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Learn how to organize successful Erasmus+ observation visits. Fully EU-funded professional development through KA1 mobility.
Job shadowing (also called observation visits) is a type of Erasmus+ KA1 Staff Mobility where teachers, school leaders, or administrative staff spend 2-14 days observing practices at a partner school in another European country.
Unlike structured training courses, job shadowing is a flexible, self-directed learning experience where you design your own observation program based on your professional development needs.
| Feature | Job Shadowing | Structured Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2-14 days (flexible) | 5-7 days (fixed) |
| Structure | Self-directed observation | Pre-designed curriculum |
| Certificate | Partner school letter | Official course certificate |
| Best For | Observing specific practices | Learning new methodologies |
| Organization | You find partner school | Provider arranges everything |
| Funding | 100% EU-funded | 100% EU-funded |
💡 Pro Tip: Many teachers combine both! Do a structured course to learn methodologies, then organize job shadowing to see them in practice.
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Any educational staff from EU schools can participate in Erasmus+ job shadowing:
Requirement: Your school must have Erasmus+ accreditation (preferred) or submit a KA1 project application through your National Agency.
Finding the right partner school is crucial for a successful job shadowing experience:
Official EU platform for finding partner schools. Search by country, school type, areas of interest.
Connect with 200,000+ schools already active in European projects. Many welcome job shadowing visitors.
Previous Erasmus+ partners, student exchanges, or sister schools are ideal for job shadowing visits.
Teacher associations, subject-specific networks, LinkedIn groups, international conferences.
We can connect you with schools in Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania that welcome job shadowing visitors.
Schools need time to prepare for visitors. Contact potential partners 3-6 months before your planned visit. Some schools can only host during specific periods (avoid exam weeks, school holidays).
Erasmus+ provides 100% funding for job shadowing visits:
Travel (distance-based)
Daily subsistence
Per participant (org support)
Note: Funding covers observation days + 2 travel days. Example: 5-day visit = 7 days funding (5 observation + 2 travel).
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What do you want to observe? Technology integration, inclusive education, project-based learning, school leadership, STEM approaches, or student wellbeing programs?
Use ESEP, eTwinning, professional networks, or contact us. Look for schools with expertise in your target areas. Consider location, language, and timing.
Email explaining your goals, proposed dates (be flexible), duration (3-7 days typical), and what you hope to observe. Ask if they can accommodate you.
Present plan to your principal. Explain learning objectives, benefits for your school, and how you'll disseminate findings to colleagues.
Your school submits application through National Agency. Include: learning objectives, partner school confirmation, proposed schedule, expected outcomes.
Once approved: book flights (keep receipts!), arrange accommodation, finalize schedule with partner, prepare observation questions, get travel insurance.
Take detailed notes, photos (with permission), interview teachers and staff, collect materials/resources, ask questions, reflect daily on learnings.
Keep ALL receipts (flights, accommodation, meals, transport). Take photos. Get attendance certificate from partner school signed and stamped.
Write report for National Agency: what you observed, key learnings, how you'll apply them, dissemination plan. Include certificate and receipts.
Share learnings at staff meeting, create presentation, implement observed practices in your teaching. This is required by Erasmus+!
Job shadowing in Erasmus+ KA1 is a professional development activity where teachers, school leaders, or administrative staff observe practices at a partner school in another European country. It typically lasts 2-14 days and is fully funded by the EU, covering travel, accommodation, and daily subsistence costs.
Erasmus+ provides 100% funding for job shadowing: travel costs based on distance bands (€23-€1,500), daily allowance (varies by country, typically €100-€180/day), and organizational support (€120 per participant). Use our funding calculator for exact amounts for your specific situation.
Any educational staff from EU schools can participate: teachers, school principals, deputy heads, administrative staff, guidance counselors, special education coordinators, and other school personnel. The school must have Erasmus+ accreditation or submit a project application through their National Agency.
Find partner schools through: European School Education Platform (ESEP), eTwinning network, Erasmus+ project databases, professional networks, school partnerships, or contact Educat Academy for connections to schools in Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, and Poland.
5-7 days is ideal. Shorter than 5 days feels rushed, longer than 7 days can get repetitive. This duration allows you to observe a full week cycle, different classes, meet various staff, and have time to reflect on learnings.
Yes! If schools are in the same city or region. For example, you could visit 2-3 schools in Cyprus (2-3 days each) to see different approaches. Just coordinate with all partners beforehand and ensure total duration is reasonable.
Most partner schools have English-speaking staff who can assist. Classes may be in the local language, but teachers can explain in English afterward. Focus on observation rather than understanding every word—teaching methods, body language, and classroom management are universal!
Not better, just different. Structured courses are great for learning specific methodologies with expert trainers in a group setting. Job shadowing is better for observing real school culture, authentic classroom practices, and building bilateral partnerships. Many teachers do both!
Or prefer a structured course where everything is organized for you?