Professional Visits to Companies for International Students

In recent years, education systems around the world have increasingly moved towards learning models focused on practical experience and the development of professional skills. Universities, vocational schools and international programmes are looking for ways to help students understand how academic knowledge is applied in real-world contexts.

What are professional visits and why are they becoming increasingly popular in educational travel?

As part of this changing approach to education, educational travel has increasingly incorporated an important element: professional visits. These experiences give students the opportunity to meet companies, institutions and organisations connected to their field of study and gain first-hand insight into how different sectors operate.

When included in international educational programmes such as Erasmus+ or Study Abroad programs, professional visits can be an effective teaching tool of connecting academic learning with the economic and social reality. For many students, these experiences offer a first-hand look at the international workplace and the professional dynamics they will encounter in the future.

What can a professional visit program include?

The format can vary depending on the group’s academic objectives and the students’ profile. In general, these programmes are designed as experiences combining direct observation, interaction with professionals and an understanding of the local economic environment. Some of the most common activities include:

✔ Meetings with company managers and senior professionals, who share their experience and explain how different areas of an organisation are managed.

✔ Visits to industrial, agri-food and service companies, where students can learn about production processes, business models and innovation strategies.

✔ Company presentations and introductions to the local business environment, helping students understand how the economic ecosystem of a particular area works.

✔ Experiences in strategic and emerging sectors, including healthcare, sustainability, the social economy and projects focused on social impact.

✔ Exchanges with schools and vocational training centres, creating opportunities for students from different countries and education systems to meet and share experiences.

How are professional visits organised as part of an educational trip?

Professional visits require careful planning to ensure that each activity is genuinely connected to the group’s educational objectives. Communication with the teacher or academic coordinator is therefore essential, as it allows the proposed visits and experiences to be matched to the learning goals of the programme.

The visits can also be integrated into the wider educational trip alongside:

• cultural activities
• subject-related visits
• educational exchanges or practical workshops

In many cases, professional visits include presentations by members of the organisation, guided tours of the facilities and time for questions. This allows students to interact directly with professionals working in the sector.

The result is a balanced educational program that combines academic interests, cultural discovery and real-world experiences, all adapted to the group.

Spain: an ideal setting for professional and cultural learning

Spain has become an increasingly interesting destination for educational trips for vocational and professional training students. Its diverse economy, the presence of companies from a wide range of sectors and the cultural richness of its cities create an excellent setting for this type of experience.

As John Dewey argued, learning becomes meaningful when it is connected to experience (Dewey, 1938). Professional visits can therefore help students understand how theoretical knowledge is applied in real situations, while at the same time discovering the social and cultural context of the destination.

Frequently asked questions about professional visits

• Why include professional visits in an educational trip? Because they allow students to see first-hand how companies and institutions connected to their field of study operate, helping them connect academic theory with professional practice.

• Which students can take part in professional visits in Spain? Students of marketing, tourism, sustainability or agriculture, for example, can all benefit from this type of experience. However, not being part of these fields is no obstacle. We work with a fully personalised approach and adapt each experience to the specific profile and academic objectives of the group, whatever its area of study.

• Can professional visits be included in Erasmus+ programs? Yes. Many educational institutions include company visits in their Erasmus+ programs because they provide a practical dimension to learning and help students understand Spain’s economic and social environment.

• How long does a professional visit usually last? This depends on the company or organisation and the type of activity. Visits generally last between one and two hours, including a presentation, a tour of the facilities and a question-and-answer session.

Your next educational programme starts here!

If you are planning an educational or training trip for your institution, you can also explore our educational programmes for international students, which combine academic learning, cultural activities and professional experiences.

Have an idea? We can help turn it into a program. Send us your proposal and we will work with you to create an experience that fits your students and your educational objectives.

References

Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and Education. New York: Macmillan.