VET IT: A Two Week Journey Through Learning and Cultural Exchange

At the end of January, we had the pleasure of welcoming a group of 18 students and 2 teachers from Veszprémi SZC Bethlen István Közgazdasági és Közigazgatási Technikum (Veszprém SZC Bethlen István School of Economics and Public Administration) in Hungary. They participated in a Vocational Education and Training (VET) program, spending two weeks learning the fundamentals of JavaScript programming while also engaging in various cultural, educational, and team-building activities.

First Impressions of the Project

The project began with activities designed to foster teamwork and cooperation. The students spent their morning participating in team-building exercises, sharing their expectations, and discussing their feelings about the program. In the afternoon, they explored the beautiful city of Rzeszów through a guided tour led by INPRO volunteers.

Throughout the program, the students worked closely with our long-term volunteer, Alexa, at Urban Lab and Feniks. They took part in engaging and interactive workshops on JavaScript and testing, making learning both educational and enjoyable.

In the initial workshops, the students were introduced to the basics and logic of JavaScript through instructional content, quizzes, and hands-on activities. As they progressed, they collaborated in small groups to create their own websites, applying their newly acquired skills. By the end of the program, they had successfully completed six unique projects, including meal-planning websites and a fully functional calculator. Their hard work and enthusiasm resulted in a highly successful project, with overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Beyond the Classroom

Outside of their workshops, the students participated in various activities organized by INPRO long-term volunteers. One highlight was their visit to the Rzeszów Underground Cellars, where they delved into the mysterious history of the city’s tunnels. During the first week, they toured the City Hall Security Operations Center of Rzeszów, learning how the city’s facilities are protected. In the second week, they visited a technical school in Rzeszów to gain insight into how vocational education is conducted in Poland.

On their first weekend, they embarked on a cultural trip to Kraków, where they enjoyed a guided city tour and had free time to explore on their own.

Afternoons were filled with insightful presentations and workshops. They listened to Antonis share stories about the stunning beaches of Greece, Mariam discuss Armenia’s rich history, and Torben introduce them to Germany’s culture and daily life. Additionally, Antonis led a workshop on essential life skills, and the program concluded with an evaluation session where the students reflected on their experiences.

Memorable Moments

The two-week stay of the Hungarian group was more than just an educational journey—it was an opportunity for cultural exchange and personal growth. Their enthusiasm and curiosity brought energy to every activity.

Hosting this group was a truly rewarding experience. Seeing young people eager to learn and immerse themselves in a new culture is always inspiring. We hope they return home not only with new skills and knowledge but also with unforgettable memories.

We eagerly anticipate welcoming future groups and continuing to make meaningful contributions to the lives of young learners!