Professional Development via Erasmus+: Short-Term International Training Opportunities
What is Erasmus+ for professionals?
The Erasmus+ programme is not limited to students. It also includes professionals, trainers, and people with workplace experience. It offers fully funded opportunities to develop skills and gain practical experience in other European countries through short-term training or professional exchange.
Core objectives
Strengthening professional skills (Hard Skills and Soft Skills)
Supporting lifelong learning
Encouraging the exchange of experience and good practices between countries
Supporting digitalisation, sustainability, and equality in the European workplace
What types of activities are available?
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Job Shadowing | Observing and learning from an employee/trainer in another country |
| Internship / Training | Short practical training (5 days to 2 months) |
| Course Attendance | Attending an accredited specialised training course |
| Teaching Assignment | Delivering lectures or training sessions in a partner institution |
Duration and costs
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days to 2 months |
| Countries | All EU countries plus some partner countries |
| Funding | Erasmus+ covers: • travel costs • accommodation • course or training fees • daily allowances depending on the country |
Who can apply?
People working in:
vocational education and training centres (for example Berufsschule)
companies participating in Ausbildung programmes
continuing education institutions (Weiterbildung)
adult education centres (such as Volkshochschule and similar)
This includes, for example:
trainers and teachers
human resources staff
career advisers
employees in small and medium-sized enterprises
How to apply
Contact your institution (employer or training provider: Arbeitgeber/Bildungsträger).
The institution must be registered in an Erasmus+ project or partnered with a registered organisation.
Prepare a training plan.
Define objectives and the skills you want to develop.
Agree with a host institution in a European country.
Submit the application to the national agency (for example Nationale Agentur Bildung für Europa beim BIBB).
Note: Individuals usually cannot apply directly; applications are typically made through an employer or training institution.
A real example
An employee at a vocational training centre in Hamburg travelled 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 programmes in Germany.
Professional benefits
Building an international network
Improving English or the host country’s language
Personal development and exposure to different education systems
Increasing the value of your 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 organisation is accredited and offers reliable training content.
After returning, share the experience within your institution (for example through a workshop).
Disclaimer: The editorial team aims to provide accurate information through extensive research and multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some details may be unconfirmed. Please treat this as initial reference and always verify with the relevant official authorities.
