erasmusplus Archives • Inicijativa

English, Erasmus, Erasmus blogs

Unlocking Global Views: The Importance of the European Dimension in Course Design and Instruction

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, fostering a global mindset has become paramount. Enhancing the European Dimension in Teaching and Learning Course stands as a beacon for educators and professionals eager to enrich their teaching practices with a robust European dimension. This transformative course holds immense importance for a diverse audience and contributes significantly to the educational journey of those seeking to broaden their horizons.

In an increasingly interconnected world, educators must go beyond the boundaries of their local classrooms. This Course serves as a gateway to understanding and implementing European educational frameworks, policies, and cultural diversity. This knowledge is not just an academic pursuit; it's a practical necessity in preparing students for the globalized world they will navigate.

Who Is It Important For?

Educators: For teachers, the course opens up avenues to infuse their lessons with a rich European perspective. It empowers them to create inclusive classrooms that celebrate cultural diversity, preparing students to thrive in a multicultural society.
Education Professionals: School administrators, curriculum developers, and educational leaders will find immense value in understanding European frameworks. This knowledge equips them to make informed decisions that align with global educational standards.
Professionals in Adult Education: Those involved in adult education activities can leverage the course to address the specific challenges faced by the Roma community, characterized by low skills and high unemployment. The course provides strategies to enhance vocational education and adult learning opportunities.
Technology Enthusiasts: With a focus on digital tools for collaboration, the course is particularly relevant for educators eager to leverage technology for cross-border projects. It introduces practical applications and platforms that facilitate seamless collaboration in a digital landscape.

Top 10 reasons to visit Split with Erasmus+

Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Come to Split to Erasmus+ Courses

The Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Join Our Split Erasmus+ English Courses for Teachers

Read the blog!

What Does It Contribute?

Cultural Enrichment: The course contributes to a more culturally enriched educational experience. By understanding and appreciating the diverse cultures within Europe, educators can create inclusive learning environments that prepare students for a globalized workforce.
Global Collaboration: The emphasis on collaborative learning and networking equips participants with the skills to engage in international collaborations. This not only broadens perspectives but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility in addressing global challenges.
Practical Application of Knowledge: The hands-on nature of the course ensures that participants don't just gain theoretical knowledge but also practical skills. From creating sample lesson plans to designing collaborative projects, the course encourages immediate application in the classroom.
Professional Development: The course acts as a catalyst for professional development, offering insights into ongoing opportunities, conferences, and workshops related to the European dimension in education. Participants leave not just with a certificate but with a roadmap for continuous growth.

By delving into European educational frameworks, policies, and cultural diversity, educators and professionals are not merely gaining knowledge; they are acquiring tools to sculpt a future-ready generation. The course's emphasis on inclusivity and collaboration creates a ripple effect, fostering environments where students are not just learners but global citizens.

Check out our English Language courses for teachers and other Erasmus+ courses

English Course for Absolute Beginners With the Callan Method

Speak English Confidently with the Callan Method

Enhancing the European Dimension in Teaching and Learning

Make ICT and Outdoor Learning part of your clasroom

Supporting Diversity: Intercultural Classroom Management

English Course for Higher Management

Read more about our courses:

Speak English Confidently with the Callan Method

Advanced English for Leadership in Education

English Course for Absolute Beginners

Erasmus, Erasmus blogs, Projects

My Erasmus plus Adventure: A Transformative Educational Journey in Malaga

The 4 Cs: More Than Just Buzzwords

I recently returned home from a rich educational journey that I'm certain will have a lasting impact on my further work and personal development. The course, aptly named "The 4 Cs," delved deep into the essential pillars of Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical Thinking. Generously funded by the Erasmus+ initiative, these aren't merely trendy buzzwords but foundational life skills that are universally beneficial. This Erasmus+ adventure was a deep dive into skills that are not just theoretical but highly applicable in everyday life.

An Erasmus+ Adventure in Malaga: Where Learning Meets Personal Connection

I was fortunate to spend an enriching six days in the picturesque city of Malaga, situated in the heart of Spain's Andalusian region. Orchestrated by the highly competent Idevelop team based in Seville, this Erasmus+ adventure was nothing short of exceptional. Our trainer was not just an expert in the subject matter but also had an uncanny ability to connect with us on a personal level. Given that we were a compact group, the entire learning experience felt incredibly tailored, intimate, and personalized. We engaged in a series of thought-provoking exercises and meaningful discussions, with a special emphasis on honing our critical thinking abilities and mastering the art of non-violent communication. This Erasmus+ adventure was a catalyst for both professional and personal transformation.

Practical Application: The Real-World Impact

What set this course apart was its practical orientation. It wasn't just a theoretical exercise; we had ample opportunities to apply these invaluable skills in real-world teaching and learning facilitation scenarios. The course also served as a reflective mirror, prompting me to introspect about my limitations and biases. Confronting these aspects of oneself is never comfortable, but it's an essential step in personal growth and self-improvement.

Exploring Malaga: The Cultural Bonus of My Erasmus+ Adventure

When the academic day came to a close, Malaga offered its own set of unforgettable experiences. The city is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, ranging from the majestic Alcazaba Fort to the enlightening Picasso Museum. Exploring Malaga is akin to stepping into a vivid, interactive history lesson. And let's not forget the culinary delights! The local cuisine was a gastronomic adventure featuring almonds, olives, avocados, and an array of aromatic Spanish spices.

Conclusion:

In summary, this Erasmus+ adventure is a must-attend for anyone who interacts with a diverse student body and aims to elevate their pedagogy and effective communication skills. When you combine that educational richness with Spain's cultural and scenic beauty, the result is far more than just an instructional course. It transforms into a life-altering Erasmus+ adventure that will undoubtedly influence both my future professional endeavors and personal growth.

Dženana Kalamujić

This project was co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme.

Erasmus+ enriching lives, broadening minds.

@Agencija za mobilnost

Dowload our new eBook: 10 Tips for a successful KA1 Erasmus+ experience

EBook_10_tips_for_successful_Erasmus_naslovnica

Download now

By signing up you accept our Terms of Use

Erasmus, Erasmus blogs, Uncategorized

Learn English in Croatia with Erasmus+

A New Language and Adventure Combined

Are you looking for a chance to improve your English while enjoying a sun-soaked Summer adventure? Look no further than the Learn English in Croatia with Erasmus+ program, which provides the opportunity to learn English with Native speakers in one of Europe's most stunning nations.

Enroll in a Callan Method English course to learn in a lively, engaging setting while being surrounded by beautiful tourist attractions and English-speaking locals.

Why Use the Callan Method to Learn English?

The Callan method is a fast-paced, organized, and effective method of learning English that has been around for more than 50 years. With a focus on improving speaking abilities, this method gives students the self-assurance to actively participate in discussions and increase their fluency.

To achieve optimum retention, the method is led by native English speakers and places an emphasis on repetition and active engagement. To help you overcome your anxiety of speaking in front of others and to enhance your grammar, pronunciation, and sentence structure, the teachers are qualified to offer real-time comments and adjustments.

Learn more

Have an unforgettable Adventure in Croatia with Erasmus Plus

Have the best of both worlds, while you enhance your English skills, you will also have the opportunity to explore the beautiful tourist destinations of Zagreb or Split. These cities are bustling with locals who are more than happy to practice their English with tourists. Also with so many other tourists around you will have plenty of chances to practise your English.

You'll also have the opportunity to try new foods, immerse yourself in local culture, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Why Split

Split is a city of great beauty and rich history. It was founded as a Greek colony in the 3rd century BC and was later conquered by the Romans. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a wealth of ancient architecture and cultural landmarks. The Palace of Diocletian, an ancient fortress that now serves as a museum and a cultural center, is a must-visit destination. In addition to the historical and cultural attractions, Split is also known for its delicious food and wine. The local cuisine includes fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, and a variety of Mediterranean spices.

The city also serves as a gateway to some of the most beautiful islands in the Adriatic, such as Hvar, Brac, and Vis, which are known for their pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and lively nightlife. A visit to Split is sure to be an unforgettable experience that combines language learning with adventure, history, and culinary delights.

Read Top 10 reasons to go to Split with Erasmus+

The Perfect Destination for Teachers and Educators

The purpose of this Erasmus+ course is to give teachers and other educators the resources they need to gain confidence in speaking English in a professional capacity. It is also perfect for anyone looking to advance professionally or personally by honing their language abilities.

The training is intended for intermediate and advanced English speakers, and participants will be assessed before the course even starts on their language skills. The course will be adjusted to your level based on the results to make sure that everyone gets the most out of their experience.

Achieving Confidence and Fluency

The course's objective is to provide participants with the knowledge and abilities they need to speak English fluently and with confidence. You will actively participate in English conversations and workshops throughout the course, and you will receive instruction from qualified teachers on how to employ proper pronunciation and sentence structure.

Additionally, you will have the chance to develop your written communication skills for emails and letters as well as your spoken communication abilities for meetings, calls, and presentations. With the help of the Callan Method, you will be able to achieve fluency and confidence in your English speaking abilities in a short period of time.

The Cost of Adventure and Learning

The course participation fee is 480,00 EUR (covered by Erasmus plus fund) and includes all course materials, training and activities in the beautiful tourist destinations of Zagreb and Split.

Find out more about the Erasmus+ program, our organization and trainers, and payment options by visiting our website.

the Erasmus+ program provides a unique opportunity for teachers and educators to improve their English skills and immerse themselves in an unforgettable adventure in Croatia. Join the Callan Method English course and take the first step towards a journey of language and adventure!

Learn more

Unlock the doors to a world of opportunity and join us on a journey of discovery and fun in beautiful Croatia!

Download our 2024 Course Catalogue

Download now

By signing up you accept our Terms of Use

Check out our English Language courses for teachers and other Erasmus+ courses

English Course for Absolute Beginners With the Callan Method

Speak English Confidently with the Callan Method

Enhancing the European Dimension in Teaching and Learning

Make ICT and Outdoor Learning part of your clasroom

Supporting Diversity: Intercultural Classroom Management

English Course for Higher Management

Erasmus, Erasmus blogs, Uncategorized

Top 10 reasons to go to Split with Erasmus+

What makes a great Erasmus+ programme? Is it the innovative courses, the breathtaking location, or the inspiring people you meet along the way?

Well we would like to suggest to go to Split, Croatia with Erasmus+ this Summer for the above reasons. Our Erasmus+ offerings encompass all these elements and more, promising an educational journey that's as enriching as it is unforgettable. Here are 10 reasons why to go to Split for your Erasmus+ programme this Summer

1. Explore Diocletian’s Palace - an ancient Roman palace located in Split. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see and offers visitors the opportunity to explore its many chambers, courtyards, and subterranean chambers.

2. Taste the Local Cuisine - Split offers a unique mix of regional Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine. Try some of the local specialties such as Dalmatian pašticada, pršut and cheese, as well as fresh seafood.

3. Enjoy the Beaches - the crystal clear Adriatic Sea and its numerous beaches make Split a great destination for lovers of the sun and sea. Relax on the sandy beach at Bačvice or go for a swim at pebble beach, Kašjuni.

4. Go Island Hopping - Split is a great base for exploring nearby islands. Take a day trip to the picturesque islands of Brač and Hvar, or take a ferry to stunning Korčula.

Learn to Speak English Confidently with Native Speakers in Beautiful Croatia!

Break free from the fear of speaking English

Native speakers

Full immersion course

Dynamic and interactive classes

Learn and enjoy the beauty of Croatia coast

Check out our Erasmus+ offer!

5. Visit Marjan Forest Park - a large, wooded hill on the west side of Split. Take some time to explore the many trails, scenic views, and churches in this beautiful park.

6. Try the Local Wine - Croatia is known for its delicious wines, and Split offers some of the best. Visit a local winery to sample the local wines and find your new favourite.

7. Appreciate the Architecture - Split’s architecture is a mix of old and new. Take a stroll through the old town and appreciate its Baroque and Gothic buildings, and modern structures.

8. Discover the History - Split has a rich history, from ancient Roman times to the present day. Take a tour of the historic sites and learn about Split’s past.

9. Participate in Festivals - Split is full of festivals throughout the year. Join in the fun and take part in the celebrations of art, music, food, and culture.

10. Experience the Nightlife - Split offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a mix of bars, clubs, and pubs. Spend a night out on the town!

Learn English with Erasmus+ and Improve your Skills in Split!

General English - Speak English Confidently with the Callan Method

English Course for Absolute Beginners With the Callan Method

English for Business - for Higher Management and Professionals

Unlock the doors to a world of opportunity and join us on a journey of discovery and fun in beautiful Croatia!

Download our 2024 Course Catalogue

Download now

By signing up you accept our Terms of Use

Blog eng, Erasmus blogs

Why can’t I speak English?

Taking an English training course can help teachers develop their own English language skills, which can be beneficial for their personal and professional development.

There are people who seem like they don’t have any problems when it comes to speaking English. When they speak, it seems they are fluent and not struggling with anything.

On the other hand, when we find ourselves in a situation where we have to speak English, it seems very scary. We understand others when they speak, we can understand everything we have read, but when it comes to speaking, we just can’t - the words just won’t come out! This is one very common, frustrating situation that anyone who has ever tried to learn English has found themselves in.

249190632_301254745150590_6244706042632247174_n

Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Come to Zagreb to Erasmus+ Courses

The Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Join Our Zagreb Erasmus+ English Courses for Teachers

Read the blog!

Why does this happen? If you think that the right approach to learning a language is the classic, academic way, then the chances of you succeeding are going to be very small. Why? You know everything in theory, but in practice, when you need to express your thoughts in certain situations, you just can’t. You translate from Croatian, Spanish, etc. into English, you can’t apply the rules of grammar in practice, and let's not even talk about speed and how unnatural it all sounds. How to put an end to this?

At our school, we emphasise the fact that learning a language is going to be much more productive if you look at it as acquiring a new skill. However, in order to acquire this skill you have to practise a lot, study regularly and be patient. In the beginning, you will make a lot of mistakes, but don’t be embarrassed or get discouraged. Allow yourself to make mistakes and let other correct you - that is the best and quickest way to learn. A language needs practice - the more you speak, the better and easier it will be. Through guided conversation and learning with native speakers we encourage you to think in English and speak spontaneously, without translating. You are going to learn English 4 times faster through this repetition, having your mistakes corrected and real-life examples. Also, you are going to start speaking with confidence! Inicijativa also makes sure to make it possible for its students to access extra programs and activities alongside their regular classes, in order to have them constantly surrounded by English. Everything we do works towards one goal - that is for you to learn English and be able to use it as soon as you walk out of the school.

THE MAIN GOAL AT INICIJATIVA IS FOR YOU TO ACTUALLY START SPEAKING ENGLISH

We teach you how to speak English using the Callan method - a fast method for learning English. The method itself is based on certain questions that the teacher asks and the students answer. Learning grammar and new vocabulary is a bit different. The teacher first explains the new words or grammar, gives you examples, and then asks you questions so you immediately start using what you have just learned. The teacher answers alongside the students to make sure they are using the correct grammar and order of words in a sentence. This means you are practising English using real life examples you will be able to use outside the school.

Apply now

FAQ

1. SPEAKING WITHOUT TRANSLATING

During the lessons we speak very fast so you get used to the way native speakers speak, and become familiar with the language. It is natural to speak fast - you need to be prepared for real-life situations where you won’t have time to think in your own language. There is no time to stop and think about grammar, we teach you to speak spontaneously. In this way, you will be able to understand TV speech, radio shows, job interviews, etc. You will be able to communicate fluently and confidently. We don’t have any boring exercises. Only talking, talking and more talking.

2. REPETITION

We are going to repeat everything many times to make sure you remember it. If you repeat a lot you will learn how to speak without translating. You will speak automatically, without translating.

3. CORRECTION

We are going to correct you every time you make a mistake. This will help you improve your English. You will feel more confident, improve your pronunciation and learn how to speak properly.

If you are done with paying for regular classes after which you are still terrified of speaking, and are looking for new English courses, we have a suggestion for you!

You don’t have to believe us, come see for yourselves how fast you can start speaking English.

Read more about our courses:

Speak English Confidently with the Callan Method

Advanced English for Leadership in Education

English Course for Absolute Beginners

Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Come to Split to Erasmus+ Courses

The Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Join Our Split Erasmus+ English Courses for Teachers

Read the blog!

Dowload our new eBook: 10 Tips for a successful KA1 Erasmus+ experience

Download now

By signing up you accept our Terms of Use

Blog eng, English, Erasmus, Uncategorized

Empowering Women in Agrifood

At Initiative – Centre for Education, we are proud to have been given the opportunity to participate as an educational support for Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) programme, organized by the EIT Food. EIT Food is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.

Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) programme is aimed at reinforcing female leadership and supporting women with business ideas or female-led startups in early stage of development operating in the agrifood sector. In 2022 edition 130 talented female entrepreneurs from 13 countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Portugal, Spain and Turkey) are going through a 6-month entrepreneurial programme tailored to develop business solutions for specific challenges in the agrifood business. The goal of this initiative is to provide comprehensive consulting of the participants' career, so that they can successfully set up a sustainable agrifood business.

One of the supporting activities of the programme is a dedicated 3-months training with the focus on improving English communication skills in the international agrifood business area, especially for the purpose of creating a good business pitch. EWA participants will receive the necessary knowledge, confidence and support to fulfill and exceed their desires, which will lead them to successfully start and develop a sustainable business. The program is intended for women regardless of their age, family situation or work experience.

The ultimate goal of EWA programme is to overcome the existing gender gap in the agri-food sector with a special focus on RIS targeted countries promoting inclusivity and diversity among business founders and increasing the number of startups founded by women.

We have prepared two programs for female participants depending on their level of knowledge: Grow Your English and Speak English Confidently; and as motivation, please watch this VIDEO intended for all women

About EIT Food

EIT Food is the world’s largest and most dynamic food innovation community. We accelerate innovation to build a future-fit food system that produces healthy and sustainable food for all.

Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, we invest in projects, organisations and individuals that share our goals for a healthy and sustainable food system. We unlock innovation potential in businesses and universities, and create and scale agrifood startups to bring new technologies and products to market. We equip entrepreneurs and professionals with the skills needed to transform the food system and put consumers at the heart of our work, helping build trust by reconnecting them to the origins of their food.

We are one of nine innovation communities established by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), an independent EU body set up in 2008 to drive innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe.

Find out more at www.eitfood.eu or follow us via social media: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

Erasmus, Erasmus blogs

5 giorni a Firenze – Erasmus plus project

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, the centre of Tuscany, a sea of pasta and tomato sauce, tripe and divine wine... All of this now reminds us of our training in Florence.

As part of the Creativity for Innovation project, our party of 5 set off from Zagreb in a mini-van.

The carpooling option is supported by the Erasmus+ projects as a more ecologically-friendly way of travel, so we started on our journey, happy and 'green', early in the morning.

Five employees from Initiative attended the course in Florence, and we were met by two more participants from the Storytelling Centre in Amsterdam, as well as our colleagues from Florence who prepared the course for us.

We arrived in Florence late Sunday night, so after dinner we practically collapsed in bed. In the morning, we headed off for the Europass Teacher Academy training centre, which is located in a historical building in the centre of Florence. We were placed in a classroom with a fresco ceiling, but we soon realised that all buildings in the centre of the city had fresco ceilings, and history was living alongside us in this city.

The program started with an introductory topic for all of our English teachers. Called CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), it is used for all types of lessons in which something is taught in a foreign language. CLIL is an approach in which a foreign language is used as a tool in learning a non-lingual subject in which both the language and subject have a common role. This way, by learning about history, art, culture and food, you can simultaneously learn the language as well.

A successful CLIL lesson should include 4 elements:

CONTENT – advancement in knowledge, skills and comprehension about certain elements of the curriculum

COMMUNICATION – using the language while learning about using the language

COGNITION – developing thinking skills which combine forming ideas (abstract and concrete), comprehension and language

CULTURE – exposure to alternative perspectives and common understandings which deepen our awareness of others and ourselves.

For the lesson to be successful, every teacher must carefully explore the subject they wish to prepare for a CLIL lesson, and expect to have to learn more about the new topics themselves.

They also have to structure the lesson carefully, and know the knowledge level of each participant well so the content can be adapted accordingly. At the end, it is necessary to determine a good way of evaluating the learnt knowledge.

The second topic of our meeting, and also the main one, was creative writing. Creative writing can have pretentious connotations, but with us it luckily awoke our emotions and creativity, which was the reason we came to Florence in the first place. The first day of creative writing was about language, while later we explored writing about the city and art.

Exploring language as a topic for writing, we researched various texts which were inspired by language. Some of them played around with language as a form, some used dialects, others slang. In all these stories, the language influenced someone's character, childhood, or had a significant influence on their life. As an exercise, we dove into some creative writing and memories which tie us to language learning, and the results were that everyone's pieces of writing connected us and made us come together more after sharing personal stories.

This type of exercise can be easily used in activities in which a teacher wants to encourage students to write creatively and freely, while memories emphasise how language has an effect on our emotions.

These exercises are a useful example of how to intertwine writing exercises with the Callan Method, and to stimulate students to think about ideas, their surroundings, and how to encourage them to use place descriptions, experiences, feelings and their senses in writing.

Through cultural activities, we had the opportunity to enjoy fabulous food, strolls through the centre of Florence, botanical garden, museums and sculptures.

Thank you to all our partners for this wonderful experience.

✔This program is co-financed by the Erasmus + program.

Erasmus + enriches lives, broadens horizons 🇪🇺

@Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes

Erasmus

ERASMUS+ 2022 Programme

Are you interested in enrolling high quality, inclusive education, and training abroad? Do you want to learn, travel, and get to know other cultures in EU member states?

If you are a member of an educational organization you have an opportunity to participate in learning mobility activities for adults in European member countries through the ERASMUS+ 2022 programme.

Every year, organizations across Europe submit thousands of projects to receive Erasmus+ funding. The European Commission has established a transparent evaluation process aimed at providing grants for the best projects in its new Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2022. You can find the guide here.

This Program Guide is a great tool for anyone who wants to know thoroughly what Erasmus+ is all about. It is mainly intended for those who want to be participating organizations or individual participants.

Key Points of the ERASMUS+ 2022 Programme

ERASMUS+ programme for the period 2021-2027 places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life.

The objectives of this program are to:

Promote equal opportunities and access, inclusion, and diversity, so that the participants with fewer opportunities can take part too.
Emphasize the importance of digital education for the digital transformation in education and training. Moreover, to encourage organizations to acquire digital skills and build their capacity to train and teach with the help of digital tools.
Build the knowledge, skills, and attitudes within participating organizations on climate change and support sustainable development within the European Union and beyond.
Support participation of the citizens in democratic life, common values, and civic engagement. Furrthermore, to help them overcome difficulties in actively engaging and participating in their communities as well as in the Union's political and social life.

If you are looking for a good training course provider and want to improve your English-speaking skills, look no further.

We offer courses in Croatia in Zagreb and Split for all levels of English, including Business English language course.

Detailed information on our training be found here.

Dowload our new eBook: 10 Tips for a successful KA1 Erasmus+ experience

Download now

By signing up you accept our Terms of Use

Erasmus, Erasmus blogs, Uncategorized

The Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Come to Zagreb to Improve Your English

The Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Join Our Zagreb Erasmus+ Courses

CITY OF BEAUTY

Zagreb is a city that surprises every first-time visitor with its charm and beauty. It may not have the popular sights that Paris, Prague or Madrid are famous for, but don’t be put off - this is also what makes it so attractive. It’s a beautiful European capital that is perfect for relaxation. There are no big tourist crowds, so there are no long lines to queue in, no overpriced cafés and restaurants, and it’s one of the safest cities in Europe. A perfect destination for participating in Erasmus+ Courses in Croatia.

AWARDS

The 2020 Travel Awards voted Croatia the 3^rd best country in the world. Zagreb has also won the Top Christmas Markets 3 years in a row, and it’s regularly voted European Top City Break Destination.

We, at Initiative Centre for Education, have 2 locations in Zagreb and Split. We are very proud of our tradition of training adults to improve their English. With over 17 years of experience and thousands of successful students, we are excited to invite you to come for Zagreb Erasmus+ Courses and immerse yourself in English while staying in our beautiful city for six days.

If you want to improve your English, Zagreb is a great city to do it in. Why, I hear you ask?

Here are ten reasons:

1. Croatians speak English very well! According to a recent study, Croatia is among the world’s best for English language proficiency.

2. Zagreb is a city full of cafes where locals love to sit around and talk, perfect for engaging conversations with your course mates and locals.

3. Croatians are still very curious about foreigners and will happily start up conversations.

4. With over 17 years of English teaching experience, you can be confident we know how to get the best results.

5. Native-speaking teachers - our teachers are from Ireland, the US, Australia and Canada.

6. Great outdoor food market – practice your English out and about at Dolac Market with locals.

7. Fantastic restaurants – the restaurant scene has exploded over the last 5-10 years. If you are a foodie, you will not be disappointed.

8. It’s a city full of parks for you to relax in. They are great for hanging out with your Zagreb Erasmus+ Course colleagues and practising your English during sunny mornings or lazy afternoons.

Video credits:Zagreb Tourist Board ZAGREBTOURIST

9. Zagreb is only 90 mins from the world-famous Adriatic coast, which gives you even more of an opportunity to practise your English.

10. And finally, our Zagreb Erasmus+ Courses program is carefully designed to make sure you will get the best opportunity to practise what you have learned during the course.

At Initiative Centre for Education, we offer a unique approach to learning English in a beautiful city to facilitate your studies. After six days of Zagreb Erasmus+ courses, you will be much more confident in speaking English as we will have taught you utilising the direct method approach, completely immersing you into the language with native speakers and the local population.

Learn English while visiting Europe's best Christmas market

Teacher's Training available in November & December 2023

Find out more!

Read more about our courses:

Speak English Confidently with the Callan Method

Advanced English for Leadership in Education

English Course for Absolute Beginners

Contact us!

Ask us whatever you are interested in.

Ask a question

Join us!

Let's talk.

Schedule a call

Projects

Erasmus KA2: Our first hosting experience in the LTT activity – Creativity for Innovation

Reflecting on last week.

Last week our organisation hosted its first ever LTT activity within the KA2 project.

The project Creativity for Innovation is a strategic partnership project that aims to share creative methods within three sectors: creativity, adult education and language schools.

The aim of last week was to show you the Callan Method and complementary activities that we use to boost students' confidence in learning the English language, as the main objective of the project is to implement creative and innovative methods in the work of the organisations involved.

There was a lot we had to cover. Monday’s session started with a meet&greet and icebreaker activities where we all got to know each other better.

We were hosting staff from Storytelling Centre Amsterdam and Europass Teacher Academy from Florence, Italy, for the whole week.

The session started with the main methodology, getting to know the Callan Method and its principals. Participants could learn how the Callan Method of learning was akin to learning a native language in children, and furthermore, why repetition and talking is so important.

The Callan Method is a method that can shock you at first. Feeding the answers to the students and not letting you think is something most of us are not ready for when we enter the classroom for the first time. But the initial surprise was overcome when everyone got a little more familiar with it and used to it throughout the week.

To ease the initial shock of the Callan Method, which can sometimes feel intense, especially in the beginning, a different type of city tour was planned for the afternoon – a witch tour.

Witches have a long and very well documented history in Zagreb, thanks to Marija Jurić Zagorka, a writer and female journalist from the 19th century. Her books portray women accused of witchcraft in a positive light. If you ever visit Zagreb, you will see that the legend of witches is incorporated in a lot of the capital's stories.

On Tuesday, the participants of the project took part in 2 workshops: a Grammar Refresher, an exercise that always helps our students get their English juices flowing, and a Small Talk workshop, something that is aimed at higher stages and people who want to improve their business skills.

The aim of these activities was to show a wide range of materials that we offer to our students outside of the Callan Method.

We also partook in a roundtable discussion and talked about the principals of the Callan Method and other activities that could be implemented in the work of our partners’ organisations. The picture was still not clear on what to take from the Callan Method and how to implement it, so our job was to show the participants more depth to the method and all the possibilities it offers.

Proposed elements of the Callan Method to be incorporated into participants’ teaching styles were

QUESTION-ANSWER EXCERSISE

REVISION IS KEY

MAKING MISTAKES IS ENCOURAGED

Wednesday was reserved for our Book Club meeting. Prior to the LTT activity, at the first transnational meeting, we had agreed to incorporate Book Club as a part of the creative method of learning a language.

This adds another complementary activity to Callan. Here, students don’t have to follow the structure of the book, but can freely express their own ideas, feelings and reflect on the book in a more casual conversation, much like one that might have when they meet a friend. Book Club, needless to say, also improves their reading skills and understanding of the culture.

The book we were talking about was Leonard and Hungry Paul by Ronan Hession and the session was moderated by our teacher Maria, and the topics we covered were family, isolation, friendship and mindfulness – all the main topics of the book.

On Wednesday we prepared a workshop on ICT tools in language learning and headed out to Sljeme. We took a short hike from Šestinski Lagvić to the newly restored Medvedgrad Castle. We had lunch at Sljeme, but had to leave some space for our evening activity – our Cook & Chat workshop.

The evening ended by watching the workshop at the school and eating all the lovely food we had prepared for the cultural night. There was traditional Italian Panettone and Italian sweet wine, some Croatian cheese and truffles with prosciutto, and wine again 😊

Friday was left for another session of the Callan Method and a demonstration of the exam. Here, some things finally clicked with the participants and they left hungry for more Callan demonstration, which we will incorporate in our future meetings.

To conclude the week, we had some evaluation and feedback where we heard that there is a lot more to explore in our school about the Callan Method, as well as our creative activities, and we are looking forward to hearing from our partners about what activities they want to implement in their own work.