International exchange centred on experiential learning 22/04/2026

On 20 and 21 April, Crescendo CVO had the pleasure of welcoming a particularly inspiring international delegation. We hosted Paoli Gori, Director of CPIA Pisa, together with Letizia Fanciullacci, teacher of Italian as a second language at CPIA Pisa. Their visit took place within the framework of our international cooperation and offered ample opportunities for exchange, inspiration and forward-looking reflection.

A triple international meeting

The first day started with a rich and engaging program. The visit immediately gained an extra international and policy-oriented dimension, as we simultaneously welcomed:

• Ignacio Martínez Arrúe, Director-General for Educational Planning at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Universities in Valencia (Spain);

• Jens Vermeersch, GO! coordinator for internationalisation;

• Filip Bisschop, coordinator for internationalisation at GO! Scholengroep Dynamiek.

Together, this diverse group explored the Flemish education landscape. We presented the functioning of the GO! centres for adult education (CVOs) and highlighted the approach of Crescendo CVO, where learning equals experience. Clear parallels were identified with the region of Valencia, where the secondary education diploma shows strong similarities with the way Crescendo CVO is organised.

Digital innovation and craftsmanship

Our ICT projects were also an important part of the program. The Microsoft Reading Coach was introduced and tested together. For the Italian colleagues, this topic was not entirely new: during a previous visit, our colleague Stijn had already given AI workshops in several CPIAs in Italy, creating a natural continuity in the exchange.

In addition, our practical workshops received particular attention. Colleague Nick introduced the visitors to several ateliers, where the craftsmanship in furniture making, natural stone work and leather craftsmanship was greatly admired.

Reception at the Mechelen City Hall

In the afternoon, the group was received at the Mechelen City Hall by Alderman for Education Sabe De Graef. During a personal guided tour of the historic building, attention was given to the broader educational context of Mechelen, with a specific focus on the importance of adult education and lifelong learning.

In the evening, our guests attended Italian and Spanish language classes, allowing for further exchange and mutual learning between colleagues.

Building future cooperation together

On day two, visits to partner organisations were central to the program. One of these was the Agency for Integration and Civic Integration. Chantal, coordinator for Dutch as a Second Language (NT2), provided an in-depth explanation of the NT2 approach. This was highly appreciated by the Italian colleagues and immediately sparked interest in further collaboration around didactic skills for language acquisition.

In the inspiring setting of the Predikheren Library, the group continued to brainstorm about future cooperation opportunities. Particular attention was given to different target groups who need to learn or strengthen a second language, including young learners within secondary education diploma programmes.

Grateful and inspired

The visit resulted in meaningful exchanges, mutual recognition and many new ideas. We look back with gratitude on these inspiring days and are enthusiastic about further international cooperation within our Erasmus+ projects.