Where to Find ESEP Courses Now?
If you are a teacher looking for Erasmus+ professional development courses, you have likely noticed a major change: the European School Education Platform (ESEP) has officially removed its external course catalogue. Now you must be wondering, where to find ESEP courses?
This unexpected transition has left thousands of educators wondering how and where to securely browse, select, and book verified teacher training courses.
The Short Answer: Where Did ESEP Courses Go?
The ESEP platform did not relocate its catalogue to a single new official database. Instead, teachers must now navigate the Erasmus+ landscape using two primary methods:
- Direct Verified Providers: Connecting directly with independent, legally recognized training academies hosting their own standalone web portals.
- Peer Word-of-Mouth: Consulting with teacher networks, colleagues, and school alumni who have completed successful mobilities.
Is direct booking allowed? Yes, absolutely. A common misconception is that courses must be booked through a centralized EU portal to remain eligible for funding. The European Commission explicitly permits schools to select and book Key Action 1 (KA1) courses directly through independent training providers. As long as the provider holds an active OID and follows the Erasmus+ Quality Standards, your funding is fully compliant.
The Landscape Post-ESEP: How to Find Your Training
Since there is no longer a centralized EU database for external providers, here is how the remaining paths compare for planning your next Key Action 1 (KA1) mobility:
| Method | Best For | Verification Method | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Provider Portals | Booking specific dates, choosing precise course locations, and fast coordination. | Manually check for OID numbers and explicit Erasmus+ quality compliance. | Low to Medium (Requires manual checking) |
| Peer Recommendations | Ensuring high-quality practical training, accommodation assistance, and real experiences. | Direct feedback and verified public reviews from other teachers. | Extremely Low (Vetted by real educators) |
5 Quick Steps to Verify a Course Provider Without ESEP
Without a central database filter, teachers must do a little detective work. Use this practical 5-step checklist to find ESEP courses and ensure a provider is reliable, active, and fully accredited before spending your school’s funding:
- Verify the OID Number
Every legitimate Erasmus+ training provider must have an active Organization ID (OID). If an academy does not prominently display this number on their website, it is an immediate red flag. - Audit Their Google Reviews (Volume and Score)
Don’t just look for a high score—look at the number of reviews. A reliable provider should have hundreds of public ratings spanning several years. Read what other educators say about the practical setup, the trainers, and the overall organization. - Look for Real-Time Social Media Proof
An active provider is a transparent provider. Check their Facebook or Instagram pages. Do they post updates consistently throughout the year? Look for photographic proof of ongoing courses, group photos of real participants, and shared stories from teachers currently on mobility. This proves they run consistent, high-occupancy courses. - Check for National & Educational Accreditation
A truly reliable training institution isn’t just a website; it is a legally recognized educational body. Ensure the provider holds official stamps of approval, such as validation by a Ministry of Education or national training supervisory bodies (like the Agency for Vocational Education and Adult Training – ASOO). Official oversight guarantees your certificates meet EU quality standards. - Test Their Direct Communication
Reach out and contact the organization directly before booking. Pay close attention to how quickly they reply and how helpful their staff is. A professional provider will be responsive, clear, and ready to assist you with everything from learning agreements to local travel advice.
The Best Way to Make the Right Choice: Rely on Word of Mouth
When the digital platforms we rely on change overnight, the most reliable tool we have left is our own professional community. Finding a course listing on a website is easy, but finding a course that actually changes your teaching practice—and leaves you feeling inspired—requires a human touch.
To make absolutely sure you make the right choice for your next mobility program, ask your colleagues where they went and returned happy. Nothing gives a better, more honest recommendation than word of mouth.
If you are looking for a highly recommended, stress-free experience that your peers have thoroughly vetted, take a look at what other teachers say about us. You don’t have to take our word for it—check out our verified Google Reviews from Erasmus+ participants who have traveled, learned, and returned home with unforgettable experiences.
Ready to Skip the Guesswork?
You don’t have to navigate the post-ESEP landscape alone. If you are ready to plan a high-quality, stress-free mobility program that is fully compliant with all Erasmus+ standards, we are here to help.
