Tomas Bata University in Zlín has achieved another important success. It received a grant for the project Development of Digital Education for the University of the Third Age (U3A) within the Erasmus+ international mobility programme.
Thanks to this, for the first time in the university’s history, senior students were able to travel to a foreign university — the Permanent University of the University of Alicante.
The project was led by two experienced teachers who have been teaching English at the U3A for more than 15 years.
“When I found out that this opportunity had finally opened up for seniors as well, I did not hesitate and started preparing the project application. It was not easy to pave the way, but that made it all the more rewarding when I could tell the students they were setting off on a great adventure — to a university in Alicante, Spain,” said Jana Semotamová from the Faculty of Humanities, the project organiser.
Her colleague Eva Chmelařová from the Faculty of Management and Economics added: “It was amazing to see how a generation that did not grow up with mobile phones and computers is now confidently using mobile applications, ordering food via QR codes and actively discussing various topics — all in a foreign environment and in English.”
The project became an inspiring journey full of new knowledge, friendships and personal challenges. “We are thrilled, it was a wonderful motivation for further learning,” agreed the participants, who returned from the stay not only with new skills but also with powerful life experiences.
Learning That Makes Sense
The programme offered a combination of modern teaching and practical topics. Cybersecurity lessons, for example, received very positive feedback, as they helped participants better navigate the digital world. The innovative English through cinema lessons opened up new ways of learning a language naturally and with joy.
The mobility brought new knowledge as well as very practical experience. Participants developed digital skills while working with PowerPoint, applications and artificial intelligence tools. They also practised travel planning, using navigation, buying tickets and checking in at airports.
Participants also actively took part in an international discussion with Spanish students and presented the Czech Republic in English. They performed Czech dances and songs and brought a tasting of Czech specialities, including slivovitz. These moments strengthened their confidence and their ability to communicate in real-life situations.
“Fears of being in a foreign environment with unfamiliar people soon disappeared,” the participants said, describing one of the biggest personal challenges they managed to overcome.
An Experience That Connects
Erasmus+ was not only about learning. An essential part of the programme was discovering Spanish culture — from historic Alicante with a guided Walk & Reflect activity to vibrant Valencia, where participants worked with a mobile application and visited, among other places, the oceanographic centre.
Shared experiences naturally strengthened team spirit. “Many thanks for the wonderful company and unforgettable experiences,” said the participants, who appreciated not only the programme itself but above all the atmosphere within the whole group.
The project also had an ecological dimension — the group walked 10 to 17 kilometres every day and did not use transport.
Energy That Inspires
The project brought participants significant personal growth. They improved their language skills, learned to use new digital tools and strengthened their independence and courage. For many, it became an impulse to continue learning — some decided to pursue language studies further, including Spanish.
“Tell young students to look forward to retirement, because being part of a great group of people is fantastic,” they said with humour and energy that characterised the entire project.
Participants also appreciated the organisation of the whole stay: “Great respect to both of our wonderful lecturers for the exemplary organisation and implementation of the trip, and to everyone for their effort to promote our country.”
Erasmus+ for Every Age
“Is Erasmus+ only for young people? The participants of the University of the Third Age clearly prove otherwise. During their stay abroad in Alicante, Spain, they showed that the desire to learn, discover and overcome one’s own limits has no age restriction. The story of the University of the Third Age participants clearly shows that Erasmus+ is not just an educational programme — it is a life experience that connects, inspires and opens new horizons. The participants’ active approach, determination and joy of discovery are proof that it is never too late to start something new,” Jana Semotamová concluded.
