Don’t be afraid to travel in search of knowledge. A simple guide on what to do if you want to participate in an Erasmus+ mobility course.

Many of us are familiar with the Erasmus+ Teacher Development Programme, at least by hearsay, but some may believe that it’s a complex process to select participants, which doesn’t concern them at all. However, the opposite is true. We spoke to Barbora Gecse, a project manager specializing in international projects, primarily Erasmus+ projects, at The Bridge, about who can apply for Erasmus+ and how to proceed if we are interested in expanding our knowledge in this way.

What should I do if I am a teacher and my school has a written project?

1. Get in touch with the person in charge of the Erasmus+ project at the school and find out who can participate in the project, how I can get involved, what the project objectives are, and what types of courses are included. For example, it could be about improving language skills, innovative methodology, digital skills, coaching methods in teaching, etc.
2. Based on this, provide the necessary documentation, including the course order, learning agreement (clarifying the learning objectives), and documents required by the school.
3. Select a course, preferably through EPALE, SALTO, ESEP, or Google. Search according to project objectives, availability, preferences, and quality criteria (course instructor, previous references, etc.).
4. Then contact the course provider.

What criteria can I use to choose the school or course I want to take?

We select the course based on the project, considering the objectives set out and the budgetary possibilities. Each country provides different financial support, and travel grants are determined by distance. However, projects can be modified if conditions or the needs of the school/participants change. In such cases, consultation with the person in charge of the Erasmus programme and the National Agency of the country is necessary.

What steps should I take to apply for the course?

Firstly, clarify with your school what they require from you as a participant on the course, such as invoices, contracts, evaluations, or reports. Each course provider should supply the participant with the program and learning objectives of the course in advance, as well as information about payment and any additional options such as accommodation or a social program.

What documentation and paperwork should I expect?

It depends on the type of Erasmus activity, but the Learning Agreement between the mobility participant, the participant’s school, and the course provider is essential. However, this is currently changing and is not mandatory, but it aligns expectations. Other documents include the Mobility Agreement between the participant and their school for funding, accounting documents required by the school (invoice for the course, travel, meals, etc.), the Erasmus mobility report submitted online after completion within 30 days, the course certificate (Recognition), the Europass mobility document, and any other documents required by the school.

Is enrolling in an Erasmus+ course a complex process?

The application itself can be straightforward, open to anyone. However, to receive Erasmus+ support, such as cost reimbursement, a project needs to be submitted and approved by the educational institution. There are also Erasmus+ activities available for individuals (e.g., support for young entrepreneurs, traineeships for graduate teachers, etc.). For courses, the project should be submitted by the school. As the documentation for projects is relatively simple, contacting the person in charge of the Erasmus programme in the school is sufficient.

Is it complicated for the school to manage the documentation and budget allocation?

In some countries, it’s quite straightforward, as it aligns with the accounting laws of the country. The documents required by the National Agency are usually simple. National Agencies often provide comprehensive information on their websites, including webinars or training on project writing, documentation, evaluation, and reporting. They also offer one-to-one consultations, guiding the entire process from project writing to final reporting.

What should I do if my school does not have a written project?

1. Determine if there’s interest in the Erasmus programme in your school and connect with teachers and other staff who might be interested.
2. Identify the school’s needs across the institution – students, teachers, staff, management, and the school as a whole. Define desired changes and consider available guides for assistance. Website for more search here or here.
3. Familiarize yourself with the Erasmus programme, including horizontal and vertical priorities, as well as national priorities. Information can be found on the National Agency’s website.
4. Write and submit a project.:)

Can I submit it myself as a teacher or on behalf of the school?

Projects should be submitted on behalf of the school, although you can write it for the school and become responsible for the Erasmus programme.

How do you choose a course for Erasmus+ mobility, and how do you ensure it’s the right one? Read more in the interview.