The study visits, coordinated by Cedefop on behalf of the European Commission, are addressed to those who are responsible for the development of education and vocational training policies at local, regional, or national levels. They welcome, among others, directors of education and vocational training establishments, guidance centres, and validation and accreditation centres; teacher trainers; education and training inspectors; and representatives of employers' associations and trade unions.

The next application round, 08 February - 31 March 2010 concerns study visits scheduled between September 2010 and February 2011.

The programme is open to nationals and residents of any of the 27 EU Member States, as well as the EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) and candidate countries (Turkey, Croatia, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia).

Candidates are selected by the National Agencies (listed in the website) responsible for managing the programme in participating countries. Successful participants will receive a grant by their National Agency to contribute to travel and subsistence expenses.

The themes of the study visits mirror the priorities of European and national education and training policy:

1. Key competences for all, including creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship;
2. Improving access, equity, quality, and efficiency in education and training;
3. Keeping teaching and training attractive and improving leadership;
4. Education and training for employability;
5. Implementing common European instruments and tools, principles, and frameworks for lifelong learning, including lifelong guidance;
6. Trends and challenges in lifelong-learning strategies;
7. Development of learning communities, involving all actors in education and training;
8. Promoting cross-border mobility in lifelong learning.