Hey there, Language Xchange Ireland community!
Has your Ministry or Dept. of Education introduced rules around 'Green Travel' & Erasmus funded projects, that are in contradiction with long term Erasmus policies and objectives?
We’ve got some important news and a bit of a chat about something that’s been on our minds lately- Erasmus inclusion. As you know, we’re Language Xchange Ireland, one of the leading Erasmus Plus partner companies here in the beautiful Emerald Isle. Our programmes are all about helping students and teachers gain international English language experience and build confidence speaking English, in a business environment. And let’s not forget, we make sure there’s plenty of fun and relaxation with social / cultural activities to practice conversational English too!
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter, the reason why we want to have this chat - the Erasmus+ and Green Travel. We absolutely love that Erasmus+ is pushing greener options. Taking care of our planet is at the forefront of everything we do at Language Xchange Ireland. We’re all for going green, LXI have held ISO4001 Environmental Management independent certification for the last 5 years. As you will see from our latest news articles, we too are showcasing how airlines that we work with, are focused on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability. Recently, we’ve also discussed the Airline VS rail dispute in a completely unbiased manner to provide all the necessary information to our community of students and teachers. Our environmental initiatives are carried out so that Island nations like Ireland can continue to be accessible and inclusive to programmes like Erasmus +.
However, we do have a concern and we feel it is important to use our voice.
Here’s the kicker – one of Erasmus+’s big goals is to ensure that no student or country within the EU is isolated due to their geographical factors. This objective was set out years ago and has been a cornerstone of the Erasmus+ mission. This mission has been part of the Erasmus+ programme since it kicked off way back in 2014. It grew from 2014 to 2020 and received a fresh update for the 2021-2027 cycle to keep everything moving smoothly.
So, surly you would think Erasmus inclusion is guaranteed, that no country or student gets isolated due to geographical reasons. Isn’t that fantastic? But, there’s a bit of a hiccup for us here in Ireland. As an island nation, we rely heavily on air travel. These new Green travel rules are making it a lot more difficult for students and teachers to choose Ireland as their top destination for learning and adventure. And that’s a real shame because we believe Ireland has so much to offer! We also strive for inclusion & inclusiveness.
So, doesn’t it feel a bit contradictory that the Green travel initiative, which aims to protect our environment and promote sustainable travel, is actually making it harder for people to travel to and from Ireland? This is especially puzzling when you consider that one of Erasmus+’s core objectives is to ensure no geographical factors lead to the isolation. It’s a bit of a catch-22, right? We’re all for going green, but we think there’s got to be a way to maintain Erasmus inclusion and balance this with keeping Ireland accessible and inclusive to everyone. In September 2024 - LXI also launched is 'Carbon Offset Refund Scheme' to all clients. Now - Carbon neutral = Carbon cost neutral.
We really want to keep the spirit of Erasmus+ alive and kicking here in Ireland. That means making sure that students and teachers from all over can come to Ireland, learn English, and soak up the unique cultural experience we offer here. We’re hopeful that the team at Erasmus+ will take another look at how these green policies are affecting travel to Ireland and find a solution that continues to foster their mission for inclusivity.
So, what do you think? We’d love to hear your thoughts on Erasmus inclusion! Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments on our social media platforms and work together to make sure Erasmus+ continues to be inclusive and accessible for everyone, no matter where they’re from.
LXI Disclaimer: Carbon Offset Program in Thomastown
Starting September 1, 2024, Language Xchange Ireland (LXI) will reimburse schools for the cost of their Airline Carbon Offset program. This initiative encourages clients to consider carbon-neutral travel and sustainability, while neutralizing the additional cost for schools. EU schools can benefit from this ‘Green Travel’ option within the Erasmus Plus Grant arrangement. To participate, schools book their flights, purchase the Carbon Offset from the airline, and send proof to the LXI office. The Carbon Offset Airline Fee will then be reimbursed in the final invoice for the program in Ireland with LXI. This effort supports the local environment and helps offset everyone’s carbon footprint.
Stay tuned for more updates from us at Language Xchange Ireland. We’re always here to help you make the most of your English language learning journey!
Slán go fóill (Goodbye for now),
The Language Xchange Ireland Team
'Carbon neutral = carbon cost neutral!'
If you would like to hear more about our thoughts on sustainability click HERE to see our sustainability news feed!
