Feeding the entrepreneur inside you

We wanted students to learn to celebrate cultural diversity as well as learn to take pride in their own culture. They have learned not only about food and local products in both countries, but als...

We wanted students to learn to celebrate cultural diversity as well as learn to take pride in their own culture. They have learned not only about food and local products in both countries, but also about history and traditions. They have got to know entrepreneurs and they have been given a chance to compare entrepreneurship in the two countries. They had a chance to try their hand at planning a business of their own. Working together in transnational groups has boosted students' skills and confidence.

We arranged two mobilities, one in Isokyrö and the other in Cittanova. Those provided students with hand-on experiences, they got to plan and do things in practice in transnational teams. Before and after the mobilities there were online activities to ensure proper preparation for the mobilities but also to help students to get to know their hosts/guests and their home countries, and to make sure there were no breaches in communication.

Students widened their cultural/intercultural awareness and improved their social skills. Working in transnational groups enriched the experience further, as students shared ideas, views, responsibilities and tasks with each other. Students planned businesses of their own, starting from finding a feasible business idea. The best business plan was awarded. At the end of the mobility in Finland, we invited local entrepreneurs and other professionals to help students with their business plans. At the end of the mobility in Italy, we arranged a fair where we invited local businesses to introduce themselves and their products. This project has enhanced critical thinking and entrepreneurship in our students, stimulating students' creative contribution to problem solving situations. During this project their attitude to collaboration was refined and they have developed effective communication strategies.