Job shadowing

Erasmus+ Job Shadowing is a specific type of professional development activity under Key Action 1 (KA1) that allows staff (teachers, trainers, school leaders, etc.) from an eligible sending organization to spend a period observing colleagues in a receiving organization in another Programme or Partner country. The core purpose is to facilitate the transfer of good practices, innovative methods, and knowledge, which the participant can then implement back at their home institution.

According to the Programme Guide, the duration for a physical job shadowing mobility is typically:

• Minimum: 2 days (excluding travel days).

• Maximum: 60 days (excluding travel days).

Shorter and longer periods may apply for certain specific sectors or blended mobilities, so the latest Erasmus+ Programme Guide is the definitive source. At Erasmus+ Courses Croatia, most participants choose 3–5 days in Split. This allows them to maximize their experience while fitting within their Erasmus+ project schedule — but longer stays are possible upon request.

We’re happy to adapt the length and structure of your stay to your project’s goals and timeline.

Job shadowing is primarily aimed at staff involved in education and training. This typically includes:

• Teachers, Head Teachers, and administrative staff (School Education).

• Trainers and staff working in Vocational Education and Training (VET).

• Adult education staff.

• Youth workers and youth organization staff.

• Higher Education Institution (HEI) staff.

Eligibility is determined by the participant’s direct employment or contractual link with the sending organization that secured the Erasmus+ grant.

The goal is not just to observe, but to achieve specific learning outcomes that benefit the sending institution. Key expectations include:

• Acquiring practical skills in new teaching, training, or management methodologies.

• Gaining insight into different organizational cultures and education systems.

• Identifying innovative practices that can be directly applied at the home institution.

• Improving the participant’s foreign language competence and intercultural skills.

The Erasmus+ grant is intended to cover the main costs associated with the mobility:

1. Travel Support: Based on the distance between the sending and receiving locations (using a distance calculator).

2. Individual Support (Subsistence): A fixed daily allowance to cover accommodation, meals, and local transport, which varies based on the destination country’s cost of living.

3. Organizational Support: A fixed amount per participant to cover administrative costs for the sending organization.

4. Inclusion Support: Additional funding for participants with fewer opportunities, if applicable.

The two most critical documents are:

1. The Mobility Agreement: This legally binding document outlines the learning goals, the expected outcomes, the program of activities, and the mutual responsibilities of the sending organization, the receiving organization, and the participant.

2. Europass Mobility Certificate: Issued after the mobility, this formally documents the skills and experience gained during the job shadow.

HERE you can find explained the Europass framework, helping participants understand how the experience formally enhances their CV and skills profile.

Organizations must apply for a KA1 Mobility Project grant through their National Agency. The application process typically involves:

• Defining a clear European Development Plan for the institution.

• Identifying the staff’s training needs.

• Outlining the planned mobilities, including the number of participants and the nature of the activities (e.g., courses, job shadowing).

Organisations must submit their application by the annual deadline specified in the Programme Guide. Read more about applying for funding HERE.

The decentralized nature of Erasmus+ means that all funding applications for Key Action 1 (KA1) Staff Mobility, including job shadowing, must be submitted to the National Agency (NA) in your country. The NA is responsible for providing official guidance, organising the annual Call for Proposals, managing the selection of projects, and offering technical support for the application process. Utilising the National Agency’s resources ensures you adhere to local deadlines and secure the correct funding specific to your region.

🔗 Your National Agency: Application Support (EU Official List)

Finding a host is the responsibility of the sending organization or the participant, often achieved through:

• Existing Partnerships: Collaborating with established partner schools or organizations.

• Networking: Using professional networks, platforms like eTwinning/EPALE, or personal contacts.

• Searching Databases: Looking for organizations known for specific good practices (e.g., searching “Erasmus+ Courses Croatia” and going directly to the desired provider).

The host organization must align with the specific learning goals detailed in the Mobility Agreement.

The project is not complete until the learning is transferred. The participant must:

• Share Knowledge: Disseminate the acquired knowledge, skills, and good practices with colleagues at the home institution (e.g., workshops, presentations).

• Implement Changes: Work with the organization to integrate the new ideas into practice (curriculum, methodology, or administration).

• Submit a Report: Complete and submit the mandatory EU Survey (participant report) detailing the mobility and its outcomes.

Yes, Erasmus+ promotes flexibility. Job shadowing can be combined with other activities within the same mobility grant, such as:

• Structured Courses/Training Events: The mobility period can include a course followed by a job shadowing period.

• Blended Mobility: A shorter physical job shadow period can be combined with a virtual component before, during, or after the physical stay.