From 1st to 8th March, Cleo Knight, a business and media teacher took part in an enriching Erasmus+ job shadowing experience at Helsinki Business College, where she gained valuable professional insight, developed new skills, and deepened her understanding of education in an international context.
Throughout the week, Cleo had the opportunity to observe a wide range of teaching approaches, student activities, and collaborative projects. Job shadowing provided her with a unique chance to learn by watching experienced educators and engaging with students and staff from across Europe. This helped her to build a stronger awareness of different educational systems, varied classroom practices, and the importance of adaptability in diverse learning environments.
A key strength of the experience was the development of Cleo’s communication and intercultural skills. Working alongside participants from different countries allowed her to exchange ideas, discuss educational practice, and reflect on how culture shapes learning and community life. These interactions strengthened her confidence in engaging with others in an international setting and broadened her perspective on education beyond Ireland.
Cleo also developed her observation and reflective skills, which are central to effective job shadowing. By seeing how activities were planned and delivered, she was able to consider new ways of supporting learners, encouraging participation, and connecting education to wider social values. The week’s theme, “Paying It Forward,” showed how learning can extend beyond the classroom and inspire social responsibility.
One of the most powerful parts of the mobility was a day spent volunteering at a food bank, where Cleo saw students and staff working together to support people experiencing homelessness and others in need. This experience highlighted the value of teamwork, empathy, organisation, and community engagement, while also demonstrating how education can encourage active citizenship and compassion.
As part of the programme, Cleo also explored Helsinki through a range of cultural activities, including examining the city’s street art and taking part in treasure hunts at key landmarks. These experiences further developed her cultural awareness, curiosity, and ability to learn through new environments.
Overall, Cleo’s Erasmus+ job shadowing visit to Helsinki Business College was a highly positive and rewarding experience. It enabled her to strengthen important personal and professional skills, including communication, observation, teamwork, adaptability, cultural awareness, and reflective practice. Most importantly, it gave her fresh ideas, new perspectives, and a greater appreciation of the value of international learning experiences.