<< Background >>Getting to know activities in diverse trades in other countries increases professionalism in both students and staff, boosts progressiveness and work development. Taking part in Erasmus+ projects broadens the horizons of students and prepares them for future studies or work abroad, as well as teaching them respect of foreign etiquette and cultures. The situation in many vocational fields is difficult and students have had problems finding apprenticeships in Iceland. This is especially true of art and design related fields. Student study trips introduce students to the possibilities of studying and working abroad and collaboration with schools in other countries ensures that students get to know the possibilities. Trips for staff give them insights into their colleagues’ work, introducing them to new teaching methods and work processes, whether they visit schools or companies. Study programmes and courses at TCR are in constant development. TCR is the largest secondary college in the country and often a pioneer in new vocational studies and subjects. Staff at TCR closely monitor new technologies in teaching and study of certain vocational fields, but digital communications cannot take the place of getting to know things first hand.<< Objectives >>The objective is to give students at TCR the opportunity to get to know studies and work in other countries, getting to know different cultures and a chance to take part of their vocational training with foreign companies or study at foreign schools and thereby gaining valuable unique experience. The fourth industrial revolution started affecting teaching in subjects that emphasize science and new technology and teachers closely monitor developments in computer technology and AI. Meeting people in the same situation in other countries, in lager schools and workplaces offers various opportunities. Vocational studies partly rely upon students getting vocational training in the industry. Vocational training taken abroad is fully credited at TCR and great care is taken to make sure that the companies TCR students train with are fully qualified. It is important to keep up with developments in education and industry, and students receiving vocational training abroad return home with invaluable knowledge and experience that benefits our schools and job market. Staff is given the opportunity to get to know developments in their field and strengthen ties with foreign colleagues.<< Implementation >>Many trips planned in 2021 were canceled due to Covid but the grant was extended to September 2023 and more trips were made in 2022 than the year before. In recent years there has been an increase in longer trips, but students also take shorter trips with teachers and students take courses in their field at foreign universities during the summer. As an example of a shorter trip, students of photography visited Berlin with their teachers and took a class at the University of Applied Sciences. Students in graphic media design went to Italy and worked on projects at their host school and got to know Italian culture and art. A student who visited Denmark and took a course in photography is an example of a student who improved their knowledge in their field with the Erasmus+ grant. More students go for longer trips. A student in gold and silversmithery did their vocational training in Amsterdam and a student of upholstering did 20 weeks of vocational training in a school in Denmark, as no vocational courses in upholstery are available in Iceland. Seventeen members of staff received grants, which is a little more than planned. Permission was attained to transfer part of the grant allocated to student trips to staff trips.<< Results >>It is important for students and teachers at TCR to get insight into the trades, studies, and teaching in their field in other countries. Many of the schools visited are much larger and have more students than TCR and the course offerings are more varied. Student trips introduce students to the possibilities of working and studying abroad and fostering strong relations with foreign schools ensures that students can get to know these possibilities. Students give presentations about their trips when they return home, to their fellow students and teachers on the school's website for example. The study programs and courses at TCR are in constant development to ensure that students are ready to meet the requirements of the international job market when they complete their studies. Cooperation with schools in other countries is a big part of this and the trips increase open-mindedness among teachers and staff. Schools from other countries have also been interested in visiting TCR to work on collaboration and student exchange and many foreign guests visited the school, often leading to further cooperation.