Building Mobility Guidance Competences Together: Academia Sweden–Estonia Exchange
From 6–10 April, the Swedish–Estonian joint Academia study visit took place for the second consecutive year, bringing together 12 career guidance professionals from 10 European countries. The exchange focused on career development and guidance in the context of international learning mobility, exploring how practitioners can effectively support individuals before, during and after an international experience.
The study visit began in Stockholm, where participants were introduced to the Swedish lifelong guidance system and current practices in mobility guidance. Interactive sessions focused on learning mobility competences and the use of mobility competence cards, encouraging peer learning and reflection. A guided visit to Stockholm City Hall offered a cultural perspective on international cooperation.
A key element of the Swedish programme was job shadowing in educational institutions, where participants observed how mobility and guidance services are embedded in different educational contexts. Seeing guidance in practice across varied educational settings generated rich discussions on how guidance approaches shift depending on learners’ age, institutional context and their position along the education–labour market pathway.
The group then continued the journey by ferry to Tallinn, where attention turned to Estonian practices in lifelong career guidance. At the Tallinn Career Centre, participants reflected on national guidance systems, exchanged experiences from their own countries and explored services and methodologies designed to support individuals from diverse and international backgrounds.
Further job shadowing in Estonian schools, a university and the career centre gave participants first-hand insight into the Estonian guidance system in practice. The programme also included a visit to the Estonian Maritime Museum, where participants gained an inspiring perspective on the role of museum education in developing career management skills and career-related competences.
The study visit concluded at the House of the European Union in Tallinn, with sessions offering an international overview of the Estonian education system and its openness to international learners. Final reflections highlighted shared challenges, transferable practices and future opportunities for cooperation across Europe.
Participant feedback underlined the strong professional and personal impact of the exchange. Many highlighted the value of learning from highly committed colleagues, discovering unexpected insights, and gaining practical ideas to strengthen mobility guidance in their own contexts. The diversity of perspectives and the opportunity to experience guidance systems firsthand were repeatedly mentioned as key strengths of the week.
The Swedish–Estonian Academia exchange once again demonstrated the importance of international cooperation and peer learning in strengthening mobility guidance across Europe. By learning together in different national contexts, career professionals are better equipped to support individuals in making confident and informed educational and working life choices.
Warm thanks to all participants, organisers, hosts and partner institutions in Sweden and Estonia for making this inspiring and impactful exchange possible.
Nina Ahlroos, Euroguidance Sweden
Margit Rammo, Euroguidance Estonia
Liis Süsmalainen, Euroguidance Estonia
