If your organisation works in Adult Education, Erasmus+ can support not only staff mobility, training courses and job-shadowing visits, but also mobility opportunities for the learners themselves. Actually, Erasmus+ values higher projects that also involve learner mobilities.
However, learner mobilities are still a less known part of Erasmus+ KA1 mobility and many Erasmus+ coordinators are not fully sure how it works in practice. One of the most common questions is the difference between group mobility of adult learners and individual learning mobility of adult learners.
At first, the names can be confusing. Many people assume that “group mobility” simply means that several learners travel together, while “individual mobility” means that only one learner travels alone.
But according to the Erasmus+ Programme Guide, the difference is not based on travel or accommodation arrangements. It is based on the type of learning programme.
This article explains the main difference between both formats, how organisational support works and what kind of activities adult learners can do during an Erasmus+ mobility abroad.
What is Erasmus+ mobility for adult learners?
Erasmus+ mobility for adult learners allows participants from adult education organisations to spend a period abroad and take part in learning activities in another European country.
These mobilities are part of KA1 learning mobility activities in the Adult Education sector. They can support adult learners in developing key competences, confidence, intercultural awareness, digital skills, social participation and motivation to continue learning.
Adult learners can include many different profiles, depending on the sending organisation and its Adult Education activities. For example, they may include seniors, migrants, unemployed adults, parents, NEETS, adults with disabilities, participants with fewer opportunities or community members involved in adult learning programmes.
Who can participate in adult learner mobility?
Adult learner mobility is for learners involved in Adult Education activities through an eligible sending organisation.
The exact profile of participants depends on the project, the sending organisation and the learning objectives. In many cases, organisations use this opportunity to involve learners who may not usually have access to international experiences.
This can be especially meaningful for learners with fewer opportunities, people with lower confidence, adults who have had limited access to formal education, or participants who benefit from practical and experiential learning.
An important thing to take into account is that the sending organization needs to proof the relationship between the learner and the organization.
What is group mobility of adult learners?
Group mobility of adult learners allows a group of adult learners from the sending organisation to spend time in another country and benefit from innovative learning activities organised through cooperation between the sending and hosting organisations.
According to the Erasmus+ Guide, these activities may include different formal, informal and non-formal learning methods, such as peer learning, work-based learning, volunteering and existing resources.
The content of group mobility activities should focus on key competences of adult learners or on Erasmus+ priorities such as inclusion and diversity, digital transformation, environmental sustainability and participation.
It is usually more suitable for lighter, collective learning experiences that use existing resources, local activities, volunteering opportunities, community experiences, cultural learning or informal learning opportunities.
What is individual learning mobility of adult learners?
Individual learning mobility of adult learners allows adult learners to spend a period abroad at a hosting organisation to improve their knowledge and skills.
In this case, an individual learning programme must be defined for each participant.
The learning programme can include a combination of formal, informal and non-formal learning methods. This format is usually more suitable when the mobility requires a more specific programme designed around the needs, profile and learning objectives of the participants.
Despite the name “individual mobility”, several learners can travel and stay together at the same time. The key point is that each participant has an individual learning programme or that the activity requires a more specific investment from the sending and receiving organisations.
This is one of the most common misunderstandings.
Individual mobility does not necessarily mean that only one person travels alone. It means that the learning programme is more individually defined.
What is the difference between group and individual mobility of adult learners?
The main difference is not whether learners travel alone or in a group.
The Erasmus+ Guide clearly explains that the difference between group and individual activity formats is not based on travel and accommodation arrangements, but on the requirements for collective or individual learning programmes.
In practice, this means:
Group mobility of adult learners (organizational support of 125 EUR/person) is more suitable for informal learning, volunteering, peer learning and the use of existing resources or local opportunities.
Individual mobility of adult learners (organizational support of 350 EUR/person)is more suitable when the programme is specifically designed for the participants and their learning objectives, even if several learners travel together.
Extracts from the Erasmus+ Guide:
“Group mobility of adult learners:
A group of adult learners from the sending organisation can spend time in another country to benefit from innovative learning organised through cooperation between the sending and hosting organisations (purchase of commercially available training services is not supported). Activities may include a combination of various formal, informal and non-formal learning methods and techniques, such as peer learning, workbased learning, volunteering, and other innovative approaches. Qualified trainers from the sending organisation must accompany the learners for the entire duration of the activity and take part in the implementation of the learning programme. The content of group mobility activities should focus on key competences of adult learners or the inclusion and diversity, digital, environmental sustainability and participatory dimensions of the programme.
Short-term learning mobility of adult learners: adult learners can spend a period abroad at a hosting organisation to improve their knowledge and skills. An individual learning programme must be defined for each participant. The learning programme may include a combination of various formal, informal and non-formal learning methods.
Please note that the difference between group and individual activity formats is not based on travelling and accommodation arrangements, but rather on requirements for collective or individual learning programmes, as described below under ‘Documentation of learning outcomes’. Accordingly, a different level of organisational support is provided for group and individual activities, as defined in the funding rules presented at the end of this chapter. The group mobility format is recommended for simple activities that make use of existing resources and content, while individual formats are better suited for activities that require specific investment from the sending and receiving organisations (including in cases where several participants will be travelling and staying together). “
So, if you want to send more than one adult learner abroad, you do not automatically need to choose group mobility. You can still use the individual mobility format to send a group of learners if the programme is specifically designed for your learners and their learning objectives.
Can several adult learners travel together under individual mobility?
Yes.
This is a key point.
Several adult learners can travel and stay together even when the activity is organised as individual learning mobility.
The important distinction is not the travel arrangement. The important distinction is the learning programme.
If the mobility includes individual learning programmes or requires a specific programme designed for the participants, the individual mobility format may be more appropriate.
This is why the Erasmus+ Guide explains that individual formats are better suited for activities that require specific investment from the sending and receiving organisations, including cases where several participants travel and stay together.
What is the organisational support for group mobility and individual mobility?
The level of organisational support is different for each format.
For group mobility of adult learners, the organisational support is 125 EUR per participant.
For individual learning mobility of adult learners, the organisational support is 350 EUR per participant.
This difference reflects the different level of preparation and support expected from the organisations involved.
Group mobility is recommended for simpler activities that use existing resources and content.
Individual mobility is better suited for activities that require a more specific programme, more preparation and more adaptation to the participants’ learning objectives.
This can be particularly relevant when participants have limited language skills or require additional support during the mobility. The higher organisational support budget can make it easier for the sending and hosting organisations to prepare a more personalised programme and provide qualified staff to facilitate the learning process throughout the mobility.
When should you choose group mobility of adult learners?
Group mobility may be suitable when the programme is relatively simple, collective and based on existing learning opportunities.
For example, it may be a good option when adult learners take part in:
- local community activities
- reciprocal exchanges
- volunteering experiences
- Observing existing activities for local participants
- informal learning opportunities etc.
This format can work well if your learners speak the local language of the host organization so they do not need extra support with translation or designing activities specifically for them.
When should you choose individual mobility of adult learners?
Individual mobility may be more suitable when the programme needs to be more specifically designed around the participants.
For example, it may be more appropriate when adult learners need:
- specific learning objectives
- personalised preparation
- adapted learning activities
- a more structured programme
- individual learning outcomes
- more support from the hosting organisation
- a programme designed for their profile, needs and background
This format can also be used when several learners travel together, as long as the programme is designed around their individual learning objectives.
In practice, this can be relevant for organisations working with learners with fewer opportunities, learners with language barriers, with specific support needs or groups that need a carefully adapted learning programme and closer guidance from qualified staff. The higher level of organisational support can help both the sending and hosting organisations provide this additional support.
What kind of activities can adult learners do during an Erasmus+ mobility?
Adult learner mobility activities can be very diverse.
Depending on the format, the programme can include formal, non-formal and informal learning methods.
Examples of possible activities include:
- group cohesion activities
- intercultural learning
- outdoor education
- digital and game-based learning
- local heritage discovery
- non-verbal communication activities
- volunteering
- peer learning
- community-based learning
- reflection activities
- practical workshops
- activities connected with inclusion, sustainability or participation
The most important point is that activities should be meaningful for the learners and connected to the objectives of the Erasmus+ project.
Can adult learner mobility support learners with fewer opportunities?
Yes.
Adult learner mobility can be a valuable opportunity for learners who may not usually have access to international experiences.
For some participants, travelling abroad for learning can support confidence, motivation, social participation and a stronger sense of belonging. It can also help learners discover new environments, meet people from other cultures and reflect on their own learning path.
This is why adult learner mobility can be especially relevant for organisations working with disadvantaged learners, seniors, migrants, adults with disabilities, parents, unemployed adults or community groups.
In this case, you should choose an Individual mobility, as the programme should be adapted to the learners’ profile, language level, confidence, mobility needs and learning background.
How can adult learner mobility connect with Erasmus+ priorities?
The Erasmus+ Guide mentions that the content of group mobility activities should focus on key competences of adult learners or on the inclusion and diversity, digital, environmental sustainability and participatory dimensions of the programme.
This means that adult learner mobility can be strongly connected with Erasmus+ priorities.
For example:
A mobility focused on inclusion and diversity may help learners build confidence, participate in group activities and experience intercultural exchange.
A mobility focused on digital transformation may include simple digital tools, self-paced learning activities or digital treasure hunts.
A mobility focused on environmental sustainability may include outdoor education, observation of local environments and reflection on sustainable lifestyles.
A mobility focused on participation may include community-based learning, volunteering or activities connected with active citizenship.
Can learner mobility and staff mobility happen in the same week?
In some cases, yes. The Erasmus+ Guide does not mention it is not possible.
Many organisations face practical challenges when organising different types of Erasmus+ mobilities at different times. This can be especially true when learners with fewer opportunities are involved and need support from staff.
For this reason, some organisations plan learner mobility and staff mobility during the same period.
For example, adult learners may take part in a learner mobility programme while staff participate in job shadowing or training activities.
The key point is that each activity must respect the rules and objectives of its mobility format.
What should sending organisations prepare before an adult learner mobility?
Before organising an adult learner mobility, sending organisations should clarify:
- the profile of the learners
- their learning needs
- the mobility format
- the learning objectives
- the level of support required
- accessibility needs
- language level
- preparation before departure
- learning outcomes and documentation
- the role of accompanying staff or trainers
This preparation is especially important when working with learners with fewer opportunities or groups that may need additional support.
Can Tenerife Courses host Erasmus+ adult learner mobilities?
Yes, Tenerife Courses can host Erasmus+ adult learner mobilities and job-shadowing activities within the Adult Education sector.
As a non-profit organisation working with adult education, non-formal learning, outdoor education, inclusion and intercultural learning, we can cooperate with sending organisations to design meaningful learning experiences for adult learners in Tenerife.
The programme can include activities such as outdoor learning, local heritage discovery, non-verbal methods, group cohesion activities, digital treasure hunts, intercultural learning and reflection.
The final programme depends on the type of mobility, the profile of the participants and the learning objectives of the sending organisation.
For School Education and VET, the hosting organisation should normally be a school or, in the case of internships, a company.
Example: adult learner mobility in Tenerife
An example of a 5-day Erasmus+ adult learner mobility in Tenerife could include:
Day 1 – Welcome and group building
Participants get to know each other, explore expectations and take part in simple group cohesion activities.
Day 2 – Outdoor learning and local environment
Participants take part in adapted outdoor activities, observation tasks and reflection on how places can become learning spaces.
Day 3 – Treasure hunt in San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Participants discover local culture and heritage in a UNESCO World Heritage city through a self-paced activity with clues and observation tasks.
Day 4 – Digital outdoor game in Bajamar
Participants experience a self-paced digital outdoor activity, either individually or in small teams, connected with local discovery and problem-solving.
Day 5 – Non-verbal methods and reflection
Participants explore non-verbal techniques to support group cohesion, reduce language barriers and reflect on their learning experience.
This is only an example. The programme can be adapted depending on the group profile, accessibility needs, language level and Erasmus+ mobility format. You can read more here.
Final thoughts
Erasmus+ mobility for adult learners is still less known than staff mobility, but it can be a powerful opportunity for Adult Education organisations.
The most important point is to choose the right format.
If the activity is collective, lighter and based on existing resources or your learners speak the local language, then group mobility of adult learners may be suitable.
If the programme needs to be specifically designed around the learning objectives of the participants, individual learning mobility of adult learners may be more appropriate, even when several learners travel together.
For organisations working with adult learners, this distinction can make Erasmus+ mobility planning clearer and more strategic.
Interested in organising an adult learner mobility in Tenerife?
If your organisation works in Adult Education and you are exploring Erasmus+ mobility opportunities for your learners, you can contact us and tell us more about your group, learning objectives and preferred dates.
We will help you explore what kind of programme could fit your learners and the Erasmus+ mobility format you are planning.
Pre-register to our course!