My pathway to an international training course

Content

Welcome to your exciting journey through our online course, your gateway to an international training opportunity tailored just for you! This comprehensive learning playlist is designed to guide you step by step toward the ideal training course that aligns perfectly with your needs and aspirations.
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﻿The value of international youth-work: 
In the first segment, delve into the significance of youth work and understand how a training course can be a transformative experience for youth workers.
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﻿Training course experience: What is that? 
The second activity provides a closer look at what a training course entails, offering insights into the world of volunteering experiences and their impact.
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﻿Is it the right track? 
In the third activity, evaluate whether a training course is the right path for you. Explore your own motivations and aspirations to ensure alignment with your goals.
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﻿Find your perfect match! 
Activity four is dedicated to helping you discover the training course of your dreams. Uncover opportunities that resonate with your interests and passion.
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﻿Tips and tricks to your application: 
Gain valuable insights in the fifth activity as we share tips and tricks to boost the success of your application. Learn how to present yourself effectively to stand out.
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﻿My application: 
Feeling ready to take the plunge? Earn a badge by applying for your chosen training course in the sixth activity. Take the next step toward your international adventure!
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﻿My successful participation:In the final activity, share your unique story of training course experience and successful participation. Reflect on your journey and inspire others with your accomplishments.
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With this playlist we want to empower you, to discover the significance of international youth work, explore your opportunities, assess your readiness for a training course, find and apply for your ideal program, and culminate with success stories—motivating you to embark on a transformative journey in the world of youth development. So sit back, relax and go for it. Enjoy :)
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Who are we? 
This playlist is created by Cities of Learning, an international network of youth organizations. We want to encourage people to use the many opportunities that are out there. 
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Activities to complete

Complete the following activities, earn badges and you will see your playlist progress updated

The value of international youth-work

Optional

20 minutes

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Training course experience: What is that?

Mandatory

15 minutes

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Content

Training course experience: 
noun; the process of learning the skills you need to do a particular job or activity
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This is the definition you can read in the Cambridge Dictionary. But what exactly are we talking about when referring to a training course experience within the field of international youth work?
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In this activity we want to introduce you to the format of international training courses, as it is a common type of activities in the field, especially focussing on the development of skills and competences of those, who are working with young people (e.g. Youth workers, social workers, teachers...). Training courses, understood as youth-workers mobilities, can have various structures and format, however the training courses which are are supported by the ERASMUS+ programm are the more commenly known ones in Europe. Thus we would like to exemplatory put the focus in this activity on those training courses. 
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What is it? Shortly said, a training course in the field of international youth work is a short-time (mobility) with the aim of training people, which are working or are engaging themselves for or with young people or in the field of yputh-work in general. The programme programme guide of the ERASMUS+ programme describes it like this:
This Action supports the professional development of youth workers and thereby the development of quality youth work at local, regional, national, European and international level, through non-formal and informal learning experiences in mobility activities.
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and futhermore: 
Training courses supporting the development of competences (e.g. based on relevant existing competence models), to implement quality youth work practices or address and test innovative methods (for instance related to digital and smart youth work)
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How long? Training courses can last from 2 days up to 2 months. However most of the training courses are running for five up to ten days. In some cases there can be ongoing training activities (for example for a longer period, involving multiple mobilities or virtual meetings) however most of the trainig courses are designed as a one time activity. They usually focus on one topic related to the field of international youth work and a potential transfer of the gained knowledge, skills and experiences in the daily pratice. 
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Where? Most of training courses covered by the ERASMUS+ programme take place in a country, which is part of the European Union, but occasionally outside of the EU. 
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Who? Those mobilities are designed for youth workers, which are actively working (or are actively engaged) in the field of youth work. This certainly includes also people, who are voluntarily supporting youth work and youth organisations and which are working with young people (e.g. as youth leader, or organiser of youth activities). This aspect is especially important, as it is one of the aims of those training activities to enrich the quality of (local) youth work by professionelly training the youth workers and engaged people in this field. The individual work with young people can and should benefit from the learnings and outcomes of those training activities. 
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Expenses: Training courses which are funded by the ERASMUS+ programme usually benefit from a general funding for travel and accomodation and the training activity as such. Thus the participants benefit from this funding too. Depending on each individual project, the participants will face that majority of (and sometimes even all) costs are covered by the programme and that they have either none or only a small contribution to pay to support those activities. 
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What are the key elements of a training course and how does it improve skills and competences? 
Check out this video, which was part of an MOOC ond ERASMUS+ funding opportunities. It sums up the concept of training courses as part of a youth workers mobility. 
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Is it always a mobility?
No. Latest since the pandemic, training activities were sometimes also implemented as online or hybdrid events. However the opportunity to meet other peers and youth workers physically in a place different from home and being able to focus on this experience without to much distraction, is still really important for the learbing process itself. Thus following, most of the training course are stil implemented as a mobility project. 
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And what about recognition? 
Developping skills and competences is one important element of training courses, so surely recognition of those achievements does matter here. How the recognition is implemented and which tools are used does depend on the individual mobility. For projects funded by the ERASMUS+ programme, the YOUTHPASS Certificate  is the instrument to go. And well, within the network of CITIES AND REGIONS OF LEARNING NETWORK, we are working on recognition in the field of youth-work since many years and strongly believe that Open Badges (as you can also find this activity and playlists) fits best to recognise your learning experience and your acheivements. 
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Resources

Information of the European Commission on training courses

Get activity badge

Programme explorer (International training course) Get this badge

Earners of this badge can demonstrate an understanding of the format of international training courses within the ERASMUS+ programme. They have explored the concept of TRAINING COURSES and mobility programs for youth workers and youth work providers, recognizing how these initiatives offer diverse learning opportunities. 
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To earn the badge, individuals must demonstrate:
- Understanding of ERASMUS+ opportunities for international projects involving youth workers and people working with youth outside formal educational structures.

Tasks

Task no.1

Evidence verified by: one activity organiser

Check the given information in this activity and watch the video. Sum it up in your own words: What is the aim of an international training course? Share your thoughts and refelections in the textbox.

Training course experience: Is it the right track?

Optional

20 minutes

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Training course experience: Find your perfect match!

Mandatory

20 minutes

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Training course experience: Tips and tricks to your application

Optional

20 minutes

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Training course experience: My application

Mandatory

15 minutes

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Training course experience: My succesful participation

Optional

20 minutes

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Skills

ESCO

#advise on training courses

ESCO

#adult training

ESCO

#provide guidance on training courses

ESCO

#provide information on training courses

ESCO

#adult trainings

ESCO

#advise on training courses

ESCO

#advertise training programmes

Activities: 7

Started: 5

Completed playlist: 0

Time to complete: 2 hours 10 minutes

Organisers

Network of Cities and Regions of Learning

Badgecraft hosts this platform and develops it together with leading educational organisations. The European Union's programme Erasmus+ granted co-funding for building the first version of this platform. Contact support@badgecraft.eu.