Erasmus+ programme took our higher education institution’s Head of International Relations on a study mobility visit to Latvia’s oldest hospital, Riga 1st Hospital. The aim of the mobility was to job shadow the hospital’s project manager, gain an overview of the hospital’s work, and discuss new cooperation and traineeship opportunities for students in both higher education and vocational education programmes.

The mobility provided a valuable opportunity to observe the hospital’s daily work from the inside. Particular attention was given to the work of the surgery centre, surgical ward, sterilisation centre, and rehabilitation centre.

The main focus of the mobility was to find new traineeship placements for our students. International traineeship opportunities provide invaluable experience, helping students develop both professional skills and adaptability in an international working environment. Establishing contacts like these is an important step towards offering our learners even more diverse development opportunities in the future.

The Erasmus+ programme creates a wide range of opportunities for the professional development of higher education staff and for strengthening international cooperation. Staff can take part in mobility activities both at partner higher education institutions and in companies and organisations in order to learn from colleagues, explore new organisational practices, and bring the knowledge gained back to their own institution. Erasmus+ also makes it possible to invite experts from companies and hospitals to teach at higher education institutions, enriching the learning process with practical knowledge and professional experience.

The visit to Riga 1st Hospital is a good example of how international cooperation is born from direct meetings, shared interest, and a willingness to learn from one another. Erasmus+ creates new opportunities, broadens horizons, and strengthens networks for the future.