Partnership Finding
Good partnership is the key to a successful European project. While National Agencies don’t to look for and connect with partners that are right for you!
Where to Start
Think about the themes of your project. What kind of partner can best help you achieve your project goals? What experience or expertise do they need? Are there specific countries or regions you should connect with? Put together a short ‘wish list’ to focus your search.
EPALE
If you work in Adult Education or Vocational Education and Training, you can look for or request partners on EPALE Partner Search.
School Education Gateway
Schools and School Education organisations can look for or request partners on the School Education Gateway ‘Opportunities’ section. Schools can also register on eTwinning to link with schools interested in the same areas.
SALTO Otlas
Youth organisations can look for or request partners on OTLAS, a partner-finding tool operated by the SALTO-YOUTH network.
eTwinning
eTwinning offers a platform for staff (teachers, head teachers, librarians, and others) working in schools to communicate, collaborate, and develop projects.
Search Informal Partner-finding Networks
There are many informal and unofficial networks dedicated to connecting partners, often on Facebook or LinkedIn. Those below have been running for several years. However, neither Léargas nor the European Commission are involved in running these sites, and are not responsible for the content.
Erasmus+ Partner Finding (Facebook)
Search Participating Organisations
Organisations that have already taken part in European projects may be interested in partnering with you.
The Erasmus+ Project Results Platform shows all current and completed Erasmus+ projects, and the partners involved. You can browse the platform by country or by keyword, or a combination of both.
You can also search Programme Results for projects led by Irish organisations since 2021.
The Value of Partnership: Vicki's Story
Use Your Networks
Have other organisations in your sector been involved in international projects? Could they put you in touch with their partners, or recommend someone?
Social media is a good place to ask for recommendations. Many project partners have first connected through sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
National Agencies across Europe organise funded international meetings called Transnational Cooperation Activities, or TCAs. They encourage collaboration and sharing of good practice in Erasmus+. Some events, called Contact Seminars, are designed for finding partners and developing project ideas. Visit Training and Events to look for upcoming opportunities.
If you are outside Ireland, contact the National Agency in your country to find out about TCAs you can apply for.
Build the Relationship!
Once you’ve made a connection, take the time to build a solid relationship with your partner. You might ask what projects they have been involved in before, and what they learned from them. What are their aims and objectives for a new project? What are their preferred ways to communicate?
Download our handbook Mythbusting: European Project Management in Transnational Partnership Projects for guidance on building a strong partnership.
Upcoming Events
Spanish Speaking eTwinning Seminar in Spain
The aim of this eTwinning seminar is to connect Spanish speaking language teachers around Europe to create projects, share good practices, useful resources and materials.
“All Aboard” European Year of Youth Event on a real-life train
Young people aged 16-20 are invited to join us on a train from Dublin to Ballinasloe to learn all about European opportunities! Takes place 30 September!
Supporting home languages and the languages of schooling with Erasmus+
“Supporting home languages and the languages of schooling with Erasmus+” is a thematic seminar that will address such issues as literacy development, overall student wellbeing and motivation to engage in the learning process.
Connecting with Schools Across Europe: eTwinning and Erasmus+ Contact Making Seminar
If you are new to Erasmus + school programmes, looking for partners or are curious about how to work with other European schools, this contact making seminar is for you.
Principles & Practices of Youth Work
This is a training course for people working with young people to improve their skills and competencies when working with this target group.
Strategic Engagement in European Programmes
This workshop looks at how international youth work can compliment/ enhance the regular work of youth organisations work with young people.