PROJECT AZUBI- EUROPA

Internship CalendaryPoland/ Croatia (Warsaw/ Zagreb)

16.03.2015 - 27.03.2015

by Jessica Nöchelapprenticeship: management assistent in wholesale and foreign tradetraining company: meineBÄKO e.G

Das Projekt wird gefördert aus Mitteln des Europäischen Sozialfonds und des Landes Sachsen-Anhalt.

OVERVIEW DAY 1: Travel to Warsaw DAY 2: Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency/ German

Embassy DAY 3: Workshop/ Facts about the republic of Poland/ MD Clinic DAY 4: Instytut Energetyki/ Workshop about Intercultural

Communication DAY 5: City- Rally DAY 6: Travel to Zagreb DAY 7: Workshop /Facts about the republic of Croatia/ City- Rally DAY 8: HAMAG Invest DAY 9: AHK- Croatia/ HRID Ltd. Organization for Technology

Development and Application DAY 10: Goethe- Institut/ Upravna škola Zagreb DAY 11: Prva ekonomska škola Zagreb DAY 12: Travel to Germany Conclusion Sources

DAY 1: TRAVEL TO WARSAW

On Monday, the 16th of March, our group of 16 trainees, the project manager Ms. Kaufhold and her assistent Mr. Dargatz, travelled to Warsaw by train.We met at 7:30 a.m. and took the first train to Berlin at 8:03 a.m. In Berlin, we had to change. Because of a turbulance, our arrival in Warsaw was much later. We were so happy, as we reached the hotel Novotel Centrum to check in.

"Auf Wiedersehen, Deutschland!""Dzień dobry, Polska!"

DAY 2: POLISH INFORMATION AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT AGENCY

The Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency is responsible for foreign companies, who want to invest in Poland. The presenter of the agency Łukasz Leśniewski told us, that Poland has competitive advantages because of the potential growing economy, labour and support. The location of Poland is positioned in the center of Europe, so Poland is a valuable Partner for Ex- and Import in different sectors like Automotive, Food Industry, etc. Since 2013 there are approximately 6230 German companies in Poland.

DAY 2: GERMAN EMBASSY

The German embassy of Warsaw prepresents the federal government in Germany. There are working 110 employees and diplomats in several departments like policy, economy, press and public, labour and social affairs, business services, culture, law and consulate, science and research, military, management and last but not least the department for language services. 2,3 mio. people in Poland learn German. The speaker of economy Mr. Rehm also told us a lot about the German- Polish relationship in different areas and the exchange of labors and products like machines, electrical and vehicles. The most foreign turnover, Poland gets from Germany.

DAY 3: WORKSHOPIn this workshop we learned something about business English and business etiquette in Poland. Hospitality is very important for them, so they will do everything, that the business partner will feel well. In a meeting they often talk about private things, like family and hobbies. That´s why you, as a business partner, have to plan with more time because they don´t like to be rushed. In contrast to Germany, those business meetings are a bit unstructured and it seems that there is no target in front of eyes. In that case you have to be patient, spontaneous, creative and emotional. The intention of Polish business partners is to get to know you better, particulary while business lunches and dinners.

DAY 3: FACTS ABOUT THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND

area: 312.678 km² capital: Warsaw (1,7 Mio. inhabitants)

inhabitants: 38,1 Mio. (96,74% Polish)

minorities: German 0,4%, White russians

0,13%, Ukrainian 0,08%, Russians and

Lithuanian 0,02%

unemployment rate: 11,7%

language: Polish (recognized regional

language: Kashubian)

currency: 1€ ≈ 4,2 Złoty (1 Złoty = 100

Groszy)independence: 1918

member of EU: since 2004

neighboring countries: Russia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia, Czech

Republic, Germany

main trading partners: Germany, Russia, Czech republic,

Netherlands

some leading industries: chemical

industry, food industry, metal

industry

DAY 3: MD CLINICIn the MD Clinic, our group learned something about the health sector in Poland. First Mr. Mitek welcomed us. He showed us every single room in the Clinic. In his presentation he told us something about the range, quality, availability and the ease of getting service, which is close to the customer. For example they offer ambulant care, consults, diagnostics and medical professionals. MD Clinic is also a nice place to work for doctors, because they have flexibility and the support of the Clinic to put their names in the best light. Mr. Mitek assured us, that doctors have everything.

DAY 4: INSTYTUT ENERGETYKIThe institute of Power Engineering (IEn) is state-owned. It was founded in 1953 and it is one of the biggest institutesin Poland. There are working 500 employees. IEn is involved in modern technology. Fuel cells and clean technologies are explored in different laboraties. This institute is also working on researches of economy, activities on energy sector and they are preparing new projects for 2020 with partners from Europe. After the presentation we had the possibility to see, how they tested a high- voltage line. It was very imressive.

DAY 4: WORKSHOP ABOUT INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Mr. Dargatz has teached us intercultural communication. We learned many facts about our own culture and the culture in different countries. Also how our culture influences on family, education, society and religion. This influences are very important in our development. Intercultural communication takes place, when two persons of different countries meet each other. It´s not advantageous to have stereotypes. Show of hands also can have different meanings, so it is better to inform yourself about another country. In addition we played a roleplaying, which fits to the theme, while Mr. Dargatz has filmed us.

DAY 5: CITY- RALLYPalace of culture and science

National Stadium

Popes´Cross

The mermaid Statue

Frederyk- Chopin- Museum

The palm

DAY 6: TRAVEL TO ZAGREB

On Saturday, the 21st of March, our group travelled to Zagreb by a very small plane with propellers on each side. For some of us it was the first time to fly. It was very exciting. After landing in Zagreb, we drove to our hotel, named Hotel Palace, by bus.

"Do widzenia, Polska!""Dobar dan, Hrvatska!"

DAY 7: WORKSHOPIn this workshop we talked about the vocational education and training in Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC´s). In this countries, there is no dual system . Young people only learn in vocational school. In summer, they do an internship in companies which will be selected from school. They also do not receive much money and often they receive no money at all. Certificates are not highly regarded, so people prefer to study and go abroad, because they hope to earn more money somewhere else. This is called "Brain- Drain". For the economy it will be good, if they come back.

DAY 7: FACTS ABOUT THE REPUBLIK OF CROATIA

area: 56.600 km² (1246

isles)

capital: Zagreb (780.000 inhabitants

with suburbia aproximately 1 Mio.)

inhabitants: 4,3 Mio.

(90% Croats)

minorities: Serbs 4%, 6%:

Bosnians, Italians, Czechs, Slovaks

unemployment rate:

20%

language: Croatian

currency: 1€ ≈ 7,64 Kuna (1Kn

= 100 lipa)

independence: since 25th of June 1991

member of EU: since 1st of July 2013

neighboring countries: Hungary, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and

Herzegovina, Montenegro

main trading partners: Germany,

Poland, Austria, Russia, Slovenia,

Turkey

some leading industries: tourism

industry, textile industry, food

industry

DAY 7: CITY- RALLY

Cathedral of Zagreb

King Tomislav Square

Marulić Square

Petar Preradović

Square

Ban Josip Jelačić Square

DAY 8: HAMAG INVESTHAMAG BICRO is a croatian agency for micro, small and medium- sized enterprises (SME´s), Innovations and Investments, which is established by the government of the Republic of Croatia. It is an independent institution under the supervision of Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Crafts. There are working 98 employees to provide micro loans for start ups, issuing guarantees for bank credits to SME´s, support the development of SME´s and to create a positive image of Croatia.

DAY 9: AHK- CROATIAAHK- Croatia has 360 members, most of them are Croatian. There are 130 offices worldwide. German companies, who wants to open a branch in Croatia will be supported in questions how to enter in the market. Frequent themes are law, taxes, human resources and location. Potential sectors in Croatia are energy (hydro power, wind power, solar power), food industry and tourism industry. 25% of GDP is achieved by tourism. The marketing department organised events, e.g. seminars, to establish contacts. AHK- Croatia is financed by its members and the Federal ministry of economics from Germany.

AHK- Croatia is not compareable with the Chamber of Commerce in Germany, because they don´t get in touch with trainees, vocational school and training company to advise them but they will try to introduce a dual system soon for retailers. They will receive 200€ at the beginning.

DAY 9: HRID LTD. ORGANIZATION FOR TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION

First of all, it was complicated, because we didn´t know, that HRID has moved. But this was no problem. With 3 cars, they drove us to the actual location. This organization was foundet 2002 in Zagreb. HRID is specialized in performing nondestructive testing, design and manufacturing, inspection systems, software development and qualification and certification of personnel engeneering. There are working aproximately 26 employees. In addition of the presentation, we were allowed to see the very technical constructions.

DAY 10: GOETHE- INSTITUT

Goethe- Institut is not an organization by government but an initiative of some German teachers in 1951. They wanted to convey the German culture and language in form of supporting events, cooperation with schools and education. Today, there are 159 locations worldwide, 149 institutions in 93 countries and 13 institutions in Germany. There are working 3000 employees overall. In Germany, there are working 700 employees. It was a very pleasant presentation because of the atmosphere and they were talking in German. Of course we passed the little test of German language successfully. ;-)

DAY 10: UPRAVNA ŠKOLA ZAGREB This school is a vocational school of administration. They showed us the department for fashion and design and presented their school system in German. Here are some facts: Elementary school: from age 6/7 (it lasts 8

years) Middle school consists of high school and

junior high school high school: classic, linguistic and

mathematic/ it lasts 4 years/ 17 subjects junior high school: technical and

administration (it lasts 4 years), vocational and industry (for 3 years) and medicin (it lasts 5 years)

After second class: praxis in company/ 40 hours a week/ without payment

After high school graduation: study at the University (it lasts 5 years)

Next we presented our school system also in German. It was very interesting to compare.

DAY 11: PRVA EKONOMSKA ŠKOLA ZAGREB

Unbelievable! 200 pupils welcomed us with a big applouse. In a short film about Zagreb they showed us all the beautiful places and sights of the city. This time all presentations were on english and because of the audience, we were very excited. While touring through the school, we became very familiar. One girl, who was a member of the tv-show Croatian Xfactor, even sang for us. Later we decided to make a sightseeing tour with our new croatian friends.This was our last day in Croatia, so we also had to write a little test about everything we have learned in this two weeks.

DAY 12: TRAVEL TO GERMANY

It is a pity, that these days are passing so far. Nevertheless we were looking forward to home. First we drove by bus to the airport. With the first plane we flew to Stuttgart and with the second one to Leipzig. Everyone was happy to see their family. Before we went home, our project manager, Mrs. Kaufhold, and her assistent, Mr. Dargatz, informed us about the results of the test and said goodbye to us.

"Do viđenja, Hrvatska!""Guten Tag, Deutschland!"

CONCLUSION

I am very grateful for the possibility to take part on the project "Azubi- Europa". It was a new experience for me to get to know other countries and their culture. It was also very interesting to compare these countries with

Germany in relation to business etiquette and economic situation. With the certification of this project, it is a good chance and a new open door for the future. I improved my

english and met new croatian people, with whom I am still in contact.

SOURCES

presentation of Polish Information and Foreign Investment agency

presentations and photos of the project own collected material (flyer, notes, photos) http://mdclinic.pl/en/ https://ien.com.pl/ www.hamaginvest.hr