As part of the Erasmus+ project "Knowledge Navigation – Maritime Erasmus Horizons", students from Pomorska škola Zadar spent two weeks in early April 2025 on an internship and cultural exchange in the province of Almería, located in the southeast of Spain.
The goal of the mobility was to provide students with the opportunity to gain practical skills, experience real working environments, and engage in intercultural learning.
Professional Practice in Real Working Environments
Accompanied by their mentor, Marin Kljajić, students were assigned to two partner companies
The first group of students was placed at Sportnáutica at the Port of Aguadulce, located at Puerto Deportivo, 04720 Aguadulce, Almería, España.
Within this placement, students were involved in activities related to boat maintenance and servicing in the marina, gaining practical skills in nautical and shipbuilding operations.
The second group of students completed their internship at the Boatbuilding Workshop – Port of Almería, located at Muelle de Levante s/n, 04071 Almería, España.
At this shipyard, students participated in boat repair and restoration tasks, focusing on manual material processing techniques and the application of safety standards in the workplace.
Both organisations provided the students with high-quality practical experience, strong mentoring support, and valuable insight into real work processes in the maritime sector, significantly contributing to the achievement of the mobility's objectives.
Already on their first working day, the students demonstrated seriousness, diligence, and knowledge, receiving excellent feedback from their mentors. Each day spent in a real working environment further strengthened their professional competencies and boosted their confidence for future maritime careers.
A memorable moment was the practical sailing session on a Bavaria 50 Cruiser, where students practiced maneuvers and navigation techniques. Notably, student Dino Ušlja performed a precise and safe docking maneuver in Aguadulce.
Education at Med Charter Academy
In addition to their internships, students attended several specialized courses organized in collaboration with the Med Charter Academy, a local maritime training center:
Radar Simulator Training – navigation and radar operation exercises
Firefighting Training – theoretical and practical instruction in maritime fire safety
Sea Survival Training – life raft usage, emergency equipment handling, and survival techniques at sea
An additional highlight was a meeting with an experienced offshore captain, who shared valuable insights into maritime career paths and professional development.
Cultural Program – Discovering Andalusia
Outside of their professional commitments, students participated in a rich cultural program aimed at deepening their understanding of Spanish culture and history:
Exploring Almería – Rambla de Almería, Alcazaba Fortress, Cathedral of Almería, and historic squares
Excursion to Mojácar – a picturesque whitewashed Andalusian town with Moorish and Christian heritage
Visit to Mini Hollywood Oasys Park – a western-themed park in the Tabernas Desert, featuring a zoo and vintage vehicle exhibition
Attending the football match Almería – Cartagena – cheering for the home team in a thrilling 2:1 victory
Each experience beyond the classroom offered an opportunity to learn about language, culture, traditions, and daily life in a vibrant Mediterranean setting.
Conclusion – Farewell to Spain, Hello to New Knowledge
After two intense and rewarding weeks, students said goodbye to Spain. On the way home, they made the most of a long layover in Rome, visiting iconic sites in the Eternal City.
It was a perfect ending to a journey that was much more than an internship – it was a journey of learning, discovery, friendship, and personal growth.
Special Thanks
We express our sincere gratitude to the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes (AMPEU), our Spanish partners, mentors, hosts, and everyone who contributed to making this mobility a success.
Erasmus+ continues to prove its crucial role in shaping skilled, open-minded, and internationally oriented young professionals.
