Erasmus+ teacher training course

Intensive English Language Course for Teachers and Educators

Illustration representing equality, inclusion and participation in education

How can you feel more confident using English in an international professional setting?

Strengthen practical English for teaching, travel and international collaboration.

Target group: Teachers, adult educators, academic staff, school leaders, and other education professionals from all educational levels.

Activity type
Physical mobility
Duration
1 week
Language
English
Equipment
No special equipment required

Practical English for Teaching, Mobility and International Collaboration

Using English in an international professional environment can feel very different from studying grammar in a textbook. Educators may need to introduce their institution, follow a training session, contribute to group work, ask for clarification, travel independently and communicate with colleagues from several countries. This course develops practical English for these real situations while building confidence through regular, supportive use.

Participants practise speaking, listening, reading and writing through scenarios connected with teaching, Erasmus+ mobility, professional exchange and everyday life. Activities develop useful vocabulary, functional language, pronunciation, comprehension and communication strategies. Accuracy is supported, but perfect grammar is not treated as a condition for participation. The emphasis is on expressing ideas clearly, understanding others and remaining engaged when communication becomes challenging.

Participants leave with stronger international communication skills, a personal bank of useful expressions and practical strategies for continuing to develop their English before, during and after future mobility experiences.

International education professionals participating in a classroom session
Practical learning, professional reflection and international exchange.

What You Will Learn

Outcome 1

Understand key concepts and current perspectives

Explain the main ideas, opportunities and limitations connected to professional English, confidence and international communication.

Outcome 2

Analyse professional practice

Identify strengths, barriers and development priorities in relation to professional English, confidence and international communication in a real educational context.

Outcome 3

Use practical tools and methods

Apply speaking practice, functional language and real-life scenarios through guided activities, collaborative tasks and structured reflection.

Outcome 4

Design an adaptable learning response

Create a classroom, team or organisational activity that can be adapted to participants’ own learners and setting.

Goal

Communicate with greater confidence

Use inclusive, context-appropriate communication strategies for diverse learners, colleagues or international partners.


Course Schedule

Day 1Starting points, needs and shared language

Welcome, needs mapping and course compass

Participants introduce their contexts, identify their goals and map current experiences connected to professional English, confidence and international communication.

Shared vocabulary and key questions

Participants build a common language through short inputs, pair dialogue and a visual question wall.

Practice snapshot

Participants analyse a short case or example and identify what they would keep, question or change.

Day 2Key concepts, tools and useful models

Method gallery

Participants rotate through concise examples, models and tools connected to professional English, confidence and international communication, recording practical possibilities.

Guided skill lab

Participants practise speaking practice, functional language and real-life scenarios in small groups with trainer guidance and structured prompts.

Reflection and transfer notes

Participants capture what feels relevant, challenging or adaptable for their own learners and setting.

Day 3Practice through scenarios and collaboration

Collaborative challenge

Small international groups work on an authentic challenge and apply selected tools in a purposeful task.

Create, test and revise

Participants develop a short activity, resource or approach, then improve it through testing and feedback.

Learning dialogue

Participants discuss different educational contexts and identify adaptations that make the work more realistic.

Day 4Inclusion, culture and real-world cases

Case clinic

Participants examine a complex scenario, identify assumptions and consider inclusive, responsible responses.

Perspective exchange

Participants use structured dialogue to explore different learner, colleague and community perspectives.

Practical safeguards

Participants identify boundaries, risks and support strategies relevant to professional English, confidence and international communication.

Day 5Design studio and peer feedback

Design your own application

Participants create a classroom, team or organisational plan using speaking practice, functional language and real-life scenarios.

Peer feedback studio

Participants share work-in-progress, ask focused questions and receive practical feedback from colleagues.

Improve for implementation

Participants revise their design for feasibility, inclusion and clear evidence of learning.

Day 6Course Closure & Cultural Activities

  • Reflecting on learning outcomes and key takeaways
  • Awarding of Certificates of Attendance
  • Cultural excursion and local heritage experience
  • Informal networking and exchange of best practices

Recommended Reading and Theoretical Influences

  • Council of Europe (2020). CEFR Companion Volume.
  • Understanding Academy. Basic English for European Projects.

Evaluation, Recognition and Practical Information

Learning is supported throughout the week through participation, reflection, practical activities and constructive feedback.

Evaluation of Learning Outcomes

Format
Continuous assessment based on class participation, practical work and self-assessment.
Criteria
Active participation in discussions, reflection, collaborative activities and practical course tasks.
Procedures
Trainer observation, participant reflection, feedback and attendance.

Recognition of Learning Outcomes

Conditions
Attendance at a minimum of 80% of the course and active participation in the learning activities.
Recognition
Learning outcomes are recognised through participant reflection, trainer feedback and completion of the course activities.
Documentation
A Certificate of Attendance documenting the course title, dates, venue and learning outcomes.

Practical, Collaborative and Learner-Centred

The course combines hands-on workshops, real-world examples, simulations, guided reflection and collaborative activities. Participants exchange good practices, work in international groups and develop ideas that can be adapted to their own professional context.

Optional cultural, social and networking activities support local engagement, intercultural learning and professional collaboration.

Practical Details

Duration

One week, normally comprising 25 academic hours.

Weekly Schedule

Classes take place from Monday to Friday, in the morning or afternoon. Saturday is reserved for cultural activities.

Final Timetable

The detailed timetable will be sent at least two weeks before the beginning of the course.

Preparation

No special preparation is required unless stated in the course programme. Any required materials or equipment will be communicated before the course.

Certification

Participants who meet the attendance requirements receive a Certificate of Attendance.

Alternative arrangements: Other course durations and schedules may be arranged on request.

Erasmus+ funding: Course fees and mobility costs may be supported through an eligible sending organisation's Erasmus+ grant. Eligibility and final funding decisions remain with the beneficiary organisation and its National Agency. Read our Erasmus+ KA1 funding guide.

Administrative support: Understanding Academy provides course programmes, learning outcomes, registration documentation and certificates. Participants and sending organisations remain responsible for transport, accommodation and grant management.

Plan your Erasmus+ mobility

Ready to Join This Course?

Check the upcoming confirmed dates or register your interest. We will contact you with information about availability and the next steps.

Need funding information? Read our Erasmus+ KA1 funding guide.