Would you like to refresh your foreign language skills on site?

Erasmus+ funds one-week intensive language courses (at least 25 teaching units per week) at European universities, language schools, or as part of Staff Weeks. You may flexibly extend your stay at your own expense or using funds from your institute/department.

Please note: Funding is available exclusively for learning the respective local language (e.g. English in Ireland/Malta, but not in Spain) and, in line with environmentally friendly travel, primarily at destinations on the European mainland (e.g. French courses only in mainland France, Spanish courses only in mainland Spain).

FUB colleagues have so far had very good experiences with the following language schools for English courses, although there are of course numerous other institutions offering excellent programmes:

• Atlantic Language in Galway, Ireland
• CES Centre of English Studies in Dublin, Ireland
• ETI Malta in St. Julian’s, Malta

Please carefully check the number of teaching hours included in your preferred course in advance: Many standard courses do not yet meet the required 25 teaching units (TUs). However, this requirement can often be met easily by supplementing a 20-hour group course with 5 teaching units of individual instruction.

Please note the following funding conditions:

National language: Funding is provided exclusively for learning the official language of the host country (e.g., English in Ireland/Malta, but not in Spain).

Destination: In line with eco-friendly travel practices, we generally only fund language courses on the European mainland (e.g., French courses in mainland France, Spanish courses in mainland Spain). Exceptions apply to English courses in Ireland and Malta.

Language level: For French, Italian, and Spanish, funding is only available from language level A2 upwards. As beginner courses (A1) for these languages are already offered at Freie Universität Berlin's Continuing Education Center (Weiterbildungszentrum), we encourage staff to make use of these internal opportunities first. The Erasmus+ grant is primarily intended to support the deepening of existing language skills through an intensive course in the respective linguistic environment. This restriction does not apply to English courses.

Course fees: As Erasmus+ does not provide separate funds for course fees, please consult your department regarding potential cost coverage. Alternatively, with economical planning, these fees can often be covered by the lump-sum travel and subsistence allowance.

Staff Training Weeks: Networking and Professional Exchange in Europe

Staff Training Weeks provide an excellent platform for exchanging ideas and experiences with colleagues from the same field across Europe. The programmes generally last 3 to 5 days and are aimed at specific target groups (e.g. libraries, IT, International Offices, or administration).

• Finding programmes: The IMotion / staffmobility.euI platform provides a comprehensive Europe-wide overview. You can use the filter bar on the left to search specifically for programmes relevant to your area of work.
• Participation fees & funding: While many Staff Weeks are offered free of charge, some host institutions charge a participation fee (e.g. for meals or the accompanying programme). These fees are not reimbursed separately, but can be covered from the lump-sum Erasmus+ grants for travel and subsistence.

Individually Organized Stays (Job Shadowing & Work Observations)

Have you already established contacts with colleagues abroad or would you like to gain targeted insights into a particular area of work at a European host university? You can also plan your stay entirely independently:

• Coordinate with the partner institution: Discuss the content and structure of your stay, feasibility, and preferred dates directly with your contacts at the host institution.
• Submit your application: Once you have received confirmation from the host institution, submit the application documents listed below to us.
• Funding period: Funding is generally available for a one-week stay. In justified exceptional cases, funding of up to 60 days is possible. For longer stays, please include a brief separate justification.

Tip & Inspiration: Looking for practical examples or interested in learning how colleagues have structured their stays? Our blog features interesting insights and personal experiences: Erasmus+ Staff Blog