A couple of weeks ago we had the opportunity with our training course to embark on a tour to Serbia, visiting the cities of Niš and Belgrade. It was an intense and stimulating experience, filled with meetings and collaborations in the field of internationalisation in the education sector, particularly in the context of programs like Erasmus+ dedicated to vocational education and training (VET) and school general education. All this has been possible thanks to our project Intervet Western Balkans, a 3-year pilot project for the internationalization of vocational education and training systems in Western Balkans that is concluding this year.
Day 1: Visit the High School for Food Processing and Chemical in Niš
On the first day of our adventure, we were warmly welcomed by the High School for Food Processing and Chemical in Niš. It was an exciting day as we had the opportunity to visit this school. The High School is the first school in Serbia with which we will collaborate in the field of vocational education and training, with the Erasmus+ KA121 accreditation.
During the visit, we were impressed by the commitment and dedication of the school’s faculty to providing high-quality education in the food and chemical industry. We had the chance to explore their state-of-the-art facilities, specifically designed to offer students a stimulating learning environment. Additionally, we admired the numerous awards and recognitions the school has received for the excellent achievements of its students. Discussions with the school’s faculty laid the foundation for our future collaboration. We are excited to share our experiences, best practices, and educational resources with this School. This partnership will expand opportunities for students and faculty, providing them with an international and stimulating learning environment.
Day 2: Seminar at the Regional Chamber of Commerce in Niš
On the second day, we carried out a few training activities in the framework of a dissemination event organised by the Regional Chamber of Commerce in Niš. During the meeting, we received an official warm welcome from the Chamber of Commerce itself. We had the opportunity to share our experiences regarding the internationalisation strategy in the vocational education sector. During the seminar, we heard the success story of this school in Niš, presented by its principal, Tanja Mikić Nikolić. Furthermore, we delved into the European Union’s approaches to project design and shared suggestions and best practices for preparing for internationalisation. Working groups were formed as part of the training activities during the event to discuss and design specific internationalisation strategies.
After the intense seminars and meetings, we eagerly embraced the opportunity to explore the culinary delights of Serbia in Niš. Guided by our colleague from Serbia, Ana, we embarked on a delightful culinary adventure, immersing ourselves in the local cuisine and trying traditional Serbian dishes.
Niš is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, which has been shaped by a fusion of various cultures and traditions. We ventured into local restaurants and cafes, eager to sample the authentic flavours of Serbia. Our taste buds were treated to a tantalising array of dishes, including meze (assortment of appetisers), various kinds of sausages, and other complex meat products that are staples of Serbian cuisine. We also couldn’t resist indulging in ajvar, a mouthwatering roasted red pepper spread that adds a burst of flavour to any dish.
With each bite, we discovered a deeper appreciation for the artistry and skill that goes into Serbian gastronomy. The combination of flavours, textures, and aromas was a true delight for our senses.
In addition to the culinary exploration, we also had some free time to explore the city of Niš itself. Accompanied by Ana, our colleague, we embarked on a leisurely walk through the historic streets, uncovering the city’s rich cultural and historical landmarks. We marvelled at the Niš Fortress, an ancient Roman stronghold that has stood the test of time, witnessing centuries of history. The fortress offered breathtaking panoramic views of the city, showcasing its architectural beauty and vibrant energy.
As we meandered through the bustling streets of the city centre, we couldn’t resist the temptation to explore local shops and markets. The lively atmosphere was contagious, with the hustle and bustle of everyday life blending harmoniously with the charm of the city’s architecture. We had the chance to browse through unique artisanal products, sample local delicacies, and engage with friendly locals, gaining insights into the vibrant culture of Niš.
Our time in Niš allowed us to not only nourish our bodies with delicious food but also feed our curiosity for history, culture, and the vibrant spirit of the city. It was a truly enriching experience that left us with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of Serbia’s culinary and cultural heritage.
Day 3: Seminar in Belgrade hosted by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce
On the third day, we travelled to Belgrade, where we were hosted by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. Here, we participated in a second dissemination event open to various schools, both in the field of vocational education and traditional schools. During this event our role has been to implement a few training activities on how to develop mobility projects following an internationalisation strategy. More specifically we organised two working groups according to the level of expertise of the participating schools. The first one was aimed to create a community of practices among accredited schools, while the second one was dedicated to providing information on how to get involved in Erasmus+ for less experienced organisations or newcomers.
It was an exciting and rewarding day as we were able to exchange ideas and experiences with education professionals from different schools. Collaboration and knowledge exchange was at the heart of this day.
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