APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN A STUDY VISIT
Project: Development of the Social Work Curriculum
Dear Programme Component Operator and Programme Operator,
In connection with the implementation of the activities of the project “Development of the Social Work Curriculum”, I hereby apply to participate in a study visit to VIVES University of Applied Sciences in Kortrijk, Belgium.
The purpose of the study visit is to gain international experience and gather new knowledge and insights into emerging developments relevant to the enhancement of the social work curriculum. During the visit, I would like to learn about the structure of the social work curriculum at VIVES University of Applied Sciences, the content of its courses, teaching and learning methods, the organisation of field placements, and its approaches to teaching international and intercultural social work. I intend to pay particular attention to innovative approaches to teaching and learning, evidence-based social work, the use of digital solutions in education, and the development of competencies aligned with employers’ needs.
The study visit directly supports the objectives of developing the social work curriculum by providing an opportunity to analyse international good practices and assess their applicability in the context of Estonian higher education and social work. The knowledge gained will be used to update the curriculum, course syllabi, and field placement arrangements in order to better prepare graduates for entering the labour market and to respond to the changing needs of the field.
During the study visit, VIVES University of Applied Sciences will also host its International and Intercultural Week, which brings together social work lecturers, practitioners, and students from different countries. The programme addresses future directions in social work, intercultural cooperation, community-based approaches, and innovative teaching and learning methods. Participation in this event will provide a broader overview of the experiences of European higher education institutions and enable the establishment of new international contacts that can support both curriculum development and future partnerships.
VIVES University of Applied Sciences was selected as the destination because it is a long-standing partner of Tallinn University of Applied Sciences, and the themes of the International Week align with the curriculum development activities and priorities set out in our project.
As an outcome of the study visit, a summary of international good practices and proposals applicable to the further development of the social work curriculum at Tallinn University of Applied Sciences will be prepared. The knowledge gained will be shared with the curriculum development team and teaching staff and used in the curriculum renewal process.
Study visit details
• Host institution: VIVES University of Applied Sciences, Kortrijk, Belgium
• Purpose of the study visit: to gather information on emerging developments and international good practices for the development of the social work curriculum
• Number of participants: 1
• Participant: Jaanika Kirs
• Estimated cost: EUR 1,500
• Type of expenditure: travel and study visit-related expenses
• Relevance to the project: development of the social work curriculum and the analysis and application of international experience in the curriculum renewal process
Information on the International and Intercultural Week: https://www.vives.be/en/applied-social-studies/international-and-intercultural-week
I kindly request approval for the study visit to be carried out within the framework of the project “Development of the Social Work Curriculum” and for the related expenses to be deemed necessary for achieving the objectives of the project.

Kind regards,
Jaanika Kirs
Project Manager of the Social Work Curriculum
Tallinn University of Applied Sciences

APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN A STUDY VISIT
Project: Development of the Social Work Curriculum
Dear Programme Component Operator and Programme Operator,
In connection with the implementation of the activities of the project “Development of the Social Work Curriculum”, I hereby apply to participate in a study visit to VIVES University of Applied Sciences in Kortrijk, Belgium.
The purpose of the study visit is to gain international experience and gather new knowledge and insights into emerging developments relevant to the enhancement of the social work curriculum. During the visit, I would like to learn about the structure of the social work curriculum at VIVES University of Applied Sciences, the content of its courses, teaching and learning methods, the organisation of field placements, and its approaches to teaching international and intercultural social work. I intend to pay particular attention to innovative approaches to teaching and learning, evidence-based social work, the use of digital solutions in education, and the development of competencies aligned with employers’ needs.
The study visit directly supports the objectives of developing the social work curriculum by providing an opportunity to analyse international good practices and assess their applicability in the context of Estonian higher education and social work. The knowledge gained will be used to update the curriculum, course syllabi, and field placement arrangements in order to better prepare graduates for entering the labour market and to respond to the changing needs of the field.
During the study visit, VIVES University of Applied Sciences will also host its International and Intercultural Week, which brings together social work lecturers, practitioners, and students from different countries. The programme addresses future directions in social work, intercultural cooperation, community-based approaches, and innovative teaching and learning methods. Participation in this event will provide a broader overview of the experiences of European higher education institutions and enable the establishment of new international contacts that can support both curriculum development and future partnerships.
VIVES University of Applied Sciences was selected as the destination because it is a long-standing partner of Tallinn University of Applied Sciences, and the themes of the International Week align with the curriculum development activities and priorities set out in our project.
As an outcome of the study visit, a summary of international good practices and proposals applicable to the further development of the social work curriculum at Tallinn University of Applied Sciences will be prepared. The knowledge gained will be shared with the curriculum development team and teaching staff and used in the curriculum renewal process.
Study visit details
• Host institution: VIVES University of Applied Sciences, Kortrijk, Belgium
• Purpose of the study visit: to gather information on emerging developments and international good practices for the development of the social work curriculum
• Number of participants: 1
• Participant: Jaanika Kirs
• Estimated cost: EUR 1,500
• Type of expenditure: travel and study visit-related expenses
• Relevance to the project: development of the social work curriculum and the analysis and application of international experience in the curriculum renewal process
Information on the International and Intercultural Week: https://www.vives.be/en/applied-social-studies/international-and-intercultural-week
I kindly request approval for the study visit to be carried out within the framework of the project “Development of the Social Work Curriculum” and for the related expenses to be deemed necessary for achieving the objectives of the project.

Kind regards,
Jaanika Kirs
Project Manager of the Social Work Curriculum
Tallinn University of Applied Sciences