The Comenius Experience - Colegiul Naţional "Silvania" Zalău

„The European Job Market”
The Multilateral Comenius Project
Our Journal
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission
This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission
cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
2011
Co-edited by the partner high schools in the Comenius multilateral project “The European Job
Market”:
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The Silvania National College of Zalau, Romania
The Private Secondary High School “American College ARCUS”, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Istituto di Istruzione Secondaria Superiore “Ezio Vanoni”, Nardò, Italy
The “Alesandru Papiu Ilarian” Technical College, Zalău, Romania
The I.E.S. “Martín Rivero”, Ronda, Spain
Abdulkerim Bengi Anadolu Lisesi, Tarsus, Turkiye
Romania
The Silvania National College, Zalau
Romania
The Technical College
„Alesandru Papiu Ilarian” Zalau
Bulgaria
The Provate Secondary High School
“American College Arcus” Velico Tarnovo
Italy
Istituto di Istruzione Secondaria
Superiore “Ezio Vanoni”
Nardo
Spain
Ies Martin Rivero - Ronda
Turkiye
Abdulkebim Bengi Anatolian
High School - Tarsus
10
A Timeless Experience
New friends, fun, new experiences, work,
trips…. in one word: the Comenius project.
I’m glad that I participated in this project
and I don’t regret anything we’ve done and
learned. Even if sometimes we had to work
many hours or sometimes we couldn’t get along
between us… in the end everything was great
and we finished the guide (final product).
With this project I had the opportunity to
visit other countries and to learn about other
cultures and other traditions and to meet other
people (my new friends).
Participating in all the project activities, I
learned new and useful things which will help
me in my future career choices.
In conclusion, this project was for me an experience which I would repeat if I had the chance.
Marincas Alexandra
(CNS- Romania)
11
Comenius: Destination Bulgaria
With great enthusiasm, for several years, our school has been taking part in many projects
establishing exchanges with European students, so from the 3rd to the 9th of October 2010, a
delegation of our school made up of Director Maria Rosa Rizzo, Spanish teacher Roberta Petrelli,
and three students: Agnese Piccione, Silvia Chetta and Benedetta Latino, started for Veliko Tarnovo
in Bulgaria.
On our arrival, we were welcomed by the vice – principal of the college: Miroslava Petrova.
The warm welcome made us forget about the cold weather we are not used to and the students helped
us integrate very easily. The students and teachers were from Spain, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria and
Italy obviously, united by the same wish, that is to get to know each other. In spite of the different
nationalities and languages, we always spoke in English.
The school activities were set at “American College Arcus” by the group tutors. During the
lessons, we improved our language and business knowledge, doing group work comparing the
economy, the culture and the lifestyle of several cities. These works made us meet new friends.
Every day we had a different task to carry out, but also some free-time to visit the city and enjoy
ourselves. Every night we tasted typical Bulgarian food. But the night that, sadly, we remembered
the most was when we had to say goodbye to our new friends that we hoped to see again.
It was a positive experience both of cultural enrichment, and development of interpersonal
relations. All this thanks not only to the work done together, but most of all to the moments of
brotherhood, complicity and understanding amongst all of us.
De Benedittis Michael, Barone Miriana,
Toma Sara, Primativo Elisa, Piccione Agnese
(Italy)
12
Always in My Heart
The Comenius project is the most rewarding
experience of my life, because I have met a lot
of people of different countries; and, nowadays,
this is very important since we must think that
Europe is only one, that is to say Europe is a big
“country” where there are many possibilities for
all.
Moreover, it is very enriching because I
have learned many things about the lifestyle of
Romania, Turkey, Italy and Bulgaria: their foods,
their dances, their customs, etc... and I have
found some differences with respect to Spain.
But it doesn´t matter, because these differences
make Europe a multicultural continent.
On the other hand, the Comenius project has
taught us how the economic system of each country
is and all about jobs. In short, this has helped us to
put in common the most notable ideas of financial
situations of Comenius project.
Also, with this project, we have had the
opportunity to practice English, since we needed it
to communicate with the Romanian, Turkish and
Bulgarian people (obviously, I didn´t understand
Turkish language for example); however, with Italian
people no.
Finally, I want to say that I would do
the Comenius project again because this
has allowed me to make good friends, who
are lovely people. This is the most beautiful
reminder of all Comenius meetings. And I
say them: I want to see you again someday
since I love you, seni seviyorum, ti amo, te
iubesc, Обичам те.
It doesn´t matter the language because
you will always be in my heart.
Nieves Rivas Valiente
(Spain)
13
New Perspectives
This project has broadened my horizon. I
could understand the importance of collective
work, namely team spirit through the workshops
and the other activities within this project. In
addition, personally, it was an opportunity for
me to expand abroad and visit two countries in
Europe. To be honest, before this project, I was
thinking that travelling even in my own country
is a difficult task. Henceforth, I am seeking for
new opportunities for such activities both on
the internet or other spaces.
As a high school student, I am aware
of my other prior educational tasks, yet, it is
undeniable that such activities provide me
research skills and imbue me with sense of
responsibility. In other words, dealing with
these tasks and visiting different countries have
supplied to me some significant skills that are
essential for my future, and extended my vision
by discovering different cities, different people
and cultures. We have made many different
friends from different languages and cultures.
To conclude, this project has taught me that
“understanding” is the key word for all tasks and
initiatives. Communication and empathy as the
most important part of interpersonal relations
have the constitutive role in a team work. Turgut Kaan Akkoca
(Turkiye)
14
A positive experience
Having the opportunity to be part in this international and multi-language project, I accumulated
numerous positive effects. The chance that offered the project to go in all the countries of the
members, gave me the possibility to visit some lovely places in Spain and experience something
new to me. There I also made many new friendships and that is something I aim for – connections
in any part of the world.
When we were in Spain,
the hosts took great care of
us and offered many chances
to entertainment and trips so
that we learned a lot about
their culture and traditions.
That is an important side in
our mutual understanding
and knowledge about each
other.
Apart from the fun
part, the main goal was
accomplished. All the hard
group work gave its result in
this brilliant idea about the
research for the European
Job Market.
This final product is something
very valuable for me because I am
going to study in the business field
from now on.
I was very pleased to take part in
this exciting international project and
I hope to take part in many others in
future.
Ivan Nenov
(Bulgaria)
15
A Wonderful Experience
The European Job Market was for me a complex experience. In only two years during the project
meetings I had the opportunity to work with great people, to communicate, to visit partner countries,
to make friends of different nationalities, to speak in foreign languages, to learn many things about
myself, about others and about life.
This project really changed my way
of thinking. After every project meeting
with the involved schools I learned
important lessons, I have matured. I think
every one of us and every country has
something special, things to share and we
can learn something from every person
that we meet.
The mobility in Turkiye was the first
time that I had the pleasure to take part in.
I am grateful to the family I stayed at that
week, for every smile and every moment
I felt exactly like home. Turkish people
are hospitable and warm-hearted, they
welcomed us with large hugs. I made a
lot of friends in Turkiye that I keep in touch with. It was surprising that we all treated others like our
best friends, “kanka”. I was happy to learn about their culture, to listen to Turkish music, to dance
their traditional dances, to eat spicy food, to learn some Turkish words.
We prepared three commercials and we all presented our Power Points with our work from
home. We worked many hours a day and we learned how to create, to communicate, to be organized,
to use our time properly. I really enjoyed showing others “The way to success”. I discovered that
I like psychology, to study relationships between people, the way that I can find out which are my
strength, my weaknesses, the way I can improve my existence, improve myself to be ready for what
I reach for and for everything that life offers me.
The second project meeting
I took part in was in Bulgaria. I
was happy to meet our neighbours
and ready to embrace new
experiences, new lessons of life.
What I liked most was the good
organization of the Bulgarian
students and teachers. Everything
was scheduled and we had many
activities at school. Everyone
had an opinion about the themes,
we made “investments” in
every country that we liked, we
discussed about top jobs and we
proposed solutions for a good
professional future.
16
I found out that to be a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer or an economist is good for the future in
every country. I was surprised that in Italy, a travel guide is popular as well. I have learned how to
be organized, productive, how to listen to others’ opinions, how to communicate in an altruistic way
and I also improved my English. The host town, Veliko Tarnovo is a beautiful one, the quiet rain
completed the perfect view of aesthetic buildings.
The next project meeting was in Italy. Before we went there, we worked at the guide: we searched
for information, we translated every chapter of the guide. We worked to choose the title of the guide
and the design of the cover as well. I have learned how to organize my time to finish my work and
how to do it better, how to set up a business and I exercised my English knowledge.
I liked very much to speak in many languages, and through this project I got in contact with a
mix of languages. I discovered that I can speak English and Spanish better than I expected and that
I can understand Italian. I understood that I can learn all these languages and others if I work for it.
We had a really great time together, we socialized, and we discovered our wonderful sides. We were
all together from every country: Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Romania and Turkiye.
I have made a lot of friends and I was happy to meet my friends from the other project meetings.
Italians are very friendly. We sang our hymns, we showed others our traditional dances and we ate a
lot of pizza. I have made real friends, I have learned that everyone has its bright and dark sides, but
we have to be proud of who we are, because everyone is special in their own way. I was interested to
notice different habits and perspectives, to see wonderful Italy, to discover students of my age with
their lifestyle, but the same dreams
and desires: to become somebody.
I would have liked to go to
Spain as well. I think it is a beautiful
country with interesting customs,
culture and sights. I will never forget
the Spanish students because they
are friendly and energetic.
I am glad that I met all the
students and teachers from every
country, that I discovered different
visions, opinions, habits, dreams,
future plans, that I learned to speak
foreign languages. I am glad that we
formed great relationships, that we
learned to accept each other, like
each other or even love or miss each
other.
Andreea Chis
(API – Romania)
17
The Comenius Experience
For me, the Comenius project developed during
these two years meant a chance to assess myself, to
analyze my abilities of working as a team, to share
opinions and tasks, to learn new things that will be
helpful in the future, to know other people and to
make new friends.
The project meant work but also fun, unforgettable
memories. I remember the videos sketches we made
together about how you need to behave at work or
the day we decorated the panel plus many other
products that had to be ready in time which needed
patience and attention, but were at the same time
relaxation and fun. Also the cricket and the ant, the
most significant mascots, the mobilities where I was
present, mainly the experience from Bulgaria, will
always remind me about this project which bonded
us, teachers and students, which stimulated us to
get involved and helped us to realize how important
seriousness, listening and … time are.
At the beginning it was hard because some were
stubborn or careless but in time we realized that
this project is important and useful for us. Firstly,
I am satisfied for the meeting which had place in
Romania, the activities that developed during this week which for me were the most beautiful. What
defines this project is “Europe - working without frontiers” but what defines our feelings is the postit tree.
Sauca Daiana
(CNS –Romania)
18
Learning with Comenius
Being a part of this project
gave me a lot. Not only did it give
me the opportunity to meet with
a lot of new people from other
nationalities, but it also provided
me experiences that I won’t forget
for a lifetime.
To begin with, the making
of cartoons and the exhibition
of them was a great experience
for all of us. It challenged our
creativity and imagination, but in
the end it was real fun to see what
the other students have made.
The part with the making of
advertisements was my personal favorite.
In the future I would like to make a living
exactly from creating advertisements, so
it wasn’t only a great fun, but it also gave
me opportunity to show my abilities and to
practice for the future.
And last but not least, this project gave
me the opportunity to meet a lot of new
people. Despite the cultural differences we
all find a lot in common and had a great
time in all the countries.
As we all know in today’s world no one
can succeed without English. Meeting people
from other nationalities not only helps you
practice it, but it also gives you the chance to
learn things in other languages too.
Ralitsa Dobreva
(Bulgaria)
19
Working together
During the project,
we did studies within
the groups. We visited
the companies and made
interviews with managers
of the companies. We found
an opportunity to observe
the work environment and
working conditions closely.
We came together with
other cultures of people
through this project. We
had a chance to learn about
different cultures. My first
meeting with students of
partner schools was at the
meeting in Turkey. We tried
to introduce our culture to
them while they were in
Tarsus. I hope they spent a
good time in Tarsus.
Until we passed the border of Bulgaria, I had no idea about how this project would influence me
during my first European journey. One speaker from each country was chosen in the meeting which
was held in Bulgaria. I was elected as the group speaker of Turkey. Having such an opportunity
increased my self-confidence. Furthermore, I enjoyed the show with music and light so much, which
was in a church in Bulgaria.
Participating in an international activity and speaking English during the meeting, I realized
what my foreign language level is. One of the biggest advantages of this project is that it let us begin
new friendships which will last forever.
Ayşenur Şimşek
(Turkiye)
20
A worthwhile experience
In May 2010 I was very happy to have been selected by my school as one of the students who
took part in the “Comenius” project in Turkey. This experience as a participant of the project was
undoubtedly very profitable. On the one hand, it developed and enriched my knowledge of the
English language. On the other, it broadened my views of the world. Furthermore it allowed me
to meet a number of students from many European countries with different religions, traditions,
cultures and ideas. Nevertheless, this diversity did not highlight the differences between us as such,
actually made us unite and socialize even more. Despite my initial fears about such a demanding
commitment I warmly recommend all students to experience this opportunity as the outcome is
really worth it.
Saponangelo Desirèe
(Italy)
21
The project, in a nutshell
From the first moment that the project Comenius started in our school it gave us, the students,
the opportunity to evolve, it opened a way to knowledge which extended beyond the boundaries of
our country.
As this project is a multilateral one, with partners from Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Spain and
Turkiye, it made possible for us to learn about these countries and to interact with them. The chance
of learning how the job market works, and not just in our country but in Europe as well, helped us
to better understand what a job means, how we can get one, and the fact that if there is potential and
will, there are no barriers in what you can achieve.
During our work meetings we
discovered what qualities you need
to become an entrepreneur and enter
the job market. All this information
helped us discover ourselves and
use our qualities and skills in doing
a job. To help us in understanding
the European job market we had
the opportunity of travelling in the
partner countries, of observing other
cultures, other people and another
lifestyle. The meetings that we had
with the partner schools were very
beneficial, as we had the opportunity
of working together, of confronting
ideas, sharing opinions, and coming to
an agreement about our work. There
was a special connection between all
of the members of the project which
will not be forgotten too soon. The way in which we talked using the same language, different
from the mother tongue, drew us closer and made us realize how many opportunities this path
of knowledge actually opens and how
useful this project was to us from
different stand points. In fact the
visits that we have done at different
economic agents showed us other
mentalities, other cultures, other habits
and traditions. In Turkiye we visited a
halva factory where we could observe
the entire process of production, from
its basic ingredients like sesame up
to the realization of the final product.
Also, the meeting that we had with the
officials from Tarsus, made possible a
better understanding of the city and its
economy.
22
The time we spent in the school from Tarsus helped us socialize with the pupils from that school
and be proud that we were amongst them. We shared special moments and there is now between us
a special link that will surpass time and distance.
School helps us develop on a personal and professional level, and thanks to this project I had
the opportunity of doing some work practice at a real firm. Studying economics at school, and after
doing a lot of theory on the subject, I decided to learn about a job from the economics domain, so
I went to a commercial enterprise to learn about the mysteries of this profession. I practiced and
learned many things there from completing of forms and different documents to the intricate details
of the production process.
By working in an
enterprise I realized how
useful all the information
discussed during the project
meetings was and how
much it will help me in
advancing in my career. For
instance, once I chose where
I wanted to do the practice
experience and I got there I
was surprised of how diverse
and complicated everything
was and the way people
worked together, fact which
made me decide to be part
of that world and follow my
dream of going to a faculty
of economic sciences so as
to work in this domain.
To conclude, I might say that both the school and this project helped me define myself, think
about future plans in what concerns the profession I want to undertake. The job market offers us a
lot of opportunities and we have only to take advantage of them all so as to make our dreams come
true and become whoever we want to be.
Anda Bercu
(API – Romania)
23
The Comenius Project in my life
Last year when I came to my
school, my teachers told me that our
high school was going to participate in
a Comenius project about the European
job market. I didn´t have any idea about
it and I started working.
In this project young people from different countries (Spain, Italy, Romania, Bulgaria and
Turkey) work to put together our knowledge of job market. The project gave us the opportunity to
visit different countries and to know different cultures. I worked very hard on this project, but all my
effort got myself a lot of things in return for my work.
The project started in February
when the participants of the project
visited my country, Spain. We
received them very well. Here we
taught our customs, monuments and
our gastronomy. In addition we shared
a lot of things and we realized how
great the cultural diversity between all
the countries is. This fact was never
a problem; furthermore, we became
very good friends with the youth of
Italy, Bulgaria, Turkey and Romania,
with whom I later met again in Turkey,
a country that I had the chance to visit
thanks to the Comenius Project.
The second meeting of this project
was in May in Turkey, a country that
I liked very much and of which I have
good memories. When we arrived to
Turkey, people were very appealing
because in my country people dress
themselves different than Turkish
people.
We tasted food which we had
never tasted before, meals marked
by hot spices, lamb and plentiful
chicken, yogurt and bread differently. All these foods were delicious. At first we took a little getting
used to this food, but I must say that when I returned to my country, I missed it.
We also used different currency. It was the Turkish Lira. We had fun with this currency because
its value was less than the Euro. In our stay at Tarsus, we were at the institute: “Abdulkerim Bengi
Anadolu Lisesi”, We were greeted with a surprising feature of their dance culture. There we met
people from other countries that were part of the project who started a very good relationship. This
relationship to this day is still maintained through the various social networks, and I hope to see
them in the future.
24
In southern Turkey we spent a
great time because we visited cities
like Mersin and a Roman city founded
by Alexander the Great whose beauty
surprised me. It was a city which
represented the greatness of this country
several centuries ago. We also made a
nice boat ride. We cannot forget our stay
in Cappadocia, a beautiful landscape
of this unusual country. Cappadocia is
great well worth a visit.
The Comenius project has also
allowed me to visit Italy, a wonderful
country that I’m in love with. I
wanted to go to Italy because it is
the neighboring country of Spain
and we have very good relations.
When I received the news that we
would go to Italy I was very excited
because I would see all my friends
and teachers. I was very excited!
In February of 2011 we visited this
country. One of the best things of the
trip was that we returned to see my
friends (Turks, Bulgarians, Italians
and Romanians).
During the project the students
were talking about the situation of
the economy in our countries, the
requirements for starting a business,
what were the jobs most in demand
in each country, which was the maximum and minimum wage, etc.
This project has helped me a lot, because
I had a misleading conception of people from
other countries. It has allowed me to know
the hospitality of the Turks, as well as the
good character of the Bulgarians, the sense of
humor of the Italian and a great example of
overcoming the Romanians. I hope to meet
all those friends with other occasions. I want
to give many thanks to the Comenius project
because it has allowed me to know wonderful
countries and people who are as my family.
I will never forget Comenius and the
people with whom I spent unforgettable
moments. Many thanks to all of you.
Rafael Carlos Melgar Hidalgo “Fleke”
(Spain)
25
Earning Experience
For me it was a pleasure to be in this project, because
I had the chance to learn a lot of new things which I think
are important.
We
were
organized in six
groups and we
took lessons
from
our
teachers
e v e r y
Thursdays.
We had different chapters of different subjects to
discuss and put the conclusions in a portfolio for the final
products. We had to study marketing, psychology,
entrepreneurial education, behaviourism in an office and other
amazing subjects. I learned a lot of necessary information which I`ll need if I want to get a job or
to start a business. During these classes we knew each other better and we made new friends and
also we had a better relationship with the teachers, one based on work and seriousness. We were
involved in other activities in different domains. I was involved in the making of the commercials
and in the drawing exposition, but there were other amazing activities, for example designing a
panel board with all our work or translating different chapters for the guide.
The best part of the project was to earn experience visiting the schools from the partner countries,
but to go in mobilities we had to be examined from what we learnt and if we passed it, we had to take
an interview. Only the best participants had the chance to visit the partner countries. There were the
project meetings and we had to present what we had done with the groups and to achieve different
activities of the project.
I was in two mobilities, for the first time I was on the third project meeting in Turkyie. There we
had to present the three commercials which we realized in groups. We had the chance to learn about
the economic situation of Turkey, about the education in schools and the way halva is made. I was
fascinated by the modern technology in the factories and about the hospitality of the Turkish people.
The next project meeting was in Bulgaria and I had the chance again to learn something new of
another beautiful country. In Bulgaria we had to present the work with the groups and we discussed
about some jobs and we compared these jobs in every country. At this activity we were organized
in other groups with students of all the involved countries and we had to work in pairs or with the
whole group. I also saw a beer factory and I saw a lot of interesting things about how beer is made.
In every country we spent a week and we had time to meet each other
and to make new friends. I made a lot of friends and we still send each other
e-mails and we remember the beautiful moments which we spent together.
This project also helped me discover my abilities and learn how to use
a foreign language well and how it is when I`m on my own. I worked a
lot in this project, but I think it deserved every moment because I got the
chance to learn about different cultures, mentalities and I saw magnificent
places which I`ll never forget.
Barna Renata
API - ROMANIA
26
Comenius Project: A great experience
Well, all this started in
one class of Economics, our
teacher (Sergio) told me and
some friends that we would
go to Italy. Wow! We were
very excited about this, due
to it being my first trip I
asked my friends, what we
would do in this project.
They answered me
that it was a very important
experience because you know
a lot of new people from a lot
of countries like Romania,
Bulgaria or Turkey.
Some weeks later we were in the airport of Bari, exhausted and ready for adventures. The next
day we arrived to Nardó, where our friends were waiting for us. After a night of party we arrived to
the Italian high school where we started to work, the work was about economic and social sectors
of Spain. I had to explain how the Spanish education is and what you have to do to find a job, some
friends researched about Spanish legislation.
That was the “boring”
part of the project, the
interesting thing happened
out of the High School
when we visited the
landmarks of Bari, Nardó,
Lecce, etc... Of course we
saw a lot of other things,
for example the Adriatic
and Ionian coast.
The saddest was while
we were in the farewell
dinner, where a lot of
people cried, the next day
we came back to our city,
Ronda. This project taught
us about the different
European countries and of
course that Europe doesn´t
have frontiers and we all
are equals.
Kiryl Maksimov
(Spain)
27
And who would have thought?
Who would have ever thought of being thrown for eight days in a part of the world so far from
ours: Turkey.
Another world than in Italy: different culture, traditions and habits.
Even religion, a religion interesting to discover that we have appreciated and respected.
And than the typical food, the wonderful kebabs that convinced us so much to make us eat every
day.
Of course, not to forget Turkish guys, beautiful guys with whom we have spent eight memorable
days we will never forget.
Certainly, a well equipped school with friendly and available staff.
It has been a fantastic experience that allowed us to grow culturally, to practice our English and
to make many friends.
It’s an experience that we all carry in our hearts.
We would like to thank all those who participated and the European project meeting, a project
valid and useful for our future!
Martina Corvo
(Italy)
28
Comenius - a different way of learning
The Comenius project „The European Job
Market” ment for me, at the begining, only
the chance to visit some foreign countries, to
familiarise with new cultures and to improve
my English.
During these two years of project I managed
to acomplish what I planned from the beginning
as well, but more important is the fact that I
had the opportunity to learn extremely helpful
things regarding the European job market and I
have decided what I want to do after I graduate.
Documenting on different subjects (the European
legislation regarding the job market, steps in
developing a business, going to an interview,
etc.) and analysing some business ideas or some
work places through work visits to different
companies (the halvah company from Turkey,
the beer company from Bulgaria, the confections company from Cehu Silvaniei - Romania etc.) have
helped me to make an idea of the problems the job market confrunts us with, but also about how you
need to prepare to find your place on this market. Besides these benefits, I had the oportunity to work
in a team with some extraordinary people with whom I established long-term relationships.
The project represented one of the most beautiful experiences in high school and I wouldn’t
hesitate on joining this kind of projects on and on.
Druta Vlad
(CNS-Romania)
29
To Spain and back…
Despite the cliché title, I would like to say that my experience was real, unique
adventure-from the very trip, to everything we have seen, heard, learned, ate and drank. On the day of departure, I woke before the alarm clock cut the silence. I didn’t realize when it came
the time to leave and head to the bus... And now, after a brief nap on the bus, I found myself at Sofia
Airport. How long have waited for this day! Until now I had a flight in an airplane, so it also stood
in the “outstanding experience”. So, the airplane took off. In my stomach is all sorts of emotions
bubbling-excitement, anxiety…
After the long journey we finally reached
the airport in Malaga. The first destination
that we were supposed to visit was the city
of Ronda. So immediately after the flight we
headed to the bus station and spent a lot of time
traveling around. In the afternoon the host
country brought us to look at their school. A
great impression was that the Spanish kids had
a huge art studio and they have created various
things and it seems they really enjoyed it. The next morning, after we had some sleep we went to a meeting with the students from other
countries to meet and discuss the projects that we work together and to produce its logo. We were
very pleased with the work done and made a lot of pictures. Day Three: It was time to make a tour of the city. The Spanish people arranged a tour. The town
was not very big; it looked neat, with the typical kind of tourist spots. The old and the new part of
town were connected with a bridge overlooking the canyon. His view was spectacular. The museum
in Ronda was a surprise. There were particularly many remains and relics, but rather reproductions of
the ages and their inhabitants. Furthermore, it represented a big house with a yard area overlooking
the canyon. Day Four: Now came the most exciting part of the trip. This day we took off for Seville. While
Rhonda was a little less known town then Seville expectations were higher. We arrived at the hotel
at noon. We settled down and hurried to load the cameras and to tour the city. We spent two days in
Seville. The place has amazing architecture. Each building is more beautiful, more splendid, worthy
to be the muse of a future, and the current architect. As we walked around the center met with all
sorts of interesting things .This day we spent perhaps the most meaningful 2 euros! This was the
entrance for students of the Cathedral. This was the largest building we visited. What are people
doing at that time in the name of religion! So lavish rooms that combine a variety of styles from the
eras. Numerous crowns, portraits, relics and writings of various saints. Most interesting was the top
floor of the tower. From there we looked down to the whole city. So white houses! Somehow they
create a better mood. Meanwhile, we visited the arena where they used to organize bullfighting. The
place was very impressive and spectacular. This long-awaited trip to Spain was an unforgettable
experience for which many of us have long dreamed for! We met interesting friends from different
ethnic groups, filled our eyes with beautiful buildings and sceneries, learned a little about the culture
of Spain, had fun, filled with priceless photos, and now it is time again to get into the rhythm of
everyday’s routine…
Gabriela Nikolova
(Bulgaria)
30
A thought…
I have gained
a lot of experiences.
I have met new people
from different countries.
I have learnt different cultures.
I am happy to have joined
this project.
Cemre Oğultekin
(Turkiye)
31
Decisions can change you forever
I remember with pleasure the day the Comenius
project “The European Job Market” was launched in
our school. Since the first notice that announced that
students could enrol in the project I thought this was
a perfect opportunity for me to be part of something
special and unique. Taking into consideration the
opinions of some of my friends that entered in similar
projects, I decided to participate too in the examination,
that later led to my admittance as member in the
project.
During the meetings that we had I learned many
things about the European job market, as well as gained
a deeper knowledge of the legislation in our country
and the steps to follow so as to be hired at a firm, the
proper attire when going to an interview, the rights and
obligations of an employee and so on.
As far as the mobilities are concerned, I had the
opportunity to go at the work meetings in Turkiye, of
course only after an arduous and long work with the
groups and naturally after passing an interview where I
was questioned from the knowledge I acquired during
the project meetings and a language exam.
Next I will talk about my experiences from Turkiye. We were given the opportunity of choosing
which country we would like to visit, and I chose Turkiye because since the day that the partner
schools were presented I knew I wanted to go there. My choice was clear as Turkiye is a country
outside the European Union, with a strong economic power and a culture so different from Romania.
For the meeting in Turkiye we had to prepare three spots on the project theme and I can say that we
did our best to make them appropriate and appreciated. What I liked best at the work we did for the
spots is that we went in the city centre
of Zalău to film a commercial and I
remember with pleasure how surprised
everyone was looking at us and how
well we collaborated.
In Turkiye we were received with
much warmth and hospitality by the
Turkish teachers and the hosts which
took us in as their own sons and
daughters for a whole week. At school
we did many activities relating to the
project as: presenting the spots, mixed
group discussions about the education
in each partner country, talking about
the similarities and differences between
the educational systems.
32
We were also brought to a Halva factory where we remarked the high level of technology used
in obtaining the final product. I was impressed with the proper work conditions and the patience and
candour with which we were explained how the factory works.
The week was overcrowded with accomplishments,
making of new friends and special experiences. Finally,
the separation was an emotional one, all the students
wanting to stay a while longer.
In my opinion the Comenius project created new
horizons in what the European job market is concerned. I
learned new things that I didn’t know before and created
for us a vision about our future career that we wish to
follow. And let’s not forget the most important thing, the
socializing with different peoples, with different cultures
and traditions.
Andrei Tomas
(API – Romania)
33
Comenius - Final Thoughts
Comenius: One of the most pregnant adventures
in my high-school years. The reason: meeting the
most diverse people and surely the best way to learn
outside the school classrooms.
There are plenty of superlatives which could
describe the “Comenius experience” but none of them
could actually equal the living of it. The enthusiasm
of the thought that in other 5 different places in the
world, other students, not so different than you or, on
the contrary, a lot different than you, have the same
objectives as you do, is beyond measure. The idea only
that in other 5 different places in the world, despite
the climate you will always find “warmth”. What
marked me the most is that once you put together 6
groups of extremely different people you come to the
conclusion that it is not the language that counts, nor
the appearance, neither the economy of the place you
belong to and not even the historical or political past,
present or future which characterizes each of them.
And then you ask yourself what remains after
“undressing” a man of all these. It is the sheer
individuality.... the soul. This is in my opinion the
superlative of the Comenius project and, doubtlessly,
the trait I will always have craved deep in my
memory.
Alexandra Pop
(CNS – Romania)
34
A great team
With this project,
we found ourselves working
with a team sprint which
is important in every field.
In the countries we went,
we found a possibility
to meet new people and cultures.
By hosting guests from other countries,
we had the opportunity
to introduce our own.
And the most important thing
is that we learned a lot about the jobs,
which will help us
to choose a career.
Çağatay Çoban
(Turkiye)
35
Opportunities
During all the meetings regarding the Comenius project
“The European job market”, I had the opportunity to meet
with different people, traditions and customs and to visit
wonderful places. The 2-year project was a challenge for all
6 schools, many teachers and students which participated
in it.
In my opinion I would say that for each of the participants in the project, there will be great
memories which will remind us of the amazing time together, the new built-up friendships and the
main goal of the project –the superb guide which was our final task and a result from our long-time
efforts.
In each country there
were different tasks whose
main aim was to develop
our creativity and motivation
to work – the caricature
exhibitions, the creation
of commercials etc., all of
them were in a concept of
competition between the
countries, but there were no
bad feelings at all.
It was a little bit hard in the
beginning to communicate in
between, but then it become
pleasure to talk and chat
even in Skype or Facebook,
to share experience and
photos from the different and
interesting meetings.
Aneta Ivanova
(Bulgaria)
36
Developing with Comenius
This project has helped me
to get more information about
career choice in my future and
also about which facts I must
be careful while making a
decision on my career-taking
my personality and interest into
consideration.
Our partnership with other
countries enabled me to get to
know about different cultures and
to make new friends. I am sure
that all I got through working in
this project has contributed to
my personal and social life.
Thanks
everyone
for
everything.
Ezgi Çetin
(Turkiye)
37
Comenius: The last meeting in Zalău
From the 1st to the 6th May nine students from Italy Erica took part in the last meeting in Zalău,
Romania.
Two days before the start of the project we visited an important universitycity, Cluj-Napoca. On
our arrival in Zalău students from “Colegiul Naţional Silvania” welcomed us warmly on the school
grounds and offered us typical sweets.
It was a busy week, full of meetings and tasks to carry out but the kindness, friendliness and
liveliness of the students in the project made everything smoother.
Work days were accompanied by fun nights. The last day was the saddest of the week because
we had to say goodbye to our new friends aware that we wouldn’t see many of them anymore. It was
an unforgettable experience that made us grow culturally, develop our knowledge and improve our
ability in relating with people from different countries, ideas and religions.
De Benedittis Michael, Barone Miriana,
Toma Sara, Primativo Elisa, Piccione Agnese
(Italy)
�������
38
Benefits
I benefited from the advantages of
this project a lot in every aspect. Firstly
I have learned to take responsibility and
realized that we could do something as
a team. I also had the opportunity to
practice my English.
We all had individual tasks in
the project and we could accomplish
them in the best way. Although we had
separate tasks, we always informed each
other about what we were doing. Thus,
we could help each other whenever we
needed.
Another
thing
I
realized with the help of
this project is that I CAN
speak English. Throughout
the third meeting in Turkey,
when I hosted a friend
from Bulgaria, I had an
unforgettable experience.
No matter how different we
were, we could get along
well with each other. It was
so difficult to say goodbye
to them.
All in all it is something
that I will always be proud
of being involved in.
“I miss youuu…”
Ceren Ortak
(Turkiye)
39
My Comenius Project
The Comenius project
is a European program
with the aim of improving
relations between young
people across the economy.
But this project is not
only this, because for me
this design has meant a
wonderful experience where
I had the opportunity to
know people whom I would
have never known if I hadn´t
been in this project.
I have learned a lot
of things about different
countries how Bulgaria,
Romania, Turkey and Italy.
I must say that for
me, the experience of
Comenius has been
something fantastic not
only because of all I
have known and learnt
from different countries
as a their economy
their culture... but also
because I have made​​
many great friendships.
All of them are amazing
people who thanks to this
project I have known: I
are talking about Turkish
people, Bulgarian people,
Romanian people, Italian
people. I can say that this
people are amazing and I will never know other people like them.
Neither I will never live an experience as I have lived in the Comenius project.
Although we speak different languages, five different languages, we can communicate with each
other because all of us speak the language of the heart.
Thanks for giving me this unforgettable experience.
Paloma Hernández Montes
(Spain)
40
How quickly time passes when you’re having fun :D
First of all I want to say that I’m
terribly sorry that the two years of
project have passed already. It seems
that I’ve done so many things, that I’ve
learnt so many things, that I’ve seen so
many places, that I’ve met so many new
people, but I still cannot say that I’ve had
enough... two years are too short for a
project of this kind.
I signed up because I wanted to see
how this kind of Comenius project actually
works; I thought that it will be useful in
the future and the idea was interesting
and helpful: ‘‘the job market’’.
The first year was the one in which
we tied friendships and in which we
worked the most, gathering information
about the job market. It was a light work,
we’ve learnt more, rather than worked.
The first project year for me, ended in a very very interesting manner... with the project meeting
from Turkey – an experience that none of us will ever forget, I’m sure. The intercultural exchange
was extremely interesting along with the fact that we saw the Turkish way of thinking regarding the
job market.
The second project year began with the organisation of the information gathered the previous
year, so slightly easier, because we already new what we were dealing with.
The second interesting experience was the one in Italy, where, towards the end of the project we
just had to choose a cover and a title for our final product; again we had the occasion to see a new
culture, of course more familiar to us than the Turkish one.
When we thought that we were finished, that the final meeting from our school would be the end
of it, we still had to translate the guide...
The meeting from our school proved to be indeed a culmination of the success of the project, of
the two years of work.
How did it help me? I made a lot of friends, I managed to orient my future, I’ve learnt a lot of
helpful things and I visited interesting countries... but the most significant and useful thing that I saw
how important teamwork is. Honestly, I want two more years of Comenius!\
Dacian Lazea
(CNS – Romania)
41
Happy!
I am very happy to be in that project because I have had a lot of experiences. For example: I have
seen a new country and learnt new culture. I have learnt how to work in a team. I have accumulated
information about how to find a job and plan a career.
Zeynep Turan
(Turkiye)
42
Experiences
Since the “Comenius” project began I had the
chance to go at three project meetings: in Turkiye,
Bulgaria and Italy. In those three meetings
I had the opportunity to explore the
countries which we visited, to meet new people, to
improve my English, to show to other countries my
ideas and opinions, to make new friends, to improve
my knowledge about marketing and others.
In Turkiye I enjoyed their hot weather, hospitality and their
way of thinking and organizing activities of the project. In
Tarsus I visited a halvah factory. Over there beside halvah the
factory produces chocolate cream. I was impressed about the
brilliant way of producing it.
About Bulgaria I can say the same thing about the hospitality
and the way of thinking and organizing the activities of the
project. Also, they have some very good knowledge of English
and that was a very good opportunity for me to present my
thoughts, opinions and ideas and to exchange information.
While I was in Bulgaria, in Veliko
Tarnovo I visited a beer factory. I can say
that I was surprised to see the real beer
crafting and the entire production process
which is very complicated and needs a
lot of time and knowledge to realize the
final product. Also the Bulgarians knew
how to promote their national product. You
were able to see everywhere shops full of
products made with rose essence like: oils,
perfumes, soaps, creams and other stuff.
In Italy just like in Turkiye we had a good
weather. Nardo was a very nice town thanks
to its old buildings. I can say that the thing that impressed me most in Italy was the fashion house.
Over there I could see clothes, especially dresses made for companies like Prada and Valentino.
Cătălina �������
���������
N������
ăstase
(API – Romania)
43
Forget-it-not
Now, when all is finished and I have to say a few words about the project I realize how many
things I have learned, how many situations I have experienced, and the most exciting is that finally,
the results are visible. When I say “results” I don’t refer only to material results, but also to the
spiritual ones, as friendships, the ability to spend your time working hard, to face new situations, to
discuss important things with foreign people, to assume my responsibility, to present our work and
impress the others.
When I go out with my
new friend from the project
team, we always remember
how we stayed hours and hours
at school, every Thursday, we
had to find information about
the European job market and
to make the project known in
school, but now, for us, these
are beautiful memories. We
are proud of our work when
we see that we can read our
book, a book that we wrote,
the guide “Europe - Working
without boundaries”.
I also spent a great time in the mobilities in Bulgaria and Italy. I had the opportunity to see the
way the foreigners think and behave and to meet their manners, traditions, and of course, to see how
their job market works. In other words, for a week, we lived like them.
To conclude, I have no regrets that I was a member in this project, because the moments I spent
are never-to-be-forgotten and the experience I gained will help me a lot.
Iulia Ciaca
(CNS – Romania)
44
Opportunities
I saw the importance
of friendship and group
work in detail during this
project. I realized that we
could reach the success
more easily when we
worked together. We each
had responsibilities, which
we tried to fulfill well,
in order to achieve our
common goals.
I had the opportunity
to go abroad. I saw new
places, met new people
from different cultures. I
believe we won the heart
and the minds of the people
everywhere we went.
In addition I gained a different perspective towards life and people all around the world, becoming
free from prejudices, being more optimistic…
Keziban Günakın
(Turkiye)
45
My first Comenius Project
The Comenius project
has been important for
the countries which
have participated in the
project.
The project has
given us the opportunity
to learn something about
the different economic
systems in other countries.
We had the opportunity
to meet local industries,
but more importantly I
think, is that we have had
the opportunity to meet
wonderful people from
other countries.
The
relationship
with my classmates who
have been working in
the project has become
closer because we were
always together, even
with teachers who have
joined us. I’ve only been
in Italy, and I have to say
that Italian people are
great hostess. I spent there
great moments thanks to
the good job that Italian
people made. Regarding
the work, it has been very
well organized. We had
time to work and to share
laughs with the new
friends we made there.
As I said before I made wonderful friends in Italy and I hope someday we’ll meet them again
although I realize that is very difficult because they live very far from Spain.
I have to give thanks to the Comenius project - The European Job Market, because we have seen
fascinating places and people, also. The project has helped us to know how people work in other
countries.
Pablo Carbonell Madrid
(Spain)
46
Working in Comenius
The Comenius project opened a lot of
opportunities of knowing the job market,
but the one that I enjoyed the most was
the work experience I did at a firm.
In December 2010 I was at a leasing
firm, which, obviously, deals in leasing.
I was told by my teachers that this
experience would be very useful in my
future professional career. There I met
a friendly staff, very close to each other
and ready to help in case you didn’t
manage with something. The period I
spent there I learned many new things
connected to economics, especially how
to fill in different documents. I thought
that experience was very interesting and if before I had had the feeling that an economist was staying
all day long in a secluded room, at a desk filled with paperwork trying to count all the money spent
or invested by the company in one week, I realized I couldn’t have been more mistaken. I would
definitely like to have the job of an economist in the future because I find it interesting, definitely not
boring, it needs a lot of attention and responsibility and it keeps you active all the time.
Another aspect that I enjoyed in
this work experience was the people.
During one of my visits at the firm
I got there during the lunch break
and some of the employees were
involved in some gossip. You could
see from afar that between them there
was a relationship of friendship and
respect. Of course when I got close to
them they ended their conversation
and helped me with what I needed,
which showed me how responsible
they actually were, but I was also
happy to see the human part of a
job. I was very delighted by the
experience I received there and I
would like very much to work at that
firm and I have to say that what I saw there helped me decide on my future job.
I think doing work practice is a perfect way for students to come in contact with the job market
and open our eyes on the real world. In my opinion all pupils should at one time visit such a place.
My experience was decisive and I’m sure it is the case for many other colleagues of mine.
Manoila Denisa
(API – Romania)
47
Last Impression
The project for me was great, offering the
possibility to learn about the local businesses and
also to travel. It was like a new class, an experience
that gave me to chance to learn new things I couldn’t
normally find out on my own. We had to make
sacrifices but it was worth being part of the project,
it had more advantages than disadvantages.
The meetings were enjoyable, I think
both Spain and Italy were awesome. In Spain
it was nice and it is there that I received my
nickname – GPS … It was hard for us, the
students, as we didn’t know each other, but we
figured it out. All in all it was fine. In Italy the
people were kind but… sorry, I think our nonoriginal Pizza is better than yours. However,
the views were amazing. I won’t forget those
places for sure, especially the banana-tree
park. The last meeting held in Zalau was the
best as we knew each other already very well
and had a lot of fun.
The best thing was that we were able to
know what our working possibilities are, by
visiting different entrepreneurs – the notary
office, the court of law, factories like Tenaris,
where we couldn’t have gone on our own. It
was a very nice project and it will represent a
big part of my high school years :D:D
Sandor Moricz
���������������
(CNS- Romania)
48
My Comenius Project
Unbeatable seafront! Amazing! Unforgettable!
There are few words that can define the project, but many feelings that have arisen through.
The Comenius Project is a European program which started last year thanks to the collaboration
of the member countries: Spain, Romania, Bulgaria, Italy and Turkey.
The project base is something
elementary to the developed world:
unity and joint efforts between
countries. So this project not only
allowed us to visit these countries as
entertainment but has also enabled us to
delve into the economy of each country,
discuss customs, religions, history and
understanding fundamentals.
All this in a unique experience that allowed us to learn and enjoy ourselves at the same time,
and analyze life from different points of view. We are a project but above all a big family, which is
so important for us.
49
Culture, education, learnign,
Comenius goes more far beyond this
project goes beyond all boundaries to
reach the limit of the boundary, the
boundary of the Borders: The Heart.
Today, no one can say we have
traveled and met as far afield as
Turkey, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania,
but we can say we have friends in
each one of them, friends who have
shared unforgettable experiences
experiences are not unique, but
unrepeatable in this life.
Helping, being helped, wanting to be loved, values of the project, promoted by the project
values and values cherished by anyone in this word.
For me, this Comenius project
was more than a field trip, so the
Comenius project is more than just a
cultural trip, so Comenius project is
more than just a school project.
Ask yourself: Did they ever
enjoy so much? Did they feel such
a relationship with someone who
speaks a different language?
The Comenius project knows
no language: Comenius project
understands life and heart. Now we
not only belong to Spain, also belong
to all those countries in which the
Comenius project has left its mark.
Now not only do we have Spanish
friends, also Turks friends, Italians, Bulgarians, Romanians. Now not only do we think of traveling
to see the world, but we travel to see our friends.
Now we not only strongly support the development and prosperity of our country, Spain, but we
support it in all these countries. Now not only do we care about our country, we worry about all the
countries in which we can find a wonderful friend that in a time of our lives we have lived with and
who belonged to our own nation and our family: Comenius Project.
An unforgettable experience that opened our eyes to the world, an incredible experience
increasingly needed in a globalized world.
Francisco Ramírez Izquierdo
(Spain )
50
Work and fun
Primarily this project taught me how a person can find a job or set up a business, how a boss and
a worker treat each other and what the most popular jobs of past, future and today are. At the same
time it taught me how to be a part of a team and work as a team.
Thanks to this project I met new people speaking different languages, having different cultures.
In addition, I learned a lot of things about business life. And now they are all a part of my life.
Apart from these, I enjoyed myself, and had fun.
Yusuf Gök
(Turkiye)
51
Changed Perspectives on Life
Getting involved in the Comenius
project “The European Job Market”
meant a lot to me, and it still does.
Firstly, I was very enthusiastic about it
when I heard of it through my teachers.
I knew that by involving myself in
this kind of project I will have a great
opportunity to develop and to improve
and become a better version of me.
The activities that we’ve
developed in our teams were great,
not only that I actually had a chance to
find out more about the European laws
towards jobs, employer, employee, but
also, I could see how things are done
and mainly how the system works.
We did some great tests about our possible career choices and some tests that showed us
something new about ourselves. Also, we made some really nice presentations about our work,
which we presented at the work meetings that students and teachers participated in.
Luckily, I was one of the students that had the opportunity to go in such a journey, after I was
chosen taking in consideration the result of a test and an interview. I had the great joy to go to
Rhonda, Spain. There, beside the fact that I made a lot of friends and saw great places, I had the
chance to be part of something very important for us the students and for teachers, too. We presented
all the activity that we did until that point in our country, we chose the logo, we visited an olive oil
factory and talked with the local personalities that told us and made our eyes wider towards what
industry means and mainly what means to have a job and be a part of the European job market.
Also, we were divided in teams and discussed possible career choices, the perspective on life in
each country and even the way we work or act at work.
Mainly, this project and especially the journey to Spain was a once in a
lifetime opportunity because thanks to this I was able to choose what I want
to do in life, towards what career I want to proceed. Throughout this journey
I realized what I want from life and how I could get it, now that I know more
about the European job market.
I am thankful for this wonderful opportunity, it was an experience that
actually changed my life and I am sure that I am not the only one. A special
thanks to the teachers involved in this project for trusting me, and giving me
a chance to realize what is best for me.
Ioana Butiri
(API – Romania)
52
From ignorance to maturation through
“The European Job Market”
I have decided to try and join this project
thanks to the possibilities that it was offering,
especially the one of going to other countries.
Maybe this was a bigger attraction than learning
about the European job market because I was
in the 10th grade and choosing a career seemed
to be very distant.
But, I have learnt during these two years,
things that I wouldn’t have learnt without
working practically or without being guided. A
lot of times we get lost in details, not knowing
what we are looking for. I have learnt that on
the job market you have to be decisive and
certain, to obey the rules, to know how to make
your presence felt without taking advantage of
the power you have.
The visits to the prosecution office, the
translating center and, of course, the foreign
countries had the biggest impact on me. I was
given the possibility to observe the real work that is put into these domains. This made me think
seriously about by future and start preparing for what is waiting for me.
When I started working in this project I understood that things aren’t as easy as they seem and I
was afraid of what was coming, but later on, I realized that this is the inborn step that I have to make.
In the long run, this project helped me the most in growing up.
Roxana Hosu
(CNS – Romania)
53
A project for my future
Thanks to the Project “the European Job Market”, I have made my career planning in advance
by searching on the project subject and thus improving myself. Now I have got the necessary
information about which occupation I will decide on and how I will make progress with it. I am
much more informed about how to find a job, how to set up a business and what the fashionable/
traditional jobs are.
In addition I had the opportunity to examine different cultures, different life styles of different
nations. I believe I have reached all the goals this project set for us. This project contributed to my
social and cultural point of view.
Semiha Kılavuz
(Turkiye)
54
Comenius: My experience in general
Comenius
has
been
an
unforgettable
experience
for
everybody and it has open our eyes
for discover the magic an d the
hospitality of four amazing countries
(Turkiye, Romania, Bulgaria and
Italy all them very especial for us).
At first only a few of people
were interested in the project
because there were people who
didn’t like the idea of do work like
PowerPoint’s interviews or others
similar�������������������������������
things but finally now we are
so many that we can’t believe it.
Comenius has been our entry into a
different world, where every country have
come together, not only as fellow travelers
but also as friends in an experience that we
will never forget.
55
Comenius has been a marketing
project in which five countries (Spain,
Turkey, Romania, Italy and Bulgaria)
have forgotten the distances that
separate each other and all they have
found their common ground both
economically and socially.
We,
the
Spanish,
have
experienced different lifestyles,
customs, foods, places above have
met people who will go far when it
proposed and that without them there
would have been so special this time
of our lives.
This project could have been a simple tourist
trip but it has been much more. It taught us a lot
to not judge people by their different nationality,
economics, gender or different way of seeing the
world but they really are inside.
Although in the future our paths will separate
and we should tackle new horizons is one thing
that will never change. So we want to give thanks
all countries which have been participating in this
European job because all you have contributed to
these two years have been one of the best, the kind
of year that your life will be marked forever
So, remember all: We are and always will be:
Comenius, youth willing to do everything that fate
throws at us.
We are the present and the future depends on
us.
And now and in the future Spain, Turkey, Italy,
Romania and Bulgaria: All we’re one.
• Because our hearts and voices are the same !!!
Julia Morán Maqueda
(Spain)
56
The Comenius Project – The European Job Market
The Comenius project has given me so
much more than initially intended. It gave me
the opportunity to develop my practical skills in
advertising, public relations and management,
all crucial in the current job market. Moreover it
offered me a true team experience, where I had the
opportunity to combine business with pleasure and
at the same time to get to know my own limits,
morally and personally, as well.
Due to the united team that I was a part
of, I realized that great things can be achieved
with great determination and will. Although, in
the beginning, this project did not receive the
necessary credibility, now that we are at the end,
we can be proud of the achievements of the twoyear project.
Over this period I developed many friendships
with my project colleagues, friendships which I’m
sure will remain intact over time. Because of all
these and many others, this project will always
remain close to my heart, along with all the related
high school memories.
Madalina Campean
(CNS – Romania)
57
People, places, opportunities
I got involved in this project because I like meeting and interacting with a lot of people. I was
part of group three together with nine other colleagues, and during the project we have discussed
different subjects with different teachers. All of these subjects were useful to me and the collaboration
amongst its members was perfect.
One of the opportunities that
the project opened for us was that
of doing work experience at a firm.
Being in a class at the technical
profile I chose to do work practice
at a firm in that domain, and thus
I chose a firm of telephony and
internet. During the work practice
I learned different things in the
domain I wish to work in. In fact I
have wanted to work in this domain
since the seventh grade when I read
a book on telecommunication. I
have always wanted to help people
to communicate easier no matter the distance, and a particular wish of mine is to help the people
from Africa to communicate easier and faster as I know that the telecommunication there is
underdeveloped.
I also had the chance of taking part in the work meeting in Turkiye which took place for a week
in May 2010. I have to say that the mobility in this country changed a little my vision on life as I
knew another world, another lifestyle. I met new people, very warm and I did different things from
what I was used to at home. The family where I stayed was welcoming and I learned precious things
from them. I am also happy that I had the opportunity to interact with another culture and language
so different from our own.
During the work meetings we discussed about the job market in our countries. We visited many
well established places which gave us a clear description of the Turkish economy. One of these places
was the Halva factory in Tarsus, a factory that impressed us all with its cleanness and discipline.
I would like to conclude by saying that the experience in Turkiye
was an unforgettable one in which I learned many new things and
made a lot of friends which we expect to come to Romania so that we
can prove to them that we the Romanians are too welcoming and very
well educated.
I want to advise all the young people to get involved in school
projects, especially a Comenius project if they have the opportunity,
as they would have a lot to learn and experience.
B�����
���
nuţ ���������
Cătălin, XIIF
����
(API – Romania)
58
Comenius – the winner
We learned to help each other. We learned how to work in a team. We had to finish our work in
time, that is, we had responsibilities. It was good to work with this team. I learned that ‘you reap
out what you sow’. It is exactly true for this project. Everybody involved in this project is a winner,
I believe.
Zeynep Özpolat
(Turkiye)
59
My wonderful Comenius experience
The Comenius experience has been very
nice for me and for my life. I think that the most
important thing is the mixture of cultures in this type
of meeting. I have enjoyed a lot sharing customs and
information form my country, and learning about
the other countries.
Besides, I can say that I have made
a lot of friends even good friends in the
meetings. Another thing wich surprise
me is how a group of teenager work
together even been each one from a
different place of Europe doing that
with respect, ����������������������������
politely and also with fun!
Finally I would like to say thank you all
the people who have made this possible.
I am sad because this project is finished.
I would like my high school����������������
to participate
in others if it’s possible! And of course I
recommend all European teenagers to
participate in this type of experiences in
order to enjoy all the oportunities and all
the new things we can see and learn with
the Comenius.
Estrella González Campos
(Spain)
60
Wonderful Memories
I have been working in this project from the beginning. I was in the tenth grade when the
coordinating teachers made the selection for it. I was very happy when I heard that I was accepted.
Although I didn’t know very well what the project meant or how much I have to work, I was very
curious and eager to discover all its mysteries.
We started “work” in force. We were divided into groups
of documentation and research. For a good organization we
formed several project management teams. I was part of
group A (Employers) and now I can say that I learned many
new things and I deepened the old, participating at meetings,
in discussions. And now, based on the things learned, I will
participate at writing the guide,our main goal. I’m very excited
at the thought that I’ll be one of the authors of a book.
On the other hand, I’m part of the “Media Relations”
team. Here, my colleagues and I have been promoting the
project locally. We have posted ads in newspapers and we held
meetings with economic agents, authorities and parents to
inform them about what we do and to form partnerships with
them.We interviewed and we made our own “Media File”. A
journalist’s work is interesting although it’s not easy.
I think I’m a lucky person because I attended three mobilities in Turkey, Bulgaria and Italy.
These opportunities were unique and I enjoyed them.What were these for me? …. It’s not difficult
…. I can answer in a few words : three great trips, three new countries, new cultures, new people,
new mentalities and different schools. The program in these visits wasn’t all about playing, but we
knew how to combine business with pleasure. We worked hard on the project theme-The European
Job Market. We discussed with our colleagues from other countries, we discovered what we have to
do when we want a job in another country, which are the most sought jobs, what you can invest in
every country and many other interesting things.
We also had some practice, besides the theory. Host country members led us to visit various
local companies to see exactly what it means to work with them. I liked very much to visit the
Khalva Factory in Turkey and in Bulgaria we visited a Brewery. There we were very well received.
We were informed and we received explanations about how the factory works. Then we had the right
to ask questions.
Therefore, the three mobilities were wonderful, were an exchange of experience between project
members. We all had something to learn and of course these will remain a pleasant memory.
Not just during the visits I had the opportunity to see a factory, to talk with specialists. I went to
the Knitting Factory, which is in my county. There was also something special. The manager of this
company gave us details about the steps of setting up his business, its development, management,
production and ultimately about profit. We also talked about the number of workers, the work
program and about their rights and duties.
To conclude I want to say I’m proud of being part of this project. It’s great that teachers carry
out such activities in my school.
My advice: “Who wants to take advantage of offers from high school, do that, because it has
many things that can be of benefit!!!”
Ioana Ardelean
(CNS – Romania)
61
New cultures, new experiences, new friends
With this project I made new friends. I especially made a new family in Romania after staying
in their house as a guest. I got acquainted with new cultures. I realized that those who I thought
were different were actually very similar to us. I had the chance to tell about my culture to others.
I corrected their misconceptions about us. The documents that I received by the help of this project
were added to my CV. I learned what to do in order to look for a job.
I think I am one step ahead of everybody
after graduating from the university. Not
everyone would have such a good opportunity
to get to know about their future career like
this. For example I had the opportunity to
make interviews with the doctors and had
the chance to ask all the questions I had.
I went to Bulgaria and Romania. I was a
volunteer to host a student when they visited
Turkey. I first met them in Turkey. I had a
wonderful week. I also went to the Capadocia
trip. We had a lot of fun during our road trip
on the bus. There was also entertainment at
night time. An advertisement contest took
place in Turkey. My joy and happiness
doubled when we won the contest.
Then we traveled to Bulgaria. It was also
beautiful there. One thing I cannot forget
was the light-show that took place at a fortress. Sound effects were also amazing. We also toured a
beer factory there. We observed the production stages. We presented our culture at the meeting there.
We had a lot cultural similarities with the Bulgarians. A Bulgarian friend told us that we had a lot in
common, and that we were all brothers and sisters. He was right, even though we are separated by
borders, we are actually brothers and sisters.��������
We made the closing in Romania. It was our
last stop, but it was very nice. I liked the botanical
garden there. It was large, and there were all
kinds of plants there. They welcomed us with
their traditional folk dancers. Costumes, dances
and the music were similar to ours. They were at
the goodbye dinner. Then they also tried to teach
us their folk dances.
It was wonderful to stay at a house there. I
stayed at Simina’s house. She was a very nice
person. Her family became a like second family
to me. They cooked special meals for me every
day. And after the closing, it was too hard for everybody to leave each other. But we will always keep
in touch with each other. Friendships like these last forever.
Havva Gülçin Bostanoğlu
(Türkiye)
62
My Comenius Experience
I have to recognize, it was much nicer than I had
expected. If at the beginning I thought that things are
going to unfold strictly, with work again and again, in
time I saw that is not like that. We have made friends
both among students and among teachers.
I will never forget these two years of the project,
even more than that, I will keep them in mind like
the most beautiful years of high school spent with a
big team, a family, because at the end this is what we
are, “Comenius, one big family”.
Dear members of the family, let me tell you that
you are great people and I will miss you a lot.
Catalina Turcas
(CNS- Romania)
63
Useful for the future
I would like to start by saying that I entered this project after viewing the project presentation
and I thought it was a great opportunity to meet new people and to learn new things that would
definitely help me in the future.
From the beginning we were split in five
groups and I chose to be part of group four. We
learnt interesting things with different teachers.
With teacher Mircea Radu for example, we
discussed what a businessman is and how we
can become one. He told us about the world’s
biggest businessmen and how they became what
they are.
I should also mention that in group four I
was not alone, but together with a few of my
classmates and other colleagues from the high
school. We spent a great time together, sharing
thoughts and ideas that were important to us
about the job market.
During our work I learned how to behave and dress at an interview and how to accept the
situation in case I don’t get the job.
For the project Comenius we had to do some work experience at a firm and see what happens
there, and what “working” actually means. I went to a firm that deals with computers and other
technology related services. There I spent a very good time because there was a good relationship
between the workers and they received me with open arms. I was very surprised that they took from
their time and showed me what their job was about.
Because my major is accounting, I tried to see and learn how everything
works in the accounting department. After spending some time with them,
and observing their work it made me decide to follow a profession in the
accountancy domain in the future.
The activities done for the duration of this project, whether they were
in school or outside were of great value to me and I’m sure I will remember
them for a long time and I think they will be of great use for me when I start
working.
Pop Lavinia
(API – Romania)
64
A positive change
Thanks this project I
met new people, saw new
places and improved my
English. It was the first
time I had been abroad.
I leaned how important
planning is for my future.
The different cultures we
got to know, the different
people we met and the
team work have influenced
my life possitively. I am
sure this experience will
affect my future career.
I am very happy to
have been involved in such
an invaluable activity.
THANK YOU
VACİDE AVCI
(Türkiye)
65
Working in Comenius
The Comenius project “The
European Job Market” meant for me
a unique opportunity of interaction
with modern economic systems that
led to the discovery of the possibilities
offered by the European job market,
but in the same time, it represented an
intense cultural exchange by visiting the
partner countries and opportunities to
socialize with students of other schools
in Europe.
For over two years of the project, I
learned many things, I met new people
and I experienced a beneficial personal
development, not only because of the
technical skills developed under the
project but also by broadening the
horizon of knowledge about the business
environment from European countries.
The most important part of the project was for me teamwork. I learned to work with others, to
reconcile all the ideas, find solutions to any problems, and finally to share the satisfaction of the
work carried out.
Alin Luca
(CNS – Romania)
66
Amazing experiences
This project for me meant a lot of work and
entirely new experiences and memories that will last
a lifetime. From the beginning we were organized
in groups of students and we had as coordinator
a teacher from the project that would teach us
interesting information about the job market, and
every month, we would change the teacher because
we had to learn something new. There was a very
good communication between the students in the
project and together with the teachers we learned
new things about whom we are and who we can
become. The information I acquired was very useful
for me because I found out a lot of new things about jobs in general and about the job that I want in
the future.
I also had the opportunity of participating at
the second project meeting to Spain in February
2010. For me the trip was a real new adventure. I
learned a lot of new things like how other students
are living and how they treat the school and how
their teachers are.
This project gave me the opportunity to see
a lot of new places and make new friends. In the
trip from Spain we shared our work made in our
country for the project and we chose the logo
which was made by every country and the winners
were the Bulgarian students.
What I would also like to mention is the relationship that we formed with the other students,
which was a very good one, because even if the main language in this project is English we learned
some words from them and they learned some words in Romanian as well. The teachers were
amazing and we shared a friendly relationship and that is what
I like in this kind of projects.
In Spain we visited an olive factory where an employee
explained to us how the oil is made and how the olives are
selected. We visited the town with the students and a guide
showed us the most beautiful places of Ronda and told us a
little story about it. What impressed me the most was the place
where the bullfights are held.
I am very happy that I could participate in this project
because I met a lot of amazing people and I made new friends
that I still keep in touch with and this is very important for
me. I hope that I will have the opportunity to be part of new
projects like this in the future.
Sîrca Andreea
(API – Romania)
67
Final impressions
Comenius, 2 years of joy, work and of course a lot of satisfaction. Now, at the end of it, it is hard
to believe that time flew by so fast. The first days of project pop in my head with even the smallest
detail, I was so anxious waiting for my first “jobs” within the project, I was so eager in doing
something important, not necessarily for myself, but for the team and for the entire project.
As days passed by,
I made posters, flyers,
panels and advertising
spots. Beside handwork, I
also helped with the mind
work, researching
and
documenting about things
needed for the project
over the two years. As a
benefit of the work I’ve
done, I made it into the
teams that went to Turkey
and Bulgaria, where I
got in touch with foreign
students with whom I was
undergoing
discussions
regarding the project theme
and of course teamwork was the starting point. Also, like in any departure, we really had a great time
all together, spending even our free time in the company of our foreign colleagues.
At the end of the project I feel really satisfied from a professional point of view but also from a
personal point of view, because I had the chance of meeting and making a lot of new great friends.
Nicoară Cosmin
(CNS – Romania)
68
Thank you, Comenius!
With this project I have got information about job
opportunities in a least five countries: Romania, Italy,
Bulgaria, Spain and Turkey. Now I have an important
experience that I will include in my CV in the future.
We searched information about “how
to find a job, how to set up a business, the
difficulties of finding a job and setting
up a business, the fashionable jobs, etc.”,
which led us to our product-the guide
book. I believe I will consult this book
when deciding on my career.
What’s more I’ve made new friends
and improved my English. I have been
to Romania, where the final meeting was
held. I will never forget the hospitality of
Romanian people, the joy of my friends
there and the perfect obedience to the
traffic rules in Romania.
I will never forget IOANA
ARDELEAN and RAUL ZMOLE and
their wonderful friendship. I will never
forget the football match against the CNS
team when I scored 4 goals. And finally I
will never forget the feelings I got when I
received my diploma from Ioana Jecan at
the final dinner.
It is a fortunate that the idea of getting
involved in this project crossed my mind
last year and I had the chance to have such
an experience.
Mehmet Hoplamaz
(Türkiye)
69
Work Experience
High School offers many opportunities to discover your
qualities and skills. In school you are placed face to face with
some real-life situations. One of these situations is the work
practice.
For a period of two weeks I went to observe how people
work at a real estate agency, where I had the opportunity to put
into practice what I’ve been learning only in theory. Those two
weeks were for me an experience that made me think about the
future and what I want to do after graduation.
I liked that place where I and a few colleagues did practice
and I noticed the seriousness with which the employees worked
and how they cooperated to achieve what they had proposed.
Furthermore, I noticed the care with which the employees
worked and I realized that every job has its responsibilities and
if someone fails their whole business is affected.
During this
period I was not
a mere observer I also helped them with different
chores. For example I had to bring certain documents
to the bank, or to the accountant of the firm, while
in other cases I just analysed and then made some
reports on them.
In the end I had to make a report about the agency,
the object of its activity and how it is organized and
how it was founded. The period I spent there was a
welcomed experience which I know will be of use in
the future.
This was one
of the activities
carried
out
under the project
“Comenius” but
it wasn’t the only one as together with my colleagues and the
teachers we have done a lot of work focusing on our knowing
better what the job market is. We have completed questionnaires,
discussed different situations, and debated on the economic
system of our country. Completing the questionnaires helped
me to discover myself and to know myself better. I found
specific personality and character traits. I also found out the
responsibilities of an employee of a bank or an accountant.
I think that all activities of the “Comenius” project were
educational and useful for our future.
Lucaci Valeria
(API - Romania)
70
A Happy Family
It was the first time I got the
opportunity to meet people from
different nations. I hosted a student
in my house, which was an important
experience for me. I got the
opportunity to get to know different
cultures.
We did our best to carry out the
project. We held meeting in partner
countries. Thus we had the chance to
see what they did and compare their
work to ours.
Going to different
countries helped us
broaden our horizons,
learning about the
history, economy and
culture of the country as
well.
Through the meetings
held in each country, we
could experience team
work, formal meetingsmaybe similar to what
we will face in our
business life.
The most important
thing we realized with this
project is that if we want,
we can communicate
with foreign people
in English, which had
always been a nightmare
for us before.
71
During the last
project meeting I found
out that it was not only
the knowledge we
gained through this
project but also the
strong friendship, with
which we are now one
big family.
Dilan Yılmaz
(Türkiye)
72
A New Home
Everything seems to have a beginning
and an ending. But more important is how
we feel at that ending.
I started to go to the “Comenius”
project out of curiosity. The project seemed
to involve a lot of experiences that we
couldn’t get elsewhere. The idea of meeting
people from other countries was the most
exciting part of the project.
The strongest memories are about
Turkey and my family from another
continent. From the beginning I really
wanted to meet Turkish students, and to
know about their traditions as much as I
could, a thing that I accomplished in one of the most important experiences in my life, a week in a
Turkish family. I have never thought that I could meet a person whom I will care about a lot, after
just one week.
I think this project opens more our minds for our chances of career success in other countries,
and motivates us to enlarge our targets and our limits. Moreover, this project gave us the chance to
make a lot of friends; it taught us to work in teams and ‘forced’ us to discover more of ourselves.
Due to this project I realized that even if we are so different we don’t need something special to
become friends. A hug was more than a thousand words in this case.
Strimbu Iulia
(CNS – Romania)
73
The benefits...
Taking part in the “Comenius” project brought
me a lot of benefits from more points of view:
1. I consider that I’ve improved my working
team abilities, I’ve learned to listen to others’
opinions and together in a group to take the best
decision.
2. I’ve improved my qualities of being a good
leader during this project.
3. I’ve learned that hard work always brings
you benefits, you just need to have the patience to
wait enough for it.
4. I’ve practiced my speaking skills of a foreign
language. (English)
5. It was the perfect opportunity to get closer
to our teachers and to know each other in the real
meaning of the word.
6. The last but not the least I’ve made a lot of
friends with whom I keep in touch even today.
Paul Ghiurca
(CNS – Romania)
74
Lessons
For me, going to Turkiye was an unforgettable experience. It was a real
challenge to go in a foreign country, to stay at a foreign family and to be
forced to talk in English all the time. Even though at first I was bothered by
the thought that my host family won’t be understanding and communicative I
was also anxious and enthusiastic. I never thought that students and teachers
could make such a good team, a team that got along on all levels and that
communicated continuously representing with success our school and why
not even Romania.
The trip to Tarsus
made me a winner on
more than one level. I
gained new information about the project and
the habits and traditions of the partner schools
and also about the educational system from all
the partner countries and their most appreciated
jobs. There I made new friends and I gained a
new family which did everything so that I might
feel well during my stay.
If I ever had the opportunity of going to
Turkiye again I would take it without a second
thought. It was an unforgettable experience and
I would definitely recommend to others to go
there, at least once, as there could hardly be in
the world such beautiful places and people with
more love of tradition and respect for values.
This mobility together with the activities
done in the project gave me the chance to see
the things that really matter to me, to discover
what I want to do in the future, the profession
that I want to undertake. I learned about the
value of people, how to prove who you are, and
to choose a profession that is important to you
and that you can do with pleasure no matter what other people might think of it.
Unfortunately what we’ve learned in this project as important values like equality of chances,
no discrimination at work or tolerance, are not always respected in my country. I did some work
experience at an accountancy firm where the equality of chances does not mean anything. I met a
wonderful woman there who taught me a lot of things about being an accountant. What I disliked
more about her situation was that she had almost double volume of work than the other colleagues
and yet she had the same salary.
The fact that I had such a bad experience at practice in my own country and on the other side
the fact that my experience in Turkiye was so pleasant made me think about what I want to do in the
future. In case I open my own business I will definitely respect my employees, I will make sure they
are rewarded financially for their services and I will promote equality of chances.
Romitan Roxana
(API – Romania)
75
A positive influence
For me The European Job Market is the most important
project that I have taken part in, so far. Thanks to this project
I managed to go abroad for the first time and visit a country,
Bulgaria, which impressed me greatly.
In October 2010 I participated in the mobility at the
“American College Arcus” from Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. I saw
there a private college with well-equipped labs, modern class
rooms, and even on the corridors I could see paintings done by
the students or by famous painters. What I enjoyed most about
this college was the cafeteria, which as the name says is a place
where students and teachers have lunch, although some of the
food there needs some getting used to.
The activities took place in a large meeting room, there
we presented our work, we discussed problems like the black
market, tourism and strong and weak points in our economy,
well-paid jobs and how we can help to increase the number of
working places. All these activities helped me improve my English, add to my knowledge about
the job market, the economy, tourism and favourite jobs in each partner country. As concerns the
language used, we spoke mainly English although fused with a little Spanish, Italian and Turkish and
of course sign language was very useful.
It was very interesting discussing with
the foreign students, to see how they study,
what their favourite subject is, to learn about
their school, their uniforms and how they
spend their free time.
We had the opportunity of visiting the
“Bolyarka” beer factory where I was surprised
to see how beer is produced, how much the
employees get involved in their work, how
the hop plant is brewed, in short, the entire
process.
The European
Job Market had a very positive influence on me as I have learned many
necessary things about how to behave at an interview, how to open up a
business, how to behave in a professional manner. It is my involvement in
this project that helped me decide on my future career, that of opening an
antique shop.
I am very lucky to have been part in this international project, to
have visited and known the culture of other countries, to have acquired
information about the European job market and of course to know myself
better.
������
erban ������
Roxana
(AP I – Romania)
76
An opportunity for the future
The Comenius project started in 2009, and when I heard about it I immediately wanted to
register. We have been selected after a test and then we were divided in five working groups. At
every four weeks the teachers went through a rotation of every group. So we could learn new things
from everyone, things that really helped us. For example the school psychologist Ramona Ţurcaş
taught us how to choose our job depending on our qualities, defects and abilities. With her help, I
am convinced that the job I want to do is the best option for me. Mrs Burducea Veronica and Paul
Olimpia taught us the types of firms, their characteristics and how to establish a firm. Mr Mircea
Radu taught us how to start a successful business.
Last year, after an interview, I was chosen to go to Bulgaria. It was a wonderful experience.
In the first day, we visit the school, and then we all gathered, students and teachers, in a large hall
where the principle of the College “Arcus” said a few words. Then we started to know each other
and to talk to the students from the other countries. Some students knew each other from the other
mobilities, but for me it was the first time, I didn’t know anybody but we soon started to talk and
I made friends quickly. Of course, the language in which we communicated was English. We got
along very well and it was a pleasure to talk and to find interesting things about every country. We
were pleasantly surprised when the students of the school, that although were not involved in the
project, came to talk to us. They asked from what country we are, if we liked it there, and we talked
about our school and their school. We saw that there is a difference between the schools like the fact
that they have rooms for each subject which in our school is not the case, and I also learned that they
do all the subjects in English.
In the next days we had activities both at school and outside it. In the school we discussed about
more issues of jobs. Some themes that we discussed were: the top of the best jobs in each country,
discrimination occurring depending of sex, age, race, the best domain to invest in each country and
a lot of similar issues. During these discussions I could see some difference between countries.
One of the days, we went to visit a brewery. There we walked around the entire factory to see
how beer is made. There we were showed and explained the steps to obtain beer. It was a big factory
with many employees who enjoyed our visit.
I think that there exist some similarities between Romania and Bulgaria
economically as much as I could observe. I think that it is a beautiful country
where the people are very friendly.
I had a lot to learn from this project, and even if I had to take from my
free time to go to the project meetings, I know that it wasn’t a waste of
time and I learned something new every time. I would recommend to all the
students to get involved in projects that are very important especially those
that help very much to decide the future job, you have more opportunities
if you know more people and you learn to socialize with people of other
countries.
Telegdi Măd�����
���
lina
(API – Romania)
77
My Comenius Experience
In Turkiye we discussed on different
subjects in groups, we all worked
together, we talked and discussed
topics in English and we made special
connections amongst ourselves.
In school I learned what it means
to be a good manager and all the details
about running a company. I learned about
how to get a job and how to keep it in
the most favourable conditions. During
the work experience at a firm I had the
possibility of putting into practice all
that I had learned. I wrote documents,
I kept accounting books for a firm and
other such activities. All that I learned in
theory I put into practice and I think this
is a good method of helping students
choose their future profession.
Anton Giorgiana
(API – Romania)
78
Great Working Together
The Comenius project means for me
more than a simple idea; it was clearly a family.
I met many new persons whom I still keep
in touch with and I believe
that we will discuss for a long time from now.
In this project I also learned
to communicate easier with people around me
and I found out what a “project” means
in the true power of the word.
It was a great project in which we all worked
together, as a team and we invested our free time
in the idea we believed.
And this choice to spend time
preparing the project was beneficial
and very well assumed,
taking into consideration that we had just to win,
nothing to lose.
As a conclusion, I believe in this project and
I’ve enjoy every moment spent with our guests,
here in Romania.
Zmole Raul
(CNS – Romania)
79
New Perspectives
For me Comenius was an initiation program that
taught the participating students about the mysteries
of the European labour market. Beside this aspect,
it pursues both knowledge of English, which
came to be developed through communication
with students from other countries, and also
self-knowledge and skill development through
our group work and projects that we were to
do individually.
The visit to Bulgaria helped me to be open
to other people, to forget my emotions and to
state my point of view in front of a room filled
with people. I learned to interact with the people
around me in a language that I don’t as yet master, but
luckily I wasn’t alone in this situation. As for the activities done during the project meeting I arrived
at the conclusion that we all worked a lot and wished to conclude things satisfactorily, but all this in
a pleasant atmosphere filled with laughter, cheer and energy.
I personally think that Romania is very much like Bulgaria,
a beautiful country with kind people.
Personally the project helped me change the way I think,
change my impression about the job market in Romania and
in Europe. I had knowledge about the job market before
I entered this project but now I learned how to appraise
different jobs. The guidance in getting a job and the analysis
of our own personality helped a lot too. I managed to discover
and analyse my skills and judge my inclinations toward the
economic domain.
In conclusion I would like to say that this project helped
me discover myself and the people around me and the true
values that surround me.
Andreea Ţicle
(API – Romania)
80
Exploring boundaries
If I were to describe the
Comenius project I would say
it’s the perfect opportunity for
students to explore and discover
the culture of other countries,
how they live, how the other
students study, and the conditions
they have.
That was my first impression
about it but after the second
meeting in Ronda, Spain I found
out it’s not just exploring and
discovering but also being a part
of that life style, interacting with
other people, working with them
on the same topic that is what remains in the end. Spain was great, it was just the start of an enormous
friendship between us the students and also the teachers.
I missed the third meeting in Turkiye with a great sorrow but you can’t have them all in this
world.
The fourth meeting in Bulgaria
was the part in which we strengthened
our friendship, our bond, and got to
know each other a lot better. The
time spent in Bulgaria was very
nice and pleasant, working together,
discussing topics of common interest,
exchanging ideas about jobs. All this
made the separation at the end of the
week hard, but we all smiled and left
with the hope that we would still see
each other again in the fifth meeting
in Italy.
Italy, a well-known country all
over the world because of her past
and the touristic areas, doesn’t need
a description because it’s making that alone just with the name. Anyway Italy was the meeting in
which we ate really good food, the friendships made in the others meeting were getting stronger and
we just got to know each other better and better. We continued our work for the project and so we
discussed about the problems of the final product and the final objective of the project the Guide and
made some clear ideas of how it would be and how it should look.
I shall remember this experience all my life and the friendship we made in this project are going
to stay alive during our lives like the flame of a torch that will never extinguish.
Pakular Alexandru
(API – Romania)
81
Comenius – a part of me
All these years of the project were some pretty
extraordinary years in which we have established
close relations of friendship and where I understood
what it means to be truly a team and to share both
good and bad.
A very important thing was that, although the
time was passing too fast, the days spent together
with the project members from other countries will
remain forever in my memory. I was good friends
with everyone and still get along very well.
Even if we worked enough, I think we had some
beautiful days full of funny and interesting moments,
when we needed to have fun in one way or another. I
think that of all our work has remained a good thing.
I hope in the future we will still remain close
friends and remember the beautiful days spent
together. Everything was very nice and gave me
a pleasant memory that I would not want to ever
forget.
Comenius will always be a part of my life.
Claudiu Pausian
(CNS – Romania)
82
Togetherness
I must say that what impressed me
most about this project was the work
experience in Italy because I learned how
to collaborate with the other students from
the other schools, we discusses about our
countries, our similarities and differences.
We managed to bind friendships and to
have a good time together. A part of the
work we did in Italy was to choose a cover
and a title for the guide, which is going
to be the final product of this project. We
spoke with the others in English but we
spoke in Spanish too because the Italian
students knew Spanish very well. Each of
us learned at least a word in every language
that the participating students were speaking. We had activities to help us know each other. In the
end I realized that it doesn’t matter how different our cultures are we still have things in common.
There, we were taken to a textile factory where they were making Prada dresses, but speaking about
the technology that they were using that is not very different from the one in Romania and the
conditions of work are not different.
In Romania we worked divided in 5 groups.
These groups worked with different teachers and
realized different activities. With teacher Ţurcaş
Ramona we completed quizzes which helped
us know ourselves better and helped us decide
easier about the job that we want. With teacher
Popa Doina we learned how you should present
yourself at an interview, the necessary paperwork,
and other things that taught us how to get a job on
the European job market. Together with teacher
Mircea Radu we learned about the big businesses
in the world and about the success people of today,
moreover we went at a company for a bit of work
experience and based on the knowledge we got
there we made a PowerPoint presentation about
that company. I went to “Genius” company which
deals with selling and repairing computers. It was a successful business but what I was impressed by
is that it managed to survive for eight years on a very competitive market. The staff was very serious
but friendly and helpful. For them the customer’s needs were always above anything else.
I am happy to have been part in this project, I think it is very useful for students, both for their
understanding of the job market and also for their professional future.
Bălănean Ionuţ
(API – Romania)
83
Final thoughts from all the partners:
84
Bulgaria
It’s been a pleasure for us to be part of this project.
Since the topic of the project is ‘The European Job Market’,
we should mind our own businesses
in order not to let somebody else to mind ours.
Working with the students, for the future,
is for them to be helped find a proper job.
Thank you for the great time we spent together,
visiting countries, having fun, making friends.
This is an experience we will never forget.
Thanks again!
85
Italy
Comenius project 2011
we improved our language level
We made lots of friends.
We’re sad, but it’s the end.
It’s a pity!
we’ve visited so many cities!
It was so interesting,
we’ve known so many things!
Now it’s the time to say goodbye,
but everyone will rest in our hearts
‘till the end of time.
86
Spain
Thank you for all the work in the last years!
You have been an unforgettable experience for all of us.
We spent a great time in all the countries.
We are delighted to have met you
and we hope to meet you again in other projects!
87
Turkiye
The language of all people makes a difference.
The language of the heart of all people
of all nations around the world is one language.
The question is:
“are you willing to learn this language?”
We have been willing
and now we have another native language.
Thanks everyone that has helped us learn this language
You can draw borders on a map
but you cannot draw borders on the mind and on the heart!
88
Romania (API)
We had a lot of fun, we made a lot of friends, we bounded friendships.
... We laughed together, we danced, we cried...
and we wish it would ever end.
Can anyone find something more beautiful than young people
from different countries being together at the same time,
sharing the same things, sharing culture!
Although we speak different languages, we look different
or we have different cultures, at the end of the day
we are the same young people willing that their dreams become reality.
We wish it would never end!
89
Romania – CNS
Roses are red (Bulgaria)
Azurro is blue (Italy)
Kebab is spicy (Turkiye)
Bullfights are true (Spain)
From Romania: Comenius, we love you!
90
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