We spoke with Ben Bruyndonckx, coordinator of International VET Mobility at Connectief vzw.
Connectief vzw is a Belgian non-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable and innovative competence development by bridging the gap between education and the labor market. It develops and implements initiatives that support labor market-oriented training and education, with an emphasis on work-connected learning. The organization is supported by the Flemish government (Department of Education and Work), Erasmus+, and the private sector.
In the field of internationalization for Vocational Education and Training (VET) educators, Connectief vzw facilitates and organizes short-term international work placements for Flemish VET learners—particularly apprentices—as well as for teachers. To achieve this, Connectief offers comprehensive support to both sending and receiving VET organizations. The ambitious goal is to send at least 1000 participants abroad over the next six years.
Connectief vzw coordinates the ErasDu project, a KA1 VET Accredited consortium. This project helps vocational schools establish international mobility opportunities, enhancing the international competencies of both students and educators. Additionally, Connectief provides training to schools on how to draft their own accreditation dossiers, ensuring that internationalization is sustainably embedded within their operations.
Schools play a central role in Connectief vzw’s approach. They not only select students within their institutions for international exchanges but also leverage their own networks to create internship opportunities for incoming students. Based on these available placements, Connectief carefully matches students with companies that align with their profiles and skill sets.
Although these international work placements last only two and a half weeks, they offer significant value to students. Feedback from schools indicates that short-term international mobility challenges students to collaborate, take initiative, communicate effectively, and develop independent learning and working skills. Participants often report that the experience boosts their self-confidence.
Ben emphasizes that international mobility has a particularly strong impact on VET students. Many of them have never had the opportunity to travel abroad before, or they still need to develop skills related to planning and organizing a trip. The sense of ownership they gain through this experience prepares them for job searching and their professional careers.
Furthermore, implementing a blended or digital internationalization-at-home program proves to be more challenging for VET students. The hands-on experience of being on-site significantly enhances the development of their international competencies.
By engaging with schools, businesses and policymakers, Connectief vzw strengthens the link between education and the labor market. Through international mobility, Connectief vzw equips students and teachers with essential skills for an increasingly globalized workforce, ensuring an impact on professional development and career opportunities.
Ben Bruyndonckx
Coordinator of International VET Mobility at Connectief vzw.