Erasmus+ mobility isn’t just for students and faculty.
That’s what Léa, an MSMP lab assistant on the Aix-en-Provence campus, discovered when she took a closer look at a communication campaign promoting mobility opportunities for staff at Arts et Métiers.
After her first experience in Cork last year, she decided to repeat the adventure in Dublin this summer.
She reflects on her two trips to Ireland. She shares her experience, from preparing for her trip to the lessons she learned from it.
How did you find out that administrative staff could also participate in the Erasmus+ mobility program?
When I arrived at the Arts et Métiers and received an email for the first time introducing this opportunity, I didn’t pay much attention to it.
I thought Erasmus+ mobility programs were reserved for students and faculty.
When the opportunity came up again, I took the time to read the information more carefully. That’s when I discovered that administrative staff could also participate!
However, a minimum level of English is required depending on the programs offered—generally between A2 and B2—to ensure you can fully participate in discussions and classes.
Very interested, I looked into the application process in more detail and eventually applied.
I’ve always been particularly drawn to English-speaking countries. Since the experience was so enriching, I wanted to repeat the adventure the following year, with a new program, still in Ireland.
Is it difficult to put together an Erasmus+ application? What are the main steps to take when preparing for your trip?
The institution’s European and International Development and Training Office offers individual support to discuss a project’s eligibility or to explain the steps and various procedures involved.
Needing some reassurance, I contacted the team, who explained the process to me in very concrete terms. The Erasmus+ grant covers a portion of the costs based on the allocated budget, and the remainder is covered by the institution (up to the authorized daily allowance per country).
Meals and local transportation must be paid for upfront but can later be reimbursed through an expense report, according to the established procedures.
The first step is to visit the IMOTION website dedicated to mobility programs—accessible via our intranet—and search for a “staff week,” which is a week-long training program for staff based on a specific theme or desired country.
For faculty members, mobility can also take the form of courses taught at a partner university.
Once the training program has been identified, you must complete your Erasmus+ application, answer the various questions, and prepare a projected budget for the mobility: transportation, lodging, course registration fees, meals, etc.
The application must then be approved by your supervisor before being submitted.
Once the application is approved, the European and International Training Development Office will provide the necessary information and outline the steps to follow. You must then book your transportation tickets and accommodations, request a quote from the training provider, and submit an internal purchase request to confirm your enrollment.
The institution’s various departments—including the Travel Office and the Purchasing Department—are available to assist staff with these procedures.
At the same time, an Erasmus mobility kit is provided. It must be completed and signed by the various parties before departure. Once all reservations have been made and the mobility kit has been finalized, all that’s left to do is go!
What was your daily life like during your two stays?
In Cork, the training organization, University College Cork, had offered me student housing near the campus. I had a room with a private bathroom and a shared kitchen and living room with other participants in the program. Classes were held in the morning, and we had the afternoons free, which allowed us to explore the city and its surroundings.
We created a WhatsApp group to organize our outings based on everyone’s preferences. Among other things, I discovered Fitzgerald Park, Cork City Gaol, the UCC Art Gallery, the Titanic Experience in Cobh, and Blarney Castle & Gardens. And of course, I couldn’t miss out on the evening pub experience, complete with live Irish music!
In Dublin, the schedule was similar: classes in the morning and free time in the afternoon.
This time, I decided to focus my explorations more on music, which is one of my main interests.
So I visited the Irish Rock ’n’ Roll Museum and even got the chance to join in a jam session at the end of the tour. I took the opportunity to play guitar and sing, with our guide on drums! I also explored the famous Windmill Lane Studios, where U2 made their recording debut, along with other artists such as The Cranberries, Hozier, and The Script. The training organization, Dorset College, had also arranged a guided tour of Dublin for us on the very first day, including a stop at Trinity College, as well as a trip to Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains.
What surprised you the most or made you feel the most out of place?
In Cork, the first thing that impressed me was the university. It’s truly magnificent. Sometimes I felt like I was at Hogwarts in Harry Potter! I also really loved the gardens, the scenery, and the charm of the city.
In Dublin, I found the city less appealing, but the musical vibe was very strong, especially on Grafton Street, where many musicians hang out. You never know who you might run into!
Generally speaking, I didn’t have too much trouble understanding the Irish accent, which isn’t actually that strong. On the other hand, driving on the left can be a little disorienting at first! Also, the Irish are particularly courteous. As soon as you walk into a store, you’ll very often be asked how you’re doing.
Is there a story that really stood out to you?
I also remember my arrival in Cork very well. When I stepped off the plane, I immediately noticed a very distinctive smell of peat in the air. A truly Irish first impression!
Still in Cork, our last day of training coincided with a graduation ceremony. So we got to watch the students celebrate their success, complete with the traditional black gowns and caps tossed into the air. It was pretty fun to watch!
What have these two assignments meant to you, both personally and professionally?
On a personal level, these two experiences strengthened my ability to travel alone and meet new people.
They also helped me gain confidence and independence.
The Erasmus+ groups were made up of people from several European countries: Germany, Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland, and others. We were able to build strong group cohesion. It was very enriching to discover each other’s customs and differences.
Professionally, I was of course able to practice my English and learn new concepts, but I also had the opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from other institutions. Since we were all administrative staff working in academia, we were also able to compare our roles, practices, and procedures.
It was particularly interesting to see how other institutions operate, both in France and internationally.
What advice would you give to someone who's still hesitant to leave?
Don’t hesitate any longer! Even though traveling alone can be daunting or stressful, this is a highly structured mobility program.
You can also choose a destination that’s closer or farther away—and why not travel with one or more coworkers? Some people have even taken advantage of this program to travel with their families.
What advice would you have liked to receive before your first trip?
Don’t stress too much! I’d tried to plan ahead and prepare for my trip as much as possible, but I can sometimes get really anxious about traveling alone, especially when it comes to going to another country.
Still, I already spoke the language, and the destination wasn’t that far away.
We sometimes tend to imagine all the things that could go wrong, when in reality, most of the time, everything goes very smoothly. And even when something unexpected happens, you’re never really on your own.
As with any international trip, I recommend doing thorough research on your destination country: the weather, electrical outlets (a universal adapter can be useful), local customs, and cultural differences compared to France.
I also encourage you not to hesitate to ask questions of the training organization and the European and International Training Development Office. The staff are generally very helpful and can answer questions or direct you to the right people.
Finally, be sure to check that all documents are complete and signed, and remember to bring them with you—at least as copies—if necessary.
If you had to do it all over again, would you go back?
I've already had the chance to have this experience twice, but if I could go back, I'd probably choose a different program—and, above all, a different country!
In three words, how would you describe your Erasmus+ experience?
Enriching, exotic, and memorable.
What if you had to convince a staff member at the Arts et Métiers to participate in the Erasmus+ program in just one sentence?
We’re lucky enough to have this opportunity on a regular basis. It’s an experience that’s truly worth having—if only to get away from the daily grind and enjoy a genuine international experience for a week!
