Meet Paul Finnerty, Erasmus Plus Coordinator at Atlas Language Schools
In our next series of blogs, we are pleased to introduce you to more of the teams at our accredited training centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway. In our next interview, we are pleased to introduce, Paul Finnerty, the Erasmus+ Co-ordinator at Atlas Language Schools in Dublin.
How long has your centre been hosting Erasmus+ participants, and what experience do you bring to international education?
We’ve been hosting Erasmus Plus participants for over 12 years now, during which time we’ve built up our expertise and experience to the point where we confidently deliver a range of high-quality programmes.
What range of Erasmus+ courses and training programmes does your centre offer, and how do they meet the needs of today’s educators?
We design and deliver courses that tie in with Erasmus values: language training, teaching methodology, digital skills (including artificial intelligence), sustainability, and mindfulness and wellbeing. These courses are tailored to the needs and profiles of our Erasmus Plus participants.
What kind of support do you provide before, during, and after the course to make participants feel at home?
We try to establish a relationship of trust and reliability from the outset. Our dedicated Enquiries and Admissions Teams provide participants with all the information they need and answer any queries, while on site, our Academic Team, school management and Erasmus Team are always on hand. Learning continues after courses have finished, and we keep channels of communication open with all participants.
What makes your training centre special as an Erasmus+ destination?
We pride ourselves on all Erasmus participants not just developing professionally, but having an ‘all-in’ authentic Irish experience, based on strong Irish values of hospitality and friendliness. We believe that the Erasmus Plus courses we offer are of the highest quality, but that means nothing without the excellent support staff we have all around the school, whether it be those working front-of-house, as part of the operations team or with the social programme.
Why do you think Ireland is such a powerful place for Erasmus+ professional development?
Ireland is a great place to learn in a relaxed environment. Both inside and outside the classroom, participants will be met with smiles and friendly voices, and that’s before we even talk about all the amazing natural and cultural places to see in the country. This puts participants in the right frame of mind to really make the most of their experience and develop professionally.
What cultural or social activities can participants enjoy during their stay with you?
We offer a range of socio-cultural activities, ranging from museum visits and historical sites to breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor walks, and not forgetting Irish music and dancing! All of these activities help to deepen participants understanding of both traditional and modern Ireland, and enhance their intercultural awareness.
How would you describe the cultural vibe of your city, and what activities or traditions should participants not miss?
Dublin is an eclectic mix of different people and culture, and a real joy to the senses and to the soul. Hearing the infectious Irish accent and watching live music, seeing the natural greens sprawling around sites of great historical significance, all while being in a city that is constantly on-the-go and lively, but which gives you enough space just to enjoy your surroundings.
In what ways does your centre encourage Erasmus+ participants from across Europe to connect and collaborate with each other?
We have a wide range of nationalities on all our courses and rather than our instructors dominating the lessons and activities, there’s a space for participants to share their ideas and experiences. Outside the classroom, the activities we organise allow participants to develop bonds which can be furthered beyond their stay in Dublin, and we always encourage them to keep in touch with their new Erasmus friends.