The Erasmus project for high schools is currently one of the most exciting and educational opportunities available to Italian students, giving them the chance to live an educational and cultural experience abroad.
Europe as a Classroom: What Erasmus Means for High School Students
When people think of Erasmus, they often associate it with university students. However, thanks to the evolution of the Erasmus+ programme, high school students can now also participate in international experiences, developing key skills, improving their language abilities, and enjoying a unique intercultural journey. The Erasmus project for high schools fits perfectly into this framework, offering study stays, internships, and exchanges across Europe, supported by EU funding and managed through partnerships between schools, local authorities, and educational organisations.
Educational Goals and Long-Term Benefits
Participating in an Erasmus project for high schools is not just about travelling. It’s about growing. Students gain greater independence, learn to navigate new and unfamiliar contexts, develop critical thinking, and significantly improve their foreign language skills (especially English or other European languages). The benefits extend beyond individuals: participating schools grow in their international dimension, create lasting partnerships with foreign institutions, and enrich their educational offerings.
How the Erasmus Project Works for High Schools
The Erasmus project for high schools operates through annual calls published by the Erasmus+ National Agency. Schools can present individual projects or join consortia formed by training providers and European partners. Activities include short- or long-term mobility, internships in foreign companies (as part of PCTO – Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation), teacher job shadowing, and thematic workshops.
Projects must meet key objectives: social inclusion, digital transition, environmental sustainability, and European citizenship. Selected students receive language and cultural preparation before departure and are supported throughout their journey by school tutors and local coordinators.
The Numbers Speak: Erasmus Is Growing in High Schools
In recent years, participation in the Erasmus project for high schools has grown significantly. More and more Italian schools are applying to offer this experience to their students. Technical and vocational schools are among the most active, especially due to the opportunity to offer internships in European companies in tourism, agriculture, IT, mechanics, hospitality, and personal services.
According to the INDIRE National Agency, more than 500 school mobility projects were funded between 2021 and 2023. The most popular destinations include Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, and Ireland, with growing interest in Northern European countries as well.
Life Experiences and Personal Growth: Student Testimonials
Students who participate in an Erasmus project for high schools never forget the experience. Testimonials reveal how students return more mature, confident, motivated, and self-aware. Families—often initially hesitant—later express great enthusiasm about the positive impact this experience has had on their children. Teachers, too, notice that students come back more engaged, independent, and proactive.
The Crucial Role of Partner Organisations: The Case of Sagitter Training
A key role in supporting Italian schools on their path to internationalisation is played by experienced organisations that assist with planning, organisation, and implementation. A virtuous example is Sagitter Training, a company specialised in organising educational and professional experiences abroad for high school students.
Sagitter Training has supported many Italian institutions in carrying out Erasmus and PCTO projects in countries such as the UK, Spain, Ireland, Malta, and Portugal. The organisation handles not only logistics (accommodation, transport, insurance) but also company placement, student mentoring, and result monitoring. Additionally, Sagitter offers language courses and orientation sessions before departure to ensure students have a safe, meaningful, and unforgettable experience.
Sagitter Training and Support for International PCTO Pathways
Beyond Erasmus, Sagitter Training is also active in supporting PCTO experiences abroad, providing high school students with real-world experience in international work environments. These internships allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life contexts, in fields relevant to their studies.
Thanks to a strong network of partner companies, Sagitter offers placements in areas such as tourism, hospitality, design, marketing, communication, administration, and more. All activities are supervised and certified, meeting the requirements of the Italian Ministry of Education. This way, the Erasmus project for high schools fits seamlessly into the broader school-to-work transition, adding substantial value to students’ educational journeys.
How to Participate: Practical Tips for Schools and Families
For schools interested in launching an Erasmus project for high schools, the first step is to consult the Erasmus+ Agency website and explore available funding opportunities. It is crucial to have a motivated teaching team capable of designing projects aligned with school and student needs. Collaborating with experienced organisations like Sagitter Training can make a significant difference, especially in the logistical and organisational phases.
Families should speak with the school principal or the international programme coordinator. It’s important to understand that, when well-structured, an Erasmus experience is a unique and unmissable opportunity for students to grow—both personally and professionally.
Future Perspectives: Erasmus Becoming More Inclusive and Accessible
The European Union has increased funding for Erasmus+ with the goal of making it even more inclusive. The Erasmus project for high schools now aims to involve students with fewer opportunities through additional grants, tailored pathways, and extra support services. Furthermore, more emphasis is being placed on digital tools, with the promotion of e-learning, virtual mobility, and blended learning models.
Sustainability has also become a core pillar of Erasmus projects, encouraging eco-friendly practices, low-impact travel, and educational activities focused on climate change.
Conclusion: A True Investment in Young People’s Future
The Erasmus project for high schools is a concrete and strategic investment in the future of young Italians. It’s a chance to step outside of one’s comfort zone, engage with the world, and discover new personal and professional horizons. Schools, families, and students should embrace this opportunity with both enthusiasm and awareness.
With the support of organisations like Sagitter Training, Italian schools can turn ideas into tangible, high-impact experiences. Erasmus is not just a trip—it’s a path of personal development, a challenge, and a gateway to the world. And now more than ever, the world needs curious, prepared, and forward-thinking young people ready to build a global and European future.
For more info about the Erasmus + click here.
