Cedefop had successfully managed study visits for vocational education and training (VET) experts for over 20 years, building up a reputation for visits of high quality both in terms of content and organisation. Wishing to draw on this experience and know-how, the European Commission invited Cedefop to coordinate the new much larger consolidated study visits for experts in education, VET and lifelong learning. In 2008, Cedefop led a working group of decision-makers, social partners and education and VET experts to develop study visit themes. In 2010, the themes were updated after the launch of the Europe 2020 strategy and changes to the education and training 2020 cooperation framework. A survey of participants in 2008/09 showed a greater awareness of European developments among those responsible for shaping and implementing national, regional or local education and training policies. They were also more aware of opportunities for further European cooperation. Using contacts they made during the visit, around 30% of participants had developed a cooperation project within a year. Some 98% of study visit participants shared their learning with their colleagues, managers, other experts, students and parents. Many proposed changes to their institution's work and to education and training policy. For some participants, study visits changed their professional activities and improved their personal skills. For organisers study visits are also rewarding. Host organisations have an opportunity to present their work and achievements. Awareness of European issues is also raised among the local community. Overall, study visits have shown to be an effective way of learning. (Contains 3 boxes, 2 figures, 2 tables and 7 footnotes.)