Group of students and teachers educators from Portugal just completed a game-changing 12-day Erasmus+ Job Shadowing program in Croatia.
From Braga to Zadar: A Professional Journey for educational institution A.E.B.
From June 12 to 27, 2025, Pronova Academy successfully hosted another Erasmus+ mobility programme in Zadar, welcoming participants (3 students for the profession of cook and 2 students for the profession of auto-mechatronics technician and 1 teacher in Job Shadowing programme) from our partner school Agrupamento de Escolas de Portugal – AEB.
What did the students’ professional internship look like?
Real Partnerships, Real Results
Five students from the vocational fields of automotive mechatronics and cooking completed their internships at two renowned local companies – Autokuća Hrvatska and Restaurant Stomorica.
Pastery students had the chance to work alongside seasoned professionals who prepared classic Dalmatian dishes using fresh, local ingredients such as cuttlefish, mussels, squid, and lamb. Interning in the rustic setting of the tavern provided a unique experience that included understanding the importance of atmosphere in hospitality, not just food preparation.
Through daily work, students would gain insight into the organization and logistics of a professional kitchen, learn how dynamic teamwork functions, and how to handle challenges during intense working hours.
During their internship at Autokuća Hrvatska, the Automehatronic students diagnosed faults in mechanical and electronic systems using professional tools. They performed basic repairs and part replacements, both independently and as part of a team, following mentor instructions.
They communicated effectively using technical terminology and maintained service documentation by filling out work orders and recording completed tasks according to company procedures.
Beyond the Classroom: Professional Growth Meets Cultural Discovery
While professional development was the focus, the experience extended beyond educational institutions. Participants explored Memorial Center and Birth House of Nikola Tesla, where the group learned about the legacy of one of the world’s most important inventor in modern History.
The Erasmus+ Job Shadowing Experience
Carla Gonçalves, an English teacher from Portugal, participated in a Job Shadowing programme in Zadar, where she had the opportunity to visit a local secondary school and observe the work of her Croatian colleagues. Through direct classroom observation and professional dialogue, she gained insight into English language teaching methods, curricula, and overall working conditions in Croatian schools.
In addition to school visits, Carla explored several private companies in the fields of IT, automotive mechatronics, and hospitality, where she learned more about the organisation of student internships and the cooperation between schools and the business sector within the Croatian vocational education system.
This mobility marked the beginning of a valuable partnership between Agrupamento de Escolas de Portugal and Pronova Academy, built on mutual learning, cultural exchange, and professional growth. The positive experiences and strong collaboration between all participants lay a solid foundation for future projects, and we look forward to continuing our cooperation through new Erasmus+ opportunities.