Organizing school visits under Erasmus+ funding provides valuable professional development and cultural exchange opportunities for educators across Europe. The program supports various educational activities including job shadowing, teaching assignments, and structured courses in different European countries. With proper planning and understanding of the application process, schools can create enriching international experiences that benefit both staff and students while fostering European cooperation in education.

What is Erasmus+ funding for school visits?

Erasmus+ funding for school visits is financial support provided by the European Union to enable educational staff to participate in professional development activities abroad. These funds cover mobility projects where teachers, school leaders, and other educational staff can visit schools in different European countries to observe practices, exchange knowledge, and develop new skills.

The funding specifically supports several types of activities:

  • Job shadowing opportunities where educators observe colleagues in partner schools
  • Teaching assignments in partner institutions
  • Structured courses or training events in European countries
  • School exchanges and collaborative projects between institutions

Eligibility extends to schools and educational organizations from EU member states and several associated countries. The primary objective is to enhance the quality of teaching and learning through international exposure, promote European values, and develop networks between educational institutions across Europe.

These visits typically last from 2 days to 2 months, depending on the activity type. The funding covers travel expenses, accommodation, subsistence, and organizational support for participating institutions, making international professional development accessible to schools of all sizes.

How do you apply for Erasmus+ funding for school visits?

Applying for Erasmus+ funding requires careful planning and following a structured process through your National Agency. The application begins with registering your organization in the EU login system and obtaining an Organization ID (OID) if you don’t already have one.

The main steps in the application process include:

  1. Needs assessment: Identify your school’s development needs and how international mobility can address them
  2. Create a European Development Plan outlining your school’s internationalization strategy
  3. Select appropriate activities and potential host institutions that align with your goals
  4. Complete the online application form through the Erasmus+ platform during the annual call period (typically in February)
  5. Develop a clear project description highlighting educational value and European priorities
  6. Submit a realistic budget following the programme guidelines

For a competitive application, focus on demonstrating how the proposed visits connect to your school’s broader development strategy. Clearly explain how the knowledge gained will be shared within your institution and how activities will impact teaching practices. Applications are evaluated based on relevance, quality of project design, and potential impact, so ensure these aspects are thoroughly addressed.

We recommend starting the application process at least 2-3 months before the deadline to allow sufficient time for planning and gathering all required information.

What should you include in your Erasmus+ school visit plan?

A comprehensive Erasmus+ school visit plan should clearly outline all aspects of your mobility project from preparation to follow-up activities. The plan serves as a roadmap for implementation and demonstrates to evaluators that you’ve thoroughly considered all elements of a successful visit.

Essential components to include are:

  • Specific learning objectives for each participant that connect to your school’s development needs
  • Participant selection criteria and process, ensuring transparency and fairness
  • Detailed activity schedule including preparation meetings, the visit itself, and dissemination activities
  • Clear alignment with European educational priorities such as inclusion, digital education, or sustainability
  • Preparation activities for participants (linguistic, cultural, pedagogical)
  • Monitoring and support measures during the mobility period
  • Plans for recognizing the professional development gained
  • Strategies for sharing knowledge with colleagues who didn’t participate
  • Methods for integrating new practices into your school’s teaching approach

The plan should also address practical arrangements like travel logistics, accommodation, and risk management. Be specific about how you’ll evaluate the success of the visits against your stated objectives. A well-structured plan demonstrates to evaluators that you’ve considered all aspects of implementing a valuable educational exchange that will have lasting impact beyond the mobility period itself.

How do you find and establish partnerships with host schools?

Finding suitable partner schools is crucial for successful Erasmus+ school visits. The European Commission offers several platforms to help you connect with potential partners across Europe. The eTwinning platform is particularly valuable as it allows you to search for schools based on location, subject areas, and age groups taught.

Effective methods for finding partners include:

  • Searching the School Education Gateway and eTwinning platforms
  • Attending contact seminars organized by National Agencies
  • Joining Erasmus+ social media groups and online communities
  • Leveraging existing connections through previous projects or personal contacts
  • Participating in online partner-finding events

When establishing communication with potential partners, begin with a clear introduction of your school and specific interests. Explain what you hope to learn and what you can offer in return. Regular video calls help build personal connections and trust before the visit.

Once you’ve found a suitable partner, formalize the arrangement with a partnership agreement that outlines:

  • Responsibilities of each institution
  • Detailed schedule of activities
  • Learning objectives for participants
  • Communication protocols before and during the visit
  • Arrangements for hosting visiting staff

Successful partnerships are built on mutual benefit and clear communication. Take time to understand your partner’s educational context and ensure both schools have aligned expectations about the visit’s purpose and outcomes.

What practical arrangements are needed for Erasmus+ school visits?

Effective practical arrangements ensure that Erasmus+ school visits run smoothly and participants can focus on learning rather than logistical issues. Start planning these arrangements at least 2-3 months before the mobility period.

Key logistical considerations include:

  • Travel arrangements: Book flights well in advance to secure better rates and coordinate arrival times with host schools
  • Accommodation options: Consider proximity to the host school, safety, and accessibility
  • Insurance requirements: Ensure participants have comprehensive health and travel insurance coverage
  • Safety protocols: Develop emergency contact procedures and risk assessment plans
  • Financial management: Establish clear processes for distributing funds to participants
  • Documentation: Prepare mobility agreements, learning agreements, and Europass Mobility documents

For budgeting, follow the Erasmus+ programme guide which provides standard rates for travel and individual support based on destination country and duration. Remember to include costs for linguistic preparation if needed and organizational support for both sending and hosting institutions.

Cultural and linguistic preparation is also essential. Provide participants with basic language training and cultural information about the host country. This preparation helps them integrate more effectively and gain maximum benefit from the experience.

Finally, ensure all participants understand documentation requirements, including certificates of attendance, learning agreements, and evidence of activities for reporting purposes.

How do you evaluate and report on Erasmus+ school visits?

Thorough evaluation and reporting are essential components of Erasmus+ school visits, ensuring accountability and helping measure the impact of your mobility project. The evaluation process should begin before the mobility with baseline assessments and continue through to long-term impact measurement.

Effective evaluation methods include:

  • Pre and post-mobility questionnaires for participants to measure changes in skills and attitudes
  • Structured reflection sessions during and after the mobility
  • Observation of teaching practice to identify implementation of new methods
  • Feedback collection from colleagues and students affected by changes implemented
  • Documentation of specific practices adopted or adapted from the host school

For reporting to the funding authorities, you’ll need to complete the final report in the Mobility Tool+ platform. This report requires:

  • Detailed description of completed activities compared to what was planned
  • Evidence of learning outcomes achieved by participants
  • Financial reporting on how funds were used
  • Impact assessment at individual, institutional and community levels
  • Dissemination activities carried out to share results

Keep all supporting documentation organized throughout the project, including attendance certificates, boarding passes, invoices, and evidence of learning activities. Photos, videos, and teaching materials developed as a result of the visit provide valuable evidence of impact.

The final evaluation should assess not only immediate outcomes but also how the experience has contributed to your school’s European Development Plan and longer-term internationalization strategy.

By implementing a comprehensive evaluation framework, you’ll not only satisfy reporting requirements but also maximize the learning from your Erasmus+ school visits, ensuring that the benefits extend well beyond the mobility period itself.

Ready to Start Your Erasmus+ Journey?

If you’re ready to take the next step in your Erasmus+ application process, visit our comprehensive application guide for detailed instructions and expert advice. Discover our AI-powered assistants that can help streamline your Erasmus+ funding application process, providing personalized guidance every step of the way.