Motives and benefits of participating in international internships of secondary school pupils from the Podlaskie Voivodeship (Poland)

Abstract

Internships are an important element of the students educating process aimed not only at deepening general knowledge but also practical skills used in the future professional work. The aim of the work is to analyse the use of foreign internships in vocational schools educational programs. The article is based on own research from four schools with educational profiles representing the construction, tourism (2 schools) and beauty industries. Pupils completed internships in enterprises in Vilnius, Klaipeda and Prague. The aim of this study is to analyse the expectations and benefits of practical internships in foreign enterprises for vocational schools pupils. Analysing the needs reported by students before going on an internship, it is clear that it is primarily the using of practical skills necessary in the industries that they represent. Therefore, students are particularly interested in acquiring specific professional skills that will be helpful in their future work. Additionally, some of them would like to expand their knowledge of a professionally oriented foreign language during the internship. This is confirmed by the fact that foreign internships for vocational schools pupils are a huge stimulus for acquiring practical knowledge and skills in an international environment. Comparing own skills acquired directly in school with practice in a specific industry is an enormous advantage and provides pupils with great motivation to continue their education.