Learning, sharing and growing as a teacher across borders

Professional growth through European collaboration

My Erasmus+ journey began 10 years ago, almost by chance, and it changed the way I see education. A colleague approached me with a simple idea: ‘Why don’t we apply for Erasmus+ funding?’ That question led us to our first project, ‘Little Sociopreneurs’, and opened a door I never closed.

Around the same time, I attended an eTwinning seminar in Poland, an experience that marked the beginning of my eTwinning journey and my deeper connection with European collaboration.

From that moment on, Erasmus+ has played a key role in my professional development. My role grew beyond coordination. I was involved in writing the project application and shaping its vision. As an Erasmus+ coordinator, I worked closely with the head teacher and colleagues, planning, guiding and monitoring every step of the project. Our meetings were moments of reflection, shared responsibility and collective growth.

How international mobility makes a difference in schools

I took part in Erasmus+ international mobilities that brought me face to face with different educational realities across Europe. Each visit gave me something new: a method, an idea, a belief that things can be done differently and better. I returned to my school with knowledge, energy and inspiration to improve my classroom practice.

Erasmus+ transformed the way I teach. It encouraged me to move away from traditional approaches and embrace more collaborative, creative and pupil-centred learning. My classroom became a place of dialogue, experimentation and discovery.

But the impact went beyond teaching methods. Erasmus+ strengthened my confidence, improved my communication skills and broadened my understanding of cultures and educational systems. Most importantly, it reminded me that education has no borders.

Our school also grew through these experiences. Erasmus+ strengthened our European identity and expanded our network of partners across Europe. These partnerships became lasting relationships built on trust, shared goals and mutual learning.

Pupils as young creators in European projects

One of the most meaningful moments in this journey was the success of the Erasmus+ project Little Sociopreneurs. The project won the Platinum Cyprus Education Leaders Award in Student Entrepreneurship and was also the 2021 National Winner of the European Enterprise Promotion Awards in the category ‘Investing in Entrepreneurial Skills’. These awards confirmed that when pupils are given space to think, create and collaborate, they can achieve far more than we imagine.

The project brought pupils and teachers into a new learning experience. We stepped outside the classroom and into museums and cultural institutions. Our pupils explored, questioned and researched while walking through exhibition halls and museum shops. They then designed new products and services and presented their ideas directly to professionals. For the first time, I saw my pupils not just as learners, but as young creators with a voice that mattered.

Taking part in EU projects: challenges, growth and lifelong learning

Working on European projects is a journey that comes with challenges. Managing Erasmus+ projects requires constant coordination, attention to detail and flexibility. Balancing timelines, documentation, evaluations and mobilities is demanding. New digital platforms like the European School Education Platform and the Beneficiary Module require time and adaptation. Yet with careful planning, teamwork and the support of our National Agency of Cyprus – the Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning Programmes – we always found our way forward.

As an eTwinning ambassador, I support colleagues in discovering the platform that has become our digital home. In the Little Sociopreneurs project, I organised our project’s TwinSpace, trained teachers and helped build a space where communication and collaboration could continue beyond physical borders. It has become a bridge connecting classrooms, cultures and people.

From Erasmus+ mobility to long-term collaboration through eTwinning

Over time, I realised that Erasmus+ and eTwinning are deeply connected. Erasmus+ gives us the opportunity to move, meet and experience Europe in person. eTwinning keeps that experience alive by providing a space where project ideas can grow and partnerships can continue. Through eTwinning, pupils and teachers collaborate before, during and after mobilities. They share their work, reflect on their experiences and celebrate their achievements together.

Pupils at Anastasia’s school celebrating Erasmus Days and 20 years of eTwinning.

Looking back, I see more than projects, mobilities or awards. I see pupils discovering their potential, teachers growing together and schools building connections beyond their own communities.