- 35 students and teachers from the 3 countries participated in the Erasmus meeting hosted by our school during the last week of November
- The students already have all the knowledge to be able to design a business creation project, the ultimate goal of this Project.
The second and final phase of the Erasmus+ Project, coordinated by the Lope de Vega International School since last year after being selected by the European Agency from among numerous proposals from other schools, has begun with the visit of the 25 students and teachers that make up the Italian and Swedish teams to Benidorm for a week.
The central theme of this project, approved and funded by the European Union, is the skills that young people must develop to enter the workforce and, more specifically, to do so independently by becoming entrepreneurs, capable of starting their own business.
To this end, and throughout this time, they have received training in all aspects necessary to carry out the project. During their visit to Sweden, they worked on creativity and brainstorming; in Italy, they learned how to develop a marketing plan to implement the promotion. This week at the Lope de Vega International School, they have learned how to create a financial plan and a human resources plan, essential for providing stability to a company.
Professor Javier Izquierdo from the ESIC business school gave them a session that enabled them to develop a Basic Financing Plan, while Professor Eugenia Balaguer gave them the keys to designing a Human Resources Plan.
With all this, the students from the three teams will return to their countries to put it into practice and create their own company, the ultimate goal of these two years of work.
The Erasmus+ Project allows students to connect with students from other European countries to carry out collaborative work. The language of communication is English, both inside and outside the classroom, and in addition to the academic aspect, it has a strong personal component because students stay with their host families when they visit each of the three countries. After the summer, each team will present their conclusions, thus bringing this European Project to a close.
Survey of business owners
Among the tasks carried out during the last few months, it is worth highlighting a study that reveals the keys to a successful business project.
After surveying 300 entrepreneurs from the three countries and analyzing the results, the students discovered that many aspects must be considered when launching a project. The study reveals some differences in the perception of entrepreneurial ability. While self-confidence is the most valued quality for success in Spain and courage in Italy, creativity is the most prominent trait in Sweden.
When entrepreneurs are asked what advice they would give to young people when starting a business, the most common answer is that they should know the product they sell well, taking an active role in their company.
Another aspect that interested the students was why starting a business had been worthwhile and what had brought them the greatest satisfaction. In the case of the entrepreneurs from Alicante, they highlighted personal fulfillment as the most important achievement, although they also mentioned being their own bosses and making the most important decisions. Having clear ideas before starting, thoroughly understanding the product to be offered, and knowing the target audience are fundamental to achieving success.
The study involved business owners from the Business Association of the Province of Alicante (AEFA), as well as members of other associations based in Benidorm, such as Hosbec, Jeturbe, etc.
