SWITCHin Virtual (SWITCH)
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Title: Switching VirtuaL
Project ID: 101139433
Project Acronym: SWITCH
Duration: February 2024 – January 2027
Website: www.switchinvirtual.com
CONSORTIUM
COORDINATOR
Ensino e Investigacao e Administracao SA (PT)
PARTNERS
Asociacion Cultural Integra (Spain)
Stichting yEUth (Netherlands)
NGO Integritet (Montenegro)
University College “Beder” (AlbaniA)
European Community Studies Association Kosova (Kosovo)
SUMMARY
The SWITCH project supports intercultural dialogue and the development of soft skills among youth in higher education and youth organizations. Through virtual exchange and innovative digital methodologies, the project fosters connections between youth in EU-associated and non-associated countries. With a duration of 36 months, SWITCH will deliver activities including a Virtual Academy and Upskilling Labs, engaging approximately 1,200 participants. The project emphasizes inclusion, digital transition, and sustainability, creating opportunities for dialogue, skills development, and international cooperation.
OBJECTIVES
Foster Intercultural Dialogue: Facilitate connections between youth in Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, and EU countries (Portugal, Spain, Netherlands) to promote intercultural and educational exchanges.
Enhance Digital and Professional Skills: Equip youth with transversal skills through virtual labs and non-formal learning activities.
Promote Inclusion: Increase participation of disadvantaged youth by bridging barriers to traditional mobility.
Combat Misinformation: Build media literacy and critical thinking to navigate online environments responsibly.
Strengthen Partnerships: Create a sustainable, collaborative framework for ongoing international cooperation.
ACTIVITIES AND METHODOLOGIES
Virtual Academy
The Virtual Academy is a carefully structured MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) designed to empower youth workers, educators, and professors by enhancing their intercultural competencies and digital teaching skills. Each Virtual Academy session spans 30 hours, incorporating modular training content aligned with educational and intercultural themes. Participants engage through interactive forums, live sessions, and collaborative discussions to share experiences and develop strategies for cross-cultural dialogue. The curriculum integrates advanced pedagogical tools, fostering the ability to design and implement virtual exchange projects effectively. All materials are available in multiple languages to ensure accessibility, with English serving as the primary medium for discussions.
Upskilling Lab
The Upskilling Lab serves as an immersive learning environment for young people from higher education institutions and youth organizations, focusing on personal and professional growth. Through a 30-hour program, participants explore vital topics such as teamwork, problem-solving, entrepreneurial skills, and global citizenship. The Labs utilize role-based simulations and group activities to emulate real-world challenges, fostering collaboration in a virtual multicultural setting. By engaging in moderated online discussions, participants refine their critical thinking and media literacy skills. These labs not only enhance employability but also cultivate a sense of social responsibility and active citizenship among young participants.
TARGET GROUPS
Youth (18-30): Approximately 1,100 participants from higher education institutions and youth organizations.
Educators: Around 100 youth workers and professors engaged in the Virtual Academy.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Digital Literacy: Significant improvement in digital tool usage (target: 80%).
Inclusion: Increased participation of disadvantaged youth (target: 40-50%).
Partnership Impact: Establishment of long-term collaborative frameworks between consortium members.
IMPACT AND SUSTAINABILITY
Cultural Integration: Break down geographical and social barriers to promote shared values.
Long-term Vision: Create a scalable and replicable model for virtual exchange.
Sustainability: Embed digital and intercultural practices within partner organizations’ frameworks for future initiatives.
FOLLOW US
Instagram: @switchin_virtual/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/switchinvirtual
Email: switchinvirtual@gmail.com
Website: https://switchinvirtual.com/
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