From Maia to Mechelen: a week of learning, connecting and discovering 25/05/2026

From Maia to Mechelen: a week of learning, connecting and discovering

From 18 to 22 May, Crescendo CVO had the pleasure of welcoming a special delegation: two teachers and nine adult learners from Maia (Portugal). Their visit was part of an Erasmus+ mobility, but quickly became much more than that—a week where learning, meeting and inspiring went hand in hand.

A warm welcome in the heart of the city

The week began on Monday with a symbolic and meaningful reception at the Social House of Mechelen. Alderman Rina Nkandu Rabau welcomed the Portuguese guests and immediately highlighted the connection between the two cities: while Mechelen held the title of European Volunteering Capital in 2025, Maia carries this title in 2026.

This shared recognition formed the perfect starting point for the visit. In both Maia and Mechelen, there is a strong belief that volunteering and lifelong learning reinforce each other. Those who engage in society continue to learn, while learning in turn equips people to take an active role in their community.

Learning inside and outside the classroom

Throughout the week, the Portuguese participants explored the wide range of educational opportunities at Crescendo CVO. They attended lessons, observed classes and discovered practical training workshops.

What stood out most was the diversity of learning paths. From language courses to technical and hands-on training, many visitors discovered a whole new perspective on education. The idea that learning does not stop after formal schooling, but continues throughout life—and in many different forms—made a strong impression.

They also appreciated the teaching approach: small groups, high levels of interaction, a focus on pronunciation and ample opportunities for practice. While these elements were familiar, the intensity and number of teaching hours in Flanders often appeared higher.

The visit to Campus Rode was particularly well received. This smaller campus, with a diverse group of learners, demonstrated how teachers actively motivate and engage students. One participant was so inspired that he immediately expressed the ambition to return and enrol in an Italian course.

In addition, the teachers discovered new tools, such as the use of AI in education. The reading coach was immediately identified as a valuable addition, offering more personalised, targeted and efficient feedback for learners.

Seeing with new eyes

An international exchange also highlights things that often go unnoticed in one’s own environment. The Portuguese visitors were struck by how calm and well-organised Mechelen feels.

The quiet atmosphere in classrooms, on public transport and in the city, combined with green surroundings and efficient mobility, contributed to a sense of quality of life. For the participants, this was not only pleasant, but also inspiring: how does such an environment influence learning?

At the same time, the experience encouraged self-reflection. One of the teachers used the opportunity to reflect on her own teaching practice—what do students really take away from lessons, and what are they able to apply afterwards?

Learning through experience

Experiential learning was also a key part of the programme. A visit to Brussels and the European Parliament left a strong impression. The scale of the parliament, its symbolism, and the visible presence of so many nations made European cooperation tangible. Democracy was no longer an abstract concept, but something participants could truly see and experience.

For many—some travelling abroad for the first time—the entire week was a journey of discovery. Travelling, encountering new cultures, and trying to communicate in another language required courage, but also built confidence.

Above all, this week showed how powerful learning becomes when people, ideas and experiences come together—across borders.