Study Visits Unlocking the Potential for Better Education and Training in Europe

The study visits programme for education and vocational training specialists, part of the lifelong learning programme (2007-13), is an initiative of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Education and Culture. Cedefop coordinates the programme at the European level, whereas the national agencies implement the programme in the participating countries. Between 2008 and 2011, 7 615 people from 33 countries received a grant from the EU to take part in 719 study visits organised in 29 countries. The visits were hosted by around 500 education and training institutions and organisations; 97% of participants and 96% of organisers reported that they were satisfied with their study visits. But what did they do with their new knowledge and experience after the visit? Cedefop surveyed both participants and organisers to find out. This paper presents the findings.