Weiterbildung via Erasmus+ for professionals: short-term international training opportunities
What is Erasmus+ for professionals?
Erasmus+ is not limited to students; it also includes professionals, trainers, and people with labor-market experience. The program provides fully funded opportunities to develop skills and gain practical experience in other European countries through short-term training or professional exchanges.
Core objectives
Strengthen professional skills (hard + soft skills)
Support lifelong learning
Encourage exchange of experience and good practices across countries
Support digitalization, sustainability, and equality in the European work environment
What types of activities are available?
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Job Shadowing | Observing and learning from an employee/trainer in another country |
| Praktikum / Training | Short practical training (5 days to 2 months) |
| Kursbesuch | Attending a recognized specialized training course |
| Teaching Assignment | Delivering lectures or training in a partner institution |
Duration and costs
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days to 2 months |
| Countries | All EU countries + some partner countries |
| Funding | Erasmus+ covers: travel costs, accommodation, the course or training, daily allowances depending on the country |
Who can apply?
People working in:
Vocational schools (Berufsschule)
Companies participating in Ausbildung programs
Weiterbildung institutions
Adult education centers (Volkshochschule, etc.)
Including:
Trainers and teachers
HR staff
Career counselors
Employees in small and medium-sized enterprises
How can you apply?
Contact your institution (employer or training provider)
The institution must be registered within an Erasmus+ project or be a partner of a registered institution.
Prepare a training plan
Define objectives and the skills to be developed.
Agree with a host institution in a European country
Submit the application to the national agency (e.g., Nationale Agentur Bildung für Europa beim BIBB)
Note: Individuals usually cannot apply directly; applications typically go through an employer or training institution.
Real example
A staff member at a vocational training center in Hamburg traveled to Finland for 10 days to learn a new training methodology in renewable energy—fully funded by Erasmus+. She then applied what she learned in Ausbildung programs in Germany.
Professional benefits
Building an international network
Improving English or the host country’s language
Personal development and exposure to different education systems
Enhancing the CV
Tips
Choose a field that directly supports your career path
Prepare a clear learning plan: What will you learn, and how will you share it with colleagues?
Make sure the host organization is accredited and provides reliable training content
After returning, share the experience within your institution (e.g., through a workshop)
