International cooperation is an essential part of the Volkshochschule im Landkreis Cham. As economies and societies are becoming more and more intertwined and dependent from one another, this leads to opening up new opportunities. But it also increases the necessity to adapt to changing professional conditions.

By cooperating with partners from Europe and beyond, we get to know their approaches to teaching and learning in education. This benefits our on institution, as we receive new inputs for our adult educational offerings in the areas of languages, health, culture/society and creativity/leisure, as well as for our vocational schools and academies. In our international cooperation, we put focus on lifelong learning for all citizens regards their age and societal background.

Our international cooperation is implemented within a range of national and international programmes, among them Erasmus+, AMIF (Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund) and Interreg. For more than 20 years, we have been conducting projects in the fields of inclusion, sustainability, digitalisation, participation, culture, languages, health and many more. We are also working towards transparency and recognition of competences and qualifications gained in an international working environment.

Key areas:

• Internships and educational opportunities abroad for trainees, staff and management
• Recruitment of skilled labour
• Networking and exchange of ideas, methods and good practice between educational institutions in Europe and beyond
• Improvement and adaptation of existing learning programmes
• Development of innovative learning programmes, methods and materials for our institution’s activities

Awards and Recognition

Our international work has been recognized for its innovative approach to education and its impact on participants.

Project SPACE – European Innovative Teaching Award 2025

The Erasmus+ project SPACE (“Seniors Perceive a Common Europe”) received the European Innovative Teaching Award for outstanding democracy education. From 2022 to 2024, seniors from four countries participated, explored European values, and experienced international encounters for the first time. The project helped participants overcome barriers, broaden their horizons, and build lasting friendships.

Learn more www.thespaceproject.eu     

National Award – Education for Sustainable Development 2025

The Volkshochschule im Landkreis Cham was honored with the National Award for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in recognition of its innovative sustainability programs, international project work, and institution-wide approach to embedding sustainable thinking.

Project Citizens Xelerator – Grundtvig Award 2025

The European project “Citizens Xelerator” received the Grundtvig Award for its innovative approaches to civic education. Partners from eight countries collaborated to strengthen skills such as empathy, engagement, and critical thinking. VHS im Landkreis Cham contributed significantly to the development of “LifeComp Cards” and “Action Labs,” supporting both formal and non-formal learning opportunities across Europe.

Learn more www.citizensxelerator.eu

Learn more (in German) here.