The international mobility program for the first group of 16 students from the Vocational High School of Technology and Light Industry (PGTLP) in Popovo was successfully completed. The program took place from April 3 to April 25, 2026, in Bologna, Italy, under Project No. 2025-1-BG01-KA121-VET-000312696, in accordance with Accreditation No. 2022-1-BG01-KA120-VET-000107341 under the “Erasmus+” program. The professional internship was hosted by the partner organization IFOM.
For three weeks, students in the fields of “Applied Programmer”, “Graphic Designer” and “Computer Systems Technician” completed a professional internship in a real-world work environment. Assigned according to their specializations, they actively participated in the daily work of the host organizations, learned new technologies, became familiar with modern work processes, and put the knowledge they had acquired in school into practice.
Working in an international environment helped the participants develop their professional competencies, teamwork skills, adaptability, and confidence in tackling new challenges. Thanks to their motivation, discipline, and desire to grow, they earned high praise from their mentors, who commended their sense of responsibility, curiosity, and professional approach to the tasks at hand.
In addition to valuable practical experience, the mobility program gave the students the opportunity to explore Italy’s rich cultural heritage. During their stay, they visited Bologna, Florence, and Venice, where they experienced the history, architecture, and atmosphere of some of Italy’s most beautiful cities. The new friendships, cultural exchange, and shared emotions made their stay an unforgettable experience.
The first group of participants returned to Bulgaria with new knowledge, practical skills, and the confidence that they can successfully thrive in an international professional environment. For all students, participating in the “Erasmus+” program proved to be a valuable experience that will contribute both to their future professional development and to their personal growth. The next group of students is set to embark on the same professional path, continuing the successful implementation of the project.
*Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.