Erasmus+ in Rome: Building Digital Skills with Adult Learners

From 26 July to 1 August, ten adult learners and two accompanying staff members from Bildung Nijmegen travelled to Rome for the first group mobility within our Erasmus+ project Empowering Adult Learners through European Values. During a five-day course delivered by ALFA EDU, they worked on strengthening their digital skills. But the week soon became about much more than learning how to use digital tools. It was filled with new experiences, personal growth and meaningful connections.

For all our adult learners, this was their first or second European mobility. Some had not been abroad for around 25 years. Boarding a plane, finding their way around an unfamiliar city and using the metro for the first time pushed several of them well beyond their comfort zones.

Putting digital skills into practice.

The course took place at Casa per Ferie San Juan de Ribera and combined instruction, group work and practical activities across Rome. Each day focused on a different aspect of digital literacy.

Our adult learners explored how to find reliable information online and critically compare different sources. They then used this information to create their own walking routes through Rome in small groups. They also worked on online safety. Through realistic scenarios, they learned how to recognise phishing, fake job advertisements, rental scams and other forms of online fraud.

Later in the week, the focus shifted to digital communication and collaboration. The adult learners used digital maps, shared documents and messaging apps to complete activities together. Using their own photos and videos, they then created digital stories. They learned how to structure a story and communicate a clear message to others.

On the final day, they brought everything together in an independent assignment and presented their results. We ended the course by presenting the certificates, sharing more information about Erasmus+ opportunities and, of course, enjoying lunch together.

Learning beyond the classroom.

Rome became one large learning environment during the week. Our adult learners had to plan routes together, make agreements, solve unexpected situations and support one another whenever something felt unfamiliar or difficult. The high temperatures made some of the activities even more challenging, but the group remained positive and made sure everyone could participate.

Marcha summed up the week beautifully: “It was a valuable and well-organised week. Even though it was ‘hot, hot, hot’, we completed and discussed the group activities with such a positive vibe. The group felt like one big happy family.”

For Robbie, the people he met were also an important part of the experience: “I really enjoyed meeting everyone and, despite the heat, I had a wonderful time in Rome.”

From a group to a family

Our adult learners came from different generations, cultural backgrounds and life experiences. These differences led to conversations and friendships that might not have developed so naturally at home. They helped one another with the activities, shared their experiences and spent time together outside the programme.

Marie-Louise described it perfectly after returning home: “I learned so much this week. The group was amazing too; it really felt like a family. Thank you all for the great company and for taking such good care of us.”

Keysha shared the same feeling: “The group was so much fun. Everyone was friendly, and the atmosphere just felt really positive.”

For Bildung Nijmegen, this is exactly what a European mobility should be about. Developing new knowledge and skills is important, but the confidence, connections and memories our adult learners bring home are just as valuable. Our week in Rome showed that learning can happen at any age and that taking an unfamiliar step together can bring people closer.

We are proud of all our adult learners who embraced this experience and of the way they supported one another throughout the week. Rome was hot, sometimes challenging and occasionally unexpected, but above all it was valuable and unforgettable. Or, as the group said: until next time!

Empowering Adult Learners through European Values - 2025-2-NL01-KA122-ADU-000378436

This mobility was part of our Erasmus+ KA122 project Empowering Adult Learners through European Values and was co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.