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Learn how to organize successful Erasmus+ observation visits. Fully EU-funded professional development through KA1 mobility. Find partner schools, secure funding, and enhance your teaching practice.
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:
| 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 |
| Partner Finding | 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.
Any educational staff from EU schools can participate in Erasmus+ job shadowing:
Requirements: 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. Here are the best methods:
The official EU platform for finding partner schools. Search by country, school type, areas of interest, and connect directly with schools looking for partners.
Connect with schools already active in European projects. Many eTwinning schools welcome job shadowing visitors. Access to 200,000+ schools across Europe.
If your school has previous Erasmus+ partnerships, student exchanges, or sister schools, these are ideal for job shadowing visits. Existing relationships make organization easier.
Connect through teacher associations, subject-specific networks (e.g., STEM teachers, language teachers), international conferences, or LinkedIn groups.
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. You pay upfront and get reimbursed after completing your visit.
Based on distance bands (0-99km: €23, 100-499km: €180, 500-1999km: €275, 2000-2999km: €360, 3000-3999km: €360, 4000-7999km: €820, 8000km+: €1,500). Covers flights, trains, buses.
[Use our funding calculator](/erasmus/funding-calculator) for current daily rates. Covers observation days + 2 travel days. Example: 5-day visit = 7 days funding (5 observation + 2 travel).
€120 per participant for preparation, administration, and documentation.
What do you want to observe? Examples:
Use ESEP, eTwinning, or contact us. Look for schools with expertise in your target areas. Consider location, language, and timing.
Email them explaining your goals, proposed dates (flexible), duration (3-7 days typical), and what you hope to observe. Ask if they can accommodate you.
Present your plan to your school principal. Explain learning objectives, benefits for your school, and how you'll disseminate findings.
Your school submits application through your National Agency. Include:
Once approved:
During your visit:
Keep ALL receipts (flights, accommodation, meals, local transport). Take photos. Get attendance certificate from partner school.
Write report for National Agency: what you observed, key learnings, how you'll apply them, dissemination plan. Include partner school certificate and receipts.
Share learnings with your school staff meeting, create presentation, write blog post, share on social media, implement observed practices in your teaching.
5-7 days is ideal. Shorter than 5 days feels rushed, longer than 7 days gets repetitive. This allows you to observe full week cycle, different classes, and have time to reflect.
Yes! If schools are in same city/region. Example: Visit 2-3 schools in Cyprus (3 days each) to see different approaches. Just coordinate with all partners beforehand.
Most partner schools have English-speaking staff. Classes may be in local language, but teachers can explain in English. Focus on observation rather than understanding every word. Body language and teaching methods are universal!
Not better, just different. Structured courses are great for learning specific methodologies with expert trainers. Job shadowing is better for observing real school culture and practices. Many teachers do both!