Under the Erasmus + Project "Empower Students With Entrepreneurial Skills",

the High School of Seia hosted the 1st international exchange of students and teachers from different countries:

                                                       England, Italy, Poland, Romania and Finland

                                            .

This exchange took place between 18 and 22 January and attended a schedule of diverse and challenging work. Thus, the program was not only a roadmap for visits to different companies located inside and outside the municipality of Seia, as well as a recognition script of the main local products that are likely to be seen as entrepreneurial ideas generators for business and which accomplish the guidelines set by the Europe 2020 program: '1. Smart growth; 2. Sustainable Growth and 3. Inclusive growth ".

The auditorium of Seia High School welcomed the official start of the activity being the entrance hall of Block C the scene of craft shows which immediately captured the curiosity of students and professors visitors. The opening session, chaired by the coordinator of the project, was attended by the president of council, school head teacher and other municipal representatives.

The visits script began on the second day, company "Quinta de Saes", "Ara Shoes," "H Sarah Trading" in conjunction with the visit to the Maria’ house - artisanal cheese production - and the Toy Museum. After this first show of business units, the students worked on the model 5E's (Engage - Explore - Explain- Elaborate -Evaluate) for holding a first evidence of how would integrate the guidelines of 2020 in an existing business model.

             

On the third day, the group of students and teachers involved in the project visited the Bread Museum, a private investment reference in Seia and then were warmly received at Town Hall by Mrs. Councilor, Cristina Sousa. How enthusiast and admirer of Erasmus + Projects expressed a sincere appreciation to this project within secondary education. This visit also joined a workshop promoted by ADRUSE who presented the best practices that have been developed in primary and secondary school in the context of entrepreneurship.

                           

The fourth day was part of a road map by the " Natural Park of the Serra da Estrela " visiting the companies "Serra da Estrela Waters" and "Factory Burel" culminating in a seminar spurred by Mário Raposo teacher in University Beira Interior. This seminar resulted in interest lesson on entrepreneurship in which it emphasized the need to work this issue with young students. Since it is the first university in the country that integrates entrepreneurship discipline in different courses and it make part of the international group GEM - Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. In this context, UBI joined our Erasmus + project as a partner in science and research, and will enhance the validity and quality of the products resulting from this international project.

The last day of the exchange week consisted of two other works, based on the last visits. Thus, the activities involved a mixed methodology of problem solving and role playing in the field of structuring a business plan associated with the various local products of the Serra da Estrela region, followed by a presentation of an commercial sketch  about the idea business. The presentation of the final works was evidence that intercultural ideas, experiences and knowledge brought greater enrichment at the final proposals. It was a great satisfaction for  teachers and  project coordinator.

But the week had also other moments of friendliness and pleasure, that strengthened the friendship and keep on communication. The joy, sympathy, friendship and dedication were included in a week that for many students were of the most significant of their lives. Among the various moments of sociality, we were treated to the generosity of several people and public and private entities.

               

Also a sincere thanks to the families who welcomed in their houses students in mobility in this exchange. We believe it will have been an enriching experience and perhaps to repeat in new projects.

Finally, and in a special way, a thank you to the whole team that was involved in achieving this week's exchange and without the commitment, dedication and generosity data without measure this event would not have had the impact that reached the community views school, students and teachers.

                                

      The different pieces of the cube have been combined and resulted in different ideas.

              Is our responsible "Connecting the youth of Europe" by keeping the work on and do Great Things.