Job Shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1: a Unique Training Opportunity for Teachers and School Staff

Job shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1 is one of the most impactful training experiences for European school staff, particularly for teachers, school leaders, and administrative personnel. Thanks to this initiative funded by the European Union, participants can closely observe the educational practices adopted in other member countries, improve their professional skills, and build an international network of contacts and partnerships.

What is Job Shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1?

Job shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1 is a learning mobility opportunity under Key Action 1 (KA1) of the Erasmus+ programme, aimed at school personnel. Its main objective is to allow participants to spend time in a foreign institution, observing the work of local colleagues in order to gain new skills, compare pedagogical approaches, and enhance their daily practices.

It is not a formal training course but rather an immersive “active observation” experience that enables participants to enter classrooms, attend meetings, observe lessons, analyse methodologies and teaching tools, understand internal school organisation, and much more.

Why Choose Job Shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1?

There are many benefits to job shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1:

1. International exchange: it allows direct observation and comparison of educational practices in different school systems.
2. Professional development: participants acquire new methodological and pedagogical tools.
3. Educational innovation: participants bring back fresh ideas tested and applied successfully abroad.
4. Networking: they build professional connections with colleagues across Europe, helpful for future Erasmus collaborations.
5. Inclusion and digitalisation: it provides the chance to witness best practices in key areas for European education.

Job shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1 is therefore a strategic tool for anyone aiming to enhance teaching quality and contribute to a more European and future-ready school environment.

Who Can Participate

Eligible participants in job shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1 include:

• Teachers at all levels
• School leaders and principals
• Administrative staff
• Erasmus project coordinators
• Educators and trainers

The school must submit or be part of an approved Erasmus Plus KA1 project, and select participants based on their training and internationalisation goals.

How to Apply

To take part in job shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1, a school must:

1. Have an OID code and be registered on the Erasmus+ platform.
2. Write and submit a KA1 project, or be included in an accredited Erasmus plan.
3. Find suitable host partners, such as schools or institutions willing to welcome shadowing staff.
4. Select participants and draft a mobility plan with goals, timeline, and expected outcomes.
5. Organize logistics, including travel, accommodation, insurance, and documentation.
6. Monitor and evaluate the experience, and share the outcomes within the school.

The programme covers all related expenses, including travel, accommodation, and insurance.

Where Job Shadowing Can Take Place

The most popular destinations for job shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1 include:

• Spain: known for its focus on inclusive and digital education.
• Ireland: appreciated for its student-centered approach.
• Finland: a European benchmark for excellence in education.
• France: interesting for intercultural practices.
• Portugal and Germany: increasingly active in European school cooperation.

Each experience is unique and should align with the specific training goals of the school and its participants.

The Importance of Language and Cultural Preparation

A successful job shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1 experience also depends on language and intercultural preparation. Before departure, it is highly recommended to:

• Take a language assessment via Erasmus+ OLS (Online Linguistic Support)
• Attend orientation sessions about the host country
• Plan the activities to be observed in advance
• Agree on evaluation tools for outcomes

These preparations help participants make the most of the experience and bring lasting benefits to their schools.

Sagitter Training’s Support for Job Shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1

Sagitter Training is one of Europe’s most active organisations in supporting schools with Erasmus projects, including job shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1. With over 12 years of experience, Sagitter has helped more than 50,000 students, teachers, and school leaders successfully participate in international mobility programmes.

In the context of job shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1, Sagitter Training offers:

• Identification and selection of suitable host schools and institutions
• Cultural and logistical preparation for participants
• Guidance with project writing and documentation management
• Full assistance throughout the mobility (transport, accommodation, insurance)
• Monitoring and evaluation support
• Help with dissemination of results

Thanks to its established presence in several European cities (including Dublin, Barcelona, London, Malaga, Paris, and Berlin), Sagitter Training is able to offer tailored experiences in high-quality educational environments.

Real-life Examples

In 2024, Sagitter successfully coordinated several job shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1 mobilities:

• A group of 12 Italian teachers spent a week in an innovative school in Barcelona, observing digital education strategies and participating in project-based learning sessions.
• In Dublin, a team of school leaders explored the Irish educational system and built the foundations for future collaboration.
• In Berlin, a group of educators focused on inclusive teaching practices for students with special educational needs.

All participants returned highly satisfied, with meaningful impact on their schools’ teaching quality and international vision.

Conclusion: Why Invest in Job Shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1?

In an increasingly interconnected world, job shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1 is a key tool for renewing education. It’s not just about observing—it’s about learning, innovating, comparing, and growing alongside other European professionals.

Those who take part in job shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1 come back enriched on both a human and professional level. Their entire school benefits from the introduction of new teaching methods, improved educational quality, and a more European learning environment.

Want to bring Job Shadowing Erasmus Plus KA1 to your school?

Visit Sagitter Training’s website to discover all the services we offer for schools applying and managing Erasmus mobility projects. We’re ready to guide you step by step, from application to return.