Benefits and opportunities for students:

Skills development:

Organisation; teamwork; communication; problem-solving; independence, among many other skills that are developed through participation!

Self confidence and self-knowledge

Creative thinking

Understanding of other cultures, and the lives of their peers in other countries (or even continents!)

Having fun and making friends!

Opportunities:

Possibly visiting partner schools in these different locations!

Foreign work experience or exchange visits

UK-German Connection Challenge Fund Award

If you are from a school in the UK and your partner school is from Germany, or you are from a German school and your partner is from the UK, and you are both interested in expanding your activities together, it is possible to apply to the UK-German Connection Challenge Fund.

A Challenge Fund project has the potential to provide another dimension to Achievers activities by engaging in collaborative joint project work, involving two visits within an 8-month period and the opportunity to work face-to-face on a mutual theme.

This is separate to the Achievers programme, and offered by the joint government initiative, UK-German Connection. The two programmes are however able to run at the same time to complement one another's activities.

The Challenge Fund grant is up to £5,000 GBP and is able to support the costs associated with a UK-German joint project comprising of two project visits. Visits are used for pupils to engage in creative team-work together; to investigate and explore a relevant theme and produce concrete project outcomes.

Please note that the Challenge Fund grant cannot support the same activities already being undertaken through the Achievers programme (it must be a new project, in addition to your existing Achievers International partnership). However, the overall themes of enterprise and business, particularly from a cross-cultural perspective are suitable for a Challenge Fund project.

There are three deadlines each year to apply for the UK-German Connection Challenge Fund; 31 January, 31 May, 31 October. Applicants are advised to apply as far in advance as possible and to contact the Funding Officer at UK-German Connection (Lucy Farrant - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to discuss project plans and the grant criteria further.

You can read more about the Challenge Fund here

Banking Services

Your bank can give you advice, support and contacts. They can advise you on opening your account, how to run the account, how to set up your Business Plan and how to make and receive international payments. Most banks have small-business advisers who can help you set up and run your company. Some will have export advisers who can offer specific advice.

Contact your local bank and ask if they can offer your company any benefits or discounts during your participation in the programme.

Free Advice and Support

Rotary International

All Rotary Clubs in the UK support Achievers International as one of their 'Preferred Projects'. Schools that are taking part in Achievers are encouraged to contact their local Rotary club to seek advice and assistance on running a business, accessing video conferencing facilities and finding local suppliers and manufacturers of goods. Schools may be invited to make presentations to their local clubs on activities in the programme, and they can ask Rotarians to visit their school to offer advice. See The RIBI website for more details on how your Club can help.

Chamber of Commerce

There are worldwide, national and local branches of Chamber of Commerce. They can provide school companies with comprehensive lists of local businesses, and lots of advice from the members of their network.

Enterprise Companies and Business Advice Centres

Offer advice and support to new and developing companies. They will be able to offer contact names and free advice on several aspects of business, particularly on business plans and marketing your company.

Export Advisers

In your area there will be a group of experts in the field of export. They can offer specific advice on exporting, duties, freight carriers and international trade.

Local Government Business Departments