Exchange of Information and Experience

The collection, analysis and exchange of information on education policies and systems in the participating countries are essential tools in encouraging and developing cooperation in this area and in improving the quality of education throughout Europe.

Various measures in this connection are envisaged under Socrates.  While some of them relate more to the written analysis of policy issues, trends and developments in education, others relate to conferences, exchanges and visits involving major target groups in order to secure the transnational sharing of opinions, information and experience on the subjects raised.

	ACTION 1 - Questions of Common Education Policy Interest
	ACTION 2 - European Information Network on Education in Europe (Eurydice)
	ACTION 3 - Study Visits for decision-makers in education (ARION)
	ACTION 4 - Network of National Academic Recognition of Information Centres (NARIC)

ACTION 1 - Questions of Common Education Policy Interest

Action 1 encourages the exchange of information and experience on key issues in education policies, particularly through studies and scientific analyses, and the implementation of operational activities (conferences, seminars, exchanges of experts, study visits, pilot projects.
It targets all establishments, study and research networks in education, particularly those specialised in analysing education systems and policies.

ACTION 2 - European Information Network on Education in Europe (Eurydice)

Eurydice is made up of national units organised by the Member States. These units are coordinated by the European Union established in Brussels by the European Commission.

The Eurydice network has a threefold aim:

	To encourage exchange of information and experience among policy makers.
	To produce comparative analyses and indicators on themes of Community Interest
	To provide information for everyone involved in education in Europe.

ACTION 3 - Study Visists for decision-makers in education (ARION)

• What are the objectives of Arion?

• What is an Arion Study Visit?

• Who can participate?

• What financial support is available?

• How to apply to go on an Arion Study Visit?

• Application form

• Contact Point

Arion is a European Community action of study visits for education specialists and decision makers. The purpose of Arion visits is to facilitate the exchange of information and experience between ‘decision makers’ and educational specialist in areas of common interest to participating countries, especially in the fields of primary or general, technical and vocational secondary education. The target group for this action are people who according to their professional duties and profiles are qualified to report on their findings to policy makers, to implement their new knowledge into their professional environment and to act as multipliers.

The persons eligible for participation in the visits comprise educational staff with functions in management, assessment, training or counselling. The following categories of personnel are particularly targeted:

heads of school and other education institutions;

deputy and assistant heads of education institutions;

inspectors;

educational advisors;

administrative personnel at local, regional and national level (including ministries and government department);

teacher trainer;

education officers.

The grant awarded will be so calculated as to help cover:

travel costs to and from the country where the visit is organised;

subsistence costs; and

preparation costs (including language preparation).

It is intended that the resources allocated to this Action reach as many individuals as possible. For this reason, a grant will not be awarded to the same person in two consecutive years.

Potential participants should choose visits from the Arion Catalogue. Different visits are available each year and advertised in this catalogue. This catalogue is available here

The participants must fill in an application form which can be downloaded from our web site. This form should be completed and returned to our office.

The Selection Committee will select the successful candidates. However, the Europe wide matching process determines the final allocation of study visit places. All applicants will then be advised in writing of the final outcome.

ACTION 4 - Network of National Academic Recognition of Information Centres (NARIC)

Network of national centres having the task of informing establishments and citizens on higher education systems and qualifications, the ultimate aim being to facilitate recognition of these qualifications in other participating countries.