about intercultural biases between one’s home country and the new country of destination.
  • Step 2 – Dream and Discover
    • The focus of this step is for our students to go deeper and more profound into their dormant motivations and passions, to get excited about new realities they can develop. Students discover qualities about themselves that serve for their future steps, such as their natural leadership style.
  • Step 3 – Set Objectives
    • The focus of this step is for our students to be able to organize in a visual format, their strengths, and areas of improvement, across various facets in their professional and personal lives. Tony Robbin’s rapid planning method is used to help establish a realistic working method for goal setting.
  • Step 4 – Act and Challenge
    • The focus of this step is for our students to act based on their previous self-awareness work, so they can learn how to convert their objectives into reality. Through this process, they understand themselves in relation to others, and take on challenges within the city both personally and professionally, to consolidate the importance of taking steps in a direction to achieve one’s goals.
  • Step 5 – Reflect and Connect
    • The focus of this step is for our students to actively practice their empathy skills, to be able to analyze their work abroad experience through the lens of critical thinking and the consideration of pros and cons. Students can write a letter to themselves about their stay and their achievements, to stimulate positive self-talk communication and recognition.

When do we do this?

The above-mentioned activities are incorporated into the different meetings we have with our students.

The number of meetings the participants have with ESMOVIA depends on the length of their stay. Each group always has one initial Welcome Meeting, a fortnightly Follow-Up meeting and a Final Meeting at the end of their stay.

Ultimately, our focus is on educating empowered individuals with empathy and interpersonal skills, able to experience and share in different cultures and countries. And to do this, we are on our way… the ESMOWAY. Come join us, we’d love to have you on board.

In the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 framework, the concept of blended mobility —a combination of virtual and physical activities— has become a core component. At ESMOVIA, we’ve embraced this innovation by offering online preparation through VIRGIL-MOB, ensuring all participants are ready for their internship in Valencia.

What is VIRGIL-MOB?

VIRGIL-MOB, short for VIRtual Gateway to Innovative Learning in MOBility, is an online course developed by ESMOVIA that provides participants with essential tools to prepare for their internship abroad. Designed to complement physical mobility with virtual learning, it enhances the overall experience by simulating real-life scenarios participants will face in Valencia.

Who is it for?

The VIRGIL-MOB course is specifically designed for European learners participating in mobility projects in Valencia with ESMOVIA. Created with a tech-savvy audience in mind, it caters to students who are familiar with digital platforms and prefer quick, engaging learning formats.

Duration

The course spans two weeks and requires approximately 20 hours to complete, but participants can progress at their own pace. This flexibility allows learners to review content as needed and ensures they are well-prepared for their upcoming internship or mobility experience.

The course has a duration of 2 weeks with an stimated total involvement of 20 hours. It can be done at students’ own pace, so they can review the content anytime. 

Course content 

The VIRGIL-MOB course consists of two key modules:

  • Module 1: Career Guidance (provided in English)
    • Unit 1 – Self-Analysis
    • Unit 2 – Curriculum Vitae
    • Unit 3 – Cover letters
    • Unit 4 – Interviews
  • Module 2 – Spanish Survival Kit (provided in spanish)

    • Unit 1 – Daily life
    • Unit 2 – At home
    • Unit 3 – At the company
    • Unit 4 – Free time

To enhance the learning experience for a diverse audience, all video content is subtitled in Italian, French, Polish, Romanian, Hungarian and German, ensuring that participants from various countries can easily follow the course.

Each module includes short, engaging videos (2-4 minutes), followed by quizzes and tasks that reinforce learning.

Evaluation and feedback

Participants receive instant feedback through multiple-choice questions and are required to complete final tasks for each unit. An ESMOVIA tutor reviews the tasks, providing personalized feedback to ensure participants are fully prepared for their mobility in Valencia.

Certification

Upon completing the course, participants receive two certificates outlining the learning outcomes as well as the duration.

Recognition of blended mobility

The 20-hour online course is recognized by many partner organizations as part of the blended mobility model, encouraged by the Erasmus+ programme.

Ready to Begin?

Prepare for your mobility and enhance your internship in Valencia with VIRGIL-MOB. Dive into the course today and get ready to thrive in Spain!

At ESMOVIA, we are committed to continuous improvement, and our mobility management system, MASYMO, is no exception.

As we adapt to the ever-changing needs of students and teachers involved in mobility projects, MASYMO (MAnagement SYstem for MObility) is evolving with innovative features designed to simplify the coordination of mobilities.

Whether organizing Erasmus mobilities for students or facilitating professional development courses for teachers, MASYMO ensures smooth collaboration with our partner organizations.

Why MASYMO?

MASYMO was designed to meet the specific needs we’ve identified over years of managing student and teacher mobility programmes. It simplifies the logistical process for ESMOVIA and our partners, centralizing key information in one easy-to-access platform.

All mobility stakeholders—sending organizations, participants, and ESMOVIA staff—are invited to contribute their part by entering crucial data into MASYMO. From participant lists and flight details to uploading CVs or assigning host companies and accommodation, MASYMO collects it all in one place for a seamless experience.

How MASYMO Supports Mobility Stakeholders

MASYMO is the ultimate tool for organizing Erasmus mobilities, benefiting students, teachers, and ESMOVIA staff in multiple ways. Here’s how each group can take advantage of its features:

For Sending Organizations:

  • Simple participant registration process.
  • Assignment of flight details for each participant.
  • Uploads for insurance information and accommodation rooming lists 🆕
  • Real-time progress tracking as participants complete their online forms
  • Immediate access to accommodation details and internship placements 🆕
  • Downloadable information vouchers for smooth coordination 🆕
  • Downloadable information vouchers for smooth coordination 🆕

For Participants:

Those participating in internships in Spain or other mobility and training programs coordinated by ESMOVIA can:

  • Complete their online application forms with personal information, such as CV, passport photo, ID, dietary preferences, professional experience, and internship preferences.
  • Manage their application forms directly through the EsMobile app for a more convenient experience 🆕

For ESMOVIA Staff:

ESMOVIA staff benefit from MASYMO’s ability to quickly generate all essential mobility documents, from financial agreements and internship contracts to certificates and final reports, streamlining the entire process and reducing the chance of errors.

By consolidating all data in one place and automating the production of necessary documents, MASYMO minimizes organizational errors and enhances the overall mobility experience for everyone involved.

Ready for Your Next Mobility Adventure?

Thanks to MASYMO, ESMOVIA is fully equipped to support students and teachers participating in mobility and training opportunities.

Now, we’re all set for the next round of mobilities. See you in Valencia!

The Erasmus Plus mobility program has long been celebrated for its transformative impact on students and young professionals. However, in recent years, the program has expanded its reach to include seniors, recognizing the unique needs, opportunities, and benefits that mobility programs can offer older adults.

Erasmus Plus Mobility Programs for Seniors

Erasmus Plus offers a range of mobility programs specifically designed to cater to the needs and interests of seniors. These programs provide older adults with the opportunity to travel, learn, and engage in meaningful activities that promote personal growth and well-being. From cultural exchanges and language immersion programs to professional development courses and volunteer opportunities, Erasmus Plus mobility programs empower seniors to embrace new adventures and unlock new horizons.

Benefits of Mobility Programs for Seniors

Participating in mobility programs through Erasmus Plus offers seniors a multitude of benefits, both personally and professionally. These include:

  1. Lifelong Learning: Mobility programs provide seniors with opportunities for continuous learning and personal development, allowing them to explore new interests, acquire new skills, and expand their knowledge base.
  2. Social Connection: Engaging in mobility programs enables seniors to connect with like-minded individuals from different backgrounds and cultures, fostering friendships and social bonds that enrich their lives and combat social isolation.
  3. Cultural Enrichment: Mobility programs offer seniors the chance to immerse themselves in new cultures, traditions, and ways of life, broadening their perspectives and deepening their appreciation for diversity and multiculturalism.
  4. Health and Well-being: Participating in mobility programs promotes physical and mental well-being among seniors, encouraging them to stay active, engaged, and socially connected, which can have positive effects on overall health and quality of life.

ESMOVIA’s Commitment to Seniors

At ESMOVIA, we are dedicated to organizing inclusive and engaging programs for seniors that cater to their unique needs and interests. From educational workshops to outdoor activities and study visits, we strive to create memorable experiences that inspire, educate, and empower older adults to live life to the fullest.

Recently, ESMOVIA hosted two vibrant groups of seniors as part of tailored mobility programs in Valencia under the Erasmus Plus projects «Aktywny Senior” and «Senior open to the world”, supported by Fundacja na rzecz edukacji SMART. These participants engaged in a diverse array of activities, including digital workshops, outdoor adventures, and professional visits, all aimed at promoting healthy habits and an active lifestyle.

Among them was Jan, a retired employer with a wealth of experience from his career in a national public transport company. Despite being 86 years old, Jan’s enthusiasm for learning and exploring new horizons was palpable. Throughout their stay, Jan eagerly immersed himself in every activity, from exploring the historic city center and Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias to attending digital workshops and outdoor excursions in Turia old riverbed. Jan’s zest for life and curiosity served as an inspiration to everyone around him, underscoring the transformative power of mobility programs for seniors.

Erasmus Plus mobility programs have the power to transform lives and enrich communities in profound ways. By providing older adults with opportunities for learning, socialization, and cultural exchange, these programs empower seniors to embrace new adventures, forge meaningful connections, and lead fulfilling lives well into their golden years. As we continue to champion inclusivity and diversity within the Erasmus Plus program, we look forward to welcoming more seniors on their journey of exploration and discovery with ESMOVIA.