ACCREDITATION
Accredited Erasmus+ Institution 2021–2027
At City of Dublin FET College, Ballyfermot Road, Southwest Campus, we are proud to be an accredited Erasmus+ institution for the 2021–2027 programme cycle. This recognition by the European Commission acknowledges our commitment to delivering high-quality learning mobility opportunities that transform the lives of our students and staff while strengthening the future of vocational education and training (VET).
Our Erasmus+ Accreditation opens the door to a vibrant European network where learners, educators, and institutions collaborate to grow intercultural understanding, build modern skills, and shape more inclusive societies. We see Erasmus+ not just as a mobility programme—but as a transformative platform for developing the transversal skills essential in today’s complex, interconnected world.
OUR VISION
A Strategic Vision for a European Future
Our Erasmus+ Accreditation is built on five strategic objectives that reflect the college’s broader goals of inclusion, innovation, and lifelong learning. Through these objectives, we aim to embed internationalisation into the heart of every programme, every classroom, and every learner journey.
oBJECTIVE 1
Building a European Network of Learning
The college has established a dynamic and diverse network of European partners across six countries, including institutions in Finland, Malta, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany. These partnerships facilitate immersive mobility experiences for both learners and staff in areas such as:
- Animation and Games Design
- Art, Craft & Design
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Radio and Media Production
- Illustration and Visual Arts
Through these collaborations, learners engage in structured work placements abroad—gaining not only vocational skills, but also an authentic opportunity to develop transversal skills such as:
- Adaptability – managing unfamiliar environments, work cultures, and day-to-day living abroad
- Communication – working in multilingual, multicultural teams and navigating workplace interactions
- Problem-solving – addressing unexpected challenges, travel logistics, or professional tasks
- Self-confidence – developing independence and initiative through real-world experience
- Empathy – building mutual understanding through intercultural exchange and collaboration
Each mobility placement becomes a real world classroom for these learner-centred competencies.
oBJECTIVE 2
Investing in People: Staff Development on a Global Stage
Our staff are our greatest resource. Erasmus+ provides them with the opportunity to step outside their own institutions, observe best practice, and return inspired. Through teaching assignments, job shadowing, and professional development courses abroad, college teachers acquire new strategies for embedding transversal skills into their teaching. This strengthens:
- Their own emotional intelligence, adaptability, and leadership skills
- Their ability to model resilience and cultural fluency for students
- Their capacity to incorporate reflective learning and critical thinking into class activities
Staff mobility ensures a ripple effect of Erasmus+ impact—benefiting not only those who travel, but the entire college community.
oBJECTIVE 3
Pioneering Digital Learning: A Centre for Technology-Enhanced Learning
In response to the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the college has established itself as a leader in Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL). This digital approach also fosters transversal competencies in new ways:
- Digital collaboration across borders
- Time management and self-direction in hybrid environments
- Digital literacy and responsibility in cross-cultural online communication
As we scale TEL across the college, we are empowering students with the skills to succeed in both digital and physical workplaces.
oBJECTIVE 4
Aligning with Industry and Future Skills
Our Erasmus+ activity is directly informed by engagement with industry leaders across Europe. Through visits to the StartNorth (Finland), eRacing SL (Finland), Digital Hub Alicante, and other creative and technical centres, we ensure that the competencies we develop are future-relevant and employer-valued. Transversal skills consistently emerge as a critical component of workplace success, particularly:
- Teamwork and interpersonal skills
- Creative thinking and initiative
- Emotional regulation and resilience in fast-paced or unfamiliar settings
Students also participate in WorldSkills competitions, where these competencies are as crucial as technical mastery. Erasmus+ helps position our learners not only as talented creatives, but as adaptable professionals ready for European and global markets.
oBJECTIVE 5
Designing a Curriculum for a Changing World
The college has a proven history of curriculum innovation, from pioneering Ireland’s first Animation programme to leading development in AR/VR and Creative Media. Erasmus+ enriches our programme design by incorporating European insights, trends, and learner needs.
Our courses are aligned with a future skills agenda that centres transversal competencies as foundational. Each course now integrates:
- Reflective learning activities
- Project-based teamwork
- Personal and professional development modules
Through this, Erasmus+ doesn’t just influence who we send abroad—it shapes how we teach at home.
Transversal Skills
The Transformative Power of Transversal Skills
Transversal skills—sometimes called soft skills, core skills, or life skills—are the competencies that travel across careers, cultures, and challenges. Unlike technical skills, they are not tied to a specific role, but define how we work, learn, and interact.
Intrapersonal Skills
Self-awareness understanding one’s values, triggers, and goals
Self-confidence believing in one’s ability to act and adapt
Adaptability adjusting calmly to new situations and expectations
Creativity generating solutions and expressing new ideas
Interpersonal Skills
Communication articulating clearly, listening actively, and engaging respectfully
Collaboration working productively in diverse teams
Empathy appreciating others’ perspectives and cultures
Active Citizenship contributing meaningfully in local and global communities
These skills are essential for personal fulfilment, career success, and social responsibility. According to the Léargas Impact Study, over 90% of participants report gaining confidence, independence, and better communication from Erasmus+ placements.
evaluation
Continuous Evaluation and Evidence of Impact
Our Erasmus+ activity is underpinned by robust evaluation. We continuously assess:
- Learner progression and reflection
- Staff development outcomes
- Feedback from host partners and students
- Long-term career and education pathways
This ensures that every mobility is meaningful—and that the transversal skills gained are made visible, valued, and transferable to future opportunities.
our goals
Looking Forward to 2027 and Beyond
Our ambition is clear: to ensure that as many college students have the opportunity to participate in Erasmus+ mobility and to gain the transversal skills essential for life and work.
Whether through short-term, long-term, or digital exchange, we are committed to ensuring all learners—regardless of background—benefit from the life-changing impact of international learning.
Testimonials
Our Erasmus+ Accreditation opens minds and enriches lives so apply today
BenBefore Erasmus+, I had never been outside Ireland. Living and working in Helsinki opened my eyes to new cultures, new creative ideas—and helped me build friendships that I’ll carry with me for life.
Animation Student, 2025
(Helsinki, Finland)
Being part of an Erasmus+ project in Germany helped me grow more than I expected. From navigating public transport to presenting a group project in a new environment, it pushed me to be independent and digitally confident in real-world situations.KarlContemporary Music Performance Student, 2025
(Hammelburg, Germany)
OliviaMy Erasmus+ placement producing and presenting in a radio station in Spain gave me real insight into how creative teams work internationally. I came back with a new perspective, stronger collaboration skills, and the belief that I could work anywhere.
Radio, Presenting, Podcasting Student, 2025
(Alicante, Spain)
PauloEverything I learned on my Erasmus+ placement connected back to what we studied in class—but this time, it was real. I didn’t just learn new skills; I learned how to handle change, solve problems, and work with people from all walks of life.
Visual Effects Student, 2025
(Melieha, Malta)
Erasmus+ doesn’t just take you abroad. It brings out the best in you.SarahArt, Mixed Media and Design Student, 2025
(Porto, Portugal)
One of the biggest takeaways for me was how important it is to step outside your comfort zone. Ireland is a brilliant place to grow up and study, but it’s easy to forget how small our bubble can be. When you get out into the wider world, your perspective shiftsEvaPhotography and Content Creation Student, 2025
(Helsinki, Finland)
For further guidance and assistance, please make contact via the email addresses above or complete feedback form below, and the team will be in contact.
