PCTO “Beyond the Classroom”: Europe as a Space for Growth Thanks to ACe20’s Commitment
The Comprehensive Institute of Orte strengthens its international vocation through the Global PCTO project “Beyond the Classroom,” a structured European mobility pathway designed by the school itself. The initiative involves students from different study tracks in high-value educational experiences and benefits from the organizational and project support of ACe20, an organization committed to creating concrete, high-quality opportunities for schools.
Three destinations, Portugal, Spain, and Finland, for one major goal: combining learning, career orientation, and personal growth in authentic international contexts.
Portugal: Technical Training and Intercultural Openness
In January, 16 fifth-year students from the CAT track (Construction, Environment and Territory) took part in the first mobility of the project, held in Portimão, in southern Portugal, for a duration of 14 days.
The experience represented a perfect balance between technical training and exploration of the local area. Students were involved in specialized activities related to their field of study, including AutoCAD training, architectural drawing, and in-depth insights into work organization in the construction sector. Visits to local companies allowed them to directly observe production processes, making classroom learning tangible.
Alongside the training activities, the program offered a rich cultural itinerary: from the stunning Benagil Caves to the cities of Lagos and Silves, culminating in a final trip to Seville. An immersive experience that helped develop autonomy, responsibility, and adaptability in an international context.
Spain: Economic Skills in Action
Also in January, thanks to ministerial funding, 18 students from the AFM track (Administration, Finance and Marketing) participated in an intensive training experience in Valencia, accompanied by a teacher.
The project was designed to strengthen business and economic skills through practical, contextualized activities, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a dynamic European environment.
Particular emphasis was placed on the development of transversal skills: communication in English, teamwork, problem solving, organizational skills, and adaptability. English, used as the working language, proved essential for professional interaction.
ACe20 once again played a key role by ensuring operational coordination and the overall quality of the experience. The constant presence of tutors guaranteed continuous monitoring and effective support, in close collaboration with the school.
Finland: Innovation and Sustainability in the Heart of Lapland
From April 11 to 24, 16 third and fourth year CAT students will take part in a new mobility experience in Rovaniemi, Finland, at Edu Redu, a center of excellence in technical education.
The program stands out for its strong focus on innovation and sustainability: workshops, laboratories, and practical activities will enable students to apply technical knowledge in areas such as urban planning, territorial analysis, and sustainable construction.
The experience will also allow students to develop skills in the use of advanced digital tools and to explore different organizational and professional models, broadening their future perspectives.
Great attention will also be given to linguistic and intercultural aspects: all activities will be conducted in English, fostering the development of communication skills in real-life contexts. At the same time, engagement with a different European educational system will encourage open-mindedness, dialogue, and intercultural awareness.
The Added Value of ACe20: Building Real Opportunities
At the core of these experiences lies a key element: the ability to design meaningful, safe educational pathways aligned with schools’ learning objectives. In this regard, ACe20 proves to be a fundamental strategic partner.
The agency’s commitment goes beyond logistical management, extending to the creation of tailored experiences, the selection of qualified partners, and the continuous monitoring of activities. Thanks to this work, students can engage in authentic experiences that have a real impact on their educational and personal development.
An Increasingly European School
The three mobilities of the “Beyond the Classroom” project represent a concrete example of how schools can evolve by opening up to a European dimension and offering students real tools to navigate their future.
The “Fabio Besta” Institute in Orte, also thanks to its collaboration with ACe20, demonstrates how PCTO can be transformed into a valuable experience, one that integrates technical, linguistic, and transversal skills into a single path of growth.
An investment in students’ future that, now more than ever, passes through Europe.
