Step by Step Guide to Erasmus+ for Education Staff

What is Erasmus+ for Staff Mobility ?

Erasmus+ for staff mobility is a component of the broader Erasmus+ program initiated by the European Union. It aims to promote cooperation in the field of education, training, youth, and sport. Specifically, Erasmus+ for staff mobility provides opportunities for staff, including teachers, trainers, administrative staff, and other professionals, to undertake teaching, training, job shadowing, or observation periods in institutions or organisations abroad. Key features of Erasmus+ staff mobility include:

Professional Development

Staff members have the chance to enhance their professional skills, knowledge, and competencies through international experiences.
International Networking
By engaging with colleagues from different countries and institutions, staff members can establish valuable professional networks and collaborations.

Inter-cultural Exchange

Immersion in a different cultural and educational environment fosters cross-cultural understanding and enriches perspectives.

Institutional Cooperation

Erasmus+ staff mobility encourages institutions to develop partnerships and collaborations with counterparts abroad, promoting the exchange of best practices and innovation in education and training.

Funding Support

Erasmus+ provides financial support to cover course fees, travel, subsistence, and other expenses related to staff mobility activities, making international experiences more accessible. Overall, Erasmus+ for staff mobility contributes to the internationalisation of educational institutions, promotes excellence in teaching and training, and facilitates the sharing of expertise and good practices across Europe and beyond.

What is Erasmus+ Key Action 1 (KA1)?

Erasmus+ Key Action 1 (KA1) is one of the central components of the Erasmus+ program, focusing on mobility projects for individuals. It aims to provide opportunities for education and training professionals, as well as youth workers, to undertake mobility activities that support their professional development, enhance their skills and competencies, and promote international collaboration and cooperation in the fields of education, training, and youth.

Key features of Erasmus+ Key Action 1 include:

Mobility of Individuals

KA1 supports mobility projects that enable individuals to travel abroad to participate in various activities, such as training courses, job shadowing, teaching or training assignments, and professional development opportunities.

Target Groups

The target groups for KA1 mobility projects include teachers, trainers, school leaders, educators, staff from adult education institutions, youth workers, and other professionals working in the education, training, and youth sectors.

Types of Mobility Activities

KA1 supports a wide range of mobility activities tailored to the needs and objectives of the participants and their organisations. These activities may include:

Teaching assignments

Educators travel to partner institutions abroad to deliver lectures, workshops, or training sessions.

Training courses

Participants attend structured training events or courses hosted by partner organisations in other countries.

Job shadowing

Professionals observe the work of colleagues in partner organisations to gain insights and exchange best practices.

Professional development activities

Individuals engage in activities aimed at enhancing their skills, knowledge, and competencies in specific areas relevant to their professional roles.

Duration of Mobility

The duration of KA1 mobility activities can vary from a few days to several months, depending on the nature of the activity and the objectives of the project.

Funding Support

Erasmus+ provides financial support to cover course fees, travel, subsistence, and other related expenses for individuals participating in KA1 mobility projects. The funding amount depends on factors such as the destination country, the duration of the mobility period, and the distance between the sending and receiving countries.

Recognition and Validation

KA1 mobility activities are designed to be recognized and validated by the participating organisations and institutions. Upon completion of the mobility period, participants receive a Europass Mobility document certifying their participation and outlining the activities undertaken.
Overall, Erasmus+ Key Action 1 plays a crucial role in promoting professional development, fostering international cooperation, and enriching educational and training experiences for individuals working in the education, training, and youth sectors across Europe and beyond.

What is Erasmus+ Key Action 2 (KA2)?

Erasmus+ Key Action 2 (KA2) is another essential component of the Erasmus+ program, focusing on strategic partnerships and cooperation for innovation and exchange of good practices in the fields of education, training, and youth. Unlike Key Action 1 (KA1), which primarily involves mobility projects for individuals, KA2 projects involve collaboration between organisations to develop innovative practices, promote cooperation, and address common challenges in the field of education, training, and youth. Key features of Erasmus+ Key Action 2 include:

Strategic Partnerships

KA2 supports strategic partnerships between organisations from different countries, including schools, universities, vocational education and training institutions, adult education organisations, youth organisations, NGOs, and other relevant bodies. These partnerships can involve collaboration at various levels, such as local, regional, national, or international.

Objectives

The main objectives of KA2 projects are to foster innovation, improve the quality and relevance of education and training, enhance the skills and competencies of learners and educators, and promote inclusion, diversity, and European values in education and youth work.
Types of Projects

KA2 projects can take various forms, including:

Strategic Partnerships for School Education

Projects aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of school education, fostering innovation, and promoting cooperation between schools and other relevant stakeholders.

Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education

Projects focusing on innovation, modernization, and internationalisation of higher education institutions, as well as enhancing the employability and entrepreneurial skills of graduates.

Strategic Partnerships for Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Projects designed to improve the quality and relevance of vocational education and training, strengthen cooperation between VET providers and the labour market, and promote work-based learning and apprenticeships.

Strategic Partnerships for Adult Education

Projects targeting the professional development of adult educators, promoting lifelong learning opportunities for adults, and addressing key challenges in the field of adult education.

Strategic Partnerships for Youth

Projects aiming to foster cooperation between youth organisations, promote non-formal learning opportunities for young people, and address social inclusion, active citizenship, and youth empowerment.

Project Duration

KA2 projects typically have a duration of 18 months to three years, allowing partners to collaborate on the development, implementation, and dissemination of innovative practices and solutions in their respective fields.

Funding Support

Erasmus+ provides financial support to cover the costs associated with KA2 projects, including personnel costs, travel and subsistence expenses, materials and equipment, and other project-related costs. The funding amount depends on factors such as the size and duration of the project and the number of participating organisations.
Overall, Erasmus+ Key Action 2 plays a crucial role in promoting cooperation, innovation, and quality improvement in education, training, and youth work across Europe and beyond, through strategic partnerships and collaborative projects.

How does Erasmus+ work for staff mobility programmes?

Erasmus+ for staff mobility programs typically follow a structured process. Here’s an overview of how it works:

Eligibility

Institutions such as universities, vocational education and training organisations, schools, adult education institutions, and other relevant bodies are eligible to participate in Erasmus+. Staff members working in these institutions, including teachers, trainers, administrative staff, and others, are eligible to participate in staff mobility activities.

Application

Institutions apply for Erasmus+ funding through their National Agency or the Executive Agency responsible for managing Erasmus+ in their country. They outline their proposed staff mobility activities, including objectives, planned activities, expected outcomes, and budget requirements.

Agreement

If the application is successful, the institution receives funding and signs an Erasmus+ Mobility Agreement with the National Agency or the Executive Agency. This agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the institution and the participants.

Selection of Participants

The institution selects staff members to participate in staff mobility activities based on predefined criteria, such as professional development needs, institutional priorities, and the relevance of the proposed activities.

Mobility Period

Staff members undertake their mobility periods at a partner institution or organisation abroad. This can involve teaching assignments, training courses, job shadowing, or observation periods, depending on the objectives of the mobility activity.

Recognition of Mobility

Upon completion of the mobility period, participants receive a Europass Mobility document certifying their participation and outlining the activities undertaken. The sending and receiving institutions also work together to ensure that the learning outcomes achieved during the mobility period are recognized and integrated into the participants’ professional development plans.

Reporting and Evaluation

Institutions are required to submit reports to the National Agency or the Executive Agency detailing the outcomes of the staff mobility activities, including the impact on participants, institutions, and the broader community. Evaluation of the program helps to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Dissemination of Results

Institutions should share the outcomes and best practices from their staff mobility activities with other stakeholders, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of international cooperation in education and training.

Overall, Erasmus+ for staff mobility programs facilitate the exchange of expertise, promote professional development, and strengthen collaboration between institutions across Europe and beyond.

Who is eligible to take part in staff mobility programmes under Erasmus+?

Eligibility criteria for participating in staff mobility programs under Erasmus+ include:

Staff Members

Any staff member working in the education sector of a participating organisation is eligible to participate. This includes teaching and administrative staff, trainers, researchers, and other professionals directly involved in education, training, and youth work.

Educational Institutions and Organisations

Institutions eligible to participate include universities, colleges, vocational education and training organisations, schools, adult education institutions, and other relevant bodies involved in education, training, and youth work.

Participant Countries

Erasmus+ is open to countries participating in the program. These include the 27 European Union member states, as well as other associated countries participating in the Erasmus+ programme (North Macedonia, Serbia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Turkey)

Agreement Between Sending and Receiving Institutions

There must be a formal agreement between the sending and receiving institutions or organisations outlining the terms and conditions of the staff mobility activity.

National Regulations

Participants must comply with any national regulations or guidelines related to staff mobility, including visa requirements, insurance coverage, and other administrative procedures.

Language Proficiency

Depending on the nature of the mobility activity and the language of instruction or communication at the host institution, participants may need to demonstrate proficiency in the relevant language.

Selection Criteria

Institutions may have their own selection criteria for choosing staff members to participate in mobility activities, such as professional development needs, institutional priorities, and the relevance of the proposed activities.

It’s essential for potential participants to consult with their institution’s Erasmus+ coordinator or relevant authority to determine their eligibility and the specific requirements for participating in staff mobility programs under Erasmus+.

How do I apply for Erasmus+ funding for staff mobility?

Education professionals don’t apply for Erasmus+ funding directly on an individual basis. Instead, they apply through their respective educational institutions or organisations. Here’s how the process generally works:

Institutional Application

Educational institutions, such as universities, schools, vocational training organisations, or adult education institutions, apply for Erasmus+ funding through their National Agency or the Executive Agency responsible for managing Erasmus+ in their country. This application typically involves outlining proposed mobility activities for staff members, including teaching assignments, training courses, job shadowing, or observation periods.

Selection of Participants

Once the institution’s application is approved, staff members may be invited to apply internally to participate in the mobility activities. The selection of participants is usually based on predefined criteria set by the institution, such as professional development needs, institutional priorities, and the relevance of the proposed activities.

Preparation

Selected participants work with their institution’s Erasmus+ coordinator or relevant authority to prepare for the mobility period. This may involve completing necessary paperwork, obtaining visas (if applicable), arranging travel and accommodation, and familiarising themselves with the host institution or organisation.

Mobility Period

Participants undertake their mobility activities at a partner institution or organisation abroad. During this period, they engage in teaching, training, job shadowing, or other relevant activities as outlined in the project proposal.

Recognition of Mobility

Upon completion of the mobility period, participants receive a Europass Mobility document certifying their participation and outlining the activities undertaken. The sending and receiving institutions collaborate to ensure that the learning outcomes achieved during the mobility period are recognized and integrated into the participants’ professional development plans.

Reporting and Evaluation

Institutions are required to submit reports to the National Agency or the Executive Agency detailing the outcomes of the staff mobility activities, including the impact on participants, institutions, and the broader community. Evaluation of the program helps assess its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

It’s essential for education professionals interested in participating in Erasmus+ mobility activities to communicate with their institution’s Erasmus+ coordinator or relevant authority to understand the application process, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

How much is an Erasmus+ grant for staff mobility programmes?

The amount of an Erasmus+ grant for staff mobility programs varies depending on several factors, including the destination country, the duration of the mobility period, and the overall budget allocated to the project by the National Agency or the Executive Agency managing Erasmus+ in the participant’s country. However, here are some general points regarding Erasmus+ grants for staff mobility:

Travel Costs

Erasmus+ grants typically cover travel costs, which may include round-trip airfare, train tickets, or other transportation expenses between the participant’s home country and the destination country. The amount allocated for travel costs is based on distance bands determined by the European Commission.

Subsistence Allowance

Participants may receive a subsistence allowance to cover living expenses during their mobility period. The amount of the subsistence allowance depends on the destination country and whether it is classified as a “program country” or a “partner country” under Erasmus+.

Special Needs Support

Additional funding may be available to support participants with special needs or disabilities, such as accessibility adaptations, personal assistance, or specialised equipment required for mobility activities.

Duration of Mobility

The duration of the mobility period can impact the total amount of the Erasmus+ grant. Longer mobility periods may result in higher grant amounts to cover increased travel and subsistence costs.

National Funding Rules

Each National Agency or Executive Agency may have specific funding rules and guidelines for Erasmus+ mobility projects, including maximum grant amounts, eligible expenses, and reporting requirements.

Institutional Contributions

In some cases, participating institutions may be required to contribute matching funds or in-kind support toward the mobility project, particularly for activities with higher costs or longer durations.
Overall, while Erasmus+ grants provide financial support to cover travel and subsistence expenses for staff mobility programs, the exact amount of the grant can vary depending on multiple factors and should be determined based on the specific circumstances of each mobility project and the guidelines set forth by the relevant National Agency or Executive Agency.

What types of training courses does Erasmus+ funding cover?

Erasmus+ funding covers a wide range of training courses for staff members working in the education, training, and youth sectors. These training courses aim to support professional development, enhance skills and competencies, and promote innovation and collaboration in these fields. Some common types of training courses that Erasmus+ funding may cover include:

Teacher Training

Courses designed to improve teaching methodologies, pedagogical approaches, and subject-specific skills for educators at all levels, including primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

Staff Development Workshops

Workshops focused on enhancing administrative, managerial, or leadership skills for education professionals, such as school administrators, department heads, or project managers.

Training on Educational Technologies

Courses aimed at familiarising participants with the use of educational technologies, digital tools, and online resources to support teaching, learning, and administrative tasks.

Language Training

Language courses designed to improve participants’ proficiency in foreign languages, particularly those relevant to their professional field or the mobility destination.

Intercultural Competence Training

Workshops or seminars aimed at developing participants’ intercultural communication skills, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and promoting inclusivity and diversity in educational settings.

Professional Skills Enhancement

Courses focusing on specific professional skills relevant to the education sector, such as curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, counselling and guidance, or special education needs.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training

Programs aimed at fostering innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset among education professionals, including courses on project management, design thinking, and social entrepreneurship.

Research Methodology Workshops

Training sessions on research design, data collection and analysis, and academic writing for educators and researchers interested in conducting educational research or participating in research projects.

Career Development Programs

Courses designed to support career advancement and professional growth, including topics such as personal branding, networking, job search strategies, and career planning.

Youth Work Training

Training courses for youth workers, facilitators, and leaders focusing on youth empowerment, non-formal education methodologies, youth participation, and social inclusion.

These are just a few examples of the types of training courses that Erasmus+ funding may cover. The specific training opportunities available may vary depending on the priorities and focus areas of the participating institutions, as well as the guidelines and eligibility criteria set forth by the National Agency or the Executive Agency managing Erasmus+ in each country.

Which courses at Erasmus Courses Ireland centres are eligible for funding?

There are a wide range of Language and Professional courses on offer with the schools to meet the developing and professional needs of all applicants. We encourage interested participants to visit our website for a list of courses available which is constantly updated, or email info@erasmuscoursesireland.eu.

Schools can also tailor make courses for groups evolving professional needs so do please contact us if you have a specific topic or area you wish to have covered.

How can the Erasmus Courses Ireland centres help me apply for funding?

If you are interested in seeking Erasmus+ funding through your institution to attend a course at one of the Erasmus Courses Ireland centres, we can offer you a Letter of Invitation confirming your enrolment in your preferred course at the institution of your choice. To obtain a Letter of Invitation, please complete an enquiry form for the course and centre of your choice. The institution will then send you the full registration details for the course for you to complete. Once registered, our centres will promptly provide you with a Confirmation of Booking along with the Letter of Invitation, which you can include with your funding application.

Please note that registering with our centres secures a provisional booking for your course attendance, with no payment required until your funding is approved.

When applying for Erasmus+ funding for a course, your institution will request that you co-sign a Mobility Agreement. This document will necessitate providing details regarding both the Sending and Receiving Institutions, outlining the learning objectives and outcomes of your chosen course, and securing signatures from your Erasmus+ / International coordinator of the hosting institution.

Author: Erasmus Courses Ireland