Teachers and educational staff at schools and early childhood education centres have many opportunities to develop professionally and build networks with colleagues across Europe through Erasmus+ funding.
Whether through job shadowing or teaching activities at other European Schools, subject-specific and pedagogical training courses, or eTwinning, our teachers at the European School Saarland make use of the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ for both their professional and personal development.
Teacher Mobilities 25/26 - Our Reports
Tallinn, Estonia (Stephanie Seckelmann)
Our colleague Stephanie Seckelmann completed a job shadowing placement at Tallinn European School in Estonia in mid-May 2026 and gained valuable insights into many different aspects of school life:
“The school is located in a beautiful historic building with bright, spacious rooms. I was particularly impressed by the creatively designed walls, which were decorated collaboratively by teachers and students. I had the opportunity to observe a wide variety of lessons and activities, ranging from cooking and upcycling to primary pupils making farewell cards for graduating students.
What impressed me most, however, was the warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the school. Everywhere I went, I was met with openness, friendliness and appreciation. This special culture of interaction made my stay an unforgettable experience.”
Varese, Italy (Marie Kullmann)
Our colleague Marie Kullmann completed a job shadowing placement at the European School Varese in Italy at the beginning of June and returned with great appreciation for this wonderful opportunity:
“During the European Baccalaureate examinations at the European School Varese, I not only gained valuable insights into the European Baccalaureate and collected many new experiences, but was also given an incredibly warm welcome from the very beginning. 🤝✨
On my very first day, a colleague put me in touch with the local rowing club, which meant that that same evening I was able to train with Italian rowers on the beautiful Lake Varese. 🚣♀️🌅 And all of this despite my Italian still being rather limited.
Experiences like these show what Europe is all about: openness, solidarity, mutual support and the joy of getting to know people across linguistic and national borders. 🌍❤️
I am very grateful for these experiences, conversations and the warm hospitality. Grazie mille, Varese! 🇮🇹🙏”
Dublin, Ireland (Katrin Haßdenteufel)
Our colleague Katrin Haßdenteufel attended a training course in Dublin in June 2026, where she had the opportunity to develop her subject-specific expertise in relation to the particular requirements of the European School Saarland:
“During my Erasmus+ mobility in Dublin, which was co-funded by the European Union, I took part in a CLIL course (Content and Language Integrated Learning) focusing on Mathematics and Geography. CLIL is a teaching approach that combines subject learning and language learning. It helps teachers deliver lessons in English while making subject content accessible, engaging and motivating for students.
The course provided practical strategies for lesson planning, introducing new topics and supporting learners through visual aids, targeted subject-specific vocabulary and interactive learning activities. A particular focus was placed on combining CLIL methods with Artificial Intelligence. We explored how AI can support lesson preparation, the creation of teaching materials and the individual support of learners.
One of the most valuable aspects of the mobility was collaborating with teachers from different European countries. Participants from Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and France shared their experiences, teaching methods and perspectives on education. This exchange of ideas was both inspiring and enriching and enabled us to learn from one another and discover good practices from different education systems.
In addition, we gained insights into the Irish education system. Overall, the experience provided many new ideas and impulses for my own teaching while also strengthening the European dimension of education and cooperation.”
Warsaw, Poland (Anna Grill)
Anna Grill completed a five-day job shadowing at the International European School Warsaw in May 2026.
During her visit to Poland, she observed lessons in students’ first, second and third languages – including Polish, German, English and Spanish – as well as language support lessons at different proficiency levels, ranging from lower secondary education through to the European Baccalaureate. She also took part in meetings and discussions with members of the school team, students and school management.
The visit provided an excellent opportunity to exchange good practices and further strengthen international cooperation. She was particularly impressed by several projects aimed at developing students’ personal and social learning competences and highlighting the importance of Europe and European values. Perhaps similar projects could also be introduced at the European School Saarland?
