Sharing Meals at Europe’s Many Tables

How it all began

It all began in Monaco, where I got an au pair job through an organisation after finishing school. I chose a French-speaking country to improve my French, because I already had a fairly good grasp of English. I also wanted to become more independent, get away from home and discover the world. And I was eager to experience different cultures.

After my time in Monaco, I had to decide what I wanted to do careerwise. I found this really difficult, but there was one thing I was sure of: I wanted to speak other languages, connect with young people across Europe and get to know different countries and cultures. The only problem was, I didn’t know what kind of career I could pursue with these interests. 

In search of a career

Without a clear career path in mind, I started off by studying European Business at Paderborn University. The programme included 2 semesters abroad, which appealed to me. I completed an Erasmus semester at Nottingham Trent University and an internship semester in Paris with an Italian company. 

After graduating, I worked both as an employee and as a freelancer in press and public relations. Although this was stimulating and interesting work, I didn’t really find it rewarding. I missed interacting with young people, communicating in foreign languages, immersing myself in different cultures. A few years later, I decided to study English and pursue a career in teaching.

Teaching: a profession and a vocation

Today, I am passionate about my job as a teacher at a commercial vocational college, where I also coordinate and organise Erasmus+ activities. I get to speak other languages, interact with young people from all over Europe and learn about different cultures and countries. I wasn’t aware of it at the time, but everything has gradually fallen into place, and now I’m doing exactly what I always dreamed of doing.

My time abroad had a profound impact on me, preparing me for life in very meaningful ways. I become more independent, adaptable and learnt to handle challenging situations on my own. These experiences were invaluable, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Thanks to Erasmus, I not only grew personally, but I also advanced professionally. I am deeply grateful for these opportunities.

A strong commitment

Without these experiences, I probably wouldn’t be so committed to coordinating Erasmus+ projects today. My tenacity comes from knowing how rewarding they are. Today, I also work as an Erasmus and eTwinning moderator for the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (Pedagogical Exchange Service), instructing teachers on matters relating to Europe. At the start of this school year, I joined the EU office of the Detmold district government.

As you can see, Erasmus has been a recurring theme in my professional and my personal life, and the two areas are now inextricably linked. Thanks to my many Erasmus activities, especially over the last few years at my school, I’ve built numerous friendships across Europe. I’m interested in learning a new language again, I have accompanied countless students on trips abroad and watched them overcome their initial shyness about working with peers from other European countries and speaking a foreign language. When a student comes up to me during one of these trips and says: «Ms Broer, I’ve never been as happy as I am today,» I feel a deep sense of accomplishment and pride in the impact I’ve made.

Implementing international activities at a vocational college

«The Ludwig-Erhard-Berufskolleg (LEBK) aims to empower students to take charge of their own futures and to act purposefully in their professional, social and personal lives. The college places a strong emphasis on addressing the social and economic challenges of 21st century Europe and adapting flexibly to change.» − This is part of the mission statement of the college in Paderborn where I teach today. 

In this context, it remains crucial for the school’s development to foster acceptance of Europe’s diverse cultures and nations among all stakeholders and to prepare students to engage with the European market and its ideals. This includes enabling as many LEBK teachers as possible to integrate European values and principles into their lessons and inspiring learners to participate in such projects. We have systematically pursued this objective for several years, and increasing participation in Erasmus+ mobilities in recent years has bolstered support for our internationalisation efforts among nearly all teaching staff.

Erasmus+ opens doors

More and more colleagues are expressing interest in participating in Erasmus activities and sharing this enthusiasm with their students in the classroom. Through numerous EU-funded student exchanges, we have provided students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds with opportunities to travel to other European countries – an experience they might not have otherwise had so soon. In fact, we often find ourselves travelling with students who have never been abroad before. 

But there are also incredibly positive synergy effects for teachers. Participating in training courses or job shadowing schemes abroad allows them to exchange ideas and explore key questions, such as: «How do schools in other countries operate? What do they do to tackle discrimination? How are they keeping up with advances in digitalisation and technological innovations?»

Teachers who have taken part in exchange programmes in other European countries and lived with host families bring a completely different sense of motivation into their everyday teaching and can pass on this enthusiasm for intercultural experiences to their students. After all, only those who are genuinely passionate about something can effectively inspire others. I believe this passion is key to internationalising vocational colleges.

Looking back and looking ahead

Looking back at the last 15 years, I’m proud at all that we have accomplished. We have launched and implemented numerous European projects at our vocational college. These include online projects through eTwinning, Erasmus+ exchanges with partner schools in France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Ireland, Turkey and Norway, internships in other European countries, Europe Days and classroom presentations by experts from the European Union. What makes me especially happy is that these projects aren’t limited to full-time classes. Vocational school classes are becoming increasingly involved, and more and more employers are recognising the value of these experiences. They have realised that offering international exchanges as part of vocational training attracts qualified trainees.

I firmly believe that programmes like Erasmus+ are more important today than ever before. They help address the shortage of skilled workers and ensure a secure future for Europe. By fostering an understanding of different cultures and ways of life, young people are better equipped to engage democratically with differing opinions in the working world and to treat other cultures with fairness and respect. This will then enable them to adapt to new environments while upholding their own values.

Where do I see myself in the future? I see myself travelling all over Europe with many more students. I see myself exploring new countries and learning new languages. I see myself sharing meals at countless tables across Europe, immersing myself in fascinating cultures and ways of life. And once again, I’ll be reminded that what unites us far outweighs what divides us.