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Intensive networking and learning events bringing together educational staff from across Europe in one location. Connect with 20+ institutions in just 3-7 days.
International staff weeks bring together educators from across Europe
International Staff Weeks are concentrated training events typically lasting 3-5 days, hosted by universities and educational institutions across Europe. Unlike traditional structured courses with formal curriculum and instructor-led sessions, staff weeks bring together participants from many countries for a programme that combines formal workshops, institutional presentations, networking activities, and cultural experiences.
These events have become one of the most popular forms of Erasmus+ staff mobility, and for good reason. In just a few days, you can meet colleagues from 20 or more countries, learn about different educational systems and institutional approaches, and build professional networks that last for years. Many Erasmus+ coordinators cite staff weeks as their most valuable networking opportunity and the catalyst for future partnerships.
The format varies by institution, but you can typically expect a mix of thematic workshops (on topics like internationalization strategies, quality assurance, student services, or digital tools), institutional presentations where participants share practices from their home institutions, campus tours showing innovative facilities or programmes, and social activities designed to facilitate informal networking. The real magic happens in the coffee breaks, lunches, and evening gatherings where you can have deeper conversations with colleagues facing similar challenges.
Meet colleagues from 20+ countries in one event
3-5 days, most have free registration
Workshops on internationalization, digitalization, quality assurance
See how higher education institutions operate internationally
Cost-effectiveness is a major draw. Because host institutions cover event organization costs from their own Erasmus+ budget, most staff weeks charge no registration fee. You only need funding for travel and accommodation, typically totaling €1,500-€2,500 for a 5-day event—significantly less than attending commercial international conferences. Your institution's Erasmus+ grant fully covers these costs.
Finding the right staff week requires some proactive searching, but several resources make this easier. Start early—popular events fill up 2-3 months before they start, especially those in desirable locations during convenient times.
The most comprehensive European staff mobility platform
The IMOTION platform (staffmobility.eu) is the primary database for staff weeks across Europe. Search by country, date, or topic. Most events are listed 4-6 months in advance. You can filter by participant profile (administrative staff, teachers, etc.) and receive notifications for new events.
→ Search IMOTION Staff Weeks DatabaseLeverage existing institutional connections
Your Erasmus+ coordinator likely receives direct invitations from partner universities. These personal connections often provide access to events before they're publicly listed. Ask your coordinator to share staff week announcements and consider joining their professional networks.
Direct institutional channels
Check international office pages of universities you're interested in. Many post staff week announcements directly. LinkedIn groups for Erasmus+ coordinators (e.g., "Erasmus+ Higher Education" group with 10,000+ members) are valuable for peer recommendations and event announcements.
Interactive workshop sessions are central to staff week programmes
Explore specialized training opportunities by season and destination
Intensive summer programs combining professional development with European cultural immersion.
Cozy winter sessions focused on reflective teaching practices and skill enhancement.
Exclusive training programs in the beautiful coastal city of Larnaca, Cyprus.
Ancient wisdom meets modern pedagogy in the heart of Athens, Greece.
While every staff week is unique, here's what a typical 5-day event might look like. Understanding the structure helps you prepare and maximize your participation:
Day 1 - Monday
14:00-20:00Registration (usually afternoon), welcome reception, ice-breaker activities, host institution presentation introducing facilities and programmes
Day 2 - Tuesday
09:00-22:00Thematic workshops (morning sessions on internationalization strategies, quality assurance, or student services), campus tour highlighting innovative spaces, networking dinner
Day 3 - Wednesday
09:00-18:00Parallel workshop sessions on different topics, partner institution presentations (participants share practices), group work activities developing collaboration ideas
Day 4 - Thursday
09:00-20:00School/institution visits (seeing primary/secondary schools or other departments), cultural programme (city tour or cultural activity), working groups for specific interests
Day 5 - Friday
09:00-14:00Final presentations of group work, evaluation and feedback session, certificate ceremony, farewell lunch and departure
Staff weeks are among the most cost-effective mobility options because most host institutions don't charge registration fees—they cover event costs through their own Erasmus+ budget. However, you still need funding for:
Travel support (based on distance)
100-499km: €180
500-1999km: €275
2000-2999km: €360
Individual support (accommodation & meals)
Varies by destination country
Typical: 5 days = €700-€900
Registration fee (usually free)
Host covers costs:
Venue, materials, some meals
Example total cost: Staff week in Lisbon (5 days) from Germany: Travel €275 + (5 days × €180) = €1,175, fully funded by Erasmus+. Use our Funding Calculator for personalized estimates.
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A 3-7 day event hosted by universities where administrative and teaching staff from across Europe gather for workshops, training, networking, and cultural exchange. These intensive events combine formal learning sessions with informal networking opportunities and typically welcome 20-40 participants from different countries.
Most staff weeks have no registration fee—hosts cover costs through their Erasmus+ budget. However, you need Erasmus+ funding for travel (€180-€530 depending on distance) and accommodation/meals (€140-€180 per day). Total cost typically €1,500-€2,500, fully covered by your institution's Erasmus+ grant.
International office staff, Erasmus+ coordinators, administrative staff, librarians, career counselors, IT coordinators, quality assurance officers, and occasionally teachers interested in internationalization. Most participants work in international relations or student services.
Check the IMOTION database (staffmobility.eu/staff-week-search), university international office websites, and your Erasmus+ coordinator network. Popular events are announced 4-6 months in advance and fill up 2-3 months before they start. Subscribe to mailing lists for early notifications.
Start searching in October-November 2025 for events in Spring 2026, and in March-April 2026 for Autumn 2026 events. Popular destinations (Spain, Italy, Portugal) fill up fastest. Less popular times (January, August) often have more availability.
Yes! While most participants are administrative staff, teachers interested in internationalization are welcome at most staff weeks. Topics like international project development, student exchange management, and curriculum internationalization are relevant to teaching staff.
Common themes include internationalization strategies, student mobility management, quality assurance, recognition of qualifications, Erasmus+ programme updates, digital tools for international offices, partnership building, and intercultural competence. Most events offer parallel workshops on different topics.
Staff weeks emphasize networking and institutional exchange over formal training. You'll learn through presentations, discussions, and peer exchange rather than instructor-led courses. The value comes from connecting with colleagues facing similar challenges and discovering different institutional approaches.
Start your search early and prepare for an intensive week of learning and networking with educators from across Europe.