Soft Skills for Success

Which human skills help educators communicate, cooperate and respond confidently to professional challenges?

This practical Erasmus+ course develops communication, leadership, teamwork, creativity, adaptability and problem-solving through experiential activities.

Activity Type: Physical Mobility

Duration: 1-week course for professionals from all Erasmus+ eligible countries

Target Group: Teachers, adult educators, academic staff, trainers, and other education professionals from all educational levels

Course Language: English

Available Dates and Locations: View confirmed course sessions


Building the Human Skills Needed for Learning, Work and Life

In today's rapidly changing job market and interconnected world, it's not just hard skills that matter; soft skills have become indispensable for personal and professional success. This course is designed to help educators and individuals develop a deep understanding of soft skills and apply them effectively in both the classroom and everyday life.

This course offers a holistic approach to soft skill development, empowering participants with the knowledge and tools to excel in their careers and lead fulfilling lives. Whether you're an educator looking to enhance your teaching skills or an individual aiming for personal growth and success, this course will equip you with the essential soft skills needed to thrive in today's competitive world.


Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will:

  • Improve and facilitate communication and active listening
  • Reflect upon motivation and how to foster it
  • Gain insight into the principles of leadership and collaboration
  • Boost creativity and problem-solving skills
  • Focus on emotional awareness to improve public speaking, organization, and time management
  • Exchange practices with international colleagues
Erasmus+ training for teachers in Amsterdam

Schedule

Day 1 – Course Introduction & Setting Goals

Course Introduction:

  • Overview of the course, the school, and the week's activities
  • Icebreaking activities
  • Understanding the importance of soft skills in education and the workplace
  • Identifying your personal and professional strengths
  • Self-assessment: current soft skills and areas for growth

Setting Goals:

  • Identifying needs and goals for each participant and relevant populations
  • Group discussions and activities
  • Participant school presentations

Day 2 – Communication and Collaboration

  • Building effective communication skills
  • Verbal and non-verbal communication techniques
  • Active listening: exercises and roleplays
  • Giving and receiving constructive feedback
  • Teamwork and collaboration activities
  • Workshop: improving presentation and storytelling skills
  • Group activity: designing communication strategies for diverse classrooms

Day 3 – Leadership, Motivation, and Critical Thinking

  • Understanding leadership styles and principles
  • Developing self-assurance and confidence
  • Motivating yourself and others—intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation
  • Decision-making and critical thinking strategies
  • Reflection: personal leadership action plan

Day 4 – Creativity, Teamwork, and Problem-Solving

  • Exploring creativity as a teachable skill
  • Brainstorming and creative thinking exercises
  • Managing group dynamics and conflict resolution
  • Workshop: Collaborative problem-solving simulations
  • Activity: creative lesson or project design
  • Group reflection: How creativity enhances student engagement
  • Preparing for personal and professional innovation

Day 5 – Personal Effectiveness, Adaptability, and Professional Growth

  • Building confidence in decision-making and taking initiative
  • Applying soft skills in real-life professional situations
  • Presentation of participant ideas and feedback
  • Networking session: Sharing experiences and best practices among participants
  • Course evaluation, competency roundup, and feedback discussion

Day 6 – Course Closure & Cultural Activities

  • Reflection
  • Awarding of Certificates of Attendance
  • Excursion and other cultural activities

Evaluation of Learning Outcomes

Evaluation format:
Continuous assessment on class participation and self-assessment.
Evaluation criteria:
Participation in class debates, reflection and games.

Evaluation procedures:
Attendance, class participation.

Recognition of learning outcomes

Recognition conditions:
Attendance at a minimum of 80% of the course and active class participation.
Recognition procedures:
Learning outcomes are recognised through participant reflection, trainer feedback and completion of the course activities.
Recognition documentation:
Certificate of Attendance documenting the course title, dates, venue and learning outcomes.

Methodology & Learning Approach

The course uses a practical, learner-centred methodology combining hands-on workshops, real-world examples, simulations, guided reflection and collaborative activities. Participants exchange good practices, work in international groups and develop ideas that can be adapted to their own professional context.

Optional cultural, social and networking activities support local engagement, intercultural learning and professional collaboration.


Practical Details

Duration: 1 week or 25 academic hours
Schedule: Classes are from Monday to Friday in the morning or in the afternoon. The final timetable will be sent at least two weeks before the start of the class. Saturday is reserved for Cultural Activities.
Sundays are for arrival and departure.
Note: other durations and schedules can be arranged on demand.
Certification: Participants who meet the attendance requirements receive a Certificate of Attendance documenting the course title, dates, venue and learning outcomes.
Preparation: No special preparation is required unless stated in the course programme. Participants may be invited to introduce their organisation and share examples from their professional context. Any required materials or equipment will be communicated before the course.
Erasmus+ funding: Course fees and mobility costs may be supported through an eligible sending organisation's Erasmus+ grant. Eligibility and final funding are determined by the beneficiary organisation and its National Agency. Read our Erasmus+ KA1 funding guide .
Support: Understanding Academy provides course programmes, learning outcomes, registration documentation and certificates for mobility administration. Participants and sending organisations remain responsible for transport, accommodation and grant management.
Fee: €480 See what the course fee includes

Plan your Erasmus+ mobility

Ready to join this course?

Check the upcoming confirmed dates or register your interest. We will contact you with availability and the next steps.

Need funding information? Read our Erasmus+ KA1 funding guide.