Etiqueta: blendedmobility

From the sun-drenched coasts of Sicily to the vibrant heart of Valencia, a recent Erasmus Adult education project, Attivamente 2.0, proved that learning truly has no age limit. At ESMOVIA, we were thrilled to host 17 spirited participants from the Università del Tempo Libero di Palermo for an unforgettable week of senior mobility and cultural discovery.

Erasmus seniors collaborating in a group activity during a history workshop on the connections between Valencia and Sicily.

A Journey Through Time: Connecting Two Rich Histories

Did you know that Sicily and the Valencian Community are cousins, joined by centuries of shared history? This powerful connection, woven through language, gastronomy, and folklore, was the backdrop for this incredible journey. Our participants didn’t just visit Valencia; they uncovered the cultural threads that bind their Italian home to their Spanish host, turning a simple trip into a profound exploration of their shared European heritage.

Erasmus seniors attentively listening to a presenter explaining the shared history between Valencia and Sicily

Beyond the Classroom: Hands-On Cultural Immersion

This was no ordinary sightseeing tour. Our Sicilian friends dove headfirst into active learning, blending cultural visits with unforgettable, hands-on experiences. Their days were filled with:

  • Deep-Dive Workshops: Engaging sessions on local history and religious folklore brought the past to life.
  • A Journey Through History & Culture: They explored the very soul of Valencia, discovering the threads that connect it to Sicily.
  • A Royal Connection: They visited San Juan del Hospital church, the city’s most ancient church, which holds the remains of Costanza of Sicily, daughter of King Frederick II, creating a powerful link to their Italian home.
  • Living Traditions: They immersed themselves in the El Cabanyal fishermen’s neighbourhood, focusing on its unique and deeply-rooted Holy Week traditions.
  • Award-Winning Heritage: A guided tour of the Ethnographic Museum of Valencia, crowned Europe’s Best Museum in 2023, provided a deep dive into the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
  • The Scent of Valencia: In a lively, hands-on workshop, they mastered the art of cooking a traditional Valencian paella. It was more than a recipe; it was a taste of local culture and a feast of friendship.
Close-up of an Erasmus senior participating in a discussion on religious folklore, part of their ESMOVIA Erasmus Adult education project.

Sharing Wisdom: A Focus on Active Ageing

A highlight of the week was the powerful exchange on active ageing. The group visited local centres, where they connected with Valencian seniors, sharing stories, laughter, and best practices for living a healthy, fulfilling life.

For those with a professional interest, a unique job shadowing opportunity offered a behind-the-scenes look at Valencia’s strategy for combating loneliness and promoting active ageing, fostering a valuable dialogue between the communities.

Erasmus seniors collaborating in a group activity during a history workshop on the connections between Valencia and Sicily.

Erasmus for All Ages: Your Journey Awaits

This inspiring project is a testament to the power of the Erasmus+ program to transform lives at any stage. Adult learning abroad is more than education; it’s a catalyst for personal growth, new friendships, and a deeper connection to our shared European identity.

Erasmus seniors admiring a paella scenography during their visit to the Ethnographic Museum of Valencia.

Ready to write your own chapter?

At ESMOVIA, we believe in the power of mobility to change lives. Whether you are part of a senior group or an educational institution, we are here to help you embark on your own Erasmus+ adventure.

Erasmus seniors collaborating in a group activity during a history workshop on the connections between Valencia and Sicily.

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!