The Erasmus+ program offers excellent opportunities for employees from organizations with a valid European Charter for Higher Education to finance a period of exchange from two days to two months.

The opportunity for exchange as Erasmus+ Staff training (STT) can be used to visit other higher education institutions, businesses or organisations in program countries, for professional development activities – job shadowing, courses, seminars or workshops, but not conferences.  The instructions states that it as to be in relation to your own work, but language courses are also a possibility. Another option could be to take part in Erasmus staff week in different subjects.

The Erasmus+ grant includes a daily allowance, the level depending on which country you visit, and a travel grant. Before your mobility you will need to have a signed Staff mobility agreement training form, and after your mobility period you need to fill out an online report.

For more information on how to apply please check with the Erasmus+ coordinator at your organisation.

Why international exchange?

Spending time at another institution abroad, is invaluable for your own development as a professional.  Daily interaction with staff, colleagues and maybe a mentor within the organization you visit, may impact your professional life in a very positive way as well as being highly beneficial for your home institution. Whether you choose to do job shadowing, observation periods, professional development courses or specific competence-building events, the cultural understanding and language skills you learn from working in another country can make it easier to interact with colleagues and users at your own library. No matter what your background is, the opportunities for you to do an international internship are varied. With the rapid increases in communication technology and globalization, you can now do your international internship in any corner of the globe. EAHIL strongly recommend all leaders with human resources responsibility at European libraries, to offer their staff the opportunity to do an international internship.