What is Erasmus +? Find out what you need to know

For decades, the Teacher Training Erasmus+ programme in Ireland has opened doors for educators across Europe, offering opportunities to develop professionally while experiencing new cultures. At Galway Cultural Institute, we are proud to be part of this journey, welcoming teachers from around the world to study, learn, and grow in one of Ireland’s most vibrant coastal cities.

We’re going to tell you all about what exactly Erasmus+ is and how it may help you to improve your current teaching practices. Perhaps you’re a teacher looking to upskill your teaching techniques? Maybe you want to learn some new interesting classroom activities or simply just to have a little refresh on the fundamentals of teaching methodology. The common goal is to provide you with the tools to continue to create new and dynamic lessons for your students, especially when it comes to CLIL in language teaching.

What is Erasmus +

Erasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. It has an estimated budget of €26.2 billion. The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on inclusion and diversity, the green transition, digital transformation, and promoting participation in democratic life and civic engagement. It supports priorities and activities set out in the European Education Area, Digital Education Action Plan and the European Skills Agenda. 

Erasmus+ offers mobility and cooperation opportunities in higher education; vocational education and training; school education (including early childhood education and care); adult education; youth and sport.

Who can participate?

Erasmus+ is open to many individuals and organisations, although eligibility varies from one action to another and from one country to another. Individuals can take part in many of the opportunities funded by Erasmus+, although you will have to do so through an organisation taking part in the programme. The eligibility of individuals and organisations depends on the country in which they are based. 

This international programme is for teachers and education professionals, it offers funded opportunities to:

• Improve language skills 
• Develop teaching methodologies 
• Explore innovative educational tools 
• Experience cultural immersion 

Choosing Erasmus Plus Ireland means combining professional development with an unforgettable international experience.

Erasmus+ teacher training is usually suitable for professionals working in education, including:

• Primary and secondary school teachers 
• English language teachers 
• Subject teachers who teach, or plan to teach, through English 
• Higher education lecturers and university staff 
• School leaders, coordinators and support staff 
• Adult education and vocational education professionals 

Most participants apply through their home institution, school, university or organisation. Your institution will normally manage the Erasmus+ funding application through the relevant National Agency.

If your grant is approved, GCI can provide course information and supporting documents to help you prepare for your stay in Galway.

How does Erasmus+ funding work?

Most teachers and education professionals do not apply as private individuals. Instead, Erasmus+ applications are usually made through a school, university, training centre or organisation. Your home institution should contact the relevant Erasmus+ National Agency for guidance on eligibility, deadlines and funding categories.Once your funding is approved, you can contact GCI to confirm your course, dates and documentation requirements. Our team can help you with the course information needed for your mobility paperwork.

GCI Teacher Training Erasmus+

Why choose to take GCI’s Teacher Training Erasmus + programme? Our Erasmus+ teacher training courses help you learn new skills and improve your teaching techniques. 

You’ll discover and practise new teaching methodologies, whether for primary or secondary level, secure an understanding of how to blend language and subject teaching within a practical lesson & discussion-based structure, and you will experience a vast array of practical tasks and activities that can be put to immediate use in your own classroom. 

During the course, you’ll be building a network with other teachers and sharing your experiences – and by the end of the course, you’ll be heading back to your own schools better equipped and full of new insights and ideas to experiment with & implement.

Here at Galway Cultural Institute, there are different courses to choose from:

• Teacher Training: CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) - This course equips teachers with the skills to teach subjects through English, combining language learning with content delivery.
• English Language & Irish Culture - A perfect blend of language development and cultural immersion, allowing participants to improve their English while experiencing Irish traditions.
• Supporting Multilingual Learners in Diverse Classrooms - Designed for modern classrooms, this course focuses on inclusive teaching strategies and supporting students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
• EdTech: Smart Solutions for Smarter Teaching - Explore digital tools and innovative technologies that enhance classroom engagement and improve learning outcomes.
• English for Higher Education Professionals - Tailored for academic staff, this course focuses on communication skills required in higher education environments.

Why choose GCI?

We are a highly accredited school and believe quality is the most important factor in your education. 

If you’d like to find out first hand from teachers who have taken our English teacher training courses in Galway – why not take a look at this blog written by one of our students?

Choosing a GCI teacher training course with us means you’ll have access to:

• Highly-trained & amiable staff
• State of the art technology
• Well-stocked library
• Social and cultural programme
• In-house café
• The accessible location
• Accommodation options

Participating in an Erasmus Plus programme at GCI is about more than professional development. It’s about becoming part of a global community.

Our students gain:

• Increased confidence in English communication 
• Exposure to international teaching practices 
• New perspectives on education and learning 
• Lifelong friendships and networks 

Many participants describe their Erasmus+ experience in Galway as both professionally enriching and personally transformative.

Why choose Galway, Ireland?

Ireland is one of the most popular destinations for educators who want to combine professional training with English language immersion. Choosing an Erasmus programme in Ireland course means you can practise English every day, both inside and outside the classroom.

Galway is widely recognised as Ireland’s cultural capital, located along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way. Studying here as part of the Erasmus programme in Galway, Ireland provides a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural richness.

Galway is the ideal place to pick when it comes to selecting where to do your erasmus + programme in Ireland. Galway is Ireland’s most western city and is the fourth biggest city in the Rep. of Ireland. Galway is famous for its picturesque streets and lively atmosphere. It’s steeped in history and culture and annually hosts Ireland’s leading arts festival, GIAF, in July along with numerous other festivals throughout the year such as Cúirt, The Galway Races and The International Oyster Festival. You’ll have lots to see and do while you are here – check out the Galway Guides on our website to explore the delights that await you! 

Situated on the shores of Galway Bay it is perfectly located to explore some of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations such as the breathtakingly beautiful Cliffs of Moher or take a ferry to explore the stunning Aran Islands or maybe do some hiking in the wilds of Connemara.   

You are spoiled for choice when it comes restaurants, cafes and pubs to choose from. You will find that all tastes are catered for whether you wish to taste our fantastic fresh Atlantic seafood or try out the many international eateries, you won’t be disappointed. 

GCI is ideally located right on the coast, on the midway point of the Wild Atlantic Way, our school is only a short 15 min walk to the city centre or a 5 min stroll to Salthill main strip. A favourite pastime for locals and tourists is to take a ramble down The Salthill Prom on a sunny afternoon, admiring the majesty of The Burren on the other side of Galway Bay. If you’re feeling brave enough you could take a dive off the famous diving boards at the end of the prom but just to warn you the water is quite crisp most of the year!!! 

FAQ Section for the Blog

What is Erasmus+ teacher training in Ireland?

Erasmus+ teacher training in Ireland gives teachers and education professionals the opportunity to take professional development courses abroad. At GCI Galway, participants can improve English, explore teaching methodologies and experience Irish culture in an international learning environment.

Who can apply for Erasmus+ teacher training at GCI?

Erasmus+ teacher training is suitable for teachers, lecturers, school staff, higher education professionals and education coordinators. Applications are usually made through the participant’s home school, university or organisation

What Erasmus+ courses does GCI offer?

GCI offers Erasmus+ teacher training courses in CLIL, English Language & Irish Culture, Supporting Multilingual Learners in Diverse Classrooms, EdTech, and English for Higher Education Professionals.

Is Galway a good destination for Erasmus Plus Ireland courses?

Yes. Galway is a welcoming, cultural city on Ireland’s west coast. It offers a relaxed international atmosphere, strong cultural life, beautiful coastal scenery and daily opportunities to practise English.

Can Erasmus+ funding cover my course in Ireland?

 Many participants use Erasmus+ mobility funding to attend teacher training courses abroad. Funding is usually arranged through the participant’s home institution, which applies through the relevant Erasmus+ National Agency.

How do I book an Erasmus+ course at GCI?

First, choose your preferred course and confirm your Erasmus+ funding process with your institution. Once your grant or mobility plan is approved, contact GCI to confirm dates, course details and supporting documentation.