Erasmus+ Teacher Mobility in Almería, Spain (5–13 April 2025)
Project: Knowledge Education – Maritime Erasmus Horizons
As part of the Erasmus+ project Knowledge Education – Maritime Erasmus Horizons, two teachers from the Maritime School Zadar – Gordan Zausnigg, teacher of maritime vocational subjects, and Tomislav Tičić, teacher of marine engineering vocational subjects – participated in a Job Shadowing mobility in Almería, Spain, from 5 to 13 April 2025.
Objectives of the Mobility
The main goal of the mobility was to strengthen professional and pedagogical competencies by exploring international models of maritime education, with a special focus on the IMO Model Courses standards. Throughout various visits, meetings, and hands-on activities, the participants observed teaching methods and practical training processes in institutions and industries involved in maritime and marine engineering education.
Key Activities and Visits
During the mobility, the following work visits and activities were conducted:
Puerto Deportivo Aguadulce – Introduction to the operations of the marina and shipyard where Maritime School Zadar students were engaged in internships. The marina has 750 berths and a hotel with a capacity of 400 beds. Topics of interest included seasonal preparations, pontoon management, and work organization.
IFAPA Nautical Training Center – A public institution for nautical and fisheries education, equipped with GMDSS and engine room simulators, as well as a large mechanical workshop. The training program spans 2000 hours, with one-third dedicated to hands-on practice. The program structure distinguishes between unmotivated, average, and highly motivated students.
LOHA Shipyard – A visit to a shipyard offering vessel design, construction, maintenance, and repair services. Students were also engaged in practical learning here through the Erasmus+ program.
Escuela Náutica Andaluza – A private nautical school located in Aguadulce marina, offering training across five levels, from basic qualifications for personal watercraft to yacht master licenses for vessels up to 25 meters.
MedCharter Academy – An accredited STCW training center. Teachers participated in radar simulator training exercises and attended a lecture on shipboard safety procedures. They held meetings with Captain Juan Antonio Escribano, head of the center, discussing educational methods and industry expectations.
Instituto de Enseñanza Secundaria IES Galileo – A secondary school offering programs comparable to Croatian maritime technical education. These include coastal navigation, fishing technology, and marine engineering. The two-year programs consist of 2000 hours, one-third of which is practical training.
Culture and Local Community
In addition to the professional program, the mobility included various cultural activities:
A historical tour of Almería’s city center, including the Alcazaba fortress, the cathedral, and other landmarks
Evenings spent interacting with the local community and experiencing Andalusian customs
Attendance at a flamenco performance at La Guajira, a local cultural organization promoting social change through art
A visit to the Mini Hollywood theme park, originally a film set for spaghetti westerns, now an educational and tourist attraction
Conclusion and Impact of the Mobility
This Erasmus+ mobility provided significant professional development opportunities, fostered international collaboration, and offered insights into best practices in maritime education. Through direct contact with local schools and industry professionals, the participating teachers expanded their knowledge in educational management, practical training organization, and simulation technology.
The acquired knowledge and experience are already being integrated into the teaching process at the Maritime School Zadar, with plans to continue collaboration with Almerían partners in future Erasmus+ projects.
