First time on Erasmus+: Italian adult students discover Mechelen and Crescendo CVO 22/03/2026

From 16 to 20 March, Crescendo CVO welcomed a very special group: five learners of Italian as a second language who went on an Erasmus+ exchange for the first time in their lives, accompanied by two teachers from CPIA1 Siena and another colleague from CPIA Sardinia. For the students, this was not only their first encounter with Belgium, but also an intense exploration of Mechelen and adult education.

Learning beyond the classroom: Mechelen as an open learning environment

One of the biggest surprises for the learners was how naturally learning happens outside the school walls. During the interactive city walk, they explored Mechelen through tasks, questions and observations.

They explained how valuable this was for them:
“We saw the city differently. You learn by looking, listening, moving. Not only by sitting in a classroom.”

For many, the idea that learning can happen anywhere — in the city, in an atelier, on the bus to Brussels — was a true eye‑opener.

A week full of experiences: ateliers, Brussels and new encounters

On our main campus, the visitors discovered our ateliers. Their reactions were enthusiastic — sometimes even amazed: so many possibilities, so much material, so many creative spaces.

In the wood workshop, the learners were able to work with their own hands, which immediately became one of the highlights of the week. “Hands‑on learning gives confidence,” one of them said — perfectly in line with our “Learn & Experience” approach.

The day trip to Brussels offered a first look at the European institutions and our cultural heritage. For many, it was their first real understanding of Brussels as the capital of Europe.

The biggest impression for the teachers: our NT2 classes

For the teachers from Siena and Sardinia, attending an NT2 lesson at level 1.1 was the most meaningful learning moment of the week.

They recognised the approach: using the eyes, ears, hands and body; strong interaction; clear structure. They also discovered new ideas:

• differentiating according to learning pace

• organising “high‑pace” and “low‑pace” groups

• the importance of intake interviews

• offering tailored support to diverse learner profiles

They expressed their wish to explore this approach further and hope to organise future intervision sessions with our NT2 colleagues.

Learning alongside peers

During an English lesson in second‑chance education, the Italian learners sat next to peers from Flanders for the first time. This gave them confidence and a feeling of connection.

They realised that other adults also start over, learn again, and dream again. For them, this was a meaningful insight.

Digital skills: curiosity and plans

During the joint workshop with a delegation from Madeira, they discovered how digital tools can support education. The Reading Coach and blended learning examples especially sparked their curiosity.

They plan to test these tools once they return to Italy.

Plans for the future

The teachers indicated that they would like to continue cooperating, especially around:

• NT2 didactics

• differentiation in mixed‑level groups

• insights from second‑chance education

• long‑term student exchanges

Some students even asked how they could continue studying in Belgium — a clear sign of how inspiring this week was for them.

Arrivederci — and hopefully see you soon

After a week full of encounters, conversations, discoveries and many learning moments, we ended with a warm
“ciao, arrivederci e grazie mille!”
For our visitors, this was their first Erasmus experience — but certainly not their last.