Adaptability
Adaptability in real life and in the workplace
- Duration
- 6 h
- Sections
- 3
- Lessons
- 16
- Interactive activities
- 41
Read the transcript
SMILE · Module 3: Adaptability · introduction video (English)
This is Samir. His bus is cancelled, and his shift starts in forty minutes. He could panic, or he could make a new plan.
He sends a short message to his supervisor. He checks another route, and he arrives only ten minutes late, calm and ready to work. Plans change. Adaptability helps you change with them.
Employers look for this skill. Sixty-seven percent of employers see resilience, flexibility and agility as a core skill.
This module has three sections. One: Understanding Adaptability. Two: Adaptation in the Reality of Young Migrants. Three: Practical Strategies and Good Practices, Taking Action.
You will make choices in real stories, practise conversations, check your strengths, and get a certificate at the end.
Ready for the next change? Let's start: Module three, Adaptability.
On screen: Source: World Economic Forum, The Future of Jobs Report 2025
Narration: AI-generated voice (OpenAI)
Music: AI-generated (Google Lyria)
Animation: SMILE project, Smart Leap
A new country brings new rules, a new language and often a first job where nobody explains how things work. This module shows that adaptability is a skill you can practise, not a test of how much you can accept. Through real workplace situations, role-plays and self-checks you learn to ask questions, repair misunderstandings, deal with change and criticism, look after your well-being, and recognise the fair conditions that employers must offer.
This module places adaptability at the centre as a key skill for young migrants, particularly in the context of employment and workplace integration. It explains why adaptation is vital when facing cultural, linguistic, social and professional changes. The module examines the challenges that young migrants frequently encounter and offers practical strategies for responding to uncertainty or change in work environments. Through real-life examples, case studies, role-play activities and reflective exercises, participants are supported in developing their adaptability skills and attitudes. The module also emphasises that adaptability is a learnable skill and that it must always be supported by fair and inclusive working conditions.
Duration in the curriculum. Total duration 6 hours: 3 hours of theoretical input and guided discussion, 3 hours of practical learning (case studies, role-play activities, reflection exercises).
How this module teaches
- Balance of theory and practice. Short presentations are combined with group discussions to support understanding.
- Experiential learning. Case studies and role-play activities simulate real employment situations.
- Self-awareness (reflection). Reflection exercises support personal learning and awareness.
- Safe and inclusive space. A safe learning environment where young migrants can share their views without being judged.
Key references of the curriculum
- OECD. (2018). The Future of Education and Skills: Education 2030. OECD Publishing.
- OECD. (2021). Skills for Social Progress: The Power of Social and Emotional Skills. OECD Publishing.
- International Labour Organization. (2021). Integrating Migrants into the Labour Market. ILO.
- European Commission. (2019). Key Competences for Lifelong Learning. European Union.
- World Health Organization. (2022). Guidelines on Mental Health at Work. WHO.
- United Nations. (2016). New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants. United Nations.
Suggested balance
- Theory and guided discussion 3 h
- Practice: cases, role-play, reflection 3 h
As set in the SMILE curriculum for this module (total 6 h).
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module you will be able to:
- Explain the concept of adaptability and its importance in the employment/workplace context.
- Identify the key skills and attitudes related to adaptability in the context of migration.
- Recognise the common challenges (language, culture, etc.) that young migrants face in work environments.
- Apply practical strategies to manage change, uncertainty and feedback in the workplace.
- Demonstrate adaptability skills (in practice) through role-play and real-life scenarios.
- Reflect on their own adaptability strengths and areas for development in relation to employment (carry out a self-assessment).
Who is it for
- Young migrants and refugees aged 18-30 who are starting or looking for work, training or an internship in Europe or Türkiye
- Young newcomers who want to feel more confident in a new workplace culture
- Youth workers, trainers and mentors who support young newcomers
- Employers and team leaders who want to understand what helps new colleagues settle in
What you need
- Basic English (A2-B1)
- A phone, tablet or computer with internet
- No work experience needed
Module challenge: Adapt without losing yourself
Complete all required activities in the 16 lessons, including the adaptability checklist, the role-plays and your personal adaptation plan, and pass the knowledge check with at least 60%.
Curriculum
Units and topics in the order of the SMILE curriculum.
Section 1Understanding Adaptability
- 1.1 Definition of adaptability 22 min 3 activities Free preview
- 1.2 Adaptability as a learnable skill 20 min 3 activities
- 1.3 Skills and attitudes related to adaptability 25 min 3 activities
- 1.4 Common misconceptions about adaptability 23 min 3 activities
Section 2Adaptation in the Reality of Young Migrants
- 2.1 Cultural differences and social norms 24 min 3 activities
- 2.2 Language barriers and communication challenges 22 min 3 activities
- 2.3 Workplace expectations and work culture 24 min 3 activities
- 2.4 Emotional and psychological aspects of adaptation 24 min 2 activities
- 2.5 Adaptability, rights and fair working conditions 26 min 3 activities
Section 3Practical Strategies and Good Practices (Taking Action)
- 3.1 Learning and asking questions in the workplace 20 min 2 activities
- 3.2 Managing language difficulties 20 min 2 activities
- 3.3 Coping with change and uncertainty 20 min 2 activities
- 3.4 Receiving and using feedback 20 min 2 activities
- 3.5 Building workplace relationships 18 min 2 activities
- 3.6 Managing stress and emotional well-being 18 min 2 activities
- 3.7 Case study, role-play activities and reflection exercises 24 min 3 activities Free preview
- Knowledge check: Adaptability 10 min Knowledge check
Presentation and materials
Questions about this module
Does adapting mean I have to change who I am?
No. The module shows the difference between adapting (changing how you do things) and giving in (giving up your values, your safety or your rights). Research shows that keeping your own culture and building new ties usually go together with doing well.
Is this module legal advice about my rights?
No. Lesson 2.5 explains basic workers' rights at EU level, with some examples from Türkiye. Rules depend on your country, your contract and your residence status. For your own situation, ask a trade union, a labour inspectorate or a migrant support organisation.
Do I have to share my personal story?
No. All people in the examples are fictional. Reflection tasks ask about small everyday situations, and you decide what you write. Your answers are saved in your account. Other learners cannot see them.
How long does the module take?
About six hours: 16 lessons of 18 to 26 minutes and a 10-minute knowledge check. You can take breaks and continue at your own pace.
What if a lesson about stress feels too heavy?
Take a break and come back later. Lessons 2.4 and 3.6 list places where you can get support. In an emergency, call 112, which is free in all EU countries and in Türkiye.
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