Strengthening Erasmus+ Practice: Sharing Experiences of Erasmus+ Practical Examples

{8.11.2025}

Erasmus+ program and its implementation in Georgia

Erasmus+ is a European Union-funded programme supporting education, training, youth and sport across Europe and beyond. The programme promotes international mobility, institutional cooperation and innovation in various sectors, including higher education, vocational education, school and adult education, youth and sport.

The programme's central focus is on its horizontal priorities, such as inclusiveness, diversity, digital transformation, environmental sustainability and active participation of civil society in democratic life. These priorities are aligned with the EU's broader strategic objectives and are integrated across all strands of Erasmus+ to support high-quality, inclusive and future-oriented learning experiences.

The National Erasmus+ Office (NEO) in Georgia supports the implementation of the programme at the national level. In order to improve the quality of projects, the NEO ensures the dissemination of information about the programme through activities such as information days, seminars, consultations, sharing of practical experience related to projects, etc. 

Practical experience sharing workshops

NEO, in order to promote the Erasmus+ program and improve the quality of projects, held meetings for beneficiaries on sharing practical experience examples and financial management issues. The following areas were covered within the framework of the workshop, which are discussed in detail in the current publication: 

  1. youth sector;
  2. Capacity Building in Vocational Education (CB VET);
  3. Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE);
  4. Jean Monnet Program;
  5. Financial management for Erasmus+ programs, taking into account the local context;
  6. School education.

1. Youth sector

The youth sector is an important part of the Erasmus+ programme, which aims to empower young people through non-formal learning, dialogue between different societies and civic engagement. The Erasmus+ programme supports a wide range of initiatives, including youth exchanges, mobility activities for young workers, cooperative partnerships, virtual mobility, capacity-building and innovation alliances. These actions contribute to the development of young people's skills, their capacity building and the strengthening of cooperation between different sectors at institutional level. 

As part of the practical experience, during the workshop, youth organizations “Step Toward Success” presented the project “Volunteering Connects” and “Youth for Society” presented the project “Diving Change”.

 

Volunteering Connects

“Volunteering Connects” is an ongoing project, implemented within the framework of a “cooperative partnership”. It is coordinated by the organization – Hnutí Brontosaurus (Czech Republic), the project partner organizations are:

  • Agdz Volunteers Without Borders (Morocco)
  • Asociación Juvenil Intercambia ((Spain)
  • Step Toward Success (Georgia)
  • Tree of Life (Slovakia)

With a budget of 120,000 euros, the project supports less experienced organizations and the development of inclusive youth activities. The project aims to promote the sharing of best practices in the field of youth workers and volunteering. To achieve this goal, the project promoted volunteering among young people, strengthened community engagement, and offered digital tools based on sustainability principles to partner organizations. During the project, a web application was created that contains information about community events organized by young people. 


Driving change

"Driving Change" is an ongoing Erasmus+ youth exchange project that implements youth mobility. The project is coordinated by The Copenhagen Youth Network (Denmark), together with the following partner organizations:

  • AL-EMAD ALKABEER for Training and Development Co. (Jordan)
  • Civic Organization “Development and Initiative” (Ukraine)
  • Mirsal (Finland)
  • Solidaried'Arte – Associação de Integração pela Arte e Cultura (Portugal)
  • Youth for Society (Georgia)
  • Bright Minds Association (Bulgaria)

With a total budget of 53,563,00 euros, the project will bring together 43 young participants to participate in an eight-day exchange program in Denmark. The project focuses on developing critical digital and artificial intelligence skills. The initiative promotes the ethical, responsible and creative use of artificial intelligence tools. Also, within the framework of the project, participants will have the opportunity to improve critical thinking, learn about media literacy and develop the skills needed to combat disinformation through non-formal learning. 

Challenges

Representatives of the youth sector emphasized the need for sustainability in Erasmus+ projects and advised organizations interested in projects to commit to maintaining the digital platforms created within the project beyond the project's life cycle. The speakers also noted the growing interest of young people in environmental issues and advised organizations interested in the Erasmus+ program to work on these issues. 

Furthermore, according to the speakers, one of the frequent challenges in implementing the Erasmus+ programme is finding reliable partners and ensuring the long-term sustainability of project results. The speakers highlighted the critical role of partnership-building activities in strengthening organisational capacity, sharing knowledge and promoting sustainable development.

Presentation: Practical experience sharing – Volunteering connections

2. Capacity Building in Vocational Education (CB VET)

Within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme, capacity building projects involve multilateral international cooperation in the field of vocational education and training (VET). The aim of these projects is to improve the accessibility and quality of vocational education systems in third countries not associated with the Erasmus+ programme, while promoting socio-economic development. During the workshop, two Georgian organisations presented their ongoing projects. Construction College Construct 2 spoke about the project – REBUILD – Capacity Building Program for Sustainable Reconstruction, while the “Agency of Skills” spoke about the project – INVEsT in You: Promote International Traineeship Programs for Armenian, Georgian, and Moldovan Students in Central Europe.

REBUILD – Capacity Building Program for Sustainable Reconstruction

REBUILD is an ongoing CB VET project with a budget of €367,463.68. The project aims to share knowledge and best practices in the construction sector acquired by EU countries with countries not associated to the Erasmus+ programme. The project is coordinated by the Istituto per l'Istruzione Professionale dei Lavoratori Edili della Provincia di Bologna (Italy). Other project partners are:

  • Akademia WSB (Poland)
  • Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna (Italy)
  • College Spectri (Georgia)
  • Construction College Construct 2 (Georgia)
  • European Center of Entrepreneurship Competence & Excellence (Austria)
  • Institutia Publica Centrul de Excelenta in Constructi (Moldova)
  • Lviv Applied College of Construction Architecture and Design (Ukraine)

The main objective of the project is the sustainable reconstruction of damage caused by war or natural disasters and aims to improve competences in areas such as EU construction-related regulations and norms, increasing EU funding opportunities, construction technology and industry digitalization. Within the framework of the project, trainings were developed based on the needs of the partner countries involved in the project and are available on the MOODLE platform. 

INVEsT in you: promote international traineeship programs for Armenian, Georgian and Moldovan students in Central Europe (IN-VET)

The total budget of INVEST in you is 400,000.00 EUR. The project aims to support the professional development of socially vulnerable students in the Eastern Partnership countries and improve their key competences. The project is coordinated by GYORSAN ENERGIKUSAN EXTREMEN KODOLO CLUB EGYESULET (Hungary), and other partners are:

  • AGENTIA NATIONALA DE ASIGURARE A CALITATII IN EDUCATIE SI CERCETARE (Moldova)
  • DEZVOLTA-MA ASSOCIATION – DEVELOP ME (Romania) 
  • IGNIS PLUS NO (Slovakia)
  • SKILLS AGENCY (Georgia)
  • YOUTH COOPERATION CENTER OF DILIJAN (Armenia) 

In parallel, the project supports the continuous development of teachers through international meetings and capacity-building initiatives. IN-VET focuses on young people, teachers and VET providers from both rural and urban areas who face various barriers to participation in the projects. In addition, by promoting inclusive mobility and cooperation with cross-border regions, the project aims to improve access to and quality of VET for target groups. 

Challenges

During the discussion, the speakers focused on the shortage of English-speaking staff and students in vocational education institutions and noted that participation in the Erasmus+ program requires the employment of English-speaking staff in educational institutions, in the direction of international integration. As a recommendation, the speakers advised institutions interested in participating in the program to cooperate with institutions and organizations that already have experience in participating in CB VET projects. The speakers at the event also spoke about the issue of finding partners and advised institutions and organizations to proactively contact potential partners and introduce their organization and plans for participation in the Erasmus+ program. 

Presentations: 

3. Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE)

Capacity Building Projects in the field of higher education are transnational cooperation initiatives based on multilateral partnerships. These projects improve the quality of higher education in third countries not associated to the programme.

The goal of the CBHE program is to modernize and internationalize the higher education system. During the workshop, three higher education institutions shared their experiences in CBHE projects – Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University presented the DECEP project, Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy LLC presented the LIFESTRAND project, and Ilia State University presented the ETHICS project.

DECEP – Development of Early Childhood Educational Programs in Georgian Universities

The total budget of DECEP is 481.614,00 euros. The project is coordinated by Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, and the project partners are:

  • Iakob Gogebashvili Telavi State University (Georgia)
  • Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia (Georgia)
  • Samtskhe-Javakheti State University (Georgia)
  • TARTU ULIKOOL (Estonia)
  • VILNIAUS UNIVERSITETAS (Lithuania)

DECEP's main goal is to develop accredited undergraduate and professional development programs, as well as train academic and administrative staff, and create digital tools and open resources. 

Life Support Training and Dissemination (LIFESTRAND) for Higher Education Institutions and Community Representatives living in Military Risk Areas of Ukraine and Georgia

The total budget of LIFESTRAND is 359.763,00 euros. The project aims to protect the health of the population affected by the Russian occupation and military aggression in Ukraine and Georgia. The project is coordinated by Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy LLC. The project partners are:

  • Alta University (Georgia)
  • Grigol Robakidze University LLC (Georgia)
  • IVAN HORBACHEVSKY TERNOPIL NATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH OF UKRAINE (Ukraine)
  • POLTAVA STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY (Ukraine)
  • SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE MEDICOS DE ATENCION PRIMARIA SEMERGEN (SPAIN) 
  • STATE ESTABLISHMENT "LUGANSK STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY" (Ukraine)
  • Tbilisi State Medical University (Georgia)
  • UNIVERSITY OF SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (Spain) 
  • UNIVERSITY OF PORTO (Portugal)

In response to the threats faced by the population in military risk zones and the destruction of local healthcare infrastructure, the project aimed to provide first aid and pre-hospital trauma care skills. The trainings conducted within the project were accessible to both institutions and the general public. The project will thematically strengthen the capacities of seven higher education institutions in Ukraine and Georgia, directly benefiting 242 staff and students. The materials developed under the initiative include first aid manuals on topics such as life support and trauma care.


Responsible Conduct of Research – Research Integrity and Ethics in Georgian Universities (ETHICS)

The National Structural Reform – ETHICS aims to integrate modern, high-quality and ethical research practices into Georgian universities and research organizations to improve the quality of research. During the project, research ethics and best scientific practices were integrated into doctoral curricula, accreditation standards and national policy frameworks. ETHICS also works on the development of research standards that ensure the originality, reliability and competitiveness of works, especially in the context of Horizon Europe and ERC funding. 

The total budget of the project is 752,202.00 euros, which is coordinated by Ilia State University, and other partners are:

  • Akaki Tsereteli State University (Georgia)
  • Apollon Kutateladze Tbilisi State Academy of Arts (Georgia)
  • Caucasus University Ltd. (Georgia)
  • David Tvildiani Medical University LLC (Georgia)
  • EUROPEAN NETWORK FOR ACADEMICINTEGRITY, SPOLEK (Czech Republic)
  • GIPA – Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (Georgia)
  • Iakob Gogebashvili Telavi State University (Georgia)
  • Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (Georgia)
  • Masaryk University (Czech Republic)
  • Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia (Georgia)
  • National Center for Education Quality Improvement (Georgia)
  • Samtskhe-Javakheti State University (Georgia)
  • Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation (Georgia)
  • Shota Rustaveli State University (Georgia)
  • STICHTING VU (Netherlands)
  • UNIVERSITY OF KARLOVA (Czech Republic)

Challenges

The session speakers emphasized the importance of clearly defined and interconnected project goals and objectives when submitting a project application. The speakers also discussed the importance of strategic planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and alignment of projects with regional priorities. 

Presentations: 

4. Panel Discussion – Jean Monnet

In the field of higher education, the Jean Monnet Programme promotes global research focused on the European Union, including raising awareness of its history, objectives, institutional framework, functions and policies. Jean Monnet activities aim to build vibrant European civil societies and uphold the fundamental values ​​of the European Union, including human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights.

Representatives of seven Georgian projects under the Jean Monnet Programme participated in the panel discussion. The speakers shared information with the participants about their activities and the difficulties they encountered while working on the projects. The following projects were presented at the event: 

 

EU-PPS – European Union for Peace, Prosperity and Security

The Jean Monnet Chair project EU-PPS is coordinated by Caucasus University. The project budget is 39,000.00 euros. The project aims to create new knowledge about the European Union, specifically, to highlight the role of the European Union in the process of Georgia's integration with the European Union. The Chair implements five lecture courses, training sessions, summer and Sunday schools, a scientific conference and publishes publications on relevant topics. 

COE DRG – COE Democracy Resilience in Georgia

Coordinated by Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence COE DRG aims to establish and develop academic spaces in regions with low civic awareness. The project aims to combat Russian disinformation and anti-Western narratives by promoting academic activities and sharing information about the benefits of integration with the European Union. The target audience of the project is young people, vulnerable groups, academic circles, civil society and the wider community. The project budget is €95,382.00.

Enlargement Georgia – EU Enlargement Policy and Law, Implications on Georgia

The module – Enlargement Georgia – coordinated by Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University focuses on EU legislation and enlargement policy. The main theme of the project is the promotion of democracy and the rule of law. Two courses were created within the project at bachelor’s and master’s levels. These courses were integrated into the curriculum of the European Studies Program of the Institute of European Studies of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. A simulation game about the next wave of EU enlargement was also created for secondary school students (14-17 years old). The total budget of the project is 35 euros.


CSREU – Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the European Union: Experience for Georgia 

The project, coordinated by Sukhumi State University, aims to improve the quality of educational programs at Sukhumi State University. The module aims to introduce university students to the evolution of corporate social responsibility in the European Union and increase their readiness to participate in Erasmus+ and other international cultural programs. The project allows students to contribute to the development of Georgia and will help raise the awareness of Georgian entrepreneurs in accordance with EU standards. The total budget of the project is 21,500.00 euros.


EU Social Justice (EU-SJ) 

The Jean Monnet Chair – EU Social Justice (EU-SJ), coordinated by Gori State University, focuses on teaching and research on EU citizenship, labour and consumer policies. The project aims to strengthen social justice as a basis for European integration. The project budget is €48, within which research on the European Union is also being conducted. 


ECCLAP – Jean Monnet Module 'European and Comparative Competition Law and Policy

The main activities of the Jean Monnet ECCLAP module include an intensive training course, expert-led seminars, annual international moot courts and meetings with experts, both in the EU and in Georgia. During the project, a detailed curriculum, seminar summary documents and minutes were also developed. These activities are shaping a new generation of qualified professionals in this critical field. The module is coordinated by Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University and its total budget is EUR 30.


JMC at ILIAUNI – Establishment of Jean Monnet Chair at Ilia State University (ILIAUNI)

The project, coordinated by Ilia State University – JMC at ILIAUNI – aims to strengthen EU studies at Ilia State University and raise awareness of European values ​​and policies. Prior to the implementation of the project, there was no special course on the EU as a global player in the Ilia State University’s EU Studies curriculum. Through the project, a new undergraduate course entitled “The EU as a Global Player” was introduced and integrated into existing academic programs. Georgian-language course reading materials were also developed, which will contribute to both the improvement of the general curriculum and the more intensive involvement of academic staff in EU studies. The project budget is EUR 47,000.00.

Challenges

The panelists discussed common challenges in project implementation, in particular the difficulty of recruiting qualified staff. They discussed the importance of presenting work packages and deliverables in line with Jean Monnet requirements, as well as the need for efficient time and financial management. The meeting highlighted the fact that financial planning should be directly linked to the academic and administrative objectives of the project. One of the speakers also discussed the need to involve new institutions as partners in projects, so that research on the European Union can be introduced in the majority of universities across Georgia. 

The speakers noted that when planning a Jean Monnet project, in order to ensure effective implementation, it is important to track quantitative indicators, such as the number of students, teaching hours, etc. In order to maintain project standards, it is necessary to create strong quality control mechanisms. Clearly defining and measuring expected results helps to demonstrate the impact of the project. Finally, it should be noted that strengthening the role of higher education institutions as leading players in EU research and increasing the visibility of their institutional expertise are key factors for the sustainability of projects.

presentations:

5. Financial management of Erasmus+ programs taking into account the local context

Good financial management and efficient, transparent management of funds significantly contribute to the accountability of Erasmus+ projects and compliance with funding rules. It ensures accurate budgeting, timely reporting and strategic allocation of resources, which helps projects achieve their objectives and maintain credibility. Ultimately, effective financial management is an important prerequisite for the success and sustainability of Erasmus+ initiatives.

At the workshop “Financial Management of Erasmus+ Programs, Taking into Account the Local Context”, Ms. Manana Salukvadze, Financial Manager of International Projects at Ilia State University, spoke about effective and proper financial planning and monitoring of Erasmus+ projects, which is tailored to the institutional and regulatory frameworks of Georgia. 

The meeting discussed issues such as funding rules, budget structuring, grant spending methods, budget amendments, personnel costs, procurement and travel arrangements, equipment and contractual procedures, final balance sheet preparation mechanisms, co-financing principles and reporting obligations. Examples of financial templates and documentation were presented during the workshop and best practices for proper record-keeping and financial accountability were highlighted.

Presentation:

Financial Management for Erasmus+ Programs Considering the Local Context

6. Webinar on the school sector

The projects created within the framework of the cooperative partnership aim to improve the quality and relevance of organizational activities by promoting transnational cooperation and expanding partnership networks. These projects contribute to the development of innovative practices, cooperation, learning and sharing of experiences across Europe. 

At a webinar dedicated to sharing practical experience in the school education sector, a representative of Tbilisi Public School No. 23 discussed the school's first Erasmus+ project – From D'Artagnan to Napoleon: Dumas's Europe Step by Step, which was implemented within the framework of the Erasmus+ program in the school sector. The project was coordinated by DEPARTEMENT DU GERS (France). The project partners were:

  • European Association Route d'Artagnan (France)
  • Saint-Exupéry College of Condom (France)
  • EUROCULTURE EN PAYS GENTIANE (France)
  • Gymnazium Brno, Slovanske namesti, prispevkova organization (Czech Republic)
  • IMAJ' (France)
  • Istituto comprensivo 2 'A. di Cambio' – Colle di Val d'Elsa (Italy)
  • South Moravian Region (Czech Republic)
  • Tbilisi Public School No. 23 (Georgia)
  • CANOPE NETWORK (France) 

The project, with a total budget of 400 euros, aimed to promote international student mobility and the sharing of educational practices between partner schools. The project has proven to be transformative for students and staff. The presentation highlighted key challenges and successes, including communication with coordinators and partners, and the selection process for students and staff.

Challenges:

The speakers recommended that organizations, especially new participants, should be flexible and open to change when implementing a project. This is based on the understanding that such initiatives are a continuous learning process. The speakers stressed the importance of having an experienced coordinator who can support less experienced partners in overcoming difficulties such as communication, student and staff selection, and project management. Key recommendations included ensuring proactive communication and sharing responsibilities between partners. These practices are essential for ensuring the sustainability and long-term impact of school-based educational partnerships.

Presentation: Practical experience sharing – From D'Artagnan to Napoleon, Dumas's Europe Step by Step