Yes, non-teaching staff can absolutely participate in Erasmus+ job shadowing programmes. These opportunities are specifically designed for all educational professionals, including administrative staff, counsellors, librarians, IT support personnel, and other school support roles. The programme recognises that quality education depends on the entire educational team, not just classroom teachers.
What exactly is Erasmus+ job shadowing and who can participate?
Erasmus+ job shadowing is a professional development programme that allows educational staff to observe and learn from colleagues in other European countries. Participants spend time in host institutions, watching daily operations, attending meetings, and gaining insights into different educational practices and systems.
The programme follows an observational learning format where participants shadow their counterparts without taking on teaching or work responsibilities. This approach allows for focused learning about different methodologies, organisational structures, and cultural approaches to education.
Eligibility extends far beyond classroom teachers. The programme welcomes applications from teaching staff, trainee teachers, school leadership teams, administrative personnel, educational support staff, and specialised roles such as counsellors and coordinators. The key requirement is that applicants must work in educational institutions and demonstrate how the experience will benefit their professional development and their institution.
We offer comprehensive job shadowing experiences in Finnish schools, where participants can observe innovative educational practices, student-centred learning approaches, and the integration of digital tools in everyday teaching. Our programme accommodates various educational levels, from early childhood education to vocational training institutions.
Which non-teaching staff roles are eligible for Erasmus+ job shadowing?
School administrators, counsellors, librarians, IT support staff, special needs coordinators, and various educational support roles are all eligible for Erasmus+ job shadowing opportunities. The programme recognises that effective education requires diverse professional expertise beyond classroom instruction.
Administrative staff, including headteachers, deputy heads, school secretaries, and office managers, can participate to learn about different management structures, student information systems, and administrative processes. These roles are crucial for school operations and benefit significantly from observing international best practices.
Student support professionals such as guidance counsellors, educational psychologists, special educational needs coordinators, and student welfare officers are highly valued participants. They can observe different approaches to student support, intervention strategies, and inclusive education practices.
Technical and support staff, including IT coordinators, library staff, laboratory technicians, and facilities managers, also qualify. These professionals often discover innovative approaches to resource management, technology integration, and learning environment design.
Qualification requirements are straightforward: applicants must be employed by an educational institution, have relevant professional responsibilities, and demonstrate clear learning objectives for their participation. The experience should contribute to their professional development and benefit their home institution upon return.
How do non-teaching staff apply for Erasmus+ job shadowing opportunities?
Non-teaching staff apply through their educational institution’s Erasmus+ coordinator or international office. The process requires institutional support, as schools must submit applications on behalf of their staff members and manage the administrative requirements.
The application process involves several key steps. Your institution must first register with the relevant National Agency and submit a project proposal outlining the professional development objectives. Individual participants then complete personal applications detailing their learning goals, current role responsibilities, and how the experience will benefit their work.
Required documentation typically includes a detailed CV, a motivation letter, a learning agreement outlining specific objectives, and institutional support letters. Some programmes may require language proficiency certificates, though many host institutions accommodate various language levels.
Timeline considerations are crucial for successful applications. Most programmes require applications 3–6 months in advance, with specific deadlines varying by country and National Agency. Early planning allows time for partnership arrangements with hosting organisations and proper preparation.
We work closely with applying institutions to facilitate smooth placement processes. Our team handles school placements and provides detailed information about host institutions at least two weeks before the shadowing period begins. We can accommodate specific preferences for educational levels and focus areas, ensuring participants gain maximum benefit from their experience.
Successful applications demonstrate clear professional development objectives, institutional commitment to implementing learning outcomes, and realistic expectations about the observational nature of job shadowing. The key is to show how the experience will enhance both individual professional growth and institutional capacity.
