Report by Jari Theys

The Erasmus+ program offers unique opportunities for students and young professionals to gain international experience, broaden their perspectives and develop valuable skills in a real-world setting. I had the opportunity to not only experience an Erasmus+ study, but also participate in an Erasmus+ internship. This allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge and skills developed during my studies in a practical and professional environment. This short report reflects upon my stay at the Pädagogische Hochschule Steiermark as an international intern in the Institute for Diversity and International Affairs (Institut für Diversität und Internationales).

Firstly, I would like to introduce myself some more. My name is Jari Theys and I am 22 years old. I come from the small but cosy country called Belgium, where I have spent my time studying secondary teacher education, which I recently completed. As a person I have always been intrigued by travelling and experiencing the world. As such, it was not a difficult choice for me to decide on taking part in an Erasmus+ program. During the last semester of my studies, I did an Erasmus+ study at the Pädagogische Hochschule Steiermark in Austria, the same place I now work as an intern.

Staying abroad for a prolonged time has many benefits, but it also comes with its share of challenges. To me the most challenging parts were getting used to the cultural differences and language barrier. I came to Austria with the intention to learn about its rich culture, history and language. For me to be able to do this, I had to put effort into learning the language and understanding the people that live here. Luckily, I had a great time interacting with the people, which helped me truly grasp the way of living in Austria. Taking part in traditions, festivities and doing the same day-by-day things made me feel perfectly included. All of this has led to me becoming more open-minded as an individual. I have become more reflective on my own views, as those were often heavily influenced by Belgian norms. It has made me become more aware of my position as a European citizen instead of just being a Belgian.

This curiosity and desire for experiencing different things was a big part of my motivation, but it was not the only thing. When it came to my choice for continuing my stay by doing an Erasmus+ Internship, I especially wanted practical experience. During my studies I have had many opportunities to stand in front of a classroom and be a teacher. Still, I felt that I should experience various things before coming to a decision on my career. Therefore, this internship was the perfect choice. It gave me plenty of chances to improve my practical competences and skills in a professional setting. Now, more than ever, I feel that I understand myself. I have developed a clear understanding of my competences, career goals and personality.

The work I did during my internship was certainly beneficial for my professional growth. For the first time, I was able to experience working in a formal environment. This was entirely different than studying. It gave me more freedom to plan my work, while on the other hand giving me a lot of responsibilities. During my work I mainly supported educators and teachers, did administrative work and helped with lesson preparations. These were my routine tasks, as I did them most often. Fortunately, I also had the opportunity to take part in many other things. Some examples are attending an event on multilingualism organised by the city of Graz, assisting colleagues with their projects in schools, and doing extensive research on AI in education. These activities are what really stood out to me. As they were not compulsory, allowing me to take some initiatives by myself. This helped spark my interest and made me more invested in the work I did. Many of this was possible because of my helpful and supportive colleagues. They involved me in various projects and allowed me to become a vital part of the team. There was assistance whenever I needed it and my opinion was respected as much as any other. All of this made my job of incorporating myself within the organisation a lot easier.

In conclusion, my Erasmus+ experience, both as a student and an intern at the Pädagogische Hochschule Steiermark, has been a refining journey. Not only has it broadened my cultural knowledge, but it has also helped me develop valuable skills in a real-life setting. Many of the challenges such as the language barrier were outweighed by the rewarding experience and personal growth I achieved. This internship has allowed me to get hands-on experience, work together with fantastic colleagues, and explore my interests, all while shaping my understanding of my career goals and abilities. This experience has truly been an enriching chapter in my life, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided.