Double Erasmus Visit During Erasmus Days: Guests from Portugal and Spain at Crescendo CVO 19/10/2026

During this year's Erasmus Days, Crescendo CVO became a hub of international exchange and collaboration. From 11 to 17 October, we had the pleasure of welcoming an enthusiastic group of ten learners and two staff members from Centro Qualifica - Escola Profissional Vasconcellos Lebre in Portugal. At the same time, we also hosted two teachers from EOI Reus in Spain.

For our colleagues from Reus, this was a preparatory visit. They will return to Crescendo in February, this time accompanied by a group of learners. It was therefore especially valuable that they were able not only to explore our centre and our way of working, but also to meet the Portuguese participants and their trainers. The result was an inspiring week filled with meaningful conversations, new connections and the first steps towards future collaboration between Erasmus partners.

Encounters That Leave a Lasting Impression

The week began with an introduction to Crescendo CVO and the Belgian adult education system. Through workshops, visits and informal exchanges, our guests gained insight into how we support learning, guidance and community building in adult education.

One of the highlights was a presentation by several learners from our Secondary Education Diploma programme. In a genuine and engaging way, they shared stories about Belgium, local traditions and everyday life. The Portuguese visitors listened with great interest and asked plenty of questions. Unsurprisingly, one topic sparked particularly lively discussions: Belgian beer. It quickly became a favourite conversation starter and created a relaxed atmosphere in which everyone learned from one another.

Discovering Mechelen Through Local Eyes

The city of Mechelen also left a strong impression on our visitors. The group enjoyed a unique guided tour led by two former Crescendo learners who are now active as Ambassadors of Mechelen and Greeters.

Rather than focusing on the usual tourist attractions, they introduced our guests to hidden corners of the city, personal stories and unexpected aspects of local life. This personal approach was especially appreciated. Visitors were delighted to discover Mechelen through the eyes of people who live, work and actively contribute to the city’s vibrant community.

Inspired by Adult Education

During the final evaluation, one message came through loud and clear: participants were deeply impressed by the way adult education is organised in Mechelen. The combination of hands-on workshops, language learning, cultural activities and a strong commitment to inclusion and lifelong learning was repeatedly mentioned as a source of inspiration.

The absolute favourite activity of the week was the woodworking workshop at Crescendo CVO. There, participants created a wooden bottle and glass holder with their own hands. The practical nature of the workshop appealed strongly to the group. Working together, learning from one another, creating something tangible and taking home a handmade souvenir proved to be a winning formula.

Equally memorable was the warm interaction with our learners. Visitors not only learned about our educational programmes but also witnessed how adults from diverse backgrounds come together, support each other and grow as a community. For many, this human dimension of adult education was one of the most impactful aspects of the week.

Learning Beyond Borders

Alongside the activities in Mechelen, the programme also included visits to Brussels, the Camões Portuguese Language Centre at ULB, the European Parliament and several cultural sites. This combination of education, culture and personal exchange created a rich learning experience for everyone involved.

We look back on this international week with great pleasure and would like to thank both our Portuguese guests and the colleagues from EOI Reus for their enthusiasm, openness and engagement. Erasmus exchanges like these continue to demonstrate the immense value of sharing experiences and learning from one another. While education systems may differ, we all share the same ambition: giving adults every opportunity to continue learning, growing and developing throughout their lives.