European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML)
Take part in innovative language projects and workshops at the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) in Graz, Austria
What is the European Centre for Modern Languages?
The European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) is an institution of the Council of Europe based in Graz, Austria. Its mission is to encourage excellence and innovation in language teaching and to help Europeans learn languages more effectively.
How Can the ECML Benefit Me?
The ECML is committed to exploring and promoting new methods in language teaching and learning. It acts as a catalyst for reform in the teaching and learning of languages by:
- focusing on the practice of the learning and teaching of languages
- promoting dialogue and exchange among those active in the field
- training multipliers (people who share and promote ECML practices at local level)
- supporting programme-related networks and research projects.
In cooperation with leading European specialists in the field, the ECML initiates and coordinates four-year programmes that provide the framework for innovative projects and activities. These projects are embedded in ongoing policy developments and have addressed key challenges in language learning.
Previous programmes examined:
- Languages for social cohesion (2004-2007)
- Empowering language professionals (2008-2011)
- Learning through languages (2012-2015)
- Languages at the heart of learning (2016-2019)
- Inspiring innovation in language education: changing contexts, evolving competences (2020-2023)
The current theme is Language education at the heart of democracy (2024-2027).
ECML projects are practitioner-led, so they can address and respond to the real needs of a Europe which values language learning. The geographic diversity of participants brings fresh perspectives to meeting challenges in language teaching and learning.
I’m Interested! What Now?
If you work in the field of languages, then there is an opportunity for you to get involved with the ECML.
Language Education: Before each four-year cycle begins, the ECML issues a call for proposals from experienced professionals in language education for projects in their area of expertise.
Workshops: Other language professionals can get involved in selected projects by participating in workshops and sharing the results with others in their field. Ireland can nominate one participant per workshop. The ECML covers part of the costs (i.e. fees and travel) for participants at language workshops.
For updates on upcoming events please subscribe to the Léargas mailing list here.
ECML workshop “A toolkit for implementing integrated didactics in language education”
3-4 March 2026 | Graz, Austria
The ECML is pleased to announce that it will hold the workshop “A toolkit for implementing integrated didactics in language education” within the framework of the “Language education at the heart of democracy” medium-term programme.
The workshop will explore the principles of the integrated didactic approach to language education, as set out in the project, and how these principles can be applied in practice. This will include discussions about guidelines and techniques that encourage teachers to adopt teaching practices based on developing learners’ full linguistic repertoires.
Participants from Ireland will have their travel expenses paid by the ECML and will receive a lump sum allowance of €160 per activity day towards accommodation, subsistence expenses and local transport.
Please read the description, fill in the application form and return it to languages@leargas.ie by 2 January 2026.
ECML workshop “Fostering the plurilingual wellbeing of language teachers”
25-26 March 2026 | Graz, Austria
The ECML is pleased to announce that it will hold the workshop “Fostering the plurilingual wellbeing of language teachers” within the framework of “Language education at the heart of democracy”.
The aims of the workshop are to:
- understand how teacher plurilingual wellbeing can support plurilingual education
- pilot and give feedback on the plurilingual wellbeing toolkit;
- share feedback from teachers who have participated in reflective activities and have designed and used the plurilingual wellbeing toolkit in different contexts;
- investigate the potential of the project outputs with different stakeholders in their own sociolinguistic contexts and discuss future developments;
- learn how the project outputs can be best showcased on the final website.
Participants from Ireland will have their travel expenses paid by the ECML and will receive a lump sum allowance of €160 per activity day towards accommodation, subsistence expenses and local transport.
Please read the description, fill in the application form and return it to languages@leargas.ie by 20 January 2026.
European Centre for Modern Languages CLIL Training Session
Get a taster of a recent ECML session on 'CLIL and Beyond: Pluriliteracies for Deeper Learning'
Play video about European Centre for Modern Languages CLIL Training Session
Upcoming Languages Opportunities
ECML workshop “Fostering the plurilingual wellbeing of language teachers”
The ECML is pleased to announce that it will hold the workshop “Fostering the plurilingual wellbeing of language teachers”.
ECML workshop “A toolkit for implementing integrated didactics in language education”
The ECML is pleased to announce the workshop “A toolkit for implementing integrated didactics in language education”.
Learn More
Find out more about European Language Initiatives.
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