Erasmus+ …….Our Journey so far.

Erasmus+ has become an integral part of the Transition Year (TY) experience at Goatstown ETSS. To date, every TY cohort has benefitted from Erasmus+ funding, opening doors to international travel, cultural exchange and unforgettable learning opportunities.

Transition Year 2024 Exchange #1 – Group Mobility and Long-Term Mobilities

Beginning with our Transition Year class of 2024, 25 students travelled to our partner school, IES Isidro y Carmona de Arcenegui in Marchena, Seville. This was a fully immersive experience, with all students staying with Spanish host families for one week.

During their visit, learners took part in a range of educational and cultural activities, broadening their horizons, improving their language skills, and developing a deeper understanding of the lives of their European peers.

The funding also enabled three learners – Caoilinn, John and Sebastian – to participate in a six-week exchange alongside three Spanish students. This took the immersive experience to another level, as they attended school, socialised with Spanish teenagers, and experienced Spanish food, family life and customs over an extended period.

We then welcomed two reciprocal visits. First, we hosted three learners from Marchena in our school and homes for six weeks during Term 2. This was followed by a group visit from 22 Spanish students who stayed for one week. We took the opportunity to showcase our school and country, bringing them to the Cliffs of Moher and Glendalough, as well as visiting Dublinia and taking part in the Viking Splash Tour, among other activities.

The project was a tremendous success and provided a very positive first experience of Erasmus+ for our school community.

Transition Year 2025 Exchange #2 – Group Mobility

Our Transition Year class of 2025 took part in another reciprocal exchange with our partners in Marchena. As with our first exchange, it proved to be a wonderful experience. Great memories were made and lasting friendships were forged.

Erasmus+ has provided a fantastic opportunity for our learners to connect with their European counterparts in a meaningful way. During the Spanish group's visit to Dublin, we placed a greater emphasis on time spent in our school. This included a GAA workshop organised by our teachers and a céilí led by Emma, giving our visitors a taste of Irish culture and traditions.

Transition Year 2026 – New Partners, Group Mobility and Long-Term Mobilities

Our TY class of 2026 also benefited from Erasmus+ funding, with 25 students participating in a group mobility and three students taking part in a six-week exchange. This time, we partnered with a new school, IES Sorts de la Mar in Dénia, Valencia.

On this occasion, we welcomed our Spanish partners first. Three students from Valencia arrived in September to attend school and live with host families in our community. They settled in exceptionally well, and our learners showed them great kindness and hospitality throughout their stay.

At the end of the six weeks, the larger Spanish group arrived. Despite the Irish weather, they embraced every opportunity: zip-lining in the rain, hiking in the sunshine, participating in a bodhrán workshop in a barn, and enjoying a céilí at Causey Farm. Strong friendships were formed, and the tears shed at farewell were a testament to the success of the experience.

In November, we visited the beautiful coastal town of Dénia and enjoyed a week of workshops and activities at IES Sorts de la Mar, alongside a variety of cultural excursions. Dara, Lola and Adam then remained in Dénia for six weeks until Christmas, attending classes just like their Spanish counterparts.

Through this truly immersive experience, they gained a genuine insight into life in Spain and learned a great deal about Spanish culture, food, music and sport. For many of our learners, it was one of the highlights of TY.

Year after year, we continue to be impressed by the bravery, independence and sense of adventure demonstrated by Goatstown students. We are always delighted to see the skills, confidence and knowledge they develop through these remarkable experiences.

What’s Next?

Following a series of highly successful exchanges, we decided to apply for Erasmus+ Accreditation this year. With only 25 accreditations awarded annually, we are extremely proud that our application was successful.

Erasmus+ Accreditation guarantees funding for a range of mobility opportunities. It broadens the scope of our programme and provides funding for staff to participate in job-shadowing experiences and professional development courses across Europe.

Our next TY cohort will begin the year by welcoming another group from Dénia into our school and homes. This year, five TY students will participate in a six-week long-term exchange, while two members of staff will undertake training courses abroad.

We are deeply grateful for the enriching experiences, skills and knowledge that Erasmus+ has brought to our school community. We look forward with excitement to the many opportunities it will continue to provide for our learners, staff and wider community in the years ahead.