Valuable Experience and Professional Growth Through the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme in Estonia

The main goal of the mobility was to familiarize themselves with the Estonian vocational education system and the practical implementation of the business programme, as well as to develop the students’ professional, communication, and collaboration skills in an international environment.

During the mobility, participants actively engaged in the learning process—attending English language classes, retail specialty courses, and office work training alongside Estonian students. Particularly valuable was the opportunity to observe practical training in a real-world work environment by visiting the Ülemiste Shopping Centre and other companies where students acquire professional skills.

During the visit, the group also visited LPP Estonia, which represents several international clothing brands—Mohito, Reserved, House, Cropp, and Sinsay—providing insight into the retail organization and business processes.

An important part of the mobility programme was the collaborative work with Estonian students, which fostered teamwork skills, intercultural communication, and the mutual exchange of experiences. The students acknowledged that this collaboration helped them become more open, confident, and creative in communication, especially in a foreign language. At the same time, it was observed that the educational process places greater emphasis on practical work and learning by doing in Estonia, which prompted reflection on improving teaching approaches in Latvia.
For teachers, the mobility provided a valuable opportunity to learn about the organization of instruction, methods for engaging students, and the integration of practical work into the learning process. Teacher Alita Dukule emphasizes that the experience gained has provided new ideas for improving the teaching process, particularly regarding the use of interactive methods, group work, and strengthening collaboration with employers.

During the visit, physical education teacher Laimonis Naglis familiarized himself with the school’s sports infrastructure. The school offers a diverse and functional sports environment, including a sports hall for team sports, a gym, and spaces for aerobics classes. Students also have access to locker rooms, showers, and recreational facilities, which support meaningful physical activity. This infrastructure allows for the organization of both academic classes and extracurricular activities, promoting young people’s physical development and a healthy lifestyle.

During the mobility, professional contacts were also established with Estonian colleagues, opening up opportunities for future collaboration.

The students mention the development of communication skills, particularly in English, as well as the ability to adapt to various situations and overcome language barriers, as one of the greatest benefits. Although communicating in a foreign language was initially a challenge, it was successfully overcome through collaboration with group members, the use of technology, and active participation in activities. Professional skills were also acquired, such as analysing customer needs and understanding the specifics of different markets.
In addition to the learning activities, participants had the opportunity to explore Estonian culture—they took a tour of Tallinn’s Old Town and visited other notable sites. On the way home, students and their teachers also visited Estonia’s highest mountain, Munamägi. This experience enriched the mobility programme, providing a broader perspective on the environment in which learning and work take place.

Overall, the mobility programme is considered as a highly valuable, inspiring, and enriching experience. It not only expanded professional knowledge, but also motivated the students to develop personally, improve their language skills, and take advantage of international opportunities in the future. As the participants admit—even if there is uncertainty at first—Erasmus+ mobility provides an invaluable experience and memories that last a lifetime.
Teacher Alita Dukule emphasizes: “Learning never ends—it continues wherever we are ready to learn from others.”
 

The activities are implemented as part of the Erasmus+ project 2025-1-LV01-KA121-VET-000331161 and are co-financed by the European Union budget.
Project number: 2025-1-LV01-KA121-VET-000331161.